Rep. Mike Levin Introduces Bipartisan Nuclear Waste Administration Act
New Legislation Would Create Independent Federal Agency to Tackle Country’s Nuclear Waste Challenges
Washington, D.C. – Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) and Rep. August Pfluger (TX-11) today introduced the bipartisan Nuclear Waste Administration Act of 2024, which would modernize our country’s nuclear waste management program by establishing an independent Nuclear Waste Administration to manage the country’s nuclear waste. In line with recommendations from the Blue Ribbon Commission on America’s Nuclear Energy Future, this bill would establish a new, single purpose organization to manage the back end of the nuclear fuel cycle, provide for a consent-based siting process for nuclear waste facilities, and ensure adequate and reliable funding for managing nuclear waste. It builds on legislation that the late Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) championed while she served in the United States Senate.
“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 Rep. Levin. “This legislation represents a comprehensive pathway to modernize our nuclear waste program, based in 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. Years of inaction have left nuclear waste stored in communities all across the country – including ours – and with the federal government currently spending $2 million per day for the failure to fulfill its obligation to find a real solution. It’s clear that now is the time to act on bold solutions.”
“Nuclear energy plays an important role in our energy mix, especially as a significant increase in energy demand is projected over the next decade. 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. We cannot meet our nuclear goals without this piece of the puzzle,” said Rep. Pfluger.
Though the Department of Energy (DOE), which currently manages spent nuclear fuel, has made strides in recent years—including restarting a consent-based siting process for a consolidated interim storage (CIS) facility—a new single-purpose, independent federal agency solely dedicated to the safe, secure management, storage, and ultimate disposal of nuclear waste will be in a stronger position to focus on solving the long-term challenges unique to nuclear waste. It would be insulated from political headwinds and ever-changing funding levels. Additionally, this new agency acknowledges lessons learned and provides for a flexible, consent-based pathway for siting and operating both a CIS facility and ultimately a permanent repository.
This legislation allows for a CIS facility to first prioritize storing waste from shutdown nuclear reactors so that those sites can be redeveloped, while the Nuclear Waste Administration simultaneously works to site and construct a permanent repository to ultimately dispose of the nuclear waste. The new Nuclear Waste Administration will have access to a working capital fund in the U.S. Treasury, without needing further appropriation.
The Nuclear Waste Administration Act is also co-sponsored by Rep. Scott Peters (CA-52).
“As co-chairs of Spent Fuel Solutions and the County Supervisors who represent the communities closest to the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, we support this important legislation and applaud the leadership of Representatives Levin and Pfluger,” said Spent Fuel Solutions co-chairs Supervisor Jim Desmond and Supervisor Katrina Foley. “Our coalition is encouraged by recent progress on consent-based siting for interim storage and urges the swift consideration of this bill to support the development of a permanent repository, as well. Through this bipartisan effort, we are confident the U.S. can secure offsite, federally licensed storage and disposal solutions for the spent nuclear fuel being stored in 34 states across the nation.”
“It is terrific to see progress in framing new legislation on the nation’s nuclear waste strategy. Moving the spent fuel from sites like San Onofre is long overdue. Now the even harder work begins to get this legislation passed in the House and the Senate,” said David Victor, Professor of Innovation and Public Policy at UC San Diego and Former Chair of the SONGS Community Engagement Panel.
“Legislation to accelerate a vibrant and durable nuclear waste program is necessary and I am very pleased to see this thoughtful initiative. We need to meet our obligations to current and future generations. I am hopeful this will lead to enactment soon,” said Tom Isaacs, the Lead Advisor of The Blue Ribbon Commission on America’s Nuclear Future.
Since taking office in 2019, Rep. Levin has made safety at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) and moving the spent nuclear fuel from the facility one of his top priorities. As part of that work, he convened the SONGS Task Force to develop policy recommendations to address long-term storage and disposal solutions for spent nuclear fuel. The task force issued a recommendation that an independent federal agency be established to manage nuclear waste. This legislation meets that recommendation.
To view the bill text of the Nuclear Waste Administration Act of 2024, click here.
To view a one-pager fact sheet, click here.
##