Document: NRC Regulatory Guide
Document ID: 01fb3132-b05a-41a0-ab81-466a6fb6f4d3
Document Type: regulatory_guide
Title: Preparation of Environmental Reports for Nuclear Power Plant License Renewal Applications (Rev. 1)
Source: NRC Regulatory Guide Division 4
Source URL: https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML0916/ML091620409.pdf
Revision Date: 2023-06
Chapter: 
Section ID: RG-4.2S1
CFR Part: 
CFR Title: 

Content:
ers would be unreasonable. 7.1 Energy Alternatives Alternatives Considered Each energy alternative should meet the purpose and need for the proposed action. The purpose and need adopted by the NRC, as stated in the GEIS and in Chapter 1 of this regulatory guide, are to meet future system generating needs. Alternatives that meet the stated purpose and need are (1) build new generating capacity (i.e., construct and operate a new fossil fuel or renewable energy power plant), (2) purchase power, or (3) reduce power requirements through demand reductions and conservation or energy efficiency measures. In this section, applicants should describe the process used to identify and select alternatives to the proposed action. The ER should describe all of the energy alternatives considered and indicate which alternatives were evaluated in detail. The ER should explain in detail which alternatives were not considered and why. The ER should discuss the extent to which these alternatives have been considered by State, utility, or, where applicable, Federal authorities (e.g., public service commissions; environmental, natural resource, or energy agencies; or other groups vested with energy planning authority, depending on existing energy regulatory structures) and how such considerations relate to the applicant’s evaluation. This discussion should include any existing State-level regulations that promote, enhance, prohibit, or challenge particular alternatives. Environmental Impacts of Energy Alternatives This section should describe the impacts of the energy alternatives identified for detailed consideration (i.e., fossil fuel and/or renewable energy power plant). The impacts should be described in sufficient detail and in similar format to the proposed action so that reviewers may compare the effects of the energy alternatives with the effects of continued plant operations. Impact analyses should consider land use and visual resources, air quality and noise, geology and soils,