2024-00468. Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions

AGENCY:

Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

ACTION:

Semiannual Regulatory Agenda.

SUMMARY:

We are publishing our semiannual regulatory agenda (the Agenda) in accordance with Public Law 96–354, “The Regulatory Flexibility Act,” and Executive Order 12866, “Regulatory Planning and Review.” The NRC's Agenda is a compilation of all rulemaking activities on which we have recently completed action or have proposed or are considering action. We have completed 7 rulemaking activities and classified 2 rulemaking activities as inactive since our last Agenda was issued online at the Office of Management and Budget's website at https://www.reginfo.gov on June 13, 2023. This issuance of our Agenda contains 29 active and 22 long-term rulemaking activities: 3 are Economically Significant in accordance with Section 3(f)(1) of E.O. 12866; 18 represent Other Significant agency priorities; 31 are Substantive, Nonsignificant rulemaking activities; 2 are Routine and Frequent rulemaking activities; and 4 are Administrative rulemaking activities. In addition, 7 rulemaking activities impact small entities.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Cindy K. Bladey, Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555–0001, telephone: [phone]; email: [e-mail]. Persons outside the Washington, DC, metropolitan area may call toll-free: 1–800–368–5642. For further information on the substantive content of any rulemaking activity listed in the Agenda, contact the individual listed under the heading “Agency Contact” for that rulemaking activity.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Obtaining Information

Please refer to Docket ID NRC–2023–0133 when contacting the NRC about the availability of information for this document. You may obtain publicly available information related to this document by any of the following methods:

• Federal rulemaking website: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and search for Docket ID NRC–2023–0133.

• NRC's PDR: You may examine and purchase copies of public documents, by appointment, at the NRC's Public Document Room, Room P1 B35, One White Flint North, 11555 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Maryland 20852. To make an appointment to visit the PDR, please send an email to [e-mail] or call 1–800–397–4209 or 301–415–4737, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. eastern time, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

• Reginfo.gov:

○ For completed rulemaking activities, go to https://www.reginfo.gov/​public/​do/​eAgendaHistory?​showStage=​completed, select “Fall 2023 The Regulatory Plan and the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions” from drop down menu, and select “Nuclear Regulatory Commission” from drop down menu.

○ For active rulemaking activities go to https://www.reginfo.gov/​public/​do/​eAgendaMain and select “Nuclear Regulatory Commission” from drop down menu.

○ For long-term rulemaking activities go to https://www.reginfo.gov/​public/​do/​eAgendaMain, select link for “Current Long Term Actions ,” a nd select “Nuclear Regulatory Commission” from drop down menu.

○ For inactive rulemaking activities go to https://www.reginfo.gov/​public/​do/​eAgendaInactive, select the corresponding Unified Agenda cycle from drop down menu, and select “Nuclear Regulatory Commission” from drop down menu.

Introduction

The Agenda is a compilation of all rulemaking activities on which an agency has recently completed action or has proposed or is considering action. The Agenda reports rulemaking activities in three major categories: completed, active, and long-term. Completed rulemaking activities are those that were completed since publication of an agency's last Agenda; active rulemaking activities are those for which an agency currently plans to have an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, a Proposed Rule, or a Final Rule issued within the next 12 months; and long-term rulemaking activities are rulemaking activities under development but for which an agency does not expect to have a regulatory action within the 12 months after publication of the current edition of the Unified Agenda.

The NRC assigns a “Regulation Identifier Number” (RIN) to a rulemaking activity when the Commission initiates a rulemaking and approves a rulemaking plan, or when the NRC staff begins work on a Commission-delegated rulemaking that does not require a rulemaking plan. The Office of Management and Budget uses this number to track all relevant documents throughout the entire “lifecycle” of a particular rulemaking activity. The NRC reports all rulemaking activities in the Agenda that have been assigned a RIN and meet the definition for a completed, an active, or a long-term rulemaking activity.

The information contained in this Agenda is updated to reflect agency priorities, planning and coordination of public engagement efforts, and regulatory actions that have occurred on a rulemaking activity since publication of our last Agenda on July 27, 2023. Specifically, the information in this Agenda has been updated through August 17, 2023. The NRC provides additional information on planned rulemaking and petition for rulemaking activities, including priority and schedule, in the NRC's Rulemaking Tracking System on our website at https://www.nrc.gov/​reading-rm/​doc-collections/​rulemaking-ruleforum/​active/​ruleindex.html.

The date for the next scheduled action under the heading “Timetable” is the date the next regulatory action for the rulemaking activity is scheduled to be published in the Federal Register . The date is considered tentative and is not binding on the Commission or its staff. The Agenda is intended to provide the public early notice and opportunity to participate in our rulemaking process. However, we may consider or act on any rulemaking activity even though it is not included in the Agenda.

Section 610 Periodic Reviews Under The Regulatory Flexibility Act

Section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) requires agencies to conduct a review within 10 years of issuance of those regulations that have or will have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. We undertake these reviews to decide whether the rules should be unchanged, amended, or withdrawn. We have initiated one review that has a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. Please see docket NRC–2023–0062 at https://www.regulations.gov to comment on NRC's newly initiated review, “Section 610 Review of Physical Protection of Byproduct Material”. A complete listing of our regulations that impact small entities and related Small Entity Compliance Guides are available from the NRC's website at https://www.nrc.gov/​about-nrc/​regulatory/​ rulemaking/​flexibility-act/​small-entities.html.

Public Comments Received on the NRC Unified Agenda

The comment period on the NRC's last Agenda (published on July 27, 2023 (88 FR 48688) closed on August 28, 2023. The NRC did not receive any comments on its Spring 2023 Agenda. The NRC will request public comment on its Spring 2024 Agenda.

For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Cindy K. Bladey,

Chief, Regulatory Analysis and Rulemaking Support Branch, Division of Rulemaking, Environmental, and Financial Support, Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards.

Nuclear Regulatory Commission—Prerule Stage

Sequence No.	Title	Regulation Identifier No.
604	Physical Protection of Byproduct Material [NRC–2023–0062] (Section 610 Review)	3150–AK94

Nuclear Regulatory Commission—Proposed Rule Stage

Sequence No.	Title	Regulation Identifier No.
605	Revision to the NRC's Acquisition Regulation (NRCAR) [NRC–2014–0033]	3150–AJ36
606	Revision of Fee Schedules: Fee Recovery for Fiscal Year 2024 [NRC–2022–0046]	3150–AK74

Nuclear Regulatory Commission—Long-Term Actions

Sequence No.	Title	Regulation Identifier No.
607	Items Containing Byproduct Material Incidental to Production [NRC–2015–0017]	3150–AJ54
608	Revision of Fee Schedules: Fee Recovery for FY 2025 [NRC–2023–0069]	3150–AK95

Nuclear Regulatory Commission—Completed Actions

Sequence No.	Title	Regulation Identifier No.
609	Revision of Fee Schedules: Fee Recovery for FY 2023 [NRC–2021–0024]	3150–AK58

NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION (NRC)

Prerule Stage

604. Physical Protection of Byproduct Material [NRC–2023–0062] (Section 610 Review) [3150–AK94]

Legal Authority:42 U.S.C. 2201; 42 U.S.C. 5841

Abstract: On March 19, 2013, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) promulgated Physical Protection of Byproduct Material (78 FR 16922). The rule amended NRC's regulations to establish security requirements for the use and transport of category 1 and category 2 quantities of radioactive material. Subsequently, on September 30, 2014, the NRC promulgated Safeguards Information—Modified Handling Categorization; Change for Materials Facilities (79 FR 58664), to protect security-related information for large irradiators, manufacturers and distributors, and for the transport of category 1 quantities of radioactive material using the information protection requirements in Part 37. This new entry in the regulatory agenda announces that NRC plans to conduct a review of this action pursuant to section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 610) to determine if the provisions that could affect small entities should be continued without change or should be rescinded or amended to minimize adverse economic impacts on small entities. As part of this review, NRC will consider the following factors: (1) The continued need for the rule; (2) the nature of complaints or comments received concerning the rule; (3) the complexity of the rule; (4) the extent to which the rule overlaps, duplicates, or conflicts with other Federal, State, or local government rules; and (5) the degree to which the technology, economic conditions or other factors have changed in the area affected by the rule. As part of this review, the NRC will solicit public comments

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite
Begin Review	11/00/23

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

Agency Contact: Jill Shepherd, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards, Washington, DC 20555–0001, Phone: [phone], Email: [e-mail].

RIN: 3150–AK94

NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION (NRC)

Proposed Rule Stage

605. Revision to the NRC's Acquisition Regulation (NRCAR) [NRC–2014–0033] [3150–AJ36]

Legal Authority:42 U.S.C. 2201; 42 U.S.C. 5841

Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the NRC's acquisition regulation that governs the procurement of goods and services for the agency. The purpose of this rulemaking is to update the NRC's acquisitions regulations (NRCAR) to conform with external regulations, incorporate NRC organizational changes, and remove outdated or obsolete information. The revisions would affect both internal and external stakeholders (contractors) and are needed to support current NRC contracting policies and ensure openness, transparency, and effectiveness in agency acquisitions.

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite
NPRM	12/00/23

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

Agency Contact: Jill Daly, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Office of Administration, Washington, DC 20055–0001, Phone: [phone], Email: [e-mail].

RIN: 3150–AJ36

606. Revision of Fee Schedules: Fee Recovery for Fiscal Year 2024 [NRC–2022–0046] [3150–AK74]

Legal Authority:31 U.S.C. 483; 42 U.S.C. 2201; 42 U.S.C. 2214; 42 U.S.C. 5841

Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the NRC's regulations for fee schedules. The NRC conducts this rulemaking annually to recover, to the maximum extent practicable, approximately 100 percent of the NRC's budget authority, less the budget authority for excluded activities to implement the Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act. This rulemaking would affect the fee schedules for licensing, inspection, and annual fees charged to the NRC's applicants and licensees.

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite
NPRM	01/00/24
Final Rule	05/00/24

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

Agency Contact: Anthony Rossi, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Washington, DC 20555–0001, Phone: [phone], Email: [e-mail].

RIN: 3150–AK74

NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION (NRC)

Long-Term Actions

607. Items Containing Byproduct Material Incidental to Production [NRC–2015–0017] [3150–AJ54]

Legal Authority:42 U.S.C. 2201; 42 U.S.C. 5841

Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the NRC's regulations regarding requirements for track-etched membranes that have been irradiated with mixed fission products during the production process. The rule also would accommodate the licensing and distribution of other irradiated products ( e.g., gemstones) without the need for a specific exemption for each distributor. This rulemaking would affect the licensees and applicants for items containing byproduct material incidental to production. The rulemaking addresses a petition for rulemaking (PRM–30–65).

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite
Regulatory Basis	02/02/21	86 FR 7819
Regulatory Basis Comment Period End	04/05/21
NPRM	06/27/22	87 FR 38012
NPRM Comment Period End	09/12/22
Final Rule	12/00/25

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

Agency Contact: Caylee Kenny, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards, Washington, DC 20555–0001, Phone: [phone], Email: [e-mail].

RIN: 3150–AJ54

608. Revision of Fee Schedules: Fee Recovery for FY 2025 [NRC–2023–0069] [3150–AK95]

Legal Authority:31 U.S.C. 483; 42 U.S.C. 2201; 42 U.S.C. 2214; 42 U.S.C. 5841

Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the NRC's regulations for fee schedules. The NRC conducts this rulemaking annually to recover, to the maximum extent practicable, approximately 100 percent of the NRC's budget authority, less the budget authority for excluded activities to implement the Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act. NEIMA requires that the FY 2025 fees be collected by September 30, 2025. This rulemaking would affect the fee schedules for licensing, inspection, and annual fees charged to the NRC's applicants and licensees.

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite
NPRM	01/00/25
Final Rule	05/00/25

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

Agency Contact: Jo Jacobs, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Washington, DC 20555–0001, Phone: [phone], Email: [e-mail].

RIN: 3150–AK95

NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION (NRC)

Completed Actions

609. Revision of Fee Schedules: Fee Recovery for FY 2023 [NRC–2021–0024] [3150–AK58]

Legal Authority:31 U.S.C. 483; 42 U.S.C. 2201; 42 U.S.C. 2214; 42 U.S.C. 5841

Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the NRC's regulations for fee schedules. The NRC conducts this rulemaking annually to recover approximately 100 percent of the NRC's annual budget authority, less excluded activities to implement NEIMA. This rulemaking would affect the fee schedules for licensing, inspection, and annual fees charged to the NRC's applicants and licensees.

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite
NPRM	03/03/23	88 FR 13357
NPRM Comment Period End	04/03/23
Final Rule	06/15/23	88 FR 39120
Final Rule Effective	08/14/23

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

Agency Contact: Anthony Rossi, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Washington, DC 20555–0001, Phone: [phone], Email: [e-mail].

RIN: 3150–AK58