Proposed rule · 2026-13687

Implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is proposing to revise the NRC's regulations to streamline and modernize its implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA). These proposed revisions address Presidential directives in Executive Order (E.O.) 14300, "Ordering the Reform of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission," E.O. 14154, "Unleashing American Energy," Executive Order 14192, "Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation," Executive Order 14270, "Zero-Based Regulatory Budgeting to Unleash American Energy;" recent amendments to NEPA; and relevant NEPA case law. In addition, these proposed revisions aim to reduce regulatory burden while complying with NEPA requirements. The proposed rule would narrow the scope of NEPA reviews to effects (or impacts) within the NRC's substantive statutory authority; revise definitions; update procedures for determining the level of NEPA review; establish new categorical exclusions; provide new flexibility for licensees, applicants, and petitioners for rulemaking to submit environmental information; and remove outdated requirements and consolidate content provisions to improve clarity and efficiency. Consistent with section 102(2)(B) of NEPA and E.O. 14300, the NRC consulted with the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) during the development of this proposed rule. The NRC is issuing new draft guidance NUREG-2270, "Environmental Review Guidance for U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Actions," for the implementation of the proposed requirements in this rulemaking. The NRC staff will carry out its NEPA responsibilities consistent with the proposed requirements in this rulemaking and the guidance in NUREG-2270.