DOE's Office of Nuclear Energy article '5 Fast Facts about DOE Reactor Authorization' (published 10 April 2026, updated 16 April) says the Atomic Energy Act gives DOE authority to authorize reactors for research, development and demonstration; that its process is 'fundamentally similar to the NRC process' in all aspects of reactor safeguards and security, and 'The main change is in how those requirements are spelled out'; and that the updated pathway emphasizes safety standards over 'the fine details' of how to meet them. It says the earlier DOE guidance ran over 1,500 pages with 17 steps before construction could begin, and the revamped pathway has 11 steps and eliminates more than 900 pages; it also says the NRC is monitoring the pilot reactors' progress. It states that the reactor developer is responsible for the reactor's safety, and DOE's job is to review designs and ensure authorized facilities protect workers, the public and the environment. This is DOE's published position; it does not answer UCS's specific points (safe-003) one by one.

• 5 Fast Facts about DOE Reactor Authorization (U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Nuclear Energy, 2026-04-10) primary government “Bottom line: the reactor developer is responsible for ensuring the safety of the reactor.”
• 5 Fast Facts about DOE Reactor Authorization (U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Nuclear Energy, 2026-04-10) primary government “The main change is in how those requirements are spelled out.”