Briefing: Nuclear Power Regulators Scrap Rule Saying New Reactors Must Withstand 9/11-Style Plane Crashes

On March 16, 2026, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission announced the removal of a rule mandating that new nuclear reactors be designed to withstand potential aircraft impacts.

This regulatory change is significant as it alters the safety architecture that has been in place since the 9/11 attacks, which aimed to enhance the resilience of nuclear facilities against terrorist threats.

While proponents argue that this decision will expedite the approval process for new reactors, critics warn that it may introduce vulnerabilities in the safety framework of nuclear infrastructure.