This bill directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to allow nuclear power plants to use commercial-grade steel and concrete in structures that are not directly involved in safety functions, rather than requiring more expensive, specially-qualified materials. The NRC must begin the rulemaking process within 90 days of the bill's enactment to implement this requirement. The agency can only maintain stricter material standards if it determines that doing so is necessary to protect public health, safety, and national security. The bill aims to reduce construction costs for nuclear facilities by permitting the use of locally-sourced, off-the-shelf building materials in non-critical areas like buildings and support structures, which could make nuclear power plant construction more economical and potentially encourage new nuclear development.
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