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NRC Cuts Inspections, Sparks Safety Concerns Amid Growth Plans

3/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) plans to cut inspection hours at nuclear plants by up to 56%, expanding industry self-policing.
The move aligns with U.S. President Donald Trump's plan to reach 400 gigawatts by 2050.
Allison MacFarlane, former chair of Nuclear Regulatory Commission, warns that oversight could jeopardize safety, recalling the Fukushima disaster.
NRC officials defend plan as robust but acknowledge cuts could overlook issues and require NRC commissioner approval.

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Story summary

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) plans to cut inspection hours at nuclear plants by up to 56%, expanding industry self-policing.
The move aligns with U.S. President Donald Trump's plan to reach 400 gigawatts by 2050.
Allison MacFarlane, former chair of Nuclear Regulatory Commission, warns that oversight could jeopardize safety, recalling the Fukushima disaster.
NRC officials defend plan as robust but acknowledge cuts could overlook issues and require NRC commissioner approval.