The NRC Commits to Charting a New Direction on Part 53

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) released their direction to staff on the “Part 53” rule, which will streamline the licensing process for new advanced reactors. The direction signals bipartisan alignment within the NRC to improve and modernize the licensing process, and, in so doing, advance the development and deployment of advanced nuclear in the US.

The four Commissioner votes integrate stakeholder feedback from a broad coalition, with the ultimate goal of establishing a regulatory framework that maintains safety and security, while supporting innovation and reducing barriers to deployment.

Flexible and efficient regulation is critical to the development of advanced reactors, and the new Part 53 direction reflects the NRC’s commitment to developing an appropriate and supportive regulatory framework. Third Way and nuclear energy stakeholders weighed in during NRC public meetings and comment opportunities to deliver feedback on Part 53, and Congressional advocates echoed calls for reform in a bipartisan, bicameral letter on the rulemaking sent last July. With the recent direction, the Commissioners have taken significant steps to address the major concerns identified by Third Way and lawmakers and further an improved regulatory framework.

Finalizing a high-quality and workable Part 53 is a critical step forward to strengthen US civil nuclear and, more broadly, advance US national security and climate goals. With a stronger domestic nuclear industry, the US can reclaim global influence in an industry we created and support the safety and security of nuclear energy around the world. As longtime advocates for the creation of a modernized regulatory framework for advanced reactors, we at Third Way look forward to seeing the updated rule and the NRC’s collaborative efforts to finalize other activities that are critical for advanced reactors.