Nuclear Regulators Plot Path for Reactors to Replace Aging Fleet

The US nuclear regulator pledged Tuesday to staff up and expeditiously review advanced reactor designs expected in coming years, while promising to carry out environmental justice updates its staff recommended nearly a year ago.

The five-member Nuclear Regulatory Commission is tasked with the dual challenge of overseeing safety at the country’s 93 operating reactors and preparing for license applications from possibly dozens of future reactors that use a variety of new technologies.

The commission is hoping early-stage conversations between applicants and the commission staff can make sure the safety regulator has the people in place to meet the challenge, said ...