Proposed rule · 2026-12702

Modernizing Materials Licensing

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is proposing to amend its regulations for byproduct, source, and special nuclear material to modernize the NRC's materials licensing requirements. This proposed action is responsive to several executive orders and the NRC's mission to enable safe, efficient, and reliable licensing. These changes are deregulatory in nature and include streamlining the process for existing and certain new applicants to enable bringing power to the grid. Unnecessary regulations are being eliminated, and reporting and recordkeeping requirements are being changed. The NRC is proposing several other changes to clarify regulations that are confusing or ambiguous to make the overall licensing process more efficient. Finally, regulations governing the storage of radioactive material are being amended to accommodate new and advanced nuclear fuels.