Laws and Regulations

New nuclear reactor licensing is a complex, multi-year process governed by both federal laws passed by the U.S. Congress and regulations developed by the NRC. The Federal laws governing the NRC generally have high-level directives for the civilian use of nuclear materials. The finer details of reactor licensing and other civilian uses of nuclear materials are found in Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR). The NRC develops and issues these regulations for all areas under its jurisdiction. All U.S. civilian uses of materials must comply with federal laws and the regulations in 10 CFR.