• The GAO’s recent report identifies ongoing challenges within the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), including unclear guidance and staffing shortages, impacting its ability to efficiently approve advanced reactor applications.
• Recommendations from the GAO call for clearer procedures, finalized preapplication guidance, and measurable benchmarks to enhance the NRC’s readiness for advanced reactor licensing.
• Senators Capito and Rodgers emphasize the importance of NRC preparedness and highlight their bipartisan legislative efforts, such as the Accelerating Deployment of Versatile, Advanced Nuclear for Clean Energy (ADVANCE) Act, in supporting the safe utilization of advanced nuclear technologies.

In a recent report released by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), concerns and recommendations regarding the readiness of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to evaluate and authorize advanced reactor applications have gained significant attention. The request for this report came from Senator Shelley Moore Capito and Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers, both vocal proponents of advanced nuclear technology. Their initiative prompted the GAO to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the NRC’s preparedness in handling applications related to advanced reactors.

The GAO’s findings underscore that, while commendable improvements have been made by the NRC in anticipation of advanced reactors, persistent challenges persist. The report highlights ongoing issues, including ambiguous guidance, staffing shortages, and the extent of engagement between advanced reactor developers and the Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards (ACRS). These identified challenges have tangible implications for the NRC’s capacity to efficiently and effectively evaluate and authorize advanced reactor applications.

To address these concerns, the GAO has offered recommendations designed to enhance the NRC’s preparedness:

The NRC is strongly encouraged to establish explicit procedures for managing the review schedule, with a particular focus on handling incomplete applications and those featuring pioneering designs.

Furthermore, the GAO recommends that the NRC expedite the finalization of pre-application guidance. This guidance is intended to provide advanced reactor developers with precise directives regarding their participation in pre-application activities.

To ensure that the NRC can attract and retain the necessary personnel for advanced reactor licensing, the agency is advised to institute measurable benchmarks and metrics. These metrics will play a crucial role in assessing the effectiveness of recruitment, relocation, and retention incentives and strategies.

Additionally, the GAO suggests that the NRC improve communication by providing advanced reactor developers with explicit guidance on when and how to engage with the ACRS throughout the licensing process.

Senator Capito and Representative Rodgers, steadfast proponents of advanced nuclear technology, have provided their insights on the report’s findings. They underscore the critical importance of the NRC’s readiness in efficiently evaluating and authorizing advanced nuclear reactor designs. They also highlight their bipartisan legislative efforts, including the Accelerating Deployment of Versatile, Advanced Nuclear for Clean Energy (ADVANCE) Act, as significant strides toward enabling the safe and effective utilization of advanced nuclear technologies. Both lawmakers express unwavering commitment to advancing these goals and ensuring the passage of the ADVANCE Act into law.

In summary, the GAO report has brought into focus the imperative for the NRC to take substantial measures to enhance its readiness in efficiently evaluating and authorizing advanced reactor applications. It also underscores the robust support from influential lawmakers in advancing nuclear technology in the United States.