The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the US Department of the Interior’s Marine Minerals Administration (MMA) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to delineate their respective jurisdictions over civilian nuclear energy projects on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). MMA was formed earlier in July by merging the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE). On July 21, the Marine Minerals Administration (MMA) and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) took an important step toward preparing for the next generation of offshore energy.
The MOU establishes how they will work together if developers propose nuclear energy projects on the OCS in the future. Acting MMA Director Matt Giacona and NRC’s Director of the Office of Advanced Reactors Jeremy Bowen signed the agreement at a ceremony in Washington DC.
The agreement outlines how the two agencies will communicate, coordinate, and share technical expertise when evaluating potential submerged nuclear energy projects. It aims to clarify each agency’s responsibilities; reduce unnecessary duplication during the review process; give developers a better understanding of federal requirements.
“This agreement demonstrates that the federal government is preparing today for the energy technologies of tomorrow,” said MMA Director Matt Giacona. “America’s Outer Continental Shelf has long been a driver of innovation, and this partnership positions us to responsibly evaluate new opportunities that strengthen our nation’s energy security, industrial competitiveness, and technological leadership. By working together, we can provide the regulatory certainty needed to encourage innovation while ensuring any future offshore nuclear energy projects meet the highest standards for safety and environmental stewardship.”
The agreement supports the Administration’s priorities to expand American energy production, strengthen domestic manufacturing, advance next-generation nuclear technology, and enhance national security. It also supports several Executive Orders (EOs) focused on American energy and advanced nuclear technologies. These include EO 14154 – Unleashing American Energy, and others promoting advanced reactor deployment – EO14299 – Deploying Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technologies for National Security; EO 14301 – Reforming Nuclear Reactor Testing at the Department of Energy; and EO 14302 – Reinvigorating the Nuclear Industrial Base.
The MOU establishes how MMA and NRC will work together if future proposals are submitted. Any submerged nuclear project would still be subject to all applicable federal laws, environmental reviews, permitting requirements, and regulatory approvals before it could move forward. It will also allow MMA and NRC to responsibly respond to industry requests, supporting novel offshore energy production.
“We are pleased to formalise our cooperation with the Marine Minerals Administration as we strengthen federal coordination on licensing and oversight of potential Outer Continental Shelf nuclear projects,” said Jeremy Bowen, Director of the NRC’s Office of Advanced Reactors. “This agreement creates a clear framework for how our agencies will work together and ensures our processes remain efficient, transparent, and technically robust. By combining expertise, we can provide clarity and confidence to potential future applicants and enable the safe, secure, and efficient deployment of emerging nuclear technologies.”
The MOU reflects growing interest in offshore deployment of advanced nuclear technologies, including floating nuclear power plants and marine-based small modular reactors, and aims to provide regulatory clarity to the development community.
Under the MOU, NRC will serve as the lead agency with respect to National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance, including preparation of Environmental Impact Statements and government-to-government consultations, for civilian nuclear projects on the OCS. NRC retains exclusive authority over the licensing, permitting, construction, operation, inspection and decommissioning of civilian nuclear facilities under the Atomic Energy Act (AEA) of 1954, as amended, and its implementing regulations.
MMA retains jurisdiction under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) to grant leases, easements and rights of way for energy activities, other than oil and gas, on the OCS. MMA will conduct NEPA reviews associated with its own discrete actions – issuing OCS leases, easements or rights of way under OCSLA and may request cooperating agency status in the NRC’s environmental reviews.
NRC designated the Division of Advanced Reactor Programs within the Office of Advanced Reactors as the office charged with implementing the MOU. The agencies have committed to developing further guidance for applicants, licensees and permittees regarding their obligations under both the AEA and OCSLA. Prospective applicants should anticipate a dual-track regulatory process and engage early with both agencies.
Separately, NRC has an ongoing rulemaking process to comprehensively overhaul its regulations implementing NEPA. On July 7, 2026, the NRC published a proposed rule that would, among other things, narrow the scope of NEPA reviews to impacts within the NRC’s statutory authority, expand categorical exclusions and codify firm review timelines. The outcome of this rulemaking may significantly affect the environmental review process for offshore nuclear projects going forward.
In May, NRC held a public meeting and presentation to kick off the process of developing a white paper describing how the NRC’s existing licensing frameworks can be applied to maritime nuclear applications. A draft of the white paper is targeted for release in the autumn.
