DOE Shifts Radiation Safety Standards, Abandoning ALARA Principle

The Department of Energy (DOE) has ended the use of the “As Low As Reasonably Achievable” (ALARA) principle for radiation safety directives and regulations, following directives from President Trump and recommendations from the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). This move signals a shift towards science-based radiation regulation and has sparked debate among radiation health experts.

What is ALARA?

ALARA, first introduced in 1971, is a radiation protection principle that directs individuals working with radioactive materials to minimize exposure, often pushing levels well below legal thresholds. The principle is based on the linear no-threshold (LNT) model, which assumes any amount of radiation carries a risk.

The DOE’s Decision and Justification

Secretary of Energy Chris Wright announced the change on January 12, 2026. The DOE argues that the decision aligns with Gold Standard Science, as outlined in Executive Order 14303, “Restoring Gold Standard Science,” issued in May 2025. The department stated its new radiation standards “are aligned with Gold Standard Science… with a focus on protecting people and the environment while avoiding unnecessary bureaucracy.”

The decision was informed by a report from the Idaho National Laboratory, which reviewed decades of radiation protection standards and research on the health effects of low-dose radiation. The INL report recommends maintaining the current U.S. Annual occupational dose limit of 5,000 millirems (mrem) without applying ALARA below that threshold. The report also suggests future consideration of increasing the limit to 10,000 mrem/year with appropriate cumulative-dose constraints, citing that epidemiological studies “have consistently failed to demonstrate statistically significant health effects at doses below 10,000 mrem delivered at low dose rates.” Idaho National Laboratory

Controversy and Concerns

The move has faced opposition from some radiation health experts. Kathryn Higley, president of the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements, criticized the INL report, stating they “fundamentally mistake the science.” John Wagner, head of INL and the report’s lead author, acknowledged the contested nature of the science, stating the analysis was “intended to inform debate.”

Concerns remain about the impact of radiation levels at extremely low doses and whether raising dose limits could put the U.S. Out of step with international standards.

Broader Regulatory Implications

While the DOE has complied with the President’s directives, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has yet to follow suit. The ALARA principle remains in force within Part 20 of the NRC’s rules. Though, the NRC had begun considering changes to its regulations regarding risk for advanced reactors as early as 2019.

Cohen’s Approach to Regulation

The shift in policy reflects a broader approach by officials like Christopher Cohen, who has stated his job is to ensure the government “is no longer a barrier” to the nuclear industry. He has also expressed skepticism towards requiring companies to fund trust funds for workplace accidents and questioned the need to prepare for extremely rare, catastrophic events.

Key Takeaways

• The DOE has abandoned the ALARA principle for radiation safety.
• This decision is based on a report from the Idaho National Laboratory and Executive Order 14300.
• The move has sparked debate among radiation health experts.
• The NRC has not yet adopted similar changes.