HR 5549119th CongressIn Committee

Efficient Nuclear Licensing Hearings Act

Introduced: Sep 23, 2025

Sponsor: Rep. Griffith, H. Morgan [R-VA-9] (R-Virginia)

Environment & ClimateInfrastructure

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

This bill aims to streamline the licensing process for nuclear facility construction by amending the Atomic Energy Act of 1954. The legislation seeks to make hearings on nuclear facility construction applications more efficient, potentially reducing delays and administrative burdens in the approval process for new nuclear power plants and related facilities. While the full text provided is limited to the title, the bill's primary purpose is to reform procedural requirements that currently govern how the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) conducts hearings when reviewing applications to build nuclear facilities.

Key Points

1Streamlined Hearing Process: Modifies existing hearing requirements under the Atomic Energy Act to make the review process for nuclear construction applications more efficient
2Targets Construction Applications: Specifically focuses on applications for building new nuclear facilities rather than operating licenses or other regulatory matters
3Amends 1954 Legislation: Updates provisions in the foundational Atomic Energy Act, which has governed nuclear regulation for nearly 70 years
4Procedural Reform: Addresses administrative processes rather than safety standards or technical requirements
5Multiple Purposes: Includes additional provisions beyond hearing efficiency (as indicated by "and for other purposes")

Impact Areas

Nuclear Energy Industry: Companies seeking to build new nuclear facilities would benefit from faster, more predictable approval timelinesNuclear Regulatory Commission: The NRC would need to adapt its hearing procedures and potentially reallocate resourcesEnergy Infrastructure Development: Could accelerate deployment of nuclear power as part of national energy strategy and carbon reduction goalsPublic Participation: May affect how and when the public can participate in nuclear facility licensing proceedingsState and Local Governments: Communities hosting potential nuclear facilities may experience changes in the review and approval timeline

Generated by claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929 on Oct 2, 2025