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Oversight-a key ingredient in the HLW repository program

Conference · · Transactions of the American Nuclear Society; (USA)
OSTI ID:5533140

The Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 (Public Lay 97-425) provides for extensive participation by affected states and Indian tribes in the federal program for storage and disposal of high-level radioactive waste and commercial spent fuel. The act, in its findings, recognizes state and public participation in the planning and development of repositories is essential in order to promote public confidence in the safety of disposal of radioactive waste and spent fuel. It is clear from this statement and the many provisions in the act for affected state and tribal participation that the Congressional intent was to mandate program oversight by the most directly affected parties. Recent actions by Congress have tended to reduce public confidence that a safe repository site can be located and developed and have eroded public opinion of the federal nuclear waste repository program in that the earlier Congressional commitment to independent oversight, contained in the 1982 act, has been notably weakened at a critical time when all parties would be best served by its strengthening.

OSTI ID:
5533140
Report Number(s):
CONF-881011--
Journal Information:
Transactions of the American Nuclear Society; (USA), Journal Name: Transactions of the American Nuclear Society; (USA) Vol. 57; ISSN TANSA; ISSN 0003-018X
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English