The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is in the process of rescinding or revising guidance and policies posted on this webpage in accordance with Executive Order 14151 Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing, and Executive Order 14168 Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government. In the interim, any previously issued diversity, equity, inclusion, or gender-related guidance on this webpage should be considered rescinded that is inconsistent with these Executive Orders.

Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards

The Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards (ACRS) is statutorily mandated by the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended.

In accordance with the Sections 29 and 182b of the Atomic Energy Act (42 U.S.C. 2039, 2232(b)), the Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards (ACRS) shall "advise the Commission with regard to the hazards of proposed or existing reactor facilities and the adequacy of proposed safety standards."
 
 In addition, the ACRS is implementing Executive Order (EO) 14300, "Ordering the Reform of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission," dated May 23, 2025. Section 4.(b) of the EO states, in part, that the functions of the Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards (ACRS) shall be reduced to the minimum necessary to fulfill ACRS’s statutory obligations and that review by ACRS shall focus on issues that are unique, novel and noteworthy. The review and reporting on new reactor facilities and proposed safety standards are the minimum statutory functions of the ACRS under Sections 29 and 182b of the Atomic Energy Act. The Commission may refer additional duties to the ACRS in accordance with the Act.
 
The ACRS is independent of the NRC staff and reports directly to the Commission, which appoints its members. The operational practices of the ACRS are governed by the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA). Advisory committees are structured to provide a forum where experts representing many technical perspectives can provide independent advice that is factored into the Commission's decision-making process. Most Committee meetings are open to the public and any member of the public may request an opportunity to make an oral statement during the committee meeting. Those who wish to do so should contact the ACRS contact indicated on the Public Meeting Schedule page.
 

See the following for more information:

Page Last Reviewed/Updated Tuesday, July 08, 2025