Environmental Review Guidance for U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Actions — Draft Report for Comment (NUREG-2270)

This publication has been issued for public comment. Comments will be accepted until August 21, 2026. To submit comments, please see Docket ID Number NRC-2025-0478.

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Publication Information

Manuscript Completed: June 2026
Date Published: July 2026

Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Washington, DC 20555-0001

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Abstract

This document provides guidance to U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff and applicants on implementing the provisions of Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 51, “Implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act,” for conducting reviews for NRC actions in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA) (42 U.S. Code [U.S.C.] § 4321 et seq.). The document provides procedural steps for integrating NEPA and other environmental statutes into NRC’s decision-making process. The main report provides guidance for carrying out the NEPA review process. Appendix A provides additional information related to categorical exclusions, including applicability, documentation, and procedures for adopting, establishing, revising, or removing categorical exclusions. Appendix B provides general technical review guidance applicable to all NRC environmental reviews. Appendix C through Appendix F provide supplemental technical review guidance and considerations for different types of NRC actions and regulatory programs. Appendix G provides related pre-application guidance for prospective NRC applicants. Appendix H outlines procedures for applicant-prepared draft environmental documents. Appendix I provides supplemental information related to conducting consultations to comply with other statutory requirements (e.g., Endangered Species Act, National Historic Preservation Act). Appendix J provides a checklist for the NRC staff and applicants on other required environmental authorizations and consultations, and specific NRC staff guidance for conducting Clean Air Act conformity determinations, where applicable.