skip navigation links 
 
 Search Options 
Index | Site Map | FAQ | Facility Info | Reading Rm | New | Help | Glossary | Contact Us blue spacer  
secondary page banner Return to NRC Home Page
Adjudication (Hearings)
Access to Hearing Documents for Parties and the Public
Reactors, Materials and Other Hearings
High-Level Waste Hearings
Adjudicatory Process
The Hearing Process
Types of Hearings
Public Involvement in Hearings
Hearing Opportunities
Hearing Decisions
Overview for Using the Electronic Hearing Docket
ASLBP and Commission Responsibilities
ASLBP Responsibilities
Commission Adjudicatory Responsibilities
Related Information
Understanding 10 CFR Part 2: Rules of Practice
NRC Staff Practice and Procedure Digest

Public Involvement in Hearings

The NRC conducts hearings on disputed matters involved in the licensing of nuclear reactors, nuclear materials, and nuclear materials facilities. Hearings are also available to contest civil penalties for infractions of NRC regulations or staff orders directing that some action be taken. The NRC regulations that govern the hearing process are in Rules of Practice for Domestic Licensing Proceedings and Issuance of Orders (10 CFR Part 2).

On this page:

Who Can Participate in a Hearing

Individuals or entities whose interests are affected by an NRC licensing or enforcement action may participate in hearings.

To top of page

How to Learn About Opportunities for Hearings

Licensing Actions Involving Nuclear Reactors

When NRC licensing actions involve nuclear reactors, a "Notice of Opportunity for Hearing" will be published in the Federal Register exit icon and will also be available at Hearing Opportunities and License Applications. Hearing requests and intervention petitions must be filed within 60 days of the date of the Federal Register publication of the Notice of Opportunity for Hearing.

Licensing Actions Involving Nuclear Materials or Nuclear Material Facilities

When NRC licensing actions involve nuclear materials or nuclear material facilities, frequently notices are not published in the Federal Register. However, information on opportunities for hearing for major licensing and regulatory actions involving nuclear materials or nuclear material facilities will be available at Hearing Opportunities and License Applications.

Deadline for Filing a Petition or Hearing Request

If a Federal Register notice of an opportunity for hearing is published, hearing requests and intervention petitions ordinarily must be filed within 60 days of the date of Federal Register publication of the "Notice of Opportunity for Hearing." If a Federal Register notice of opportunity for hearing is not published, hearing requests and intervention petitions ordinarily must be filed within 60 days of either the date that notice is provided at Hearing Opportunities and License Applications, or within 60 days after the requestor receives actual notice of a pending application, but not more than 60 days after the NRC takes final action on the application.

To top of page

Types of Participation

There are three ways to participate in the NRC hearing process. An eligible individual or entity can participate by

  • requesting intervention and a hearing
  • requesting an opportunity to make an oral limited appearance
  • submitting a written limited appearance statement

To top of page

How to Participate

To be granted a hearing on a concern regarding a domestic licensing or enforcement action, you must demonstrate that you will be affected by the action and request a hearing as required by 10 CFR Part 2. To comply with this regulation, you file a petition to intervene in the hearing within the period specified in NRC's notice in the Federal Register exit icon of the licensing or enforcement action. See the following sections to learn more about participating in a hearing:

  • 10 CFR 2.309 - Hearing requests, petitions to intervene, requirements for standing, and contentions
  • 10 CFR 2.303 - Docket
  • 10 CFR Part 2 - Rules of Practice for Domestic Licensing Proceedings and Issuance of Orders

To learn more about the NRC hearing process, see Adjudication (Hearings).

To top of page



Privacy Policy | Site Disclaimer
Friday, March 09, 2007