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Supporting the engineers, scientists, technicians, and staff of the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission who protect the public health and safety. Not an official NRC account. Not affiliated with any current NRC employee, contractor, or licensee. #altGov

https://www.ans.org/news/2025-08-18/article-7287/house-ec-members-question-the-doe/ House E&C members question the DOE 18h ago Nuclear News As work progresses on the Department of Energy’s Nuclear Reactor Pilot Program, which will progress through DOE authorization rather than Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensing, three members of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce have sent a critical letter to Energy Secretary Chris Wright.
PUBLIC MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT Title: Public Meeting on Executive Order 14300 Section 5(b) - Reconsidering the NRC's Radiation Protection Framework Date(s) and Time(s): July 16, 2025, 01:00 PM to 05:00 PM ET Location: Webinar Category: This is a Comment-Gathering Meeting. The purpose of this meeting is for NRC staff to meet directly with individuals to receive comments from participants on specific NRC decisions and actions to ensure that NRC staff understands their views and concerns. Purpose: Executive Order (EO) 14300 Section 5(b) directs the NRC to reconsider its use of the linear no threshold (LNT) model and its use of the radiation principle that aims to keep radiation exposures as low as is reasonably achievable (ALARA). The EO also directs the NRC to consider the use of determinate radiation dose limits. This EO provides the NRC with a great opportunity to rethink its radiation protection regulatory framework to ensure the NRC is supporting the whole-of-government effort to safely enable the nation's use of nuclear power. We are incorporating experience gained since we established this framework in the early 1990's. The NRC is holding this public meeting to obtain stakeholder perspectives to support near-term development of recommendations, that may include changes to our guidance and regulations. Please see the Comment section for important instructions for participants and proposals for presentations. Contact: David Garmon 301-415-3512 david.garmon@nrc.gov Ed Miller 301-415-2481 ed.miller@nrc.gov Participants: NRC NRC Staff Teleconference: Bridge Number (301) 576-2978 Conference ID 927054883 Pass Code NA Webinar: URL https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft. com/event/d9bb152c-e2ae-49b2-a0f4-3303c1b25b1b@e8d01475-c3b5-436a-a065-5def4c64f52e Meeting Number 230 432 936 713 6 Password Dx2CG7RV Comments: Please note: This meeting requires registration prior to joining. Meeting participants can register by clicking on the hyperlink in t…
Screenshot. 10 CFR 20.1901 Caution signs. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-10/chapter-I/part-20/subpart-J/section-20.1901
https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/event-status/event/2025/20250524en.html#en57730 Non-Power Reactor Event Number: 57730 Facility: Armed Forces Radiobiology Rsch Inst (AFRR) RX Type: 1100 Kw Triga Mark-F Comments: Region: 0 City: Bethesda State: MD County: Montgomery License #: R-84 Agreement: Y Docket: 05000170 NRC Notified By: Benjamin Knibbe HQ OPS Officer: Tenisha Meadows Notification Date: 05/22/2025 Notification Time: 00:00 [ET] Event Date: 05/22/2025 Event Time: 00:00 [EDT] Last Update Date: 05/22/2025 Emergency Class: Non Emergency 10 CFR Section: Non-Power Reactor Event Person (Organization): Cindy Montgomery (NRR) Andrew Waugh (NRR) Event Text TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION VIOLATION The following information was provided by the licensee via phone and email: "On May 22, 2025, at 1055 EDT, the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institue (AFRRI) TRIGA Mark F reactor experienced a high power scram during startup in steady-state mode under two rod automatic control. During power escalation, the log channel malfunctioned, failing to provide a period signal to the automatic control system. The reactor power level increased rapidly until high flux safety channels 1 and 2 caused an automatic scram, releasing control rods to shutdown the reactor. Due to rate of power increase, reactor power momentarily exceeded the steady-state limit of 1.1MW. All reactor protection systems functioned as designed. Reactor power was verified as decreasing; control rods were verified to be fully inserted. The safety limit, nor limiting safety system setting, were exceeded during the event. "This event is reportable to the NRC under AFRRI Technical Specifications (T.S.) 6.5.2.b. and 6.5.2.c. "The limiting condition of operations affected are T.S. 3.1.1. - Steady state power level exceeding 1.1MW, T.S. 3.2.1.a. - Log Channel inoperable, and T.S. 3.2.2. Table 3 - Failure of Rod Withdrawal Interlock for a period less than three (3) seconds. "The NRC Project Manager will be n…
Westinghouse Nuclear. "The Art of Innovation: AP1000 Power Plant Modular by Design"
Screenshot. Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Armless, legless Black Knight to King Arthur, "All right. We'll call it a draw."
Estimated Risks of Fatal Malignancy of Death from Radiation Exposure and Lifetime Odds of Strong as a Result of Selected Activities of Everyday Life. https://med.stanford.edu/content/dam/sm/cvimaging/documents/lectures/18DEC13_Fleischmann_RadiationDoseRisk_final_HANDOUT.pdf
Screenshot. Social media post. NRC approved the licenses for 68 of today’s 93 operating US nuclear power reactors. The AEC approved the other 25 licenses. https://twitter.com/NRCgov/status/1480979568227979265
20 March 2025 U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Attention: Document Control Desk Washington, D.C. 20555-0001 Subject: Notice of Intent to Commence Regulatory Engagement Process with the NRC We, Deep Atomic Inc. (“Deep Atomic” or “We”), are pleased to formally express our intent to engage with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (“NRC”) regarding commencing the Pre-Application Process for the Design Certification of our MK60 Small Modular Reactor (the “MK60 SMR”). This letter serves as a request for the assignment of a project number to track regulatory engagement activities and submissions related to the MK60 SMR. We are looking forward to working collaboratively with the NRC to ensure a transparent, efficient, and thorough review process throughout all stages of the licensing process. The MK60 SMR is designed using “Gen III +” pressurized light water reactor technology, intended to specifically cater to data centers. The reactor’s balance of plant is designed to produce 60 MW of electricity and 60 MW of cooling. The 60 MW electricity is generated by a steam turbine-generator set utilising high temperature and pressure steam from the nuclear steam supply system. The 60 MW cooling plant is driven by low grade steam after the turbine. The target date for the project (series manufacturing) is Q4 of 2029. Our goal is to start the pre-application process in order to eventually obtain a standard design certification for the MK60 SMR that is independent of any specific site, in accordance with 10 CFR Part 52. We have initiated the consultation with the NRC in October 2024 and aim for submission of our Regulatory Engagement Plan in July 2025. Including white papers elaborating on our reactor design for NRC review and Design Certification (DC) application submission by Q4 2027. Additionally, we plan to pursue Early Site Permits (ESP) to receive early NRC approval of the proposed site's safety, thorough environmental impact review, emergency prepar…
https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML2135/ML21357A034.pdf OKLO INC. - DENIAL OF THE AURORA COMBINED OPERATING LICENSE APPLICATION FOR FAILURE TO SUPPLY INFORMATION (EPID L-2020NEW-0004 AND EPID L-2020-NEW-0005)
NCRP Sixty-First Annual Meeting Program. The Million Person Study: Current Results and Vision for Radiation Epidemiology and Protection. March 24-25, 2025.
Infographic. Fig. 8 Requirements of radionuclide generators (a) and the types of 225Ac/213Bi radionuclide generators (b).
In an international industry, regulators cross the border too Fri, Mar 7, 2025, 12:16PM Nuclear News Matt Wald https://www.ans.org/news/2025-03-07/article-6834/in-an-international-industry-regulators-cross-the-border-too/ #Nuclear
As nuclear engineers, as well as former government and industry officials, we foresee that this proposed regulatory capture by the Executive Office of the President—where decisions are made for political reasons and not for the benefit of people served—will severely increase the risk of expensive, unexpected nuclear accidents in the U.S.
MLive.com DTE exec floats subsidy to open Fermi 3 nuclear plant Story by Sheri McWhirter, mlive.com • 8h
Screenshot. Headline.
Reduce Regulatory Burden: One of the biggest challenges to deploying nuclear energy is navigating the regulatory process. While safety must remain paramount, many aspects of nuclear plant design can be streamlined to reduce the burden on regulators. Extensive review timelines can be reduced by isolating the reactor systems from site conditions that would otherwise trigger a regulatory environmental review, as well as leveraging non-nuclear-grade systems wherever possible.
Screenshot. The New Republic. https://newrepublic.com/post/191825/doge-nuclear-staff-cuts-head-safety DOGE’s Chaotic Nuclear Staff Cuts Included This Key Person. DOGE insisted they only fired non-critical staff, but that’s not the case at all. Ellie Quinlan Houghtaling February 21, 2025 / 1:02 p.m. ET
https://www.ans.org/challenges
Cover page. The Inspector General’s Assessment of the Most Serious Management and Performance Challenges Facing the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission in Fiscal Year 2025. 10/24/2924. OIG-NRC-25-M-01. https://oversight.gov/sites/default/files/oig-reports/NRC/Final-USNRC-Management-Challengesktl-10242024sscv2RJF.pdf
Screenshot. Headline. "Demand for small modular reactors surges 65% as clean energy ambitions grow."
"The Treasure of the Sierra Madre" meme. "Civility? I don't have to show you any stinking civility."
MS. WHITE: Okay. This question has a little bit of a background in it. The way outside stakeholders treat NRC staff is a factor in staff morale and workload, but it is often ignored. This has turned out to be a major issue with respect to advanced reactors where some company representatives and lobbying organizations have been downright abusive to agency workers. What's worse, senior management is perceived as taking the side of the outside stakeholders and leaving the NRC project teams to take the brunt of the criticism. This is both demoralizing and time consuming for project staff. What can be done to limit repeated and unproductive industry interactions with project staff so that they can focus on doing the projects, rather than on handling difficult people of all the things that could help NRC meet tighter schedules?
University of Wyoming | News UW White Paper Exploring Spent Nuclear Fuel Management in Wyoming Released by SER Published February 20, 2025
Header from altnrcgov@(hellsite).com
Chart. Consumer Price Index changed for January: Month-over-month and year-over-year. https://apnews.com/article/inflation-economy-federal-reserve-48e77a855078b37bf3ccd58c9db94c82
Infographic. Federal Employment by State The federal workforce spans the entire country, with employees located in every state. https://ourpublicservice.org/fed-figures/a-profile-of-the-2023-federal-workforce/
https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1361-6498/acdfd7 Journal of Radiological Protection Opinion Article • The following article is Open access The scientific basis for the use of the linear no-threshold (LNT) model at low doses and dose rates in radiological protection Dominique Laurier, et al.
https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/26500/merits-and-viability-of-different-nuclear-fuel-cycles-and-technology-options-and-the-waste-aspects-of-advanced-nuclear-reactors Excerpt. Appendix G Reprocessing and Geologic Disposal of TRISO Fuel TRISO FUEL REPROCESSING Several advanced reactor designs intend to use TRistructural ISOtropic (TRISO) fuel, which is attractive for its robustness and ability to withstand high temperatures. However, these properties also make processing the fuel to access and recover fissile material a significant challenge, so most research has focused on developing head-end steps. In general, processing of TRISO fuel elements consists of the following steps: “mechanical preparation, removal of carbon external to the SiC shell, removal of the SiC shell, removal of carbon layers between the SiC shell and heavy metal kernel, and dissolution of the heavy metal kernel” (Del Cul et al., 2002). Initial work in TRISO fuel processing involved burning the outer layers of graphite and then crushing the fuel particles using steel rollers to expose the fuel for dissolution in nitric acid, followed by processing using the standard PUREX
Infographic and map. Forty-two ISOs/RTOs and utilities represent more than 85% of the nations energy load. Each of the 50 states has their own statues and regulatory structures related to retail electric service and territorial protection of utilities. Each utility may have its own tariff structures and policies regarding interconnecting new load.
Cover page. NUREG-1830, Volume 21
Fig. 2. Overnight Construction Cost of US Nuclear Power Reactors by Construction Start Date. From https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301421516300106
ifp.org. "A 1980 study found that increased regulation between the late 1960s and mid 1970s was responsible for a 176% increase in plant cost, and increased labor requirements by 137%"
Hellsite post w graph of Overnight construction cost v Date of construction cost. "The US nuclear cost runaway began before TMI, not after (blue in chart). Coincides more w the advent of the NRC, numerous new 70s era laws. Note btw the <$1/Watt reactors built late 1960s, some still running."
Screenshot title page. Gary L. Downey. "Reproducing Cultural Identity in Negotiations Nuclear Power: The Union of Concerned Scientists and Emergency Core Cooling." Social Studies of Science. 18:231-64 (1988). doi:10.1177/030631288018002003
Post DrCrlsnPE ‪@drcrlsnpe.bsky.social‬ Follow "By the mid-1960s, as proposed plants increased significantly in power level, the ACRS became concerned that a core meltdown, particularly one in which the plant’s emergency core cooling system (ECCS) might fail, could lead to a breach of containment." www.nrc.gov/docs/ML1821/... Effectiveness of ECCS Design: By the mid-1960s, as proposed plants increased significantly in power level, the ACRS became concerned that a core meltdown accident, particularly one in which the plant’s emergency core cooling system (ECCS) might fail to operate as designed, could lead to a breach of containment. The ACRS emphasized the need for improved emergency core-cooling systems (ECCS). By August 1966, General Electric responded in support of the Dresden 3 plant by proposing a redundant core-flooding system and an automatic depressurization system, which would reduce the primary system pressure sufficiently to maximize the effectiveness of the low-pressure core spray or core-flooding system. Later that year Westinghouse introduced accumulators. https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML1821/ML18214A292.pdf ALT February 28, 2024 at 6:18 PM Everybody can reply 1 quote ‪DrCrlsnPE‬ ‪@drcrlsnpe.bsky.social‬ · 11mo 'ACRS emphasized an improved ECCS. By Aug1966, GE proposed a redundant core-flooding system and an automatic depressurization system, to reduce primary pressure to maximize the effectiveness of low-pressure core spray or core-flooding system. Later that year Westinghouse introduced accumulators.' 🌊 ‪DrCrlsnPE‬ ‪@drcrlsnpe.bsky.social‬ · 11mo 'Their [Emergency Core Cooling Systems'] role changed dramatically when power outputs of proposed plants increased sharply, beginning in 1966.… In 1968, the largest nuclear plant operating for more than one year supplied power at 200MW, while the largest plants ordered in that year were 1200MW.' Screenshot title page. Gary L. Downey. "Reproducing Cultural Identity in Negotiations Nuclear Power: T…
Screenshot from NRC Public Search. (I have no idea what's going on here.)
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20230005947 Slide 2: History of CFEET.
https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ml2427/ML24275A075.pdf Cover page.
https://adams-search.nrc.gov/home NRC's new ADAMS Public Search app.
Screenshot. Social media post. NRC approved the licenses for 68 of today’s 93 operating US nuclear power reactors. The AEC approved the other 25 licenses. https://twitter.com/NRCgov/status/1480979568227979265
www.nrc.gov The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is in the process of rescinding or revising guidance and policies posted on this webpage in accordance with Executive Order 14151 Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing, and Executive Order 14168 Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government. In the interim, any previously issued diversity, equity, inclusion, or gender-related guidance on this webpage should be considered rescinded that is inconsistent with these Executive Orders.
Screenshot NRC ADAMS search. "No results found." "Document title" "contains" Doge" "Date added" "is greater than" "1/1/2025"
Screenshot. Yonhap News Agency. KHNP signs enriched uranium supply deal with U.S. nuclear fuel provider. 2/5/2025 Under the agreement, Centrus Energy Corp. will supply enriched uranium to KHNP for 10 years, according to the Korean company. https://m-en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20250205006100320
Screenshot. DOGE Staffer Resigns After Racist Social Media Posts Exposed: Report. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/doge-staffer-marko-elez-racist_n_67a55117e4b051682f2ad370
Screenshot. The Motley Fool Why Oklo Stock Jumped 96% in January Story by Jeremy Bowman • 6h Shares of Oklo (NYSE: OKLO) soared last month as the Sam Altman-backed nuclear energy company benefited from two news events.
Distracted boyfriend meme Boyfriend: USNuclear Girlfriend: Gen3/3+ Other woman: Gen4
https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/rulemaking-ruleforum/active/petitionindex.html