Regulatory Update

Commission Provides Direction to NRC Staff Regarding Part 53 Rulemaking

March 4, 2024

In response to prior Commission direction, the NRC staff developed draft proposed rule 10 CFR Part 53, “Risk-Informed, Technology-Inclusive Regulatory Framework for Commercial Nuclear Plants,” (Part 53). The draft proposed rule offers a voluntary, performance-based alternative regulatory framework for licensing future commercial nuclear plants.

On March 4, 2024, the Commission approved, in part, the draft proposed rule developed by the staff.  The Commission also directed the NRC staff to make a number of changes to the draft proposed rule.  The Commission’s direction regarding both rule content and development schedule is provided in its Staff Requirements Memorandum, which can be found at: