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Nuclear Regulatory Modernization Act of 2026

USA119th CongressHR-9658| House 
| Updated: 7/13/2026
Victoria Spartz

Victoria Spartz

Republican Representative

Indiana

Cosponsors (1)
Thomas Massie (Republican)

Energy and Commerce Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
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.

Bill Text Versions

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Timeline
Jul 13, 2026
Introduced in House
Jul 13, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
  • July 13, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • July 13, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Nuclear Regulatory Modernization Act of 2026

USA119th CongressHR-9658| House 
| Updated: 7/13/2026
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.

Bill Text Versions

View Text
2 versions available

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Jul 13, 2026
Introduced in House
Jul 13, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
  • July 13, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • July 13, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Victoria Spartz

Victoria Spartz

Republican Representative

Indiana

Cosponsors (1)
Thomas Massie (Republican)

Energy and Commerce Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted