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NRC Final Rule Amends Hearing Procedures for Nuclear Licensing Proceedings

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has issued a final rule amending its rules of practice and procedure to increase flexibility in conducting mandatory hearings for nuclear facility licensing proceedings. The rule implements provisions of the ADVANCE Act of 2024 and Executive Order 14300, which directed NRC to streamline its regulatory processes. The effective date is May 15, 2026.

ACRS 735th Meeting: Draft Microreactor Rules and EO 14300 Changes

The NRC Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards (ACRS) has scheduled its 735th meeting for May 6-8, 2026, to review draft rules on licensing requirements for microreactors and low-consequence reactors under 10 CFR Part 57. The Committee will also discuss implementation of Executive Order 14300 (May 23, 2025), which directs reduction of ACRS functions to statutory minimums and refocuses review on novel and noteworthy issues. Interested members of the public may participate remotely in open sessions.

Bouchelle Road Solar 1 CPCN Public Hearing

The Maryland Public Service Commission has scheduled a public hearing for April 30, 2026 regarding an application by Bouchelle Road Solar 1, LLC (New Leaf Energy) for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to construct a 5.0 MW solar generating facility on 37 acres at 600 Bouchelle Road in Elkton, Cecil County. The project is proposed as part of Maryland's community solar program. Public comments on Case No. 9797 will be accepted through May 8, 2026.

Environmental Management Site-Specific Advisory Board Idaho Cleanup Project Meeting May 14 2026

The Department of Energy announces an open meeting of the Environmental Management Site-Specific Advisory Board (EM SSAB), Idaho Cleanup Project (ICP), scheduled for May 14, 2026, in Idaho Falls, Idaho and virtually via Zoom. The meeting is open to the public and includes a 15-minute public comment period.

Rescinds Grant Programs for Schools, Hospitals, and Local Government Buildings

The Department of Energy (DOE) publishes a final rule to rescind 10 CFR part 455, which established the Grant Programs for Schools and Hospitals and Buildings Owned by Units of Local Government and Public Care Institutions. These regulations were created to implement the Institutional Conservation Program (ICP), which was consolidated in 1996 with the State Energy Program (SEP). DOE states the rule has no impact on stakeholders because the statutory authority has gone unfunded for decades and all programming is now regulated through 10 CFR part 420. The rule takes effect May 14, 2026.

Determination of Applications: Permits, Imports, Waste

ERA Malta Regulatory Affairs Directorate published over 30 environmental permit decisions covering tree work, waste exports, construction debris, WEEE, and municipal waste across multiple Maltese localities. Decisions include an alligator watch strap import from Switzerland and hazardous waste export to Portugal.

ERA Determines Applications: 30 Permits Granted, 1 Dismissed for Environmental and Waste Management Activities

ERA Malta's Regulatory Affairs Directorate issued decisions on 30 environmental permit applications, with 29 granted and 1 dismissed. Permits cover environmental activities including waste management (construction/demolition, WEEE, separated waste, road services), biota sampling, filming, beach clean-ups, and educational school activities across multiple Maltese localities. One application (EP 1300/23) for tree uprooting/transplanting in Zebbug was dismissed.

ERA Permit Determinations: Tree Transplanting, Floriana

ERA Malta published permit determinations covering tree transplanting, tree interventions, emergency pruning/removal permits, and hazardous waste export/transit authorizations. Decisions were issued from February 2-7, 2026. Most tree-related permits (EP 228/25, EP 276/25, EP 322/25, emergency permits 08/26, 10/26, 11/26) were Granted, while certain waste export applications were Withdrawn or Dismissed.

Exempt Wholesale Generator and Foreign Utility Company Status Approvals

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issued a notice that Exempt Wholesale Generator and Foreign Utility Company status for 37 energy companies became effective during March 2026. The approvals span solar energy, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and power generation facilities, with docket numbers ranging from EG26-121-000 through EG26-146-000 for domestic entities and FC26-1-000 through FC26-8-000 for foreign utility companies. Status became effective by operation of Commission regulations under 18 CFR 366.7(a).

Natural Gas Pipeline Rate and Refund Report Filings

FERC received natural gas pipeline rate filings including an abbreviated application from Venice Energy Services Company for a Limited Jurisdiction Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, and a Rate Case Settlement Refund Report from Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company. Comment deadlines are April 20, 2026 and April 21, 2026 respectively.