H.R. 9658: Nuclear Regulatory Modernization Act of 2026

This bill would change how the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) handles certain licensing hearings and would allow construction to begin earlier for uranium enrichment facilities.

Changes to NRC hearings and approvals

The bill would update the Atomic Energy Act to give the NRC more flexibility in deciding when a hearing is required before issuing or changing certain nuclear facility permits and licenses. In practical terms, if no one asks for a hearing, the NRC could approve certain permits or license changes after giving 30 days’ notice in the Federal Register, instead of having to hold a hearing first.

For some license amendments, the NRC could skip the 30-day notice period if it decides the change does not involve a significant safety risk. The bill also says the NRC may use informal hearing procedures when hearings are held under these rules.

It would also revise related language so that the NRC can act after either the notice period or a hearing, depending on what applies, when issuing construction permits and operating licenses.

These hearing-related changes would apply not only to future cases, but also to applications and proceedings already pending before the NRC when the law takes effect.

Earlier construction for uranium enrichment facilities

The bill would authorize “at-risk” construction of uranium enrichment facilities before the NRC has issued the final license needed for the facility. This means a company could start building earlier, while still going through the licensing process.

At the same time, the bill says this does not limit the NRC’s authority to regulate construction, enforce requirements, or deny a license if the facility was not built properly. It also preserves the right of affected people to request a hearing under the Atomic Energy Act.

Russian uranium imports

The bill includes a statement that the existing prohibition on importing uranium from the Russian Federation should continue to apply, and that the new uranium-enrichment provisions should be carried out consistently with that ban.

Regulatory deadlines

The NRC would be required to issue or update regulations within 180 days after enactment to implement the new rules.

Relevant Companies

• CCJ - Cameco Corporation, a major uranium producer that could benefit from changes affecting uranium enrichment and nuclear fuel development.
• LEU - Centrus Energy Corp., which is involved in nuclear fuel and uranium enrichment-related activities and could be directly affected by faster licensing and earlier construction authorization.
• UEC - Uranium Energy Corp., a uranium-focused company that could be indirectly affected by changes in U.S. nuclear fuel supply policy.
• URG - Ur-Energy Inc., a uranium producer that could be indirectly affected by U.S. nuclear fuel market changes.
• BWXT - BWX Technologies, Inc., which works in parts of the nuclear industry and could be affected by changes to NRC licensing and project timelines.