The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) on Thursday approved new rules that addresses nuclear power plant safety. The proposed regulations will apply to both power reactor applicants as well as currently operating licensee plants. Nuclear power plants are required to comply with the new rule within two years and 30 days following its adoption in the Federal Register.

Notably, the adopted version of the rule, referred to as the “Mitigation of Beyond Design Basis Events” rule, does not take into account safety contingencies in the instance of natural disasters such a earthquakes and floods.

Following the 2011 Fukushima incident in Japan, when a Dai-ichi nuclear reactor failed after being struck by an earthquake and a subsequent tsunami, the NRC adopted additional rules to better prepare domestic nuclear power plants against similar possible scenarios. The post-Fukushima NRC rule included: “adding capabilities to maintain key plant safety functions following a large-scale natural disaster; updating evaluations on the potential impact from seismic and flooding events; new equipment to better handle potential reactor core damage events; and strengthening emergency preparedness capabilities.”

Between 2011 and 2016, through initiatives, tests, reports, analysis, deliberations and public hearings, the NRC implemented rules, such as the Mitigation of Beyond Design Basis Events, after taking lessons from Japan’s Fukushima incident. According to NRC Commissioner Jeff Baran, Thursday’s decision would effectively dial-back those efforts. Prior versions of the Mitigation of Beyond Design Basis purportedly listed out more stringent safety regulatory requirements for nuclear power plants.