NEWS: The Trump administration keeps moving to sway nuclear rules.

During his first Capitol Hill appearance, newly confirmed NRC Chair Ho Nieh shook off Democrats’ claims that White House mandates and staffing cuts are compromising the agency’s independence. 

The controversy: A proposed rule would allow the DOE or Pentagon to evaluate advanced reactor designs before developers even seek an NRC license. The NRC is also considering a plan that could reassign or eliminate up to 40% of the staff focused on plant safety—in favor of new reactor licensing.

While we’re here: The DOE issued two RFPs aimed at bolstering a private nuclear waste recycling industry. The initiative offers companies a pathway to build and operate fuel fabrication facilities, including a proposed long-term lease at the Idaho Site to process defense-related used fuel.