Many U.S. commercial nuclear power reactors are reaching the end of their initial 40-year operating period. To continue operating, their owners must renew their licenses with the Nuclear Regulatory Comm. (NRC), the independent federal agency responsible for licensing and regulating nuclear reactors. NRC evaluates license renewal applications under two parallel reviews for safety and potential environmental impacts. NRC's license renewal process has received increasing public scrutiny due, in part, to the 2011 disaster at Japan's Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant. This report reviewed NRC's license renewal process for commercial nuclear power reactors. It examines (1) the scope of the license renewal process; (2) the extent to which NRC updates its safety and environmental review guidance; (3) the extent to which NRC follows its documented license renewal procedures; and (4) knowledgeable stakeholders' views on the strengths and weaknesses in the license renewal process and any suggestions for improvements. Figures. This is a print on demand report.

" Many U.S. commercial nuclear power reactors are reaching the end of their initial 40-year operating period. To continue operating, their owners must renew their licenses with NRC, the independent federal agency responsible for licensing and regulating nuclear reactors. NRC evaluates license renewal applications under two parallel reviews for safety and potential environmental impacts. NRC's license renewal process has received increasing public scrutiny due, in part, to the 2011 disaster at Japan's Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant. GAO was asked to review NRC's license renewal process for commercial nuclear power reactors. This report examines (1) the scope of the license renewal process, (2) the extent to which NRC updates its safety and environmental review guidance, (3) the extent to which NRC follows its documented license renewal procedures, and (4) knowledgeable stakeholders' views on the strengths and weaknesses in the license renewal process and any suggestions for improvements. GAO reviewed documents; visited two nuclear power plants selected based on characteristics such as having gone through the license renewal process; assessed the consistency of NRC reviews with documented procedures; and interviewed NRC officials and stakeholders from industry and public interest groups. GAO did not evaluate the adequacy or substance of NRC reviews or the quality of the agency's"

Reactor license renewal is an important part of the U.S. Nuclear RegulatoryCommission's (NRC) mission to regulate the civilian use of nuclear materialstoensure adequate protection of public health and safety, to promote the commondefense and security, and to protect the environment.For the past 20 years, the NRC has been studying and refining the license re-newal process. As of 2008, the NRC has renewed licenses for 26 facilities, which include 48 nuclear power reactors. Over the next 10 years, a largenumber of the remaining U.S. nuclear power facilities are expected to applyfor 20-year operating license extensions

NRC issues licenses for commercial nuclear power reactors to operate for up to 40 years and allows these licenses to be renewed for up to an additional 20 years. There is no set limit on the number of times a reactor's operating license can be renewed. Most of the nation's 102 operating commercial nuclear power reactors received their initial operating licenses in the 1970s and 1980s. By the end of 2013, 64 reactors will have held an operating license for at least 30 years, and of these reactors, 20 will have held an operating license for 40 years or more (see fig. 1). As a result, many reactors are reaching or have reached the end of their initial 40-year operating period. As of May 2013, NRC had renewed 73 reactor licenses and was reviewing license renewal applications for 14 reactors.ly with reactor owners and, according to NRC documents, is typically based on the reactor's economic situation and whether it can meet NRC requirements. By the end of 2013, 64 reactors will have held an operating license for at least 30 years, and of these reactors, 20 will have held an operating license for 40 years or more (see fig. 1). As a result, many reactors are reaching or have reached the end of their initial 40-year operating period. As of May 2013, NRC had renewed 73 reactor licenses and was reviewing license renewal applications for 14 reactors.