Efficient Nuclear Licensing Hearings

Full Title:
Efficient Nuclear Licensing Hearings Act

Summary#

This bill changes parts of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to change how the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (the Commission) handles hearings on applications for nuclear facility construction and related licenses. The bill lets the Commission issue construction permits, operating licenses, combined permits, and amendments without holding a hearing if no person whose interest may be affected asks for one. The Commission must give 30 days notice and publish its intent once in the Federal Register before issuing such approvals. For some license amendments that the Commission finds involve no significant hazards consideration, the Commission may skip the 30-day notice and publication. The bill also requires the Commission to use informal adjudicatory procedures when it does hold hearings. The bill removes the phrase "on the record" for licensing of uranium enrichment facilities and makes clear a hearing is required only if an affected person requests one. The changes apply to all applications and proceedings pending before the Commission on or after the date this bill becomes law.

What it means for you#

  • If you are a person or group that might be affected by a nuclear construction or licensing decision, you must request a hearing to trigger one. If no request is made, the Commission may proceed after publishing a 30-day notice.
  • If you are an applicant for a construction permit or operating license, the Commission may be able to decide your application without a formal hearing, which could speed the process.
  • For certain license amendments the Commission finds have no significant hazards consideration, the Commission can skip the 30-day notice period.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

The bill text and short title say the amendments are meant to provide more efficient hearings on nuclear facility construction applications.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.