Priority Open Recommendations: Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Summary

What GAO Found In May 2025, GAO identified nine priority recommendations for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). Since then, NRC has not implemented any of these recommendations. In May 2026, GAO identified two additional priority recommendations, bringing the total to 11. GAO is highlighting the following three areas that warrant timely and focused attention: Addressing the security of radiological sources, Improving risk-informed decision-making, and Licensing advanced nuclear reactors. Addressing GAO's recommendations in these areas would better protect national security from radiological threats; help NRC use the best available information to protect public health and safety; and ensure that NRC has sufficient numbers of knowledgeable staff to conduct licenses reviews in the coming years. Taking action to implement all of GAO's open priority recommendations would help enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of operations across NRC. Why GAO Did This Study Priority open recommendations are GAO recommendations that warrant priority attention from heads of key departments or agencies because their implementation could save large amounts of money; improve congressional and/or executive branch decision-making on major issues; eliminate mismanagement, fraud, and abuse; or make progress toward addressing a high risk or duplication issue, among other benefits. Since 2015, GAO has sent letters to selected agencies to highlight the importance of implementing such recommendations. For more information, contact Allison Bawden at bawdena@gao.gov.