US nuclear regulator phases out agency-led security drills at power plants

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission will transition to plant-led exercises with independent oversight by 2028.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 12:25am

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of the interior of a nuclear power plant control room, with a single technician standing at a console surrounded by the glow of monitors and instrumentation. The scene conveys a sense of quiet contemplation and the gravity of the responsibility for safeguarding critical infrastructure.As the government scales back direct oversight of nuclear plant security, the industry faces heightened pressure to ensure robust safeguards against potential attacks.Carlsbad Today

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has voted to phase out its agency-led 'force-on-force' security inspection programs at nuclear power plants, a move that will transition the drills to be led by the plant operators themselves with independent NRC oversight by 2028. The decision has drawn criticism from safety advocates who argue it represents a failure in the government's responsibility to protect Americans from potential attacks on nuclear facilities.

Why it matters

The NRC's force-on-force drills, which have been required at every U.S. nuclear plant every three years since being strengthened after 9/11, are designed to probe potential weaknesses in plant security through simulated commando-style attacks. Critics argue that handing over control of these drills to the plant operators themselves reduces the independence and rigor of the security assessments, especially as the administration pushes for rapid expansion of nuclear power capacity.

The details

The NRC voted to phase out its agency-led force-on-force inspection program, which it has overseen since 1991. Under the new plan, the NRC-led drills will continue through 2028, after which the plants will conduct the exercises with independent NRC oversight. The agency says the change 'reflects the strong safety and security already in place' and that potential conflict of interest concerns will be 'significantly reduced' as the program shifts to a more training-focused approach.

  • The NRC voted on the changes last week.
  • The agency-led force-on-force drills will continue through 2028.
  • After 2028, the nuclear plants will conduct the security exercises with independent NRC oversight.

The players

Nuclear Regulatory Commission

The U.S. federal agency responsible for regulating the civilian use of nuclear materials.

Union of Concerned Scientists

A nonprofit science advocacy organization that has criticized the NRC's decision to phase out its agency-led security drills at nuclear plants.

Edward Lyman

A nuclear physicist at the Union of Concerned Scientists who has expressed concerns about the NRC's move, arguing it will result in a 'dog-and-pony show' rather than rigorous security assessments.

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What they’re saying

“The move was concerning amid ongoing security threats to U.S. infrastructure, including those arising from the Iran conflict.”

— Edward Lyman, nuclear physicist

“The move will replace the program with a 'dog-and-pony show, akin to a professional wrestling match, in which the NRC will only be allowed to passively observe exercises staged entirely by the plant managers and personnel.'”

— Edward Lyman, nuclear physicist

What’s next

The NRC-led force-on-force drills will continue through 2028, after which the nuclear plants will take over conducting the security exercises with independent NRC oversight.

The takeaway

This decision by the NRC to phase out its direct oversight of security drills at nuclear power plants has raised concerns among safety advocates about the potential for reduced rigor and independence in assessing vulnerabilities, especially as the administration pushes for rapid expansion of nuclear capacity to meet growing energy demands.