The NRC is taking an important step toward an inclusive
licensing regime for a new generation of reactors. On January 3,
the NRC staff submitted for commission approval a recommended final
rule on "Emergency Preparedness for Small Modular Reactors and
Other New Technologies."
The existing emergency-preparedness (EP) regulations in 10 CFR
Part 50 are primarily tailored for large light-water reactors and
non-power reactors and contain deterministic requirements. The
draft final rule, on the other hand, is intended to be
consequence-oriented, risk-informed, performance-based, and
technology-inclusive. More specifically, pursuant to the draft
final rule as proposed by the NRC staff in SECY-22-0001, license applicants for small
modular reactors (SMRs), advanced reactors, medical radioisotope
facilities, and non-power reactors, plus certain existing non-power
reactor licensees, would have the option to develop a
performance-based EP program.
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