Self-Guarantee of Decommissioning Funding by Nonprofit and Non- Bond-Issuing Licensees

Résumé

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is amending its regulations to allow additional materials licensees and non-electric utility reactor licensees who meet certain financial criteria to self-guarantee funding for decommissioning. Certain commercial corporate licensees who issue bonds are presently allowed to self-guarantee funding if they meet stringent financial criteria. This rule allows nonprofit licensees, such as colleges, universities, and hospitals, as well as some commercial licensees who do not issue bonds, to self-guarantee funding provided they meet similarly stringent financial criteria. Allowing additional qualified licensees to use self-guarantee reduces licensee costs while providing adequate assurance that funds for decommissioning will be available when needed.