NRC Greenlights Safe Tweaks for Nuclear Plant Licenses
Published Date: 3/24/2026
Notice
Summary
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is reviewing requests to update operating licenses for two nuclear plants: St. Lucie Unit 1 and Diablo Canyon Units 1 and 2. These updates are considered safe with no big risks, but they include sensitive info that needs special access rules. If you want to comment or get involved, act by late April or May 2026—no big costs, just your voice and attention!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Special Access Rules for Sensitive Documents
If you need access to Sensitive Unclassified Non-Safeguards Information (SUNSI) to prepare contentions, you must request access within 10 days of the notice (by April 3, 2026). The request must state your name, address, particularized interest, and why public versions are insufficient; the NRC will decide within 10 days and may require a Non-Disclosure Agreement or Protective Order.
Faster Issuance If No Hazards Found
Normally the NRC waits 60 days after this notice before issuing license amendments, but the Commission may issue an amendment sooner if it makes a final no significant hazards consideration (NSHC) determination or if waiting would cause derating or shutdown. If issued early, any hearing would occur after the amendment is issued.
Public Comment and Hearing Deadlines
You can submit public comments on these nuclear plant license amendment requests by April 23, 2026. If you want to request a hearing or petition to intervene, you must file that by May 26, 2026 (60 days after publication).
Specific License Changes Proposed at Two Plants
The NRC is considering amendments for St. Lucie Unit 1 to increase certain surveillance frequencies to support a move to 24-month fuel cycles, and amendments for Diablo Canyon Units 1 and 2 to allow ADOPT fuel pellets and improved analysis methods and to revise certain technical specifications. The NRC has proposed that each amendment involves no significant hazards consideration (NSHC).
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Key Dates
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