New NRC Office and Fund to Boost Public Participation in Nuclear Safety Decisions.
This Act establishes the Office of Public Engagement and Participation within the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). This office will provide better support and guidance to citizens, enabling them to effectively participate in nuclear safety proceedings. Crucially, the Act creates a trust fund to cover reasonable legal and expert witness fees for participants who face significant financial hardship but whose contributions are deemed substantial for public health and safety.
Key points
Establishment of a new Office within the NRC to facilitate and support public participation in nuclear energy and safety proceedings.
Creation of the Intervenor Trust Fund to compensate participants for reasonable attorney's fees and expert costs if they demonstrate significant financial hardship and provide a substantial contribution to the proceeding record.
The Office must provide plain-language resources and guidance on eligibility and application for financial compensation, and increase opportunities for virtual attendance at Commission meetings.
Financial compensation claims will not be affected by the outcome of the related proceeding, ensuring focus on substantive public safety input.
Expired
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