Rep. Troy E. Nehls Introduces Bill to Clarify Federal Authority Over Nuclear Waste Storage

WASHINGTON, D.C. -Today, Congressman Troy E. Nehls (R-TX-22) introduced the Consolidated Interim Storage Facility Restriction Act, legislation that clarifies the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's (NRC) authority and resolves ongoing legal confusion surrounding privately owned consolidated interim storage facilities (CISFs) for spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste.

Under the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste must be stored on site at civilian reactors or in federally owned storage facilities, not at privately owned facilities. Despite this framework, the NRC has continued to license private CISFs, leading to years of litigation and conflicting rulings from the Fifth, Tenth, and D.C. Circuits. The Supreme Court's recent decision in NRC v. Texas left the question unresolved, creating confusion for states and the nuclear industry.

Congressman Nehls' legislation seeks to clarify the statutory authority of the NRC, resolving legal uncertainties, and confirming the federal government is responsible for nuclear waste storage.

"For decades, legal confusion and uncertainty has left the responsibility of nuclear storage unclear," said Congressman Nehls. "I'm glad to introduce legislation that clarifies the statutory authority of the NRC, making it clear that only the federal government is responsible for the safe and proper storage of nuclear waste. Importantly, my bill will prevent future litigation, which only impedes the lawful storage of nuclear waste and delays the development of our nation's nuclear energy sector, which fuels our nation's electric grid and the addition of A.I. data centers."

Representative Ronny Jackson (R-TX-13) is an original cosponsor of this legislation.

Read the bill HERE and more about the Consolidated Interim Storage Facility Restriction Act HERE in The Texan.