Under the auspices of Section 5 of Executive Order 14300, Ordering the Reform of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) published on November 26, 2025 an immediately effective final rule, Streamlining Select Rules of Practice and Procedure.
Up & Atom
Up & Atom, published by Morgan Lewis, focuses on legal and regulatory developments in the nuclear energy sector. The blog covers topics such as Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) policies, enforcement frameworks, and rulemaking processes. It also addresses government initiatives related to nuclear innovation, advanced reactor technologies, and the intersection of nuclear energy with emerging scientific fields like artificial intelligence. The blog highlights interagency cooperation and executive actions aimed at accelerating nuclear energy development and regulatory reform.
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US Agencies Expand Cooperation to Accelerate Advanced Nuclear Development
By Morgan Lewis
As part of the response to four executive orders focused on expanding and accelerating the development and use of nuclear energy, the US Department of Energy and US Nuclear Regulatory Commission have signed Addendum 9 to their 2019 Memorandum of…
Speeding Up Deregulation: Inside OIRA’s New Streamlining Memorandum
By Morgan Lewis
On October 21, 2025, the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) within the Office of Management and Budget issued Memorandum M-25-36, Streamlining the Review of Deregulatory Actions . The directive sets shorter timelines, encourages the use of legal exemptions…
What the Government Shutdown Means for the NRC and Its Licensees
By Morgan Lewis
The federal government shut down at 12:01 am on October 1, 2025 in the absence of legislation to appropriate funds for government operations. In light of the temporary lapse of appropriations, agencies including the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission have suspended…
Advancing Transatlantic Nuclear Collaboration: A New Era of US-UK Partnership
By Morgan Lewis
In connection with President Donald Trump’s recent state visit to the United Kingdom, the United States and the United Kingdom unveiled a slate of new and expanded agreements designed to accelerate cooperation in nuclear energy, advanced technologies, and professional engagement.…
DOE Officially Welcomes Singapore and the Philippines to the ‘Generally Authorized’ Club
By Morgan Lewis
On September 16, 2025, the US Department of Energy published a secretarial determination in the Federal Register that officially adds Singapore and the Philippines to the list of generally authorized destinations in Appendix A to 10 CFR Part 810. This…
US States Continue to Generate Nuclear Legislation
By Morgan Lewis
Throughout 2025, several US states have taken steps to facilitate development of new nuclear reactors. Complementing several recent executive orders of the US administration in support of nuclear energy, including plans to bring new test reactors online by summer 2026…
NRC NEPA Overhaul: Agency Plans to Amend Regulations in 10 CFR Part 51
By Morgan Lewis
The Commission recently issued a Staff Requirements Memorandum (SRM) directing NRC Staff to revise the NRC’s National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) regulations at 10 CFR Part 51 and update related NRC guidance and policies. The NRC’s efforts are…
NRC More than Doubles Duration of Reactor Design Certifications
By Morgan Lewis
The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) recently issued a direct final rule extending the duration of design certifications (DCs) for nuclear reactors from 15 to 40 years. The rule will automatically go into effect on September 15, 2025, unless the…