Nuclear regulator pushes licensing revamp to speed approvals

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, September 22, 2026

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is overhauling its licensing rules to speed up approvals for new nuclear reactors, aiming to cut the process to about 18 months. This initiative supports a national plan to quadruple nuclear capacity by 2050 to meet rising electricity demand while maintaining strict safety standards.

VIENNA — The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is continuing its comprehensive overhaul of licensing rules aimed at speeding up the approval process for new nuclear reactors, the agency’s chairman said Sept. 15. The changes, part of a broader effort to quadruple the country’s nuclear capacity by 2050, are expected to extend well into 2024.

NRC Chairman Ho Nieh provided an update during the United Nations nuclear watchdog’s annual General Conference, noting that some final regulatory rules are anticipated to be published in the Federal Register by the end of this year and into early next year. The rulemaking process, however, will continue in greater depth throughout the following calendar year.

The initiative is driven by growing electricity demand fueled by the rise of electric vehicles, data centers, and cryptocurrency mining operations. To address these needs, the NRC has proposed narrowing the scope of environmental reviews and adjusting standards related to radiation protection for the public. In addition, the agency is developing regulatory frameworks for microreactors—small, factory-built nuclear units designed to be easily transportable. The U.S. Army has expressed interest in these microreactors for powering remote military installations.

The NRC’s goal is to reduce the licensure timeline for new nuclear facilities to about 18 months, a significant improvement over the multiple years typically required in the past. However, Chairman Nieh emphasized that safety will remain the priority throughout the process. “We will not issue a decision if it’s not safe,” he said. “If it’s something that has to take more time, we will take more time to do it.”

This push to accelerate nuclear deployment follows a series of executive orders signed by former President Donald Trump last year. These directives aim to streamline regulations and bolster the country’s nuclear energy infrastructure amid increasing energy demands and a transition toward low-carbon sources.

The NRC’s regulatory update represents a critical step in addressing the challenges of modern energy supply while ensuring the safe expansion of nuclear technology in the United States.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.