Energy & Utilities

Indirect License Transfer - Palo Verde Nuclear Station

The NRC received an application from El Paso Electric Company on January 28, 2026, seeking approval for indirect transfer of control of its interests in Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station Units 1, 2, and 3 (Licenses NPF-41, NPF-51, NPF-74) and the associated Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installation. The NRC is soliciting public comments and hearing requests before deciding on the license transfer.

NextEra Energy Duane Arnold License Transfer

The NRC issued an order approving the direct transfer of partial ownership in Renewed Facility License No. DPR-49 for the Duane Arnold Energy Center from Central Iowa Power Cooperative and Corn Belt Power Cooperative to NextEra Energy Duane Arnold, LLC. Following the transfer, NextEra will hold 100% ownership of the nuclear facility license and associated independent spent fuel storage installation. The order also approves a conforming license amendment for administrative purposes.

NRC Forms 541 and 541A Uniform Low-Level Radioactive Waste Manifest Renewal

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has submitted a request to the Office of Management and Budget for renewal of an existing information collection—NRC Forms 541 and 541A covering Uniform Low-Level Radioactive Waste Manifest Container and Waste Description documentation. The 60-day public comment period closes May 4, 2026.

NRC Forms 542 and 542A Information Collection Renewal Request

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has submitted a request to the Office of Management and Budget for renewal of an existing information collection covering NRC Forms 542 and 542A, which address Uniform Low-Level Radioactive Waste Manifest Index and Regional Compact Tabulation. The public comment period closes May 4, 2026.

NRC Form 237, Request for Access Authorization - Information Collection Renewal

The NRC has submitted a renewal request for NRC Form 237, "Request for Access Authorization," to OMB for review under the Paperwork Reduction Act. The form is used to request access authorization for nuclear facilities. The public has 30 days to submit comments on this information collection renewal.

NRC Sunshine Act Meetings Schedule

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission published a Sunshine Act meeting notice listing public Commission meetings scheduled for April 6 through May 11, 2026. Three meetings are tentatively scheduled: Advisory Committee on Medical Uses of Isotopes (April 21), Human Capital and EEO Briefing (May 5), and Strategic Overview of Fuel Facilities and Spent Fuel Storage (May 7). No new regulatory requirements or compliance obligations are established by this notice.

NRC requests comments on Forms 540 and 540A radioactive waste manifest

The NRC has submitted a request to OMB for renewal of an existing information collection covering NRC Forms 540 and 540A, the Uniform Low-Level Radioactive Waste Manifest (Shipping Paper) and Continuation Page. The public comment period closes on May 4, 2026. This is a routine administrative renewal of paperwork requirements for entities shipping or receiving low-level radioactive waste.

Amendment 5 HI-STORM UMAX Spent Fuel Storage Cask Changes

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has proposed Amendment 5 to the HI-STORM UMAX spent fuel storage cask system, initiating a public consultation. The amendment involves technical modifications to the storage cask design used at nuclear power facilities. Stakeholders may submit comments through Regulations.gov.

Special Nuclear Material Inventory Reporting Requirements

The NRC has submitted a request to OMB for renewal of an existing information collection: NRC Form 327, "Special Nuclear Material (SNM) and Source Material (SM) Physical Inventory Summary Report," along with NUREG/BR-0096 instructions. The agency is seeking public comments on this renewal, which covers routine reporting by nuclear licensees of their special nuclear material and source material inventories.

Patrick Rhode Sworn In as PUCT Commissioner

Patrick Rhode was sworn in as Commissioner of the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) on April 2, 2026. He was appointed by Governor Greg Abbott effective April 1, 2026. His background includes service as Special Assistant to the President of the United States, NASA Senior Advisor, senior roles at the Department of Homeland Security, and Vice President of an international infrastructure company.