Title: 26-074.pdf URL Source: https://www.nrc.gov/sites/default/files/cdn/doc-collection-news/2026/26-074.pdf Published Time: Wed, 22 Jul 2026 13:57:34 GMT Number of Pages: 1 Markdown Content: The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission was created as an expert, technical agency to protect public health, safety, and security, and regulate the civilian use of nuclear materials, including enabling the deployment of nuclear power for the benefit of society. Among other responsibilities, the agency issues licenses, conducts inspections, initiates and enforces regulations, and plans for incident response. The NRC is collaborating with interagency partners to implement reforms outlined in new Executive Orders and the ADVANCE Act to streamline agency activities and enhance efficiency. No: 26-074 July 22, 2026 CONTACT: Office of Public Affairs , 301-415-8200 14300 Rulemaking NRC Proposes Modernized Transportation Rules to Support Advanced Nuclear Technologies ROCKVILLE, Md. — The Nuclear Regulatory Commission today proposed a major update to its regulations governing the transportation of radioactive materials, modernizing decades-old requirements to support advanced reactors, new nuclear fuels, and emerging technologies while maintaining the agency’s rigorous safety standards. The proposed rule would replace prescriptive certification requirements with a more flexible, risk-informed framework that allows applicants to use NRC-endorsed methodologies to demonstrate the safety of transportation packages. The proposal would also update package approval requirements to accommodate larger and more advanced nuclear technologies, helping ensure the regulatory framework keeps pace with innovation across the nuclear fuel cycle. “America’s next generation of nuclear technologies requires a transportation framework designed for today’s challenges,” NRC Chairman Ho K. Nieh said. “Enabling regulation protects people without slowing down innovation.” The proposed rule would: • Modernize the package certification process using risk-informed methodologies that support innovative package designs. • Update package approval requirements to accommodate advanced reactors, new fuel types, and other emerging nuclear technologies. • Streamline regulatory reviews by providing applicants greater flexibility in demonstrating compliance with NRC safety requirements. • Eliminate paper reporting requirements by allowing electronic submission of required reports and certification documents. The proposal is part of the NRC’s broader effort to modernize regulations under Executive Order 14300 and the ADVANCE Act of 2024, ensuring the agency’s regulatory framework reflects modern technologies while maintaining its unwavering commitment to safety. The NRC will accept public comments on the proposed rule for 30 days following publication in the Federal Register. The agency also plans to hold a public meeting during the comment period to explain the proposal and answer questions.