Bill > HR5549

This bill aims to streamline and expedite the nuclear facility licensing process by modifying hearing procedures in the Atomic Energy Act of 1954. Specifically, the bill allows the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to issue construction permits, operating licenses, and related amendments without a mandatory hearing, provided they give 30 days notice and publish their intent in the Federal Register. The NRC can waive this notice period for amendments that involve no significant hazards considerations. The bill mandates that any hearings conducted by the Commission use informal adjudicatory procedures, which are typically less complex and time-consuming than formal hearings. For uranium enrichment facilities, the bill removes the requirement for "on the record" hearings and only mandates a hearing if a person with a potential interest requests one. These changes apply to all applications and proceedings pending before the NRC on or after the bill's enactment, with the goal of making the nuclear facility licensing process more efficient while still maintaining opportunities for public input and safety review.

Business and Industry

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5549/all-info