NRC is (sort of) getting rid of 'as low as reasonably achievable' standard

The NRC proposed replacing the longstanding "as low as reasonably achievable" (ALARA) principle with clearer, more objective requirements focused on compliance with regulatory precautions and established dose limits. The NRC determined that "ALARA as a separate regulatory expectation can lead to additional costs and complexity without a measurable safety benefit." The change would apply not only to commercial nuclear power plants and fuel cycle facilities, but also to medical facilities and universities that use radioactive materials.

Source: Ars Technica | 2026-07-06