This strategic element is primarily focused on modernizing regulatory oversight of the construction and operations of advanced reactors. This includes external stakeholders such as electrical grid and service area authorities as necessary but primarily focuses on NRC’s development and implementation of the Advanced Reactor Construction Oversight Process (ARCOP) and Advanced Reactor Oversight Process (AROP) for operations, which should be technology-inclusive and graded based on risk. Executive Order 14300 5(g) requires the NRC to “[r]evise the Reactor Oversight Process and reactor security rules and requirements to reduce unnecessary burdens and be responsive to credible risks.” This strategic element also includes external and community engagement, which includes the development of industry best practices and support for development project stakeholder engagement plans.
Key Issue: Modernize Regulatory Oversight
The strong oversight processes, which have evolved over the past 40 years, have contributed to the high levels of safety and reliability achieved by the operating fleet. Innovative design features and safety enhancements of advanced reactors must be met with further evolution of the construction and operational oversight processes to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
ACTION:
Priority
Status
Develop guidance on modernizing regulatory oversight: The guidance will modernize the oversight of advanced reactors during the construction and operation phases. The focus will be to reduce unnecessary burden and gain efficiencies while retaining elements necessary to achieve outcomes related to safety and reliability.
Action Owner: NEI, CNA, EPRI
Need Date: 2026
Progress to Date on Addressing Key Issue: In the United states, the NRC has developed the fundamentals of its ARCOP and published its draft Inspection Manual Chapters in August 2025. The NRC is currently developing its Advanced Reactor Oversight Process (AROP) for operational oversight with the expectation of proposing to the Commission by January 2026. NEI and its members have engaged with the NRC on AROP development.
In Canada, the CNA has engaged the CNSC in a process to review regulatory burden associated with the CNSC’s regulatory framework. Among the issues that will be examined are barriers to innovation.
Key Issue: External Engagement
History has shown that the success or failure of an infrastructure project is heavily influenced by the level of support garnered from all facets of a community. The successful deployment of advanced reactors will require commitment and attention to external engagement on par with the robust business and engineering practices that the industry already implements. It is in the best interest of the industry as a whole to share experiences, options, and best practices for external engagement.
ACTION:
Priority
Status
Engage external stakeholders: For each advanced reactor deployment project, implement an Indigenous, community, and public engagement plan consistent with the industry’s commitment to environmental justice principles, community engagement best practices, and a just transition to a decarbonized energy economy.
Action Owner: Owner/operators, CNA, and dedicated energy users with support from NEI
Need Date: Prior to the selection of site
Progress to Date on Addressing Key Issue: Guidance18 on environmental justice principles and environmental justice program options has been developed and is available on NEI’s website.
NEI has established an industry group to ensure best practices are widely shared in support of efforts to enable early and lasting alignment with potential host communities. Individual vendors have developed community engagement plans successfully, and industry should review and update its best practices.
NEI also launched the Nuclear Makes It Happen campaign19 to educate and drive support for nuclear energy. Research has shown that the more people learn about nuclear power, the more supportive they become. The campaign illustrates the benefits and value of nuclear energy and encourages audiences to learn how nuclear energy makes “it” happen in their daily lives. Using Nuclear Makes It Happen to educate and drive awareness, NEI is building a positive narrative among the public. The campaign reached more than 11.7 million viewers nationwide in its first three months, driving more than 70,000 viewers to NEI’s website to further their education journey. Early creative testing showed a positive increase in support for nuclear deployments in communities that do not have nuclear power after being exposed to the Nuclear Makes It Happen campaign.
CNA has established an industry group to develop guidance for proponents on Indigenous engagement. Industry will also be involved in a review of CNSC’s revised REGDOC on Indigenous consultation.
18 NEI website on Environmental Justice - Principles and Resources.
19NEI website on Nuclear Makes It Happen.