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any previously issued diversity, equity, inclusion, or gender-related guidance on this webpage should be considered rescinded that is inconsistent with these Executive Orders.

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Safety Review

SVG for environmental review

The NRC reviews safety aspects of all reactor applications. The NRC staff reviews the reactor’s design of the reactor against the regulations to determine if it will maintain the health and safety of the plant workers and the public at large while under construction, in operation, and during decommissioning. An applicant’s safety analysis report details all important aspects of the facility’s design. The NRC staff reviews this report in parallel with all other required components of an application. Guidance for safety analysis reports can be found in:

Type of Application Safety Analysis Report Guidance
Non-Power NUREG-1537, “Guidelines for Preparing and Reviewing Applications for the Licensing of Non-Power Reactors.”
Part 50 Regulatory Guide 1.70, “Standard Format and Content of Safety Analysis Reports for Nuclear Power Plants (LWR Edition)” (note: this guidance can be used for all technologies, not just light water reactors (LWRs))
Part 52
  • Combined Licenses
  • Design Certification
  • Early Site Permits
 Regulatory Guide 1.206, “Applications for Nuclear Power Plants”
Non-light Water Reactor Applications Utilizing the Licensing Modernization Project (can be submitted under either Part 50 or Part 52)

Page Last Reviewed/Updated Monday, February 3, 2025