Opinion ID: 867750
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Combined Operating Licenses

Text: The Atomic Energy Act authorizes NRC to issue a combined operating license for both the construction and operation of new reactors after a public hearing. See 42 U.S.C. § 2235(b). Any such license must be accompanied by a full EIS, 10 C.F.R. §§ 51.75, 51.92(b), (d), (e), and may rely on and incorporate by reference an approved standard design certification, id. § 51.75(c)(2). NRC must afford interested parties an opportunity to participate in a contested hearing subject to additional procedural requirements. See 42 U.S.C. § 2239(a). However, 6 in order to initiate such a contested hearing, NRC regulations require that interested parties submit contentions that are supported by “sufficient information to show that a genuine dispute exists with the applicant/licensee on a material issue of law or fact.” 10 C.F.R. § 2.309(f)(1)(vi). In addition, interested parties “must set forth with particularity the contentions sought to be raised” and must: (ii) Provide a brief explanation of the basis for the contention;