Up & Atom

On October 21, 2025, the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) within the Office of Management and Budget issued Memorandum M-25-36, Streamlining the Review of Deregulatory Actions. The directive sets shorter timelines, encourages the use of legal exemptions to bypass lengthy procedures, and reduces consultation requirements with stakeholders, signaling a renewed push by OIRA to cut regulatory red tape. While the memorandum is aimed at accelerating regulatory reform, agencies must balance the benefits of speed against the potential for reduced regulatory stability.

The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) recently issued a direct final rule extending the duration of design certifications (DCs) for nuclear reactors from 15 to 40 years. The rule will automatically go into effect on September 15, 2025, unless the NRC receives significant adverse comments from the public.

The NRC is undergoing a period of transition, including the unexpected departure of Commissioner Christopher Hanson.

The US Supreme Court continues to reshape administrative law. In its recent decision, Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County, Colorado, the Court unanimously (8-0) instructed federal courts to defer to administrative agencies on the depth and breadth of environmental reviews required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).