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any previously issued diversity, equity, inclusion, or gender-related guidance on this webpage should be considered rescinded that is inconsistent with these Executive Orders.

Early Site Permit Applications for New Reactors

By issuing an early site permit (ESP), the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) approves one or more sites for a nuclear power facility, independent of an application for a construction permit or combined license. An ESP is valid for 10 to 20 years from the date of issuance, and can be renewed for an additional 10 to 20 years.

In reviewing an ESP application, the NRC staff will address site safety issues, environmental protection issues, and plans for coping with emergencies, independent of the review of a specific nuclear plant design. During this process, the NRC notifies all stakeholders (including the public) as to how and when they may participate in the regulatory process, which may include participating in public meetings and opportunities to request a hearing on the issuance of an ESP.

The links below provide information on the ESPs that the NRC has issued to date, as well as the ESP applications that are currently under review.

Issued Early Site Permits

The NRC staff has issued the following ESPs:

Site Applicant
Clinton ESP Site Exelon Generation Company, LLC
Grand Gulf ESP Site System Energy Resources Inc.
North Anna ESP Site Dominion Nuclear North Anna, LLC
Vogtle ESP Site Southern Nuclear Operating Company
PSEG Site PSEG Power, LLC, and PSEG Nuclear, LLC (PSEG)
Clinch River Nuclear Site Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)

Early Site Permit Applications Currently Under Review

The staff is currently reviewing the following ESP applications:

Site Applicant
Victoria County Station* Exelon Nuclear Texas Holdings, LLC (Exelon)

* Application withdrawn on October 3, 2012

Page Last Reviewed/Updated Wednesday, September 21, 2022