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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any previously issued diversity, equity, inclusion, or gender-related guidance on this webpage should be considered rescinded that is inconsistent with these Executive Orders.

Home About NRC State & Tribal Programs Tribal Liaison Program NRC Regulatory Activities

Regulatory Actions

The NRC's regulatory process has five main components:

  • developing regulations and guidance for our applicants and licensees,
  • licensing or certifying applicants to use nuclear materials or operate nuclear facilities or decommissioning that permits license termination,
  • overseeing licensee operations and facilities to ensure that licensees comply with safety requirements,
  • evaluating operational experience at licensed facilities or involving licensed activities, and
  • conducting research, holding hearings to address the concerns of parties affected by agency decisions, and obtaining independent reviews to support our regulatory decisions.

The activities below are some of the key components of our regulatory program. Click on the links for an overview of the process, information on regulatory oversight, application status, and opportunities for involvement, as applicable.

Rulemaking – developing and amending regulations that licensees must meet to obtain or retain a license or certificate to use nuclear materials or operate a nuclear facility.

Licensing – authorizing an applicant to use or transport nuclear materials or to operate a nuclear facility (includes new licenses, renewals, amendments, transfers, and related Topical Reports).

Decommissioning – removing a nuclear facility safely from service and reducing residual radioactivity to a level that permits termination of license.

Enforcement – issuing sanctions to licensees who violate NRC regulations.

Incident Response – Maintain the readiness and capabilities of the NRC Headquarters Operations Center and Regional Incident Response Centers, which coordinate and monitor the agency's response to incidents, reportable conditions, and licensees' actions to ensure safety at their facilities.

Adjudication – listening to concerns of parties affected by licensing or enforcement actions in a legal setting.

NRC welcomes questions, contributions, and concerns to the NRC Tribal Relations Team.

Page Last Reviewed/Updated Thursday, June 5, 2025