September 1, 2023
The NRC is under pressure to show it can move fast on a new generation of nuclear technology, including small modular reactors (SMRs) and other previously untested designs, as many in the industry call for deep reforms at the regulator.
The regulator must be willing to remove operational and organizational barriers that are in the way of rapid and efficient licensing and understand that time is of the essence to reduce emissions and solve energy security issues, critics say.