10 CFR Part 51, Environmental
Protection Regulations for Domestic Licensing and Related
Regulatory Functions
Revision of a currently approved collection
No
Regular
07/23/2025
Requested
Previously Approved
08/31/2027
08/31/2027
27
27
140,000
140,000
0
0
REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FOR FUSION
MACHINES PROPOSED RULE The NRC is proposing to amend its
regulations to establish a regulatory framework for the possession,
use, and production of byproduct material associated with fusion
machines. The proposed rule includes definitions to establish the
scope of regulatory requirements for fusion machines and
technology-inclusive, content-of-application requirements
supportive of a performance-based approach to regulation. The
proposed rule includes specific requirements for submitting an
application for a license to possess, use, and produce byproduct
material associated with a fusion machine. Such applicants may file
an application using NRC Form 313, “Applications for Materials
License.” The proposed rule would add a requirement for an
applicant to submit an environmental report for the construction
and operation of a fusion machine unless a categorical exclusion
applies. The proposed rule would require applicants or licensees to
maintain records of production of tritium and activation products
associated with fusion machines. The records and recordkeeping
requirements would allow the NRC to determine if the applicant has
training, experience, equipment, facilities, and procedures that
provide reasonable assurance of adequate protection of public
health and safety and the environment. The records and
recordkeeping requirements associated with receipt, transfer,
production, and disposal of byproduct material would be reviewed by
the NRC to determine that licensees have confined their possession
and use of byproduct material to the locations, purposes, receipt,
and quantities authorized in their licenses. The proposed rule
would require that radioactive waste resulting from fusion machines
must either be accompanied by an analysis showing the waste is
manifested and labeled for disposal consistent with the description
of the applicable waste class in [10 CFR] 61.7 of this chapter,
based on the physical, chemical, and radiological characteristics
of the waste, or be disposed of in a disposal facility that has
completed a site-specific intrusion assessment that demonstrates
the projected dose to an individual who inadvertently intrudes into
the waste at the facility will be less than 0.5 rem (5 (mSv)) per
year. The information requested would allow the NRC to determine
whether the proposed activities can be conducted safely without
harming the common defense and security or constituting an
unreasonable risk to public health and safety and the environment.
The NRC is proposing to amend its regulations to establish a
regulatory framework for licensing the possession, use, and
production of byproduct material associated with fusion machines.
The NRC is also proposing new guidance for the implementation of
this proposed rule, entitled NUREG-1556, Volume 22, “Consolidated
Guidance About Materials Licenses: Program-Specific Guidance About
Fusion Machine Licenses.”
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
10 CFR Part 51, Environmental Protection Regulations for Domestic Licensing and Related Regulatory