---
kind: "section"
citation: "42 U.S.C. § 16024"
title: "42"
title_heading: "The Public Health and Welfare"
number: "16024"
heading: "Nuclear Regulatory Commission"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/42/16024"
units:
  - "Chapter 149 — National Energy Policy and Programs"
  - "Subchapter VI — Nuclear Matters"
  - "Part B — Next Generation Nuclear Plant Project"
---

# §16024. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

- (a) **In general—** In accordance with [section 5842 of this title](/usc/42/5842.md), the Nuclear Regulatory [Commission](/usc/42/16451.md?p=3) shall have licensing and regulatory authority for any reactor authorized under this part.
- (b) **Licensing strategy—** Not later than 3 years after August 8, 2005, the [Secretary](/usc/42/15801.md?p=4) and the Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory [Commission](/usc/42/16451.md?p=3) shall jointly submit to the appropriate committees of the Senate and the House of Representatives a licensing strategy for the prototype nuclear reactor, including—
  - (1) a description of ways in which current licensing requirements relating to light-water reactors need to be adapted for the types of prototype nuclear reactor being considered by the [Project](/usc/42/16371.md?p=12);
  - (2) a description of analytical tools that the Nuclear Regulatory [Commission](/usc/42/16451.md?p=3) will have to develop to independently verify designs and performance characteristics of components, equipment, systems, or structures associated with the prototype nuclear reactor;
  - (3) other research or development activities that may be required on the part of the Nuclear Regulatory [Commission](/usc/42/16451.md?p=3) in order to review a license application for the prototype nuclear reactor; and
  - (4) an estimate of the budgetary requirements associated with the licensing strategy.
- (c) **Ongoing interaction—** The [Secretary](/usc/42/15801.md?p=4) shall seek the active participation of the Nuclear Regulatory [Commission](/usc/42/16451.md?p=3) throughout the duration of the [Project](/usc/42/16371.md?p=12) to—
  - (1) avoid design decisions that will compromise adequate safety margins in the design of the reactor or impair the accessibility of nuclear safety-related components of the prototype reactor for inspection and maintenance;
  - (2) develop tools to facilitate inspection and maintenance needed for safety purposes; and
  - (3) develop risk-based criteria for any future commercial development of a similar reactor architectures.

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 109–58, title VI, § 644, Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 797.)