H.R. 5549: Efficient Nuclear Licensing Hearings Act

This bill, titled the Efficient Nuclear Licensing Hearings Act, aims to modify the procedures under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 for hearing applications related to the construction and operation of nuclear facilities. The key aspects of the bill include the following:

Updates to Hearing Procedures

The bill proposes several changes to how hearings are conducted:

• Elimination of Mandatory Hearings: The Commission, which oversees nuclear facility applications, may now issue permits and licenses without holding a formal hearing if no one affected by the project requests one. The requirement for notice is modified, allowing action after a simple notice period of thirty days published in the Federal Register.
• Informal Hearing Procedures: The bill specifies that hearings, when conducted, should follow informal procedures rather than formal ones. This change is intended to streamline the process and potentially speed up decisions on applications.
• Adjustments to Construction and Operation Licenses: The bill amends provisions so that the requirement for a public hearing before issuing construction and operating licenses also allows for the option to forego a hearing if the thirty-day notice period has been adhered to.

Effect on Licensing of Uranium Enrichment Facilities

For uranium enrichment facilities, the bill modifies how hearings are mandated. A hearing will only be required if a party with an interest in the project requests it. This change aims to reduce unnecessary hearings, thereby expediting the licensing process.

Applicability

The changes initiated by this bill will be applicable to all current and future applications pending before the Nuclear Regulatory Commission from the date the bill is enacted. This means that any ongoing processes could immediately be affected by the new rules introduced through this legislation.

Relevant Companies

• DUK (Duke Energy Corporation): As a major energy provider, changes in licensing processes could affect their ability to develop new nuclear projects.
• EXC (Exelon Corporation): Exelon operates nuclear plants and may experience impacts on their licensing processes for existing or new facilities as a result of the bill.
• NUE (Nucor Corporation): While primarily focused on steel production, Nucor's interests in hydrogen projects linked to nuclear energy could face changes in permitting timelines.