This bill streamlines the nuclear licensing process by making public hearings optional rather than mandatory for certain Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) decisions on nuclear facility construction permits and operating licenses. Under the new rules, the NRC can issue permits and licenses without holding a hearing if no member of the public formally requests one, though the agency must still provide 30 days' notice and publish its intent in the Federal Register. When hearings are held, the bill requires the NRC to use informal, rather than formal, adjudicatory procedures to speed up the process. The changes apply immediately to all pending applications before the NRC as of the bill's enactment. The bill aims to reduce delays in nuclear licensing while maintaining public notification and the opportunity for interested parties to request a hearing if they wish to participate.
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