Reactor License Renewal Hearing

The NRC has a process for any person who believes they would be adversely affected by a reactor license renewal to request a hearing.

On this page:

• NRC Procedures for Adjudications New Revisions to 10 CFR Part 2
• Major Provisions of New Part 2 Rule
• Part 2 Resources

NRC Procedures for Adjudications New Revisions to 10 CFR Part 2

• 10 CFR Part 2 recently revised
  • 69 Federal Register 2182 (January 14, 2004)

• New rule became effective on February 13, 2004
  • Final rule applies to all proceedings noticed on or after February 13, 2004
  • Proceedings noticed before February 13, 2004 will continue to be governed by old Part 2

Major Provisions of New Part 2 Rule

• Individual hearing tracks: Subparts G, J, K, L, M, N, and O
• Common procedures/requirements in new Subpart C
• Contentions and bases (supporting information) must be submitted with the request for a hearing
  • 10 CFR 2.309
• Ordinarily, contentions and bases must be submitted 60 days after notice
  • NRC will provide notices of major licensing and regulatory actions on the NRC Web site
• Most hearings to be conducted under Subpart L
  • Construction permits, operating licenses, combined licenses, renewed licenses, license amendments, and license terminations for power reactors
    • Exception: resolution of contentions involving occurrence of a past event, where credibility, motive, or intent of eyewitness or party are at issue -- Subpart G (most formal, trial-like procedures)
  • Materials licenses and materials license amendments
• Subpart L has more informal procedures
  • Mandatory disclosures by all parties instead of traditional discovery
  • Cross-examination only with approval of presiding officer

Part 2 Resources

• Resources on Part 2 Web page: 10 CFR Part 2: Rules of Practice for Domestic Licensing Proceedings and Issuance of Orders
• Federal Register notice
• Part 2 (reflecting final rule)
• Old (superseded) Part 2
• Quick Reference Guide
• List of reference materials
• Web site providing notice of major NRC actions: Hearing Opportunities and License Applications