Nuclear Regulatory Commission March 13, 2006 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is proposing to amend its regulations by revising the provisions applicable to the licensing and approval processes for nuclear power plants and making necessary conforming amendments throughout the NRC's regulations to enhance the NRC's regulatory effectiveness and efficiency in implementing its licensing and approval processes. The proposed changes would clarify the applicability of various requirements to each of the licensing processes (i.e., early site permit, standard design approval, standard design certification, combined license, and manufacturing license). On July 3, 2003, the NRC published a proposed rulemaking to clarify and correct the NRC's regulations related to nuclear power plant licensing. Upon further consideration, the NRC is now proposing new requirements to enhance its licensing and approval processes and changes throughout the NRC's regulations to support these processes. This proposed rule supersedes the 2003 proposed rule. The Commission believes that this rulemaking action will improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the licensing and approval processes for future applicants.