The bill requires the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to start a rulemaking within 90 days to allow the use of commercial-grade steel and concrete in non-safety-related structures at nuclear power plants. The Commission may keep or require stricter material standards if it determines that not doing so would be contrary to the common defense and security and adequate protection of the public health and safety, as referenced in section 182a of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2232(a)).
If the rulemaking is completed as described, builders and operators of nuclear plants could use commercial-grade steel and concrete for parts of plants that are not designated as safety-related. The Commission can still require stricter materials when it finds a specific safety risk. The bill was introduced by Senators Cynthia Lummis and Mark Kelly and is in committee with hearings held.
No publicly available information.
As stated in the bill text, supporters want the Commission to authorize the use of commercial-grade steel and concrete in non-safety-related structures, unless the Commission finds a specific safety risk that requires stricter standards.
No publicly available information.