Nuke Upgrade Approved: AXIOM Fuel Hits McGuire Station

2026-06048 — Risk-Informed, Technology-Inclusive Regulatory Framework for Advanced Reactors

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is updating its rules to make it easier and faster to approve new types of nuclear reactors, not just the old light-water ones. This change helps companies building advanced reactors by using smarter, risk-based rules that fit new technology. The new rules start on April 29, 2026, and could save time and money for the nuclear industry and the public.

2026-04823 — Fee Schedules; Fee Recovery for Fiscal Year 2026

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is updating its fees for licenses, inspections, and special projects for fiscal year 2026. These changes aim to cover nearly all NRC costs and set fixed fee limits to boost efficiency and fairness. If you’re involved with the NRC, get ready for new fees by September 30, 2026, and don’t miss the April 13 deadline to share your thoughts!

2025-14147 — Fee Schedules; Fee Recovery for Fiscal Year 2025

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission fixed a typo in their fee schedule for 2025. This update affects companies and government agencies that pay licensing and inspection fees, making sure the right amounts are charged. The corrected fees kick in soon, so everyone can plan their budgets without surprises!

2025-11544 — Fee Schedules; Fee Recovery for Fiscal Year 2025

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is updating its fees for licenses, inspections, and special projects starting in fiscal year 2025. These changes make sure the NRC recovers nearly all its costs, while giving a break with lower hourly rates for advanced nuclear reactor applicants. If you’re involved with nuclear licensing or inspections, get ready for new fees and some savings on cutting-edge tech!

2025-02779 — Fee Schedules; Fee Recovery for Fiscal Year 2025

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is updating its fees for licenses, inspections, and special projects starting in fiscal year 2025. These changes make sure the NRC covers almost all its costs, while giving a discount to advanced nuclear reactor applicants. If you’re involved with nuclear licensing or inspections, get ready for new fees and some savings on cutting-edge tech!

2026-06498 — In the Matter of NextEra Energy Duane Arnold, LLC; Central Iowa Power Cooperative; Corn Belt Power Cooperative; Duane Arnold Energy Center; Direct Transfer of Licenses

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission approved NextEra Energy Duane Arnold, LLC to take full ownership of the Duane Arnold Energy Center’s license by buying out the other two owners. This change means NextEra will now be 100% responsible for the plant and its spent fuel storage. The order took effect on March 30, 2026, and lasts for one year, with no immediate cost changes announced.

Previous: 2026-05253 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection: Public Comment Request; Information Collection Request Title: Delta States Rural Development Network Grant Program, OMB No. 0915-0386-Revision

HRSA is updating how it collects info from groups funded by the Delta States Rural Development Network Grant Program, which helps fight heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and obesity in rural Delta communities. They want your thoughts on the changes before sending them to the budget office. If you’re involved or interested, get your comments in by May 18, 2026—this helps make sure the program runs smoothly and shows real health improvements.

Next: 2026-05255 — Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC; Catawba Nuclear Station, Unit 1; Exemption

Duke Energy Carolinas got the green light to use a new type of fuel cladding called AXIOM at their Catawba Nuclear Station, Unit 1. This change updates old rules that only allowed certain materials, making the plant’s fuel safer and possibly more efficient. The exemption was officially approved on March 10, 2026, with no extra costs or delays expected.