The Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued a rule on Nov. 3 revising procedures for contested hearings in nuclear licensing proceedings to streamline those cases, the agency said.
The changes take effect Dec. 3 and respond to a federal nuclear energy law and a presidential order directing changes at the commission. They concern the procedures used when licensing cases are contested.
The commission identified the measures behind its rule as the Accelerating Deployment of Versatile, Advanced Nuclear for Clean Energy Act of 2024 and Executive Order 14300, Ordering the Reform of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
The rule was among six measures published in the Federal Register on Nov. 3 covering nuclear licensing, spent fuel storage, broadcasting, industrial emissions, helicopter safety and liquefied natural gas facilities.
In a separate rule, the commission confirmed Nov. 9 as the effective date for a change to the approved storage system for used nuclear fuel supplied by TN Americas.
The underlying rule, published Aug. 26, added an amendment to the approval for the company's Standardized NUHOMS Horizontal Modular Storage System for Irradiated Nuclear Fuel.
The amendment allows an improved basket design using staggered plates. The design will simplify construction, reduce weight and make the basket easier to manufacture, the commission said.
The Federal Communications Commission's Media Bureau adopted an order removing a section of the broadcasting regulator's rules and references to it. That rule took effect upon publication on Nov. 3.
The removal brings the rules into line with the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals decision in National Religious Broadcasters v. FCC. The action concerns broadcast and cable equal employment opportunity rules and policies.
The Environmental Protection Agency also issued a correction effective Nov. 3. It fixes an inadvertent error in the regulatory text of a rule governing hazardous air pollution from lime manufacturing plants.
The original final rule appeared July 16, 2024. The agency discovered the error after publication.
The Transportation Department's Federal Aviation Administration proposed a safety directive for certain Airbus AS350B2, AS350B3 and EC130B4 helicopters after a reported incident involving a partly blocked pilot pedal.
The proposal would require modifying and changing the identification of an affected fuse cover and prohibit installing affected covers on any helicopter. Comments close Dec. 18.
The department's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration separately proposed updating safety regulations for liquefied natural gas facilities to incorporate newer industry standards and account for technological changes.
That proposal also responds to congressional requirements for regulation based on risk at certain facilities. Comments close Jan. 4, 2027. Both transportation measures are proposals rather than final requirements.
