NRC reorganization aims to speed up licensing

The NRC is expected to have a new organization chart and change management plan, including the appointment of key leaders for the agency’s reactor safety program, in the next 60 days. The NRC added that it will strive to implement the reorganization plan by the end of September.

From the chair: “We are in one of the most consequential periods in the NRC’s history, and this reorganization enables us to meet the moment with more efficient and timely decision making,” said NRC Chair Ho Nieh in the announcement. “This reorganization focuses the NRC’s structure around national priorities aimed at accelerating the safe deployment of nuclear technologies. This reorganization is also aimed at achieving greater consistency in the implementation of agency safety programs across the NRC regional offices.”

Details: The NRC said it will reorganize around core business lines of new reactors, operating reactors, and nuclear materials and waste. Licensing and inspection functions are to be integrated within each business line. According to the agency, this will create a single point of accountability and improve coordination between licensing and inspection teams from the onset of projects.

In addition, functions carried out under the NRC’s corporate support business line will be consolidated to improve efficiency.

The safety issue: NRC executive director for operations Mike King added, “Moving carefully but expeditiously to carry out this reorganization is imperative to provide much-needed stability and certainty for our staff. We will maintain a continued focus on the safety and security of operating facilities while creating a structure and regulatory culture that ensures accountability and service for Americans.”

The NRC organization chart as of January 27, 2026.