12. Department of Energy and Related Commissions · Notable

Eliminate ALARA as an NRC regulatory principle

Attempted

Printed page 409 12. Department of Energy and Related Commissions

“Set clear radiation exposure and protection standards by eliminating ALARA (“as low as reasonably achievable”) as a regulatory principle and setting clear standards according to radiological risk and dose rather than arbitrary objectives.”

What has happened

Jul 15, 2026 Attempted
The NRC proposed to amend its standards for protection against radiation to address section 5(b), with draft implementing guidance for comment. Still `attempted`: ALARA remains in 10 CFR part 20 as a regulatory principle until a final rule issues.
- NRC proposed rule: Reforming and Modernizing the NRC's Radiation Protection Framework
  Primary Executive branch Jul 15, 2026
May 23, 2025 Attempted
EO 14300 section 5(b) directs the NRC to adopt science-based radiation limits and specifically to reconsider its reliance on the linear no-threshold model and the as low as reasonably achievable standard predicated on it, considering determinate radiation limits instead, in consultation with the Department of Defense, DOE and EPA.
- Executive Order 14300, Ordering the Reform of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission
  Primary Executive branch May 23, 2025

Research log

What was searched, and what didn’t count as evidence

Research notes

Instrument: an NRC rulemaking amending 10 CFR part 20, found by agency and docket.

EO 14300’s section 1 sets out the reasoning the Quote shares — that the linear no-threshold model lacks a sound scientific basis and produces irrational results such as protecting against radiation below naturally occurring levels.

Action: eliminate
Object: ALARA regulatory principle
ID: 1040