Nuclear Regulatory Modernization Act of 2026

This legislation amends the Atomic Energy Act to modify mandatory Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) hearing requirements, aiming to streamline the licensing process for nuclear facilities. It allows the NRC to issue certain permits and licenses, including construction and operating licenses, without a formal hearing if no affected party requests one. This change requires a 30-day public notice period, which can be waived for amendments deemed to have no significant hazards. The bill also permits the NRC to utilize informal adjudicatory procedures for any hearings that are held, applying these changes to all pending applications and proceedings. Furthermore, the bill authorizes "construction-at-risk" for uranium enrichment facilities, allowing construction to commence before a final license is issued. This provision aligns the treatment of uranium enrichment facilities with other fuel cycle facilities, aiming to accelerate the development of domestic enrichment capabilities. Congress emphasizes that this authorization should be consistent with the existing prohibition on Russian uranium imports, and the NRC is mandated to issue implementing regulations within 180 days to support this initiative.