Policy

Bipartisan nuclear waste bill introduced in U.S. House

September 26, 2024, 11:39AMRadwaste Solutions

U.S. Reps. Mike Levin (D., Calif.) and August Pfluger (R., Texas) have introduced the bipartisan Nuclear Waste Administration Act of 2024, which would establish an independent agency to manage the country’s nuclear waste.

In addition to establishing a new, single-purpose administration to manage the back end of the nuclear fuel cycle, the bill would direct a consent-based siting process for nuclear waste facilities and ensure reliable funding for managing nuclear waste by providing access to the Nuclear Waste Fund. According to Pfluger and Levin, the bill’s provisions are in line with recommendations from the Blue Ribbon Commission on America’s Nuclear Future.

Versions of the bill previously have been introduced into Congress but have failed to gain traction. This latest version, which is cosponsored by Rep. Scott Peters (D., Calif.), was introduced in the House of Representatives on September 24.

They said it: “The federal government has a responsibility to safely manage our nation’s nuclear waste, but we’ve been caught in an impasse for decades,” said Levin. “This legislation represents a comprehensive pathway to modernize our nuclear waste program based [on] consent. Our bipartisan bill would empower a new single-purpose, independent federal agency to consult and collaborate with communities to chart a path forward for safely storing and disposing of our nuclear waste.”

“Nuclear energy plays an important role in our energy mix, especially as a significant increase in energy demand is projected over the next decade,” said Pfluger. “However, one of the most significant challenges to broad deployment is the impasse regarding a permanent repository. West Texas has experienced the consequences of this impasse as evidenced by the Andrews County interim storage site. I am proud to introduce the Nuclear Waste Administration Act of 2024 with Rep. Levin to move our country closer to developing a permanent repository and robust fuel management plan.”

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august pflugerconsent-based sitingmike levinpolicyspent fuelwaste management
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