ANS Nuclear Policy Wire April 24, 2019

April 24, 2019

"Opening Bids" for Nuclear Waste Policy Debate in the Senate Today, Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) released a discussion draft of the Nuclear Waste Policy Amendments Act of 2019 for public review. The release precedes a hearing in the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee scheduled for next Wednesday, May 1. The draft language largely mirrors H.R. 3053, which passed the U.S. House last year by a vote of (340 - 72).   Senator's John Alexander (R-TN) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) are also widely expected to reintroduce the Nuclear Waste Administration Act when Congress returns from its Easter recess. This legislation, first introduced in 2015, would create an independent Nuclear Waste Administration within the U.S. Department of Energy, authorize interim storage, and create a consent-based process for siting a geologic repository.   Finally, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee has announced a hearing next Tuesday, April 30 on the Nuclear Energy Leadership Act (NELA).