New Agency and Local Consent for Nuclear Waste Storage and Disposal
This Act establishes the independent Nuclear Waste Administration to manage spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste. The core change is the introduction of a consent-based siting process, meaning no storage or disposal facility can be built without a binding agreement from the host state, local government, and affected Indian Tribes. This gives citizens and local communities unprecedented control over facility placement, coupled with financial and technical support for host areas.
Key points
Local and state governments must provide binding consent before any nuclear waste facility can be sited or operated in their jurisdiction (consent-based process).
A new federal agency is created, tasked with opening a temporary storage facility by 2034 and a permanent repository by 2060.
Communities along transportation routes will receive funding and training for emergency responders to ensure public safety during waste transport.
The program is funded by waste generators, and the agency must demonstrate operational progress by 2037 to maintain full funding.
Expired
Citizen Poll