NRC commissioners talk reforms, roles at Day 1 of RIC 2026

“We stand at a defining moment for the NRC and for nuclear energy in America. This is an exciting time for nuclear safety regulation in the United States and around the world,” said NRC Chairman Ho Nieh.

The chairman’s thoughts: The passage of the Accelerating Deployment of Versatile, Advanced Nuclear for Clean Energy (ADVANCE) Act and President Trump’s executive order (EO), “Ordering the Reform of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission,” have resulted in an unprecedented overhaul of the NRC that has raised some eyebrows within the nuclear community. It’s led to some people questioning the NRC’s independence when it comes to things like oversight, licensing, and safety.

At RIC 2026, Nieh defended the agency and its role. At one point during his speech, Nieh said America should expect three things from the NRC: safety first; independence always; and discipline, efficiency, and timeliness.

“I really want to put that to rest: NRC is doing its own work. Our coordination with the rest of government is aimed at accelerating the safe and secure deployment of nuclear technology,” Nieh said.

The EO and the ADVANCE Act have given the NRC what Nieh calls a “once-in-a-career moment” to develop a framework that will set nuclear regulatory standards for decades to come that may lead to similar agencies throughout the world reframing their own standards.

“Few public servants ever get the chance to redesign an entire regulatory system, and we have that opportunity now,” he said.

Nieh said he is leading the NRC with three priorities: a core mission delivery that has safety, efficiency, and speed in mind; leadership and operational excellence; and sustainable performance through continuous improvement.

He argued they are already seeing the results because of the changes made. He pointed out that since RIC 2025, the NRC had done the following:

• 18 draft rules.
• A final Part 53 rule.
• Approved the TerraPower construction permit nine months ahead of schedule and 11 percent under budget.
• Approved the NuScale US460 SMR standard design two months ahead of schedule.
• Approved Limerick’s full digital safety system.
• Approved the Palisades restart.
• Renewed licenses for 13 operating reactors.
• Approved the TRISO-X fuel facility license more than three months ahead of schedule.
• Approved new uranium mine remediation technology.
• Published a draft fusion regulation rulemaking for comment.

When asked what ultimate success looks like in the NRC, Nieh said, “Shovels in the ground. . . . If we’re successful, licenses are issued and shovels go in the ground and we start building nuclear reactors safely and securely in the United States.”

Wright cancels, gives a short message: More than 3,000 people are attending RIC 2026, either in person or online, but one person who could not attend was Energy Secretary Chris Wright, who had to cancel his scheduled plenary session Tuesday morning.

Nevertheless, he delivered a short video message following Nieh’s opener, saying he was disappointed to not be there but planned to see everyone at RIC 2027.

“You’re a part of history. This is the nuclear renaissance that’s been talked about for years. I honestly believe with the team we’ve got today, this is going to happen,” he said. “It's had bumps along the way . . . but we’re very passionate about getting our nuclear industry with next-generation designs, improvements on existing reactors, life extensions,” he said. “We want to massively grow the energy produced in the United States and around the world from this fabulous technology.”

Commissioners Wright, Crowell share their thoughts: Commissioner David Wright spent most of 2025 as NRC Chairman, having a front-row view of the transition and reform that was about to begin.

Wright said it was necessary for the NRC to evolve as the demand for nuclear energy changes.

“Maintaining excellence demands evolution, and last year we evolved. We changed our culture, we turned the ship, and I’m proud of what we accomplished,” Wright said.

He developed a greater admiration of the NRC staff, who had to weather all the changes. Some people left, but the NRC did not lose its way, he said.

“Everyone stepped up—everyone,” he added.

There are 24 potential applicants in some form of engagement with the NRC, Wright said. Another 36 potential applicants have not engaged with the NRC.

“Together, that represents more than 60 potential applicants,” he added. “Regardless if they all materialize or not, it’s still an exciting time to work at the NRC. The future is unfolding right before us. The NRC stands ready to support whatever the future brings to us—we will not be the road block.”

Commissioner Bradley Crowell said the nuclear renaissance feels real. Much of the optimism is now backed up with investments, for example.

He does worry about staffing levels at the NRC. Retaining and recruiting staff is important to him, but some factors can complicate things, like competition from the private sector or university funding.

“My gut instinct from the stress level and talking to NRC employees is we could use more capacity,” he said. “We’re not helping ourselves in the meantime by not funding our university programs and research activities and building that workforce of the future. I’m glad the DOE is continuing to do its university programs. We need to be doing them as well. We need to build our farm team and have a little bit more ownership of that.”

Editor’s note: Commissioners Matthew Marzano and Douglas Weaver are speaking today, during the second day of RIC 2026.