Department of Energy Implementation of the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982

GAO discussed its recently issued reports on Department of Energy (DOE) efforts to implement the Nuclear Waste Policy Act. In those reports, GAO noted that DOE has made significant progress toward implementing major legislative requirements. However, although DOE is required to make a formal recommendation as to the proposed site for the first nuclear waste repository by January 1, 1985, it does not expect to do so until at least mid-1985. In addition, legal challenges could further affect progress in siting the first waste repository. GAO found that the contracts which DOE has entered into with nuclear utilities represent a major step toward placing the financial responsibility for the program on the generators or owners of radioactive materials and ensuring revenues for the program. However, GAO found that the ongoing fees will have to be increased and collection procedures should be evaluated. GAO believes that DOE should consider: (1) accelerating the payments of utilities generating nuclear electricity; (2) raising the interest rates charged commercial owners to commercial interest rates; (3) seeking appropriations for the defense high-level waste it owns; (4) and seeking accelerated payment of funds held by New York for the care of waste which it maintains. Further, GAO found that DOE has not established a headquarters office to direct the overall program, but managers control field staff who execute the program through contractors. GAO found that, under this decentralized approach, DOE will need to develop strong management controls over repository planning and execution.