MORE American Fuel Act of 2026

This legislation, known as the MORE American Fuel Act of 2026, aims to modernize and align the licensing process for uranium enrichment facilities with other nuclear fuel cycle facilities under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954. It primarily achieves this by separating the construction and operation phases of licensing, removing the requirement for a single adjudicatory hearing covering both. A key provision allows for pre-license construction of uranium enrichment facilities, meaning construction can commence after the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) dockets an application, but before an operating license is granted. This construction must comply with all applicable laws and is undertaken entirely at the applicant's risk. The bill also modifies hearing procedures, requiring the NRC to grant a hearing upon request from any person whose interest is affected by the facility's operation. Furthermore, applicants are required to provide written notification to state governors, chief executives of local governments, and governing bodies of Indian Tribes at least 15 days before commencing pre-license construction. The bill mandates the NRC to promulgate new regulations within 180 days to reflect these changes, with provisions for exemptions for pending applications. Importantly, the legislation clarifies that it does not limit the NRC's authority to regulate construction, deny applications, or affect judicial review of its final actions.