The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has determined that
restarting Crane Clean Energy Center in Middletown, Pennsylvania would have no significant
environmental impacts. The action marks a key milestone in the federal review of the plant’s
proposed return to service.
The draft environmental assessment, now open for public comment, clears an important
hurdle for Constellation Energy Generation’s restart proposal that would bring more than 800
megawatts of electricity back to the nation’s grid.
“Our review of the Crane Clean Energy Center environmental requirements demonstrates
the NRC’s focus on core mission delivery, ensuring both regulatory efficiency and absolute
safety,” NRC Executive Director for Operations Mike King said. “The staff is applying a
disciplined, thorough approach to this restart review, executing our safety and environmental
oversight without unnecessary duplication or delay.”
The assessment draws on Constellation’s own reporting as well as input from federal and
state agencies. Members of the public can submit comments until July 8 by following the
instructions in the Federal Register notice.
After the comment period closes, the NRC will finalize the environmental assessment. In
parallel, the agency is conducting safety reviews and on-site inspections of restart-related
activities at the plant. A final decision on the restart request is expected in 2027.
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission was created as an expert, technical agency to protect public
health, safety, and security, and regulate the civilian use of nuclear materials, including enabling the
deployment of nuclear power for the benefit of society. Among other responsibilities, the agency issues
licenses, conducts inspections, initiates and enforces regulations, and plans for incident response. The NRC
is collaborating with interagency partners to implement reforms outlined in new Executive Orders and the
ADVANCE Act to streamline agency activities and enhance efficiency.
Source: NRC