Three Senate Bills Introduced To Reform the Regulatory Framework for Nuclear Waste Management (S. 3146, S. 2761, and S. 2804)

S. 3146, S. 2804, and S. 2761 seek to reform the regulatory framework for nuclear waste management. S. 3146 would direct the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to regulate the storage and disposal of radioactive waste with certain national security exemptions and would establish standards for disposal and storage of uranium mill tailings and low level radioactive waste which may be regulated by the States. S. 2804 is similar except for certain Department of Energy (DOE) exemptions and the lack of standards for uranium mill tailings. S. 2761 would allow participation of States in the site selection process for storage and disposal facilities. GAO has previously identified factors which can hinder nuclear waste management, including fragmentation of responsibility between DOE and NRC and questions concerning proper Federal/State roles. Public acceptance of radioactive waste storage and disposal locations is also critical to the success of nuclear waste management programs. The extent and role of Federal agencies, State Governments, and private industry in nuclear waste management need to be clarified. The stringent State standards proposed in S. 2761 may not be needed if effective Federal standards and a sound regulatory framework are developed and if an effective system is implemented for public involvement. S. 3146 and S. 2804 are steps toward resolving some problems of the nuclear waste management program.