Efficient Nuclear Licensing Hearings Act
The Efficient Nuclear Licensing Hearings Act would modify the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to streamline nuclear facility licensing by reducing mandatory hearings in certain cases. Specifically, the bill allows the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to issue construction permits, operating licenses, and certain amendments without a hearing if no person with a vested interest requests one, provided there is a 30-day notice and publication in the Federal Register of the Commission’s intent to act. It also lets the NRC dispense with the 30-day notice for amendments to permits or licenses when the amendment involves no significant hazards. The bill requires that any hearings conducted use informal adjudicatory procedures. The changes would apply to all applications and proceedings pending before the NRC on or after the date of enactment, including licensing of uranium enrichment facilities, where hearings would only occur if requested. Overall, the bill aims to speed up licensing decisions but could reduce opportunities for public participation in some cases.
Key Points
- 1The Commission may issue construction permits, operating licenses, or amendments without a hearing if no interested party requests one, but must provide 30 days’ notice and publish its intent in the Federal Register (with the ability to skip this notice for certain amendments if no significant hazards are found).
- 2For amendments, the Commission can dispense with the 30-day notice requirement if it determines the amendment involves no significant hazards.
- 3Any hearings held under this section must use informal adjudicatory procedures (i.e., less formal, potentially faster processes).
- 4The amendments apply to all applications and proceedings pending before the NRC on or after the date of enactment.
- 5In uranium enrichment facility licensing (Section 193(b)), a hearing is required only if a person with an affected interest requests one; otherwise, the hearing may be held only if requested, and if held, follows the new informal procedures.