Environmental Protection of New Fuels

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires Federal agencies to evaluate the impacts of proposed federal actions on the human environment. The NRC complies with NEPA through its regulations in Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 51. These regulations direct staff performance of environmental reviews.

The Environmental Center of Expertise (EnvCOE) in the NRC's Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards conducts environmental reviews for new licenses, license renewals, license amendments, and exemptions and for rulemakings, including for those related to high-assay, low-enriched uranium, or HALEU. The EnvCOE also reviews and develops environmental guidance.