Part 2 of 2 Parts (Please read Part 1 first)
The NRC has decided that a factory-fabricated microreactor loaded with fuel may be excluded from being considered to be “in operation” if it has features to prevent a nuclear chain reaction. A microreactor with features to prevent a chain reaction may be loaded with fuel at a factory if it is carried out under an NRC license that allows possession of the fuel. NRC staff may apply regulations for nonpower reactors to allow testing of a microreactor at a factory before it is shipped to an operating site.
The NRC said that it has also directed its staff “to continue other microreactor-related activities, such as engaging with Department of Energy/Defense efforts to build and operate microreactors on DoE/DoD sites or as part of critical national security infrastructure,”. The NRC added that the engagement “aims to identify and implement licensing process efficiencies, consistent with the ADVANCE Act and relevant executive orders, to streamline the transition of microreactor technology to the commercial sector.”.
Meanwhile, the NRC is currently down to four board members following Christopher Hanson’s announcement that his role at the regulator has been terminated on the orders of President Donald Trump. He said, “Late on Friday, President Trump terminated my position with the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission without cause, contrary to existing law and longstanding precedent regarding removal of independent agency appointees. My focus over the last five years has been to prepare the agency for anticipated change in the energy sector, while preserving the independence, integrity, and bipartisan nature of the world’s gold standard nuclear safety institution. I continue to have full trust and confidence in their commitment to serve the American people by protecting public health and safety and the environment.”
The NRC is governed by five Commissioners who are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate for five-year terms. A chairman is chosen from the five Commissioners by the President. In 2024, the Senate renewed Hanson’s renomination for a five-year term ending in June 2029. David Wright was appointed by President Trump to be chair of the NRC on the 20th of January this year, but his current term is due to expire at the end of this month. David Wright was nominated for a second term as an NRC commissioner in a list of presidential nominations which was sent to the US Senate, dated the 16th of June.
The executive order on Ordering the Reform of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission which the President signed on the 23rd of May this year calls for the regulator to be reorganized to promote “the expeditious processing of license applications and the adoption of innovative technology”, and undertaking “reductions in force” in conjunction with this reorganization”.
In reaction to Hanson’s departure, the American Nuclear Society said, “A competent, effective, and fully staffed U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is essential to the rapid deployment of new reactors and advanced technologies. The arbitrary removal of commissioners without due cause creates regulatory uncertainty that threatens to delay America’s nuclear energy expansion.”.