1

Fiscal Year 2014 Rulemaking Activities Report 

Introduction

This report provides a summary of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC) 

rulemaking actions published in the Federal Register during Fiscal Year (FY) 2014. Included in 

this report are summaries of documents: (1) containing regulatory text; (2) imposing 

requirements with general applicability and legal effect; (3) concerning a rulemaking proceeding; 

or (4) announcing an enhanced public participation initiative related to a rulemaking. Also 

included are descriptions of agency actions on petitions for rulemaking.

Summary of NRC Rulemaking Actions

The following table summarizes the number of rulemaking actions published in the Federal 

Register in FY 2014.

Rulemaking Action Total Number Published

Advance Notices of Proposed Rulemaking 2

Proposed Rules 5

Supplemental Proposed Rules 1

Final Rules 3

Direct Final Rules 8

Corrections and Correcting Amendments1 7

 1 A “correction” is published before the effective date of a rule. A “correcting amendment” is published after the 

effective date of a rule.
2

Rulemaking Action Total Number Published

Preliminary2 and Draft3 Rule Language 1

Petitions for Rulemaking

Notices of Docketing

Supplemental Information

Considerations in the Rulemaking Process

Partial Considerations in the Rulemaking Process

Denials

Withdrawals by Petitioner

4

2

1

0

1

0

Draft and Final Regulatory Basis 3

Draft and Final Guidance Documents 3

Draft and Final Policy Statements 4

Memorandum of Understanding 0

Other Rulemaking Related Publications 6

Total 51

 2 “Preliminary rule language” means rule language that is not part of an official recommendation to the NRC decisionmaker with rulemaking authority that the NRC issue a proposed or final rule. Preliminary rule language is developed 

by working level staff, but does not constitute the NRC’s official rulemaking proposal, even though it may be made 

available to the public.

3 “Draft rule language” means rule language that is part of a recommendation to the NRC rulemaking decision-maker 

that the NRC issue a proposed or final rule.
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Table of Contents

I. Advance Notices of Proposed Rulemaking

II. Proposed Rules 

III. Supplemental Proposed Rules

IV. Final Rules 

V. Direct Final Rules 

VI. Corrections and Correcting Amendments

VII. Petitions for Rulemaking 

a. Notices of Docketing

b. Supplemental Information

c. Considerations in the Rulemaking Process

d. Partial Considerations in the Rulemaking Process

e. Denials

f. Withdrawals by Petitioner

VIII. Preliminary and Draft Rule Language

IX. Draft and Final Regulatory Bases

X. Draft and Final Guidance Documents (that support rulemakings)

XI. Policy Statements

XII. Memorandum of Understanding

XIII. Other Rulemaking Related Publications
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I. Advance Notices of Proposed Rulemaking

Potential Changes to Interlocutory Appeals Process for Adjudicatory Decisions: 

Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking; Withdrawal; 10 CFR [Title 10 of the Code of 

Federal Regulations] Part 2 (RIN 3150-AJ24; NRC-2013-0050)

On November 6, 2013, the NRC published a document in the Federal Register (78 FR 66660) 

withdrawing an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) that presented possible 

changes to its interlocutory appeals process for certain adjudicatory decisions. The NRC 

published the ANPR on April 5, 2013 (78 FR 20498), and solicited public comments. Based 

upon the limited public comments received, the NRC did not believe that amendments to the 

current regulations were warranted at this time.

Radiation Protection: Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking; Request for Comments; 

10 CFR Part 20 (RIN 3150-AJ29; NRC-2009-0279)

On July 25, 2014, the NRC published an ANPR in the Federal Register (79 FR 43284) to obtain 

input from stakeholders on the development of a draft regulatory basis. The draft regulatory 

basis would support potential changes to the NRC’s current radiation protection regulations. 

The goal of this effort is to achieve greater alignment between the NRC’s radiation protection 

regulations and the 2007 recommendations of the International Commission on Radiological 

Protection. The public comment period on the ANPR will close on November 24, 2014.

II. Proposed Rules

Amendments to Material Control and Accounting Regulations: Proposed Rule; 10 CFR 

Parts 40, 70, 72, 74, and 150 (RIN 3150-AI61; NRC-2009-0096)

On November 8, 2013, the NRC published a proposed rule in the Federal Register (78 FR 

67225) to amend its regulations for material control and accounting (MC&A) of special nuclear 

material (SNM). The goal of this rulemaking is to revise and consolidate the MC&A 

requirements in order to update, clarify, and strengthen them. The proposed amendments add 

new requirements that would apply to NRC licensees who are authorized to possess SNM in a 

quantity greater than 350 grams. In the same issue of the Federal Register, the NRC published 

for public comment five draft NUREGs that support the proposed rule (78 FR 67224). The NRC 

extended the public comment period on the proposed rule and the draft NUREGs from February 

18, 2014, to March 10, 2014 (78 FR 79328). 

Deliberate Misconduct Rule and Hearings on Challenges to the Immediate Effectiveness 

of Orders: Proposed Rule; 10 CFR Parts 2, 30, 40, 50, 52, 60, 61, 63, 70, 71, 72, 76, 110, 

and 150 (RIN 3150-AJ27; NRC-2013-0132)

On February 11, 2014, the NRC published a proposed rule in the Federal Register (79 FR 8097) 

to amend its regulations concerning deliberate misconduct by licensees and other persons 

otherwise subject to the NRC’s jurisdiction (known as the “Deliberate Misconduct Rule”) and its 

regulations concerning challenges to immediately effective orders issued by the NRC. This 

proposed rule would incorporate the concept of “deliberate ignorance” as an additional basis on 

which to take enforcement action against persons who violate any of the NRC’s Deliberate 

Misconduct Rule provisions. In addition, the proposed amendments would clarify that the NRC 
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staff has the burden of persuasion in showing that adequate evidence supports the grounds for 

the order and that immediate effectiveness is warranted. In addition, the proposed amendments 

would clarify the authority of the NRC’s presiding officer to order live testimony in resolving 

challenges to immediately effective orders. The public comment period on the proposed rule 

closed on May 12, 2014.

Performance-Based Emergency Core Cooling Systems Cladding Acceptance Criteria: 

Proposed Rule; 10 CFR Parts 50 and 52 (RIN 3150-AH42; NRC-2008-0332; NRC-2012-

0041; NRC-2012-0042; NRC-2012-0043)

On March 24, 2014, the NRC published a proposed rule in the Federal Register (79 FR 16106) 

to amend its regulations to revise the acceptance criteria for the emergency core cooling system 

(ECCS) for light-water nuclear power reactors. The proposed ECCS acceptance criteria are 

performance-based and reflect recent research findings that identified new embrittlement 

mechanisms for fuel rods with zirconium alloy cladding under loss-of-coolant accident 

conditions. The proposed rule also addresses two petitions for rulemaking by establishing 

requirements applicable to all fuel types and cladding materials and requiring the consideration 

of crud, oxide deposits, and hydrogen content in zirconium-based alloy fuel cladding. Further, 

the proposed rule contains a provision that would allow licensees to use an alternative riskinformed approach to evaluate the effects of debris for long-term cooling. The NRC also sought

public comment on three draft regulatory guides that would support the implementation of the 

proposed rule. Due to requests from members of the public, the NRC extended the comment 

periods for the proposed rule, the associated draft guidance, and the information collection 

aspects from June 9, 2014, to August 21, 2014 (79 FR 22456).

Revision of Fee Schedules; Fee Recovery for Fiscal Year 2014: Proposed Rule; 10 CFR 

Parts 170 and 171 (RIN 3150-AJ32; NRC-2013-0276)

On April 14, 2014, the NRC published a proposed rule in the Federal Register (79 FR 21036) to 

amend the licensing, inspection, and annual fees charged to its applicants and licensees. The 

proposed amendments are necessary to implement the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 

1990, as amended, which requires the NRC to recover through fees approximately 90 percent 

of its budget authority in Fiscal Year 2014, not including amounts appropriated for Waste 

Incidental to Reprocessing and amounts appropriated for generic homeland security activities. 

These fees represent the cost of NRC services provided to applicants and licensees. The 

public comment period on the proposed rule closed on May 14, 2014.

Medical Use of Byproduct Material-Medical Event Definitions, Training and Experience, 

and Clarifying Amendments: Proposed Rule; 10 CFR Parts 30, 32, and 35 (RIN 3150-AI63; 

NRC-2008-0175)

On July 21, 2014, the NRC published a proposed rule in the Federal Register (79 FR 42410) to 

amend its regulations related to the medical use of byproduct material. In this action, the NRC 

addressed three ongoing rulemaking projects and several other related topics. On July 21, 

2014, the NRC also issued for public comment in the Federal Register (79 FR 42224) a draft 

guidance document entitled “Draft Guidance for the Proposed Rule ‘Medical Use of Byproduct 

Material-Medical Events Definitions, Training and Experience, and Clarifying Amendments.’” 

This draft guidance document addressed implementation of the NRC’s proposed rule amending 

its medical use of byproduct material regulations. The public comment period on the proposed 

rule and the guidance document will close on November 18, 2014. The public comment period 

on the information collections aspects of the proposed rule closed on August 20, 2014. 
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III. Supplemental Proposed Rules

ESBWR Design Certification: Supplemental Proposed Rule; 10 CFR Part 52 (RIN 3150-

AI85; NRC-2010-0135)

On May 6, 2014, the NRC published a supplemental proposed rule in the Federal Register

(79 FR 25715) to amend its regulations to certify the Economic Simplified Boiling-Water Reactor 

(ESBWR) standard plant design. The proposed ESBWR design certification rule was published 

for public comment in the Federal Register on March 24, 2011 (76 FR 16549). The NRC 

published this supplemental proposed rule to provide an opportunity for the public to comment 

on two matters. The first is proposed changes related to the analysis methodology supporting 

the ESBWR steam dryer design that were made after the close of the public comment period for 

the proposed ESBWR design certification rule. The second is the NRC’s proposed clarification 

of its intent to treat 50 referenced documents within Revision 10 of the ESBWR design control 

document as requirements and matters resolved in subsequent licensing and enforcement 

actions for plants referencing the ESBWR design certification. The applicant for certification of 

the ESBWR design is GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy. The public comment period on the

supplemental proposed rule closed on June 5, 2014.

IV. Final Rules

Revision of Fee Schedules; Fee Recovery for Fiscal Year 2014: Final Rule; 10 CFR Parts 

170 and 171 (RIN 3150-AJ32; NRC-2013-0276)

On June 30, 2014, the NRC published a final rule in the Federal Register (79 FR 37124),

effective August 29, 2014, amending the licensing, inspection, and annual fees charged to its 

applicants and licensees. These amendments are necessary to implement the Omnibus Budget 

Reconciliation Act of 1990, as amended, which requires the NRC to recover, through fees, 

approximately 90 percent of its budget authority in fiscal year 2014, not including amounts 

appropriated for Waste Incidental to Reprocessing, amounts appropriated for generic homeland 

security activities, and Inspector General services for the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety 

Board. These fees represent the cost of the NRC’s services provided to applicants and 

licensees. 

Export Controls and Physical Security Standards: Final Rule; 10 CFR Part 110 (RIN 3150-

AJ33; NRC-2014-0007)

On July 10, 2014, the NRC published a final rule in the Federal Register (79 FR 39289), 

effective August 11, 2014, amending its regulations pertaining to the export and import of 

nuclear materials and equipment. This rulemaking was necessary to conform the export 

controls of the United States to the international export control guidelines of the Nuclear 

Suppliers Group, of which the United States is a member, and to incorporate by reference the 

current version of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s document, “Nuclear Security 

Recommendations on Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and Nuclear Facilities 

(INFCIRC/225/Revision 5), January 2011.” Also, this final rule made certain editorial revisions 

and corrected typographical errors.
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Continued Storage of Spent Nuclear Fuel: Final Rule; 10 CFR Part 51 (RIN 3150-AJ20; 

NRC-2012-0246) 

On September 19, 2014, the NRC published a final rule in the Federal Register (79 FR 56238), 

effective October 20, 2014, revising its generic determination regarding the environmental 

impacts of the continued storage of spent nuclear fuel beyond a reactor’s licensed life for 

operation and prior to ultimate disposal. The NRC prepared a final generic environmental 

impact statement that provides a regulatory basis for this final rule (79 FR 56263; September 

19, 2014).

V. Direct Final Rules

List of Approved Spent Fuel Storage Casks: Transnuclear, Inc. Standardized NUHOMS®

Cask System; Direct Final Rule; 10 CFR Part 72 (RIN 3150-AJ10; NRC-2012-0020)

On October 24, 2013, the NRC published a direct final rule in the Federal Register

(78 FR 63375) amending its spent fuel storage regulations by revising the Transnuclear, Inc. 

Standardized NUHOMS® Cask System listing within the “List of Approved Spent Fuel Storage 

Casks” to include Amendment No. 11 to Certificate of Compliance (CoC) No. 1004. 

Amendment No. 11 revised the authorized contents to include: adding a new transfer cask, the 

OS197L, for use with the 32PT and 61BT dry shielded canisters; and converting the CoC No. 

1004 Technical Specifications to the format in NUREG-1745, “Standard Format and Content for 

Technical Specifications for 10 CFR Part 72 Cask Certificates of Compliance.” The 

amendment made several other changes described in the direct final rule. The companion 

proposed rule was published in the Federal Register on October 24, 2013 (78 FR 63408). The 

effective date of January 7, 2014, was confirmed on December 27, 2013 (78 FR 78693).

List of Approved Spent Fuel Storage Casks: HI-STORM 100 Cask System; Amendment 

No. 9: Direct Final Rule; 10 CFR Part 72 (RIN 3150-AJ12; NRC–2012–0052)

On December 6, 2013, the NRC published a direct final rule in the Federal Register

(78 FR 73379) amending its spent fuel storage regulations by revising the Holtec International 

HI-STORM 100 Cask System listing within the “List of Approved Spent Fuel Storage Casks” to 

include Amendment No. 9 to Certificate of Compliance No. 1014. Amendment No. 9 broadened

the subgrade requirements for the HI-STORM 100U part of the HI-STORM 100 Cask System 

and updated the thermal model and methodology for the HI-TRAC transfer cask from a twodimensional thermal-hydraulic model to a more accurate three-dimensional model. The 

amendment also made editorial corrections. The companion proposed rule was published in 

the Federal Register on December 6, 2013 (78 FR 73456). On December 26, 2013, the NRC 

published a document in the Federal Register correcting and delaying the effective date of the 

direct final rule (78 FR 78165) from February 19, 2014, to March 11, 2014. Also on December 

26, 2013, the NRC published a correction (FR 78 78285) to the companion proposed rule 

extending the public comment period from January 6, 2014, to January 27, 2014. The effective 

date of March 11, 2014, was confirmed on March 5, 2014 (79 FR 12362). 

List of Approved Spent Fuel Storage Casks: Transnuclear, Inc. Standardized NUHOMS®

Cask System: Direct Final Rule; 10 CFR Part 72 (RIN 3150-AJ28; NRC-2013-0236)

On March 10, 2014, the NRC published a direct final rule in the Federal Register (79 FR 13192) 

amending its spent fuel storage regulations by revising the Transnuclear, Inc. Standardized 

NUHOMS® Cask System listing within the “List of Approved Spent Fuel Storage Casks” to 
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include Amendment No. 13 to Certificate of Compliance No. 1004. Amendment No. 13 revised

the authorized contents to: add two new dry shielded canisters (DSCs), the -37PTH and the -

69BTH; add new approved contents, including blended low enriched uranium (BLEU) fuel, and 

control components to already approved DSCs; and extend the use of the high-seismic

horizontal storage module (HSM–HS) for storage of already approved DSCs. The amendment 

made several other changes described in the direct final rule. The companion proposed rule 

was published in the Federal Register on March 10, 2014 (79 FR 13260). The effective date of 

May 24, 2014, was confirmed on May 16, 2014 (79 FR 28393).

List of Approved Spent Fuel Storage Casks: Transnuclear, Inc. Standardized Advanced 

NUHOMS® Horizontal Modular Storage System; Amendment No. 3: Direct Final Rule; 10 

CFR Part 72 (RIN 3150-AJ31; NRC-2013-0271) 

On April 15, 2014, the NRC published a direct final rule in the Federal Register (79 FR 21121) 

amending its spent fuel storage regulations by revising the Transnuclear, Inc. Standardized 

Advanced NUHOMS® Horizontal Modular Storage System (NUHOMS® Storage System) listing 

within the “List of Approved Spent Fuel Storage Casks” to include Amendment No. 3 to 

Certificate of Compliance No. 1029. Amendment No. 3 added a new transportable dry shielded 

canister to the NUHOMS® Storage System and made editorial corrections. The companion 

proposed rule was published in the Federal Register on April 15, 2014 (79 FR 21156). The 

NRC received at least one significant adverse comment in response to the companion proposed 

rule. Therefore, on June 25, 2014, the NRC published a document in the Federal Register (79 

FR 35911) withdrawing the direct final rule.

List of Approved Spent Fuel Storage Casks: Transnuclear, Inc. NUHOMS® HD Cask 

System, Certificate of Compliance No. 1030, Amendment No. 2: Direct Final Rule; 10 CFR 

Part 72 (RIN 3150-AJ30; NRC-2013-0269)

On July 31, 2014, the NRC published a direct final rule in the Federal Register (79 FR 44264) 

amending its spent fuel storage regulations by revising the Transnuclear, Inc. NUHOMS® HD 

Cask System listing within the “List of Approved Spent Fuel Storage Casks” to include 

Amendment No. 2 to Certificate of Compliance No. 1030. Amendment No. 2 included changes

to: increase the soluble boron concentration to 2,800 ppm for criticality safety analyses and add

maximum enrichments for Combustion Engineering 14x14 fuel assemblies that were previously 

unauthorized for storage; improve clarity of certain TSs, such as heat load zoning configuration,

fuel qualification table, fuel class, and intact fuel/damaged fuel definitions; allow for increased 

fuel assembly weight by 25 pounds; revise the definition of control components; include blended 

low enriched uranium fuel material; increase shielding effectiveness of the horizontal storage 

module by adding optional dose reduction hardware; update licensing basis documents based 

on recent experience with ongoing licensing actions involving other NUHOMS® systems; and

accommodate installation practices for a limiting gap size that was evaluated based on dose 

rates. In addition, the amendment made editorial changes to the TSs. The companion 

proposed rule was also published in the Federal Register on July 30, 2014 (79 FR 44318). The 

effective date of October 14, 2014, was confirmed on September 30, 2014 (79 FR 58672).

List of Approved Spent Fuel Storage Casks: Holtec International HI-STORM 

Underground Maximum Capacity Canister Storage System, Certificate of Compliance No. 

1040; Direct Final Rule; 10 CFR Part 72 (RIN 3150-AJ42; NRC-2014-0120)

On September 9, 2014, the NRC published a direct final rule in the Federal Register (79 FR 

53281) amending its spent fuel storage regulations by adding the Holtec International HI-
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STORM Underground Maximum Capacity (UMAX) Canister Storage System, Certificate of 

Compliance (CoC) No. 1040, to the “List of approved spent fuel storage casks.” The companion 

proposed rule was published in the Federal Register on September 9, 2014 (79 FR 53352). 

Unless significant adverse comments are received, the direct final rule will become effective on 

November 24, 2014.

Domestic Licensing of Special Nuclear Material—Written Reports and Clarifying 

Amendments: Direct Final Rule; 10 CFR Part 70 (RIN 3150-AJ34; NRC-2010-0271)

On September 26, 2014, the NRC published a direct final rule in the Federal Register (79 FR 

57721) amending its regulations related to reportable safety events involving special nuclear 

material. This direct final rule increases the time that licensees are allowed to submit a written 

follow-up report from within 30 days to within 60 days after the initial report of an event, updates 

the reporting framework for certain situations, and removes redundant reporting requirements. 

These amendments affect a licensee or an applicant that is, or plans to be, authorized to 

possess greater than a critical mass of special nuclear material. This action resulted from a 

petition for rulemaking (PRM) received by the NRC (PRM-70-8). As a result of this direct final 

rule, the NRC’s “FCSS [Fuel Cycle Safety and Safeguards] Interim Staff Guidance-12, Revision 

1, 10 CFR Part 70-Reportable Safety Events,” contains minor editorial updates that reflect the 

amendments. The companion composed rule was published in the Federal Register on 

September 26, 2014 (79 FR 57840). Unless significant adverse comments are received, the

direct final rule will be come effective on January 26, 2015. 

Safeguards Information-Modified Handling Categorization; Change for Materials 

Facilities: Direct Final Rule; 10 CFR Parts 30, 37, 73, and 150 (RIN 3150-AJ18; NRC-2012-

0140)

On September 30, 2014, the NRC published a direct final rule in the Federal Register (79 FR 

58664) amending its regulations to remove the Safeguards Information-Modified Handling (SGIM) designation of the security-related information for large irradiators, manufacturers and 

distributors, and for transport of category 1 quantities of radioactive material. The rulemaking 

also resulted in the removal of the SGI-M designation of the security-related information for the 

transportation of irradiated reactor fuel that weighs 100 grams or less in net weight of irradiated 

fuel. The security-related information for these facilities and the transportation of certain 

materials will no longer be designated as SGI-M and will be protected under the information 

protection requirements that apply to other materials licensees that possess category 1 and 

category 2 quantities of radioactive material. The companion proposed rule was published in 

the Federal Register on September 30, 2014 (79 FR 58701). Unless significant adverse 

comments are received, the direct final rule will become effective on January 28, 2015.

VI. Corrections and Correcting Amendments

Miscellaneous Corrections; Corrections: Correcting Amendments; 10 CFR Parts 40, 50,

52, and 70 (RIN 3150-AJ23; NRC-2013-0019)

On December 12, 2013, the NRC published a correcting amendment in the Federal Register (78 

FR 75449) making miscellaneous corrections to a final rule published on June 7, 2013 (78 FR 

34245). The final rule contained minor errors in grammar, punctuation, and referencing. This 

document corrected the final rule by amending the sections that contained these errors. The 

correcting amendment was effective on December 12, 2013.
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Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions: Semiannual Regulatory 

Agenda; Correction; 10 CFR Chapter I (NRC-2013-0263)

On January 22, 2014, the NRC published a correction in the Federal Register (FR 79 3543) that 

corrected a notice appearing in the Federal Register on January 7, 2014 (79 FR 1294), notifying 

the public of the availability of its semiannual regulatory agenda (the Agenda). The Agenda is a 

compilation of all rules on which the NRC has recently completed action or has proposed or is 

considering action. The correction was necessary to revise an incorrect NRC Docket ID and 

was effective on January 22, 2014.

List of Approved Spent Fuel Storage Casks: HI-STORM 100 Cask System; Amendment 

No. 9; Corrections: Final Rule; Correcting Amendment; 10 CFR Part 72 (RIN 3150-AJ12; 

NRC-2012-0052)

On April 14, 2014, the NRC published a correcting amendment in the Federal Register

(79 FR 20753) correcting a direct final rule published in the Federal Register on December 6, 

2013 (78 FR 3379). The direct final rule amended the NRC’s spent fuel storage regulations by 

revising the Holtec International HI-STORM 100 Cask System listing within the “List of Approved 

Spent Fuel Storage Casks” to include Amendment No. 9 to Certificate of Compliance (CoC) No. 

1014. On December 26, 2013 (78 FR 78165), the NRC published a document that corrected 

several Agencywide Documents Access and Management System accession numbers 

referenced in the direct final rule and delayed the effective date of the direct final rule from 

February 19, 2014, to March 11, 2014. This correcting amendment was necessary to provide 

notification that the NRC amended its regulations by revising the Holtec HI-STORM 100 Cask 

System listing within the “List of Approved Spent Fuel Storage Casks” to correct the effective 

date of Amendment No. 9 to CoC No. 1014. The correcting amendment was effective on April 

14, 2014.

Inflation Adjustments to the Price-Anderson Act Financial Protection Regulations; 

Corrections: Correcting Amendments; 10 CFR Part 140 (RIN 3150-AJ25; NRC-2013-0072)

On July 9, 2014, the NRC published a correcting amendment in the Federal Register

(79 FR 38768) correcting a final rule published in the Federal Register on July 12, 2013

(78 FR 41835). This correcting amendment made a necessary conforming change to a 

concomitant NRC regulation. The correcting amendment was effective on July 9, 2014.

Revision of Fee Schedules; Fee Recovery for Fiscal Year 2014; Correction: Final Rule; 

Correction; 10 CFR Parts 170 and 171 (RIN 3150-AJ32; NRC-2013-0276)

On July 22, 2014, the NRC published a correction in the Federal Register (79 FR 42452) 

correcting a final rule that appeared in the Federal Register on June 30, 2014 (79 FR 37124), 

that amended the licensing, inspection, and annual fees charged to the NRC’s applicants and 

licensees. The final rule inadvertently included the NRC’s Agencywide Documents Access and 

Management System (ADAMS) accession number for the fiscal year (FY) 2014 proposed fee 

rule work papers. This document corrected the final rule to provide the ADAMS accession 

number for the FY 2014 final fee rule work papers. The correction was effective on August 29, 

2014.
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Revision of Fee Schedules; Fee Recovery for Fiscal Year 2014; Final Rule; Correction; 10 

CFR Parts 170 and 171 (RIN 3150-AJ32; NRC-2013-0276)

On August 29, 2014, the NRC published a correction in the Federal Register (79 FR 51470) 

correcting a final rule that was published in the Federal Register on June 30, 2014

(79 FR 37124), that amended the licensing, inspection, and annual fees charged to the NRC’s 

applicants and licensees. This action was necessary to correct a typographical error in the fee 

category description in the Schedule of fees for materials licenses and other regulatory services, 

including inspections, and import and export licenses. The NRC also corrected a percentage 

shown for FY 2014 in Table VII, Effort Factors for Fuel Facilities. The correction was effective 

on August 29, 2014.

Medical Use of Byproduct Material--Medical Event Definitions, Training and Experience, 

and Clarifying Amendments; Correction: Proposed Rule; Correction; 10 CFR Parts 30, 32 

and 35 (RIN 3150-AI63; NRC-2008-0175)

On September 22, 2014, the NRC published a correction in the Federal Register (79 FR 56524)

that corrected a proposed rule published in the Federal Register on July 21, 2014

(79 FR 42410), to amend the NRC’s regulations related to the medical use of byproduct 

material. The public comment period for the information collection aspects of the proposed rule 

ended on August 20, 2014. However, the proposed rule inadvertently omitted the one-time 

implementation costs from the information collection burden estimate. This action set out the 

corrected information collection burden estimate in its entirety and allowed the public 30 days to 

comment from the date of publication of the correction. The correction was effective on 

September 22, 2014. The public comment period on the information collection aspects of the 

proposed rule closed on October 22, 2014.

VII. Petitions for Rulemaking

a. Notices of Docketing

Programmable Logic Computers in Nuclear Power Plant Control Systems: Petition for 

Rulemaking; Notice of Acceptance and Docketing; 10 CFR Chapter 1 (PRM-73-17; NRC2013-0214)

On February 7, 2014, the NRC published a notice of docketing in the Federal Register (79 FR 

7406) of a petition for rulemaking (PRM) filed on March 14, 2013, as supplemented through 

December 19, 2013, by Mr. Alan Morris (the petitioner). The petitioner requests that the NRC 

require “new-design programmable logic computers” be installed in the control systems of 

nuclear power plants to block malware attacks on their industrial control systems of those 

facilities. In addition, the petitioner requests that nuclear power plant staff be trained “in the 

programming and handling of the non-rewriteable memories” for nuclear power plants. The 

NRC did not institute a public comment period for this PRM.

Revise and Integrate All Safety and Environmental Regulations Related to Spent Fuel 

Storage and Disposal: Petition for Rulemaking; Acceptance and Docketing; 10 CFR Part 

51 (PRM-51-30; NRC-2014-0014)

On April 21, 2014, the NRC published a notice of docketing in the Federal Register (79 FR 

22055) of a PRM filed on December 20, 2013, as corrected on January 7, 2014, by Diane 

Curran on behalf of 34 environmental organizations (the petitioner). The petitioner requests that 
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the NRC revise and integrate all regulations that relate to the environmental impacts of spent 

fuel storage and disposal. The NRC did not institute a public comment period for this PRM.

Environmental Impacts of Spent Fuel Storage During Reactor Operation: Petition for 

Rulemaking; Acceptance and Docketing; 10 CFR Part 51 (PRM-51-31; NRC-2014-0055)

On May 1, 2014, the NRC published a notice of docketing in the Federal Register (79 FR 

24595) of a PRM filed on February 18, 2014, by Diane Curran on behalf of 34 environmental 

organizations (the petitioner). The petitioner requests that the NRC revise its regulations and 

consider, in all pending and future reactor licensing and relicensing decisions, new and 

significant information bearing on the environmental impacts of high-density spent fuel storage 

in reactor pools and the costs and benefits for avoiding or mitigating those impacts. The NRC 

did not institute a public comment period for this PRM. 

Protection of Digital Computer and Communication Systems and Networks: Petition for 

Rulemaking, Docketing, and Request for Comment; 10 CFR Part 73 (PRM-73-18; NRC2014-0165)

On September 22, 2014, the NRC published a notice of docketing in the Federal Register (79 

FR 56525) of a PRM filed on June 12, 2014, by Anthony Pietrangelo on behalf of the Nuclear 

Energy Institute (NEI or the petitioner). The petitioner requests that the NRC revise its cyber 

security requirements to ensure that its regulations prevent radiological sabotage and 

adequately protect the public health and safety and common defense and security. The public 

comment period closes on December 8, 2014.

b. Supplemental Information

Submitting Complete and Accurate Information: Petition for Rulemaking; Supplement; 

10 CFR Parts 30, 40, 50, 52, 60, 61, 63, 70, 71, and 72 (PRM-50-107; NRC-2013-0077)

On January 21, 2014, the NRC published a supplement to a PRM, PRM-50-107, in the Federal 

Register (79 FR 3328). The supplement expanded the scope of a previously noticed PRM (78 

FR 34604; June 10, 2013) that was filed with the NRC by Mr. James Lieberman (the petitioner). 

The petitioner requests that the NRC expand its regulatory framework for nuclear power 

reactors, radioactive materials, waste disposal, transportation, and spent fuel storage licensees 

to make it a legal obligation for those non-licensees who seek NRC regulatory approvals to be 

held to the same legal standards for the submittal of complete and accurate information as 

would a licensee or an applicant for a license. The public comment period on the supplement 

closed on April 7, 2014.

Environmental Impacts of Spent Fuel Storage During Reactor Operation: Supplemental 

Petition for Rulemaking; Notice of Receipt; 10 CFR Part 51 (NRC-2014-0055)

On July 24, 2014, the NRC published a supplement to a PRM, PRM-51-31, in the Federal 

Register (79 FR 42989). The supplement was filed with the NRC by Diane Curran and Mindy 

Goldstein on behalf of 34 Environmental Organizations (the petitioner). The supplement added

information to the record and was noticed for information only. The NRC did not institute a 

public comment period for this supplement.
13

c. Considerations in the Rulemaking Process

Spent Fuel Cask Certificate of Compliance Format and Content: Petition for Rulemaking; 

Consideration in the Rulemaking Process; 10 CFR Part 72 (NRC-2012-0266; NRC-2014-

0067)

On July 18, 2014, the NRC published a document in the Federal Register (FR 79 41935) 

considering in its rulemaking process six issues raised in a petition for rulemaking (PRM),

PRM-72-7, submitted by Anthony Pietrangelo, on behalf of the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI or 

the petitioner). The petitioner requested that the NRC amend its regulations to improve the 

efficiency of the licensing and oversight of spent fuel dry cask storage. 

d. Partial Considerations in the Rulemaking Process

None.

e. Denials

Emergency Planning Zones: Petition for Rulemaking; Denial; 10 CFR Part 50 (PRM-50-

104; NRC-2012-0046)

On April 9, 2014, the NRC published a denial of a petition for rulemaking in the Federal Register 

(79 FR 19501) submitted by Michael Mariotte on behalf of the Nuclear Information and 

Resource Service (the petitioner) and 37 co-petitioners. The petitioner requested that the NRC 

amend its regulations that govern domestic licensing of production and utilization facilities to 

expand existing emergency planning zones (EPZ) around nuclear power plants, create a new 

EPZ, and require the incorporation of concurrent natural disasters in the required periodic 

emergency plan drills. The NRC denied the petition because the NRC concluded that the 

current size of the EPZs is appropriate for existing reactors and that emergency plans will 

provide an adequate level of protection of the public health and safety in the event of an 

accident at a nuclear power plant.

f. Withdrawals by Petitioner

None.

VIII. Preliminary and Draft Rule Language

Onsite Emergency Response Capabilities: Preliminary Proposed Rule Language; 10 CFR

Parts 50 and 55 (RIN 3150-AJ11; NRC-2012-0031)

On November 15, 2013, the NRC published a document in the Federal Register (78 FR 68774) 

making available preliminary proposed rule language that would strengthen and integrate onsite 

emergency response capabilities. The NRC periodically makes publicly available a series of 

documents related to the ongoing proposed rulemaking effort to amend its regulations regarding 

onsite emergency response capabilities. The availability of these documents provides 

increased awareness to interested stakeholders and provides preparatory material for future 

public meetings. The NRC does not plan to institute a public comment period for these 

materials when making them publicly available.
14

IX. Draft and Final Regulatory Bases

Onsite Emergency Response Capabilities; Regulatory Basis; 10 CFR Parts 50 and 55

(RIN 3150-AJ11; NRC-2012-0031)

On October 25, 2013, the NRC published a regulatory basis in the Federal Register

(78 FR 63901) to support the potential amendment of its regulations concerning nuclear power 

plant licensees’ onsite emergency response capabilities. The issuance of this regulatory basis 

document is one of the actions stemming from the NRC’s lessons-learned efforts associated 

with the March 2011 Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant accident in Japan. The NRC did

not seek public comments on the regulatory basis.

Security Requirements for Facilities Storing Spent Nuclear Fuel: Draft Regulatory Basis; 

Availability of Responses to Public Comments; 10 CFR Parts 72 and 73 (RIN 3150-AI78; 

NRC-2009-0558)

On December 24, 2013, the NRC published a document in the Federal Register (78 FR 77606) 

that made available the NRC staff’s responses to public comments on a draft regulatory basis 

for a proposed rule that would revise the security requirements for storing spent nuclear fuel 

(SNF) in an independent spent fuel storage installation, and for storing SNF and/or high-level 

radioactive waste in a monitored retrievable storage installation.

Enhanced Security at Fuel Cycle Facilities; Special Nuclear Material Transportation: 

Draft Regulatory Basis; Request for Comment; 10 CFR Parts 26 and 73 (RIN 3150-AJ41; 

NRC-2014-0118)

On June 18, 2014, the NRC published a draft regulatory basis in the Federal Register (79 FR 

34641) to support the potential amendments to revise a number of existing security-related 

regulations. These regulations relate to physical protection of special nuclear material at NRClicensed facilities and in transit, as well as the fitness-for-duty programs for security officers at 

certain fuel cycle facilities. Potentially affected licensees include fuel cycle facilities, non-power 

reactors, research and development facilities, industrial facilities, and certain medical isotope 

production facilities. In order to allow more time for members of the public to develop and 

submit comments, the NRC extended the public comment period from August 4, 2014, to 

October 17, 2014 (79 FR 42474).

X. Draft and Final Guidance Documents

Proposed Guidance for Fuel Cycle Facility; Material Control and Accounting Plans and 

Completing NRC Form 327; Draft NUREGs; Request for Comment: 10 CFR Parts 40, 70, 

72, 74, and 150 (RIN 3150-AI61; NRC-2013-0195); 

See the entry for the associated proposed rule.

Shielding and Radiation Protection Review Effort and Licensing Conditions for Dry 

Storage Applications: Draft Interim Staff Guidance; Withdrawal; 10 CFR Part 72 (NRC2013-0051)

On March 7, 2014, the NRC published a document in the Federal Register (79 FR 13002) 

announcing the withdrawal of draft Spent Fuel Storage and Transportation Interim Staff 
15

Guidance No. 26A, Revision 0, “Shielding and Radiation Protection Review Effort and Licensing 

Parameters for 10 CFR Part 72 Applications.” The withdrawal was effective on March 7, 2014.

Medical Use of Byproduct Material-Medical Event Definitions and Training and 

Experience: Draft Guidance, Request for Comment; 10 CFR Parts 30, 32 and 35 (RIN 

3150-AI63; NRC-2014-0030)

See the entry for the associated proposed rule.

XI. Policy Statements

Conceptual Example of a Proposed Risk Management Regulatory Framework Policy 

Statement; Request for Comment (NRC-2013-0254)

On November 25, 2013, the NRC issued for public comment in the Federal Register (79 FR 

70354) a document entitled, “White Paper on a Conceptual Example of a Proposed Risk 

Management Regulatory Framework Policy Statement,” and requested public comment. The 

conceptual statement set forth a possible Commission policy regarding the use of a structured 

decision-making model that results in risk-informed and performance-based defense-in-depth 

protection. The white paper was an illustration of the staff’s work in progress and was expected 

to be modified as both internal and external review was solicited and considered. On January 

10, 2014 (79 FR 1898), the NRC extended the public comment period to February 28, 2014.

Consumer Product Policy Statement: Policy Statement; Revision (NRC-2014-0292)

On January 16, 2014, the NRC issued for public comment in the Federal Register (79 FR 2907)

an update of its policy statement on products intended for use by the general public (consumer 

products). The update reflected the NRC’s current approach to radiation protection, legislation 

that has been enacted since the policy was published in 19645, and subsequent approaches 

taken in the NRC’s regulatory framework for exemptions. The revised policy statement became 

effective on January 16, 2014.

Nuclear Regulatory Commission International Policy Statement: Policy Statement; 

Issuance (NRC-2014-0112)

On July 10, 2014, the NRC issued its International Policy Statement in the Federal Register (79 

FR 39415) that captures a brief history of almost 40 years of involvement in international 

activities and how this has impacted the NRC. The International Policy Statement also outlines 

how international activities directly support the NRC’s goals and mission and enumerates 

specific elements in which the NRC will proactively engage. The International Policy Statement 

was effective on July 10, 2014.

NRC Enforcement Policy: Policy Revision; Request for Comment (NRC-2014-0221)

On October 9, 2014, the NRC issued for public comment in the Federal Register (79 FR 61107) 

proposed revisions to its Enforcement Policy. The public comment period closes on November 

24, 2014.
16

XII. Memorandum of Understanding

None.

XIII. Other Rulemaking Related Publications

Waste Confidence--Continued Storage of Spent Nuclear Fuel: Proposed Rule; Extension 

of Comment Period; 10 CFR Part 51 (RIN 3150-AJ20; NRC–2012–0246) 

On November 7, 2013, the NRC published a document in the Federal Register (78 FR 66858) 

extending the public comment period for a proposed rule published in the Federal Register on 

September 13, 2013 (78 FR 56776). The proposed rule would revise the NRC’s generic 

determination on the environmental impacts of the continued storage of spent nuclear fuel 

beyond a reactor’s licensed life for operation and prior to ultimate disposal. Due to the lapse in 

Federal funding and the subsequent shutdown of the NRC, and requests from members of the 

public to extend the comment period, the NRC decided to extend the comment period from 

November 27, 2013, to December 20, 2013.

Facility Security Clearance and Safeguarding of National Security Information and 

Restricted Data: Direct Final Rule; Confirmation of Effective Date; 10 CFR Part 95 (RIN 

3150-AJ07; NRC-2011-0268)

On November 19, 2013, the NRC published a document in the Federal Register (78 FR 69286) 

confirming the effective date of October 21, 2013, for the direct final rule that was published in 

the Federal Register on August 7, 2013 (78 FR 48037). This direct final rule updated the NRC’s 

regulations to standardize the frequency of required security education training for employees of 

NRC licensees possessing security clearances so that such training will be conducted annually, 

consistent with the objectives of Executive Order 13526, “Classified National Security 

Information.” In addition, this direct final rule allowed licensees flexibility in determining the 

means and methods for providing this training, established uniformity in the frequency of 

licensee security education and training programs, and enhanced the protection of classified 

information.

Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions: Semiannual Regulatory 

Agenda; 10 CFR Chapter I (NRC-2013-0076)

On January 7, 2014, the NRC published in the Federal Register (79 FR 1294) its Semiannual 

Regulatory Agenda (the Agenda) in accordance with Public Law 96-354, “The Regulatory 

Flexibility Act,” and Executive Order 12866, “Regulatory Planning and Review.” The Agenda is 

a compilation of all rules on which the NRC has recently completed action or has proposed or is 

considering action. This issuance updated any action occurring on rules since publication of the 

last Agenda (78 FR 1704; January 8, 2013). 

Retrospective Analysis Under Executive Order 13579: Final Plan for Retrospective 

Analysis of Existing Rules; 2 CFR Chapter XX, 5 CFR Chapter XLVIII, and 10 CFR Chapter 

I (NRC-2011-0246)

On February 24, 2014, the NRC published a document in the Federal Register (79 FR 9981) 

making available its final Plan for the retrospective analysis of its existing rules. The final Plan 
17

describes the processes and activities that the NRC uses to determine whether any of its 

regulations should be modified, streamlined, expanded, or repealed. This action is part of the 

NRC’s voluntary implementation of Executive Order 13579, “Regulation and Independent 

Regulatory Agencies,” issued by the President on July 11, 2011. The final Plan was effective on 

February 24, 2014.

Low-Level Radioactive Waste Regulatory Program: Strategic Assessment Update; 

Request for Comment; 10 CFR Part 61 (NRC-2014-0080)

On May 15, 2014, the NRC published a document in the Federal Register (79 FR 27772) 

relative to conducting an update to a Strategic Assessment of its Low-Level Radioactive Waste 

(LLRW) regulatory program. The objective of this assessment is to identify and prioritize 

activities that the staff can undertake to ensure a stable, reliable, and adaptable regulatory 

framework for effective LLRW management, while also considering future needs and changes 

that may occur in the nation’s LLRW management system. The NRC staff sought comments on 

developments that would affect the LLRW regulatory program in the next several years that 

would affect licensees and sited States and actions that the NRC could take to ensure safety, 

security, and the protection of the environment. The NRC decided to extend the public 

comment period from July 14, 2014, to September 15, 2914 (79 FR 38796), to allow more time 

for members of the public to develop and submit their comments.

Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions: Semiannual Regulatory 

Agenda; 10 CFR Chapter I (NRC-2014-0039)

On June 13, 2014, the NRC published in the Federal Register (79 FR 34204) its Semiannual 

Regulatory Agenda (the Agenda) in accordance with Public Law 96-354, “The Regulatory 

Flexibility Act,” and Executive Order 12866, “Regulatory Planning and Review.” The Agenda is 

a compilation of all rules on which the NRC has recently completed action or has proposed or is 

considering action. This issuance updated any action occurring on rules since publication of the 

last Agenda (79 FR 1294; January 7, 2014).