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Conference Spotlight
2026 Nuclear Energy Conference & Expo (NECX)
August 24–27, 2026
Dallas, TX|Hilton Anatole
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Nuclear Science and Engineering
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The human factor in licensing and operating the next generation of nuclear plants
As human factors specialists working at the intersection of human performance and nuclear operations, we are witnessing one of the nuclear sector’s most significant transitions in decades. The emergence of small modular reactors, microreactors, and other advanced designs is reshaping the industry’s landscape. Digital instrumentation and controls, passive safety systems, and increased automation are creating opportunities for greater safety margins and more flexible operation. These same features also fundamentally redefine what it means to “operate” a nuclear plant. Interactions among human roles, automation, and passive systems shape how people maintain awareness, exercise judgment, and intervene when necessary. These developments affect both operational realities and the regulatory foundations on which nuclear safety is built.
Decommissioning Environmental Sciences and Remote Technology 2024
Technical Session|Panel|Sponsored by DESD
Tuesday, November 19, 2024|1:00–2:45PM EST|Merritt 1
Session Chair:
Leah Parks
Session Organizer:
Alternate Chair:
Miles van Noordennen
Implementing the NEPA Amendments Enacted by the Fiscal Responsibility Act: Improving Efficiency While Balancing Public Involvement Opportunities in Environmental Reviews The Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 (FRA) amended the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Prior to the FRA, NEPA had been largely untouched since it was signed into law in 1970. NEPA requires Federal agencies to prepare environmental impact statements (EISs) for major Federal actions significantly affecting the quality of the human environment and provides opportunities for public participation to help inform agency decision making. This panel will review the changes made to NEPA by the FRA, and how federal agencies are updating their policies, regulations, and associated guidance. The panel will include representatives from federal agencies and environmental contractors to discuss ongoing streamlining and modernization of environmental reviews in response to the NEPA amendments, section 506 of the ADVANCE Act, and CEQ regulation revisions.
Gretchen Applegate
U.S. Department of Energy
Chris Regan
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Amy Coyle
Council on Environmental Quality
Marty OâNeill
Nuclear Energy Institute
Gary Adkins
ENERCON
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