The world is changing rapidly; people read newspapers on their phones, there are self-driving cars, and you can see a physician over Zoom. People still love Dolly Parton though, and I think that’s just great. Changes are coming that will impact the nuclear energy world, too.
For decades, the nuclear industry has encouraged the NRC to modernize its regulatory approach to better reflect sustained high performance of the industry and to focus resources on the areas most important to safety. This is something that has received support from Democrats and Republicans alike. In 2024, the ADVANCE Act passed with overwhelming bipartisan support to lay a clear path for NRC modernization and established Congressional oversight of the process. This was followed by Executive Orders in 2025 to accelerate that work with specific focus and deadlines. These actions underscore a shared recognition that a modern regulatory framework should be both rigorous and adaptable, concentrating its focus where it provides the greatest safety benefit.
When the NRC drafted many of the original rules, it reflected the needs of that moment: the 1970s and 1980s. Because of this, the NRC regulatory framework has been defined by a very specific type of reactor: large light-water reactors, like the 94 reactors that we have operating in the U.S. today. But the nuclear of tomorrow will include not only large light-water reactors but also a variety of sizes, makes and models.
In a moment where demand for energy is rising, support for clean energy, electricity reliability, and energy security continue to be top concerns. It is clear that we need nuclear energy now more than ever. The NRC is working now to meet the moment by eliminating unnecessary red tape and refining its focus on the most safety-significant issues. With a few recent rulemakings in the books, the NRC is going to be making or revising over 25 more in the next coming months.
A good example is a proposed rule that introduces a streamlined pathway for licensing reactor designs previously authorized by the U.S. Department of Energy or Department of Defense. By allowing applicants to leverage prior federal testing and authorization, purpose of this rule is to reduce duplicative efforts and accelerate licensing timelines.
The NRC is also making its oversight programs smarter. The Commission just revised how nuclear power plant inspections will be carried out. Together with earlier reforms directed by the Commission, the updated approach reduces direct inspection hours by approximately 40 percent. The revised Reactor Oversight Program emphasizes a more risk-informed and performance-based framework, ensuring that inspection effort is focused on higher-significance issues at the plants. Even with the changes, over 1200 hours of inspection will be carried out by NRC inspectors annually, with additional hours applied if plant performance warrants more attention.
The U.S. is unique in requiring at least two full-time resident inspectors physically based at every operating plant, providing continuous oversight with unfettered access to the plant. These resident inspectors are central to this new model, continuing to provide continuous on-site oversight while taking on more targeted responsibilities supported by enhanced training. By reallocating effort away from lower-value activities and toward areas of greater safety importance, the NRC is strengthening the effectiveness of its oversight while improving regulatory efficiency.
Going forward, there are still things the NRC can do to enable the nation’s deployment of clean, reliable energy. With the right changes, we can get more nuclear online sooner and safely. The NRC and the nuclear industry share a common goal: the safe operation of nuclear technologies for the benefit of the public and the environment today and tomorrow.
.png?language=en-US)
