NRC Proposal Timeline
On September 11, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) published Communication No. 26-077 announcing the proposal for the “Regulatory Enhancements for Reactor Licensing, Decommissioning, and Operational Oversight” rule, a 339-page document written in response to recent demands of reform of the NRC. The proposal includes, among other things, a more risk-informed approach to seismic requirements, the abolition of the 15-year validity period for Standard Design Approvals in favor of indefinite validity, greater flexibility in the licensing of reactor control room personnel, and the simplification of reporting requirements for fault detection and non-accident events.
The changes apply to both operating power plants and new applicants building reactors. NRC Chairman Ho K. Nieh described the proposal as “a major modernization of reactor regulations that replaces outdated requirements with smarter, risk-based approaches, while maintaining strong safety margins.” According to the NRC’s preliminary regulatory analysis, the changes are expected to save industry and the agency $311-411 million over 30 years.
Public comments can be submitted for 30 days after the rule is published in the Federal Register under case number NRC-2025-1138, and the NRC expects this publication on September 25, 2026.
Potential Implications for Choczew
The first Polish nuclear power plant in Choczew in Pomerania is to be built using three Westinghouse AP1000 reactors, with a total capacity of about 3750 megawatts. On August 7, 2026, the American company, Bechtel, formally took over the management of the construction site from Polskie Elektrárne Jądrowe, and earthworks (clearing and excavations) began on site.
It should be noted that Choczewo is licensed by the Polish State Atomic Energy Agency (PAA), which in the spring of 2026 accepted the PEJ’s application for a building permit, and in May considered the site suitable from the point of view of nuclear safety. Therefore, the NRC reform does not directly change anything in the Polish licensing process.
This material is for informational purposes. The details of the NRC-2025-1138 proposal and its final implementation can be followed on the nrc.gov or regulations.gov.
