Licensing of Advanced Nuclear Reactors in the United States: An Analysis of Nrc's 10 Cfr Part 53 and the Impact of Modern Technology Insertion Using the Advocacy Coalition Framework

Abstract

Advanced reactors with unique designs will have to be built to meet ambitious energy goals in the United States as well as reduce high upfront costs and time inefficiencies typically found within the industry. Congress forced a policy change in 2019 within the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) through the creation of NRC’s 10 CFR Part 53, the first licensing process added since 1989. The following work analyzed the implementation of Part 53 with Advocacy Coalition Framework (ACF). Two coalitions formed within the policy subsystem are Risk Acceptance and Risk Avoidance. The "Risk Acceptance" coalition advocated for safety requirements that better fit advanced reactors and urge the NRC to accept some level of risk through reducing burden within existing regulations. Comparatively, the "Risk Avoidance" was less in favor of policy changes. In 2023, NRC Commissioners partially approved Part 53 and tasked the NRC staff to incorporate public feedback. The "Risk Acceptance" coalition, based on ACF, was able to garner power and authority through leveraging the window of opportunity created by Congress and advocate for their policy beliefs. As a result, Part 53 will likely reduce safety standards currently required for nuclear reactors and appeal to the industry to pursue future licenses.

Keywords: Part 53, Advocacy Coalition Framework, Nuclear Regulation