[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 114 (Monday, June 15, 2026)]
[Notices]
[Pages 36015-36018]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2026-11915]
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NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
[Docket Nos. 050-616 and 050-617; NRC-2026-0265]
Palisades SMR, LLC; Pioneer Units 1 and 2; Phased Construction
Permit Application; Limited Work Authorization; Notice of Intent To
Conduct Scoping Process and Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement
AGENCY: Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
ACTION: Notice; request for comment.
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SUMMARY: Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, the
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) announces its intent to
prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) to evaluate the
potential environmental impacts associated with a phased construction
permit (CP) application, including a request for a limited work
authorization submitted by SMR, LLC on behalf of Palisades SMR, LLC
(Palisades SMR), for a dual-unit SMR-300 plant, Pioneer Units 1 and 2,
at the Palisades Energy Center in Covert, Michigan. The NRC is
initiating a 30-day public scoping period to gather input on the scope
of the EIS and invites public comments to identify potential
alternatives, environmental concerns, relevant information and
analysis, and specific issues to be addressed in the EIS. The U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers is a cooperating agency, while the NRC will be the
lead Federal agency.
DATES: The public may submit comments on the scope of the EIS by July
15, 2026. Comments received after this date will be considered if it is
practical to do so, but the NRC is able to ensure consideration only
for comments received on or before this date. Further information
regarding the proposed project can be found in Section V of this
document, ``Virtual Project Information and Engagement.''
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by any of the following methods;
however, the NRC encourages electronic comment submission through the
Federal rulemaking website:
Federal rulemaking website: Go to https://regulations.gov
and search for Docket ID NRC-2026-0265. Address questions about Docket
IDs in Regulations.gov to Bridget Curran; telephone: 301-415-1003;
email: [email protected]. For technical questions, contact the
individual listed in the ``For Further Information Contact'' section of
this document.
Email comments to: [email protected].
Mail comments to: Office of Administration, Mail Stop:
TWFN-05-A85, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555-
0001, ATTN: Program Management, Announcements and Editing Staff.
For additional direction on obtaining information and submitting
comments, see ``Obtaining Information and Submitting Comments'' in the
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this document.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Hoffman, Office of Nuclear
Material Safety and Safeguards at the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory
Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001; telephone: 301-415-1107; email:
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Obtaining Information and Submitting Comments
A. Obtaining Information
Please refer to Docket ID NRC-2026-0265 when contacting the NRC
about the availability of information for this action. You may obtain
publicly available information related to this action by any of the
following methods:
Federal Rulemaking Website: Go to https://regulations.gov
and search for Docket ID NRC-2026-0265.
NRC's Agencywide Documents Access and Management System
(ADAMS): You may obtain publicly available documents online in the
ADAMS Public Documents collection at https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html. To begin the search, select ``Begin ADAMS Public Search.''
For problems with ADAMS, please contact the NRC's Public Document Room
(PDR) reference staff at 1-800-397-4209, at 301-415-4737, or by email
to
[[Page 36016]]
[email protected]. The ADAMS accession number for each document
referenced (if it is available in ADAMS) is provided the first time
that it is mentioned in this document.
NRC's PDR: The PDR, where you may examine and order copies
of publicly available documents, is open by appointment. To make an
appointment to visit the PDR, please send an email to
[email protected] or call 1-800-397-4209 or 301-415-4737, between 8
a.m. and 4 p.m. eastern time, Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays.
Public Library: A copy of Part 1 of the phased CP
application, including the environmental report, is available for
public review at the following public library locations: South Haven
Memorial Library, 314 Broadway Street, South Haven, MI 49090 and St.
Joseph/Maud Preston Palenske Memorial Library, 500 Market Street, St.
Joseph, MI 49085.
NRC Public Project Website: Information regarding the
project is available at https://www.nrc.gov/reactors/new-reactors/advanced/who-were-working-with/applicant-projects/pioneer. For
information related to the environmental review and engagement
opportunities for scoping, click on the ``Environmental Impact
Statement'' link.
B. Submitting Comments
The NRC encourages electronic comment submission through the
Federal rulemaking website (https://www.regulations.gov). Please
include Docket ID NRC-2026-0265 in your comment submission in order to
ensure that the NRC is able to make your comment submission available
to the public in this docket.
The NRC cautions you not to include identifying or contact
information that you do not want to be publicly disclosed in your
comment submission. The NRC will post all comment submissions at
https://www.regulations.gov as well as enter the comment submissions
into ADAMS. The NRC does not routinely edit comment submissions to
remove identifying or contact information.
If you are requesting or aggregating comments from other persons
for submission to the NRC, then you should inform those persons not to
include identifying or contact information that they do not want to be
publicly disclosed in their comment submission. Your request should
state that the NRC does not routinely edit comment submissions to
remove such information before making the comment submissions available
to the public or entering the comment into ADAMS.
II. Background
On December 31, 2025, SMR, LLC submitted the first part (Part 1) of
a phased construction permit (CP) application under section 2.101(a)(9)
of title 10 of the Code Federal Regulations (CFR) for a dual-unit SMR-
300 plant, Pioneer Units 1 and 2, which will be co-located with the
Palisades Nuclear Plant at the Palisades Energy Center in Covert, MI
(ADAMS Package Accession No. ML25365A983). Part 1 of the phased CP
application was submitted by SMR, LLC on behalf of Palisades SMR, LLC
(Palisades SMR or applicant). Palisades SMR will be the owner of the
proposed Pioneer Units 1 and 2, and Palisades Energy, LLC is expected
to operate these units. Palisades SMR and Palisades Energy, LLC are
both wholly-owned, indirect subsidiaries of Holtec International. Each
unit is an SMR-300, which is an advanced pressurized light water
reactor designed by SMR, LLC.
The phased CP application is for a utilization facility pursuant to
Section 103 of the Atomic Energy Act and 10 CFR part 50, ``Domestic
Licensing of Production and Utilization Facilities.'' Part 1 of the
phased CP application includes a limited work authorization (LWA)
request pursuant to 10 CFR 50.10(d), ``Request for limited work
authorization;'' exemption requests, and a comprehensive environmental
report (ER). The applicant stated that the comprehensive ER meets the
requirements of 10 CFR 51.49(f) and 10 CFR 51.50(a), and addresses the
impacts associated with LWA activities, the remainder of construction
to complete the plant, and plant operations. Additionally, the
applicant stated that Part 2 of the phased CP application will be filed
no later than 18 months after the Part 1 submittal.
The NRC acknowledged receipt of the application in a Federal
Register notice published on January 22, 2026 (91 FR 2803). The NRC
determined that Part 1 of the phased CP application was acceptable for
docketing on February 13, 2026 (ADAMS Accession No. ML26041A223) and
published a notice of acceptance for docketing, opportunity to request
hearing a petition for leave to intervene, and request for comment on
February 27, 2026 (91 FR 9892).
In accordance with 10 CFR 51.76(b) and 51.76(f), the NRC staff will
prepare a single comprehensive environmental impact statement (EIS)
that analyzes the environmental impacts from construction, operation
and decommissioning of Pioneer Units 1 and 2.
III. Discussion
Proposed Action
The proposed Federal action, for the purpose of the EIS
development, is the NRC's decision on whether to issue an LWA and CP to
the applicant for the proposed dual-unit SMR-300 plant, Pioneer Units 1
and 2. The proposed Federal action would authorize, in sequence,
specific phases of the plant's construction. Issuance of an LWA under
10 CFR 50.10(d) would allow limited NRC authorized construction
activities to begin prior to the issuance of the CP, including soil
improvement within the excavation and installation of certain
foundations. Issuance of the CP would authorize full construction of
the two SMR-300 units. The proposed action represents the first step in
a two-step licensing process for new nuclear power plants, with a
potential subsequent application for an operating license to follow.
Purpose and Need for the Proposed Action
As discussed in the ER, the purpose and need of the proposed two-
unit SMR-300 facility would be to provide baseload energy generation to
be supplied to the regional power grid. Together the two units are
expected to produce approximately 680 megawatts electric net of
baseload generation capacity. The purpose and need include: (1)
providing electricity to meet growing electricity demand; (2) providing
a baseload generating source; and (3) providing new electrical power
generation consistent with Michigan's and the nation's energy goals.
Preliminary Alternatives
The draft EIS will evaluate a range of reasonable alternatives that
are technically and economically feasible and that meet the purpose and
need of the proposed action. The NRC staff is currently evaluating
potential alternatives for Pioneer Units 1 and 2 to determine which
alternatives will be carried forward for detailed evaluation. At a
minimum, the No-Action Alternative will be carried forward for full
analysis. Under the No-Action Alternative, the NRC would not issue the
LWA and CP for the construction of Pioneer Units 1 and 2.
Summary of Expected Impacts
The draft EIS will identify, describe and analyze the potential
environmental effects of the proposed action and a range of reasonable
alternatives. Environmental resources that are determined to be
potentially affected will be carried forward for full analysis.
[[Page 36017]]
Potential impacts on resources include reasonably foreseeable
environmental effects (whether beneficial or adverse; short term or
long term) on air quality; geology; water resources, including surface
and groundwater; ecological resources, including terrestrial and
aquatic; land use; socioeconomics; radiological and nonradiological
health and waste; uranium fuel cycle; decommissioning; cultural
resources; and transportation of fuel.
Once the NRC completes its review of the applicant's comprehensive
ER, it will publish the draft EIS in a future Federal Register notice
for governmental agency and public review and comment. Persons who
provide their email contact information when submitting comments during
the scoping process will receive a copy of the draft EIS. In addition,
copies of the draft EIS will be available for public inspection on the
NRC's website and at the PDR as mentioned in the ``Obtaining
Information and Submitting Comments'' section of this document. Others
who would like to receive a copy when the EIS is issued should notify
the NRC per the For Further Information Contact section of this
document.
NEPA Lead and Cooperating Agency Roles
The NRC is the lead Federal agency preparing the EIS in accordance
with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended (42
U.S.C. 4321, et seq.). The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has agreed to
be a cooperating agency supporting development on the EIS. The NRC may
also invite other Federal agencies, or State, Tribal, or local agencies
of similar qualifications to become cooperating agencies in the
preparation of the EIS for the proposed action. For purposes of NEPA, a
cooperating agency means any Federal agency (and a State, Tribal, or
local agency with agreement of the lead agency) that has jurisdiction
by law or special expertise with respect to any environmental impact
involved in a proposal or a reasonable alternative.
Anticipated Permits, Authorizations, and Consultations
Federal permits, authorizations, or consultations may be required
for the proposed actions, including consultation or review under the
Endangered Species Act, 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.; National Historic
Preservation Act (NHPA), 54 U.S.C. 300101 et seq.; Executive Order
13175 (Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal Governments);
consistency review under the Coastal Zone Management Act, 16 U.S.C.
1451 et seq.; and possibly reviews under other laws and regulations
determined to be applicable to the proposed action. To the extent
possible, the draft EIS will concurrently integrate analyses required
by other Federal environmental review requirements. The draft EIS will
list all Federal permits, licenses, and other authorizations that must
be obtained in implementing the proposed action.
Specific to NHPA, the regulations in 36 CFR 800.8, ``Coordination
with the National Environmental Policy Act,'' allow agencies to use the
NEPA process to fulfill the requirements of Section 106 of the NHPA, as
amended (54 U.S.C. 300101, et seq.). Therefore, pursuant to 36 CFR
800.8(c), the NRC intends to use its NEPA process and documentation
required for the preparation of the EIS on the proposed action to
comply with Section 106 of the NHPA in lieu of the procedures set forth
at 36 CFR 800.3 through 800.6.
IV. Request for Comment
This notice informs the public of the NRC's intention, as the lead
Federal agency, to conduct environmental scoping and prepare an EIS
related to the phased CP application for Pioneer Units 1 and 2 and
provides the public with an opportunity to participate in the
environmental scoping process. The NRC considers stakeholder engagement
and transparency in its activities to be cornerstones for effective
regulation.
The NRC intends to gather the information necessary to prepare an
EIS related to the phased CP application for Pioneer Units 1 and 2.
This notice is being published in accordance with NEPA and the NRC's
regulations in 10 CFR part 51.
As part of its environmental review, the NRC will first conduct a
scoping process for the EIS and, as soon as practicable thereafter,
will publish a draft EIS for public comment. Participation in this
scoping process by members of the public and local, State, Tribal, and
Federal government agencies is encouraged. The scoping process for the
draft EIS will be used to accomplish the following:
a. Define the proposed action that is to be the subject of the EIS;
b. Determine the scope of the EIS and identify the significant
issues to be analyzed in depth;
c. Identify and eliminate from detailed study those issues that are
peripheral or are not significant or that have been covered by prior
environmental review;
d. Identify any other environmental assessments and EISs that have
been, are being, or will be prepared that are related to, but are not
part of, the scope of the proposed action;
e. Identify other environmental review and consultation
requirements related to the proposed action;
f. Identify parties consulting with the NRC under the NHPA, as set
forth in 36 CFR 800.8(c)(1)(i);
g. Identify any cooperating agencies and, as appropriate, allocate
assignments for preparation and schedules for completing the EIS to the
NRC and any cooperating agencies; and
h. Describe how the EIS will be prepared, including applicant and
contractor participation.
In accordance with 10 CFR 51.28, ``Scoping--participants,'' the NRC
invites the following entities to participate in scoping:
a. The applicant, Palisades SMR, LLC;
b. Any Federal agency that has jurisdiction by law or special
expertise with respect to any environmental impact involved or that is
authorized to develop and enforce relevant environmental standards;
c. Affected State and local government agencies, including those
authorized to develop and enforce relevant environmental standards;
d. Any affected Native American Indian Tribe;
e. Any person who requests or has requested an opportunity to
participate in the scoping process; and
f. Any person who has petitioned or intends to petition for leave
to intervene under 10 CFR 2.309.
The scoping process allows the public and interested parties to
shape the EIS impact analysis, focusing on the areas of greatest
importance and identifying areas requiring less attention. Comments may
be broad in nature or focused on specific areas of concern, but should
be directly relevant to the proposed Federal action, the NEPA process,
or expected resource impacts. Comments should discuss potential cause
and effect relationships with the proposed Federal action and assist in
defining the scope of analyses. Particularly, it would be helpful for
comments to provide the specific aspect of the action that may have an
effect and the specific aspect of the resource that may be affected.
V. Virtual Project Information and Engagement
The NRC is announcing that it will maintain project information for
the environmental review and engagement opportunities for the Pioneer
Units 1 and 2 project on the NRC public website by clicking on the
``Environmental Impact Statement'' link located on the project homepage
at https://www.nrc.gov/reactors/new-reactors/
[[Page 36018]]
advanced/who-were-working-with/applicant-projects/pioneer. Project and
engagement information will include: (1) information including an
overview by the NRC of the environmental review process, the proposed
scope of the environmental review, and the proposed schedule; and (2)
information regarding the opportunity for interested government
agencies, organizations, and individuals to submit comments or
suggestions on environmental issues or the proposed scope of the EIS.
Participation in the scoping process for the Pioneer Units 1 and 2
EIS does not entitle participants to become parties to the proceeding
to which the EIS relates. Matters related to participation in any
hearing are outside the scope of matters to be discussed as part of the
EIS process.
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.
Dated: June 10, 2026.
For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Daniel Barnhurst,
Chief, Environmental Project Management Branch 3, Division of
Rulemaking, Environmental, and Financial Support, Office of Nuclear
Material Safety, and Safeguards.
[FR Doc. 2026-11915 Filed 6-12-26; 8:45 am]
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