Policy Letter: Calling on the NRC to Issue a Policy Statement on Effective Reactor Licensing

November 14, 2023

"A Commission policy statement aligned on these standards would result in predictable and effective licensing practices that enable the growth of the [industry]..."

‍

On Nov. 14, we joined four other clean energy advocacy organizations in urging the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission to establish a policy statement on licensing new reactors. We emphasized the need for clarity on timelines, staff performance standards, and a culture of continuous improvement.

Endnotes

Explore the report in full

Download PDF

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Endnotes

Explore the report in full

Download PDF

Related Policies

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"To meet the urgency of the moment, we must expand nuclear energy at an unprecedented pace—but speed cannot come at the price of safety and security."

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Letter

Policy Letter: Urging Congress to Encourage the EPA to Update High-Level Nuclear Waste Disposal Regulations

"[T]he current standard for the safe, permanent disposal of high-level nuclear waste, 40 CFR Part 191, should be updated and harmonized with international practices..."

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Special Report

Our Progressive Policy Agenda for Advanced Nuclear Energy

Recommendations for advanced nuclear technologies as part of the U.S. climate change response

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Letter

Public Comment: Consent-Based Siting Process for Nuclear Waste Storage

Good Energy's response to the Request for Information on Using a Consent-Based Siting Process to Identify Federal Interim Storage

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Letter

Public Comment: Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool

Good Energy's response to the CEQ's Request for Information on the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool Beta Version

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Letter

Public Comment: Response to the Council on Environmental Quality Request for Information on the Environmental Justice Scorecard

"The Environmental Justice Scorecard will be a valuable resource for the public to access transparent, comprehensive data on the federal government's measurable progress..."

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Letter

Public Comment: Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s Environmental Justice Review

Good Energy's response to the NRC's Systematic Assessment of How It Addresses Environmental Justice

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Letter

Public Comment: Creating New Community Engagement Infrastructure: Recommendations to DOE

These recommendations are in response to the Department of Energy's open RFI re: Input on Potential Office of Nuclear Energy Infrastructure Areas for Competitive Opportunities

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Letter

Public Comment: In Support of Matthew Marzano's NRC Nomination

"We’re particularly encouraged by Mr. Marzano’s commitment to enhancing public participation and engagement."

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Letter

Public Comment: Recommendations to the IWG on Mining Reform

We joined other organizations in comments to the Interagency Working Group on Mining Reform's RFI.

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Letter

Public Comment: White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council

Good Energy's response to the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council's Jan. 26-27, 2022, public meeting

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State of Play

State of Play: Nuclear Waste

One of the biggest concerns we hear about nuclear energy from progressives is, "what about the waste?" Cleo Schroer examines the issue.

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Letter

Public Comment: Response to the U.S. Department of Energy Request for Information on the Foundation for Energy Security and Innovation (FESI)

"[A]s a potential FESI stakeholder, we take interest in ensuring that the establishment of FESI achieves its mission..."

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Policy Report

Reverse Robin Hood: Clean Energy Policy Impacts on Energy Equity and Grid Reliability in California

Endnotes

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Talks

Report Launch: The Imperative of the Versatile Test Reactor for Nuclear Innovation (VIDEO)

Jackie speaks at the Atlantic Council Global Energy Center panel about the report she co-authored with Khalil.

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State of Play

State of Play: Siting of Nuclear Projects

Cleo examines the history, policy, and industry actions that inform nuclear energy siting and models for community participation.

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State of Play

State of Play: Atomic Diplomacy

Khalil gives an overview of post-World War II international cooperation on nuclear energy.

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State of Play

State of Play: Nuclear Weapons Testing

Khalil and Cleo examine the impact and legacy of nuclear weapons testing.

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State of Play: The Legacy of Uranium Mining on U.S. Tribal Lands

Ariel Gould discusses the history and current realities of uranium mining on tribal lands

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State of Play

State of Play: The Global Nuclear Fuel Supply

Khalil breaks down domestic and global issues surrounding nuclear energy's primary fuel: uranium.

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Blog

Good Energy Reflects: The 2022 Midterm Elections

"It’s inspiring to see voters across our country rewarding the passage of monumental climate legislation in the midterms."

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Policy Memo

The Power of Federal Grants to Support Community-Centered Adoption of Low-Carbon Energy

Grant-making at the Department of Energy can play an important role in supporting an equitable clean energy transition

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Policy Memo

Voters Support Community Ownership and Federal Investments in Advanced Nuclear Energy

Good Energy and Data for Progress polled likely voters in the United States on their thoughts about advanced nuclear energy.

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Policy Report

Sustainable and Ethical Uranium Mining: Opportunities and Challenges

An exploration of how global uranium mining practices can respect the environment and human rights while helping us achieve a low-carbon future

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Policy Report

The Imperative of the Versatile Test Reactor for Nuclear Innovation

Jackie and Khalil explain why we need to build the Versatile Test Reactor (VTR), a research reactor that would stimulate U.S. innovation and deepen global partnerships.

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State of Play

State of Play: The Legacy of Uranium Mining on U.S. Tribal Lands

Ariel discusses the history and current realities of uranium mining on tribal lands.

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Blog

We Need a Clean Energy Standard with Nuclear

As Congress nears a peak in negotiations over a federal Clean Energy Standard, lawmakers should make sure to include nuclear energy.

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Talks

Toronto Global Forum Panel: Small Modular Reactors: The Goal to Reach Net Zero (VIDEO)

Jessica discusses Good Energy's founding principles, nuclear energy financing policy needs, and siting challenges and opportunities.

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Talks

Webinar: Rethinking Nuclear Policy from the Ground Up (Carnegie Mellon University's Scott Institute for Energy Innovation)

Jessica gives her predictions on nuclear energy policy through the 2020 U.S. presidential election and recovery phases of COVID-19.

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Talks

WV Rivers Coalition Panel: Feasibility of Advanced Nuclear in West Virginia (VIDEO)

Jessica shares an overview of advanced nuclear energy as WV lawmakers consider lifting the state's restrictions against nuclear at a West Virginia Rivers Coalition convening.

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Special Report

What’s In Store for Nuclear in a Biden Administration

Jessica's keynote speech from the 2020 American Nuclear Society Annual Meeting

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Special Report

Who Represents Environmental Justice Communities?

Voters should make sure their reps are setting aside partisanship and advocating for policies that help ensure healthy communities for all.

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Good News

What Does Environmental Justice for Nuclear Look Like?

If you're working on environmental justice and have thoughts on nuclear energy, we want to hear from you.

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Special Report

Why We Need a Progressive Nuclear Agenda

And how a new kind of leadership paved the way for Good Energy Collective

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Good News

Your Good Energy Can Make a Difference This Giving Season!

Your support allows us to continue our crucial work: championing effective climate policies, engaging communities, and pushing for sustainable energy solutions.

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