NUREG-0980

Vol. 1, No.6 

Nuclear Regulatory

Legislation

107th Congress; 1st Session

Date Published: June 2002

Office of the General Counsel

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Washington, DC 20555–0001
Volume 1 – Page iii

FOREWORD

This compilation of statutes and materials pertaining to nuclear regulatory

legislation through the 107th Congress, 1st Session, has been prepared by the

Office of the General Counsel, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, with the

assistance of staff, for use as an internal resource document. The compilation is

not to be used as an authoritative citation in lieu of the primary legislative

sources. Furthermore, while every effort has been made to ensure the

completeness and accuracy of this material, neither the United States

Government, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, nor any of their employees

makes any expressed or implied warranty or assumes liability for the accuracy or

completeness of the material presented in this compilation.

If you have any questions concerning this compilation, please contact

Christine Pierpoint, Legislative Specialist, Office of the General Counsel, U.S.

Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001.

This document is available from the NRC Home Page at

http://www.nrc.gov/NRC/NUREGS/SR0980/index.html. This document is

published in two bound volumes and is also available on compact disc in the

hypertext markup language and portable document format. You may purchase

this compilation from the U.S. Government Printing Office or the National

Technical Information Service.
Volume 1 – Page v

TABLE OF CONTENTS

VOLUME 1

1. Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as Amended (P.L. 83-703)

2. Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, as Amended (P.L. 93-438)

• Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970 (EPA)

• Reorganization Plan No. 1 of 1980 (NRC)

• Executive Order No. 11834, Activation of the NRC

3. Low–Level Radioactive Waste Policy Amendments of 1985 (Title I)

(P.L. 99-240) (Title II–Compacts: See Volume II)

4. High–Level Radioactive Waste

• Nuclear Waste Policy Act, as amended (P.L. 97–425)

• Energy Policy Act of 1992 Provisions

5. Uranium Mill Tailings (P.L. 95-604)

• MOAB Site

6. Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, as Amended (P.L. 101–615)

• Transportation of Plutonium (Miscellaneous provisions)

7. NRC User Fees (P.L. 101–508)

8. Administrative Law Statutes

• Subchapter II–Administrative Procedures

• FOIA

• Privacy Act

• Government in the Sunshine Act

• Negotiated Rulemaking Act of 1990

• Administrative Dispute Resolution Act, as Amended (P.L. 101–552)

• Chapter 6–The Analysis of Regulatory Functions

• Chapter 7–Judicial Review

• Chapter 8–Congressional Review of Agency Rulemaking

• Federal Advisory Committee Act (P.L. 92–463)

• Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998 (P.L. 105–277)

• Truth in Regulating Act of 2000 (P.L. 106–312)

• Alternative Resolution Act of 1998 (P.L. 105–315)

• Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990,

as Amended (P.L. 101–410)

9. MISCELLANEOUS

• Antiterrorism (P.L. 107–56)

• Homeland Security (P.L. 107–107)

• DOE Workers Protection (P.L. 106–398; sec. 3611)

• Tritium (P.L. 106–65; sec. 3134)

• MOX Fuels (P.L. 105–261)
Volume 1 – Page vi

TABLE OF CONTENTS

VOLUME 2

1. Commissioner Tenure

• Tenure of AEC Commissioners

• Tenure of NRC Commissioners

2. NRC Appropriations

• Tabulation of NRC Appropriations through Fiscal Year 2002

3. NRC Authorizations

4. Chief Financial Officers Act of 1990, as Amended (P.L. 101–576)

5. Inspector General Act, as Amended (P.L. 95–452)

6. Information Technology Management Reform (Clinger–Cohen) (P.L. 104-106)

• Chief Information Officer (P.L. 104–106)

• Paperwork Reduction Act, as Amended (P.L. 104–13)

• Government Paperwork Elimination Act (P.L. 105–277)

• Data Quality (P.L. 106–554)

• Electronic Records and Signatures in Commerce (P.L. 106–229)

7. Low–Level Radioactive Waste Policy Amendments Act of 1985 (Text of

Compacts)

• NW, Central, SE, Central Midwest, MW, Rocky Mountain, NE Interstate)

8. Appalachian States Low–Level Radioactive Waste Compact Consent Act

9. Southwestern Low-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Compact Consent Act

10. Texas Low–Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Compact Consent Act

11. Clean Air Act of 1977, as Amended (Selected Sections)

12. Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972

13. National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as Amended

14. West Valley Demonstration Project Act

15. Nuclear Non–Proliferation and Export Licensing Statutes

• Nuclear Non–Proliferation Act of 1978 (P.L. 95–242)

• International Atomic Energy Agency Participation Act of 1957 (P.L. 85–177)

and the Statute of the International Atomic Energy Agency

• International Security Assistance and Arms Export Control Act of 1976

(P.L. 94–329)

• International Security and Development Cooperation Act of 1980

(P.L. 96–533)
Volume 1 – Page vii

• International Security and Development Cooperation Act of 1981

(P.L. 97–113)

• Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material Implementation

Act of 1982 (P.L. 97–351)

• Iraq Sanctions Act of 1990 (P.L. 101–513)

• Iran–Iraq Arms Non–Proliferation Act of 1992

• North Korea Threat Reduction (P.L. 106–113)

• Iran Non–Proliferation Act of 2000 (P.L. 106–178)

16. Miscellaneous: Selected Treaties, Agreements and Executive Orders

• Nuclear Non–Proliferation Treaty

• Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material

• Convention on Early Notification of a Nuclear Accident

• Convention on Nuclear Safety

• Convention on Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear Accident or Radiological

Emergency

• Additional Protocol I to the Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in

Latin America

• Agreement between the United States and the International Atomic Energy

Agency for the Application of Safeguards in the United States

• Additional Protocols to IAEA Safeguards Agreements

• IAEA Supply Agreements

• United States Agreements for Peaceful Nuclear Cooperation

• Agreements for Cooperation in the Use of Atomic Energy

• Convention of the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and

Other Matters

• Executive Orders and Presidential Statements Concerning International

Atomic Energy Cooperation

 Executive Order 10841 (re: International Atomic Energy Cooperation)

 Executive Order 10956 (re: Amdt. to E.O. 10841)  Executive Order 12058 (re: Functions Relating to Nuclear Non–

Proliferation)

 Executive Order 12656 (re: Assignment of Emergency Preparedness

Responsibilities)

 Executive Order 12657 (re: FEMA Assistance in Emergency

Preparedness Planning at Commercial Nuclear Power Plants)
Volume 1, Page 1–1

THE ATOMIC ENERGY ACT OF 1954

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TITLE I –ATOMIC ENERGY

PAGE 42 USC

Sec.

CHAPTER 1

DECLARATION, FINDINGS, AND PURPOSE

Sec. 1. Declaration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–9 2011

Sec. 2. Findings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–9 2012

Sec. 3. Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–10 2013

CHAPTER 2

DEFINITIONS

Sec. 11. Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–11 2014

CHAPTER 3

ORGANIZATION

Sec. 23. Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–16 2033

Sec. 24. General Manager, Deputy and Assistant General 

Managers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–17 2034

Sec. 25. Divisions, Offices, and Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–18 2035

Sec. 26. General Advisory Committee ....................... 1–19

Sec. 27. Military Liaison Committee ......................... 1–19

Sec. 28. Appointment of Army, Navy, or Air Force Officers ...... 1–20 2038

Sec. 29. Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards ............ 1–20 2039

CHAPTER 4

RESEARCH

Sec. 31. Research Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–21 2051

Sec. 32. Research by the Commission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–22 2052

Sec. 33. Research For Others . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–22 2053

CHAPTER 5

PRODUCTION OF SPECIAL NUCLEAR MATERIAL

Sec. 41. Ownership and Operation of Production Facilities ....... 1–22 2061

Sec. 42. Irradiation of Materials ............................ 1–23 2062

Sec. 43. Acquisition of Production Facilities .................. 1–23 2063

Sec. 44. Disposition of Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–24 2064

CHAPTER 6

SPECIAL NUCLEAR MATERIAL

Sec. 51. Special Nuclear Material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–24 2071

Sec. 53. Domestic Distribution of Special Nuclear Material . . . . . . 1–25 2073

Sec. 54. Foreign Distribution of Special Nuclear Material . . . . . . . . 1–28 2074

Sec. 55. Acquisition ..................................... 1–30 2075

Sec. 56. Guaranteed Purchase Prices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–31 2076

Sec. 57. Prohibition ...................................... 1–31 2077

Sec. 58. Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–33 2078
PAGE 42 USC

Sec.

Volume 1, Page 1–2

CHAPTER 7

SOURCE MATERIAL

Sec. 61. Source Material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–34 2091

Sec. 62. License For Transfers Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–34 2092

Sec. 63. Domestic Distribution of Source Material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–34 2093

Sec. 64. Foreign Distribution of Source Material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–35 2094

Sec. 65. Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–35 2095

Sec. 66. Acquisition ..................................... 1–35 2096

Sec. 67. Operations on Lands Belonging to the United States . . . . . 1–36 2097

Sec. 68. Public and Acquired Lands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–36 2098

Sec. 69. Prohibition ...................................... 1–37 2099

CHAPTER 8

BYPRODUCT MATERIAL

Sec. 8l. Domestic Distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–37 2111

Sec. 82. Foreign Distribution of Byproduct Material ............ 1–38 2112

Sec. 83. Ownership and Custody of Certain Byproduct

Material and Disposable Sites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–39 2113

Sec. 84. Authorities of Commission Respecting Certain

Byproduct Material ............................ 1–41 2114

CHAPTER 9

MILITARY APPLICATION OF ATOMIC ENERGY

Sec. 91. Authority . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–42 2121

Sec. 92. Prohibition ...................................... 1–44 2122

CHAPTER 10

ATOMIC ENERGY LICENSES

Sec. 101. License Required ................................. 1–44 2131

Sec. 102. Utilization and Production Facilities For Industrial or 

Commercial Purposes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–44 2132

Sec. 103. Commercial Licenses .............................. 1–44 2133

Sec. 104. Medical Therapy and Research and Development ....... 1–46 2134

Sec. 105. Antitrust Provisions ............................... 1–47 2135

Sec. 106. Classes of Facilities ............................... 1–49 2136

Sec. 107. Operators’ Licenses ............................... 1–49 2137

Sec. 108. War or National Emergency ........................ 1–49 2138

Sec. 109. Component and Other Parts of Facilities ............... 1–50 2139

Sec. 110. Exclusions ...................................... 1–50 2140

Sec. 111. Distribution By the Department of Energy ............. 1–51 2141

CHAPTER 11

INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES

Sec. 121. Effect of International Arrangements ................. 1–51 2151

Sec. 122. Policies Contained in International Arrangements ....... 1–51 2152

Sec. 123. Cooperation with Other Nations ..................... 1–52 2073

Sec. 124. International Atomic Pool .......................... 1–57 2154

Sec. 125. Cooperation With Berlin ........................... 1–57 2153

Sec. 126. Export Licensing Procedures ........................ 1–57 2112
PAGE 42 USC

Sec.

Volume 1, Page 1–3

Sec. 127. Criteria Governing United States Nuclear Exports ....... 1–61 2156

Sec. 128. Additional Export Criterion and Procedures ............ 1–62 2157

Sec. 129. Conduct Resulting in Termination of Nuclear Exports .... 1–64 2158

Sec. 130. Congressional Review Procedures ................... 1–65 2121

Sec. 131. Subsequent Arrangements .......................... 1–68 2121

Sec. 132. Authority to Suspend Nuclear Cooperation with Nations 

which Have Not Ratified the Convention on the 

Physical Security of Nuclear Material . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–72 2160b

Sec. 133. Consultation with the Department of Defense Concerning 

Certain Exports and Subsequent Arrangements ...... 1–72 2160c

Sec. 134. Further Restrictions on Exports ...................... 1–73 2160d

CHAPTER 12

CONTROL OF INFORMATION

Sec. 141. Policy .......................................... 1–74 2161

Sec. 142. Classification and Declassification of Restricted Data .... 1–74 2162

Sec. 143. Department of Defense Participation ................. 1–75 2163

Sec. 144. International Cooperation .......................... 1–75 2164

Sec. 145. Restrictions ..................................... 1–77 2165

Sec. 146. General Provisions ............................... 1–79 2166

Sec. 147. Safeguards Information ............................ 1–79 2167

Sec. 148. Prohibition Against the Dissemination of Certain 

Unclassified Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–81 2168

Sec. 149. Fingerprinting for Criminal History Record Checks ...... 1–83 2133

CHAPTER 13

PATENTS AND INVENTIONS

Sec. 151. Inventions Relating to Atomic Weapons, and Filing

 of Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–84 2181

Sec. 152. Inventions Made or Conceived During Commission

 Contracts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–85 2182

Sec. 153. Nonmilitary Utilization ............................ 1–87 2183

Sec. 154. Injunctions ...................................... 1–89 2184

Sec. 155. Prior Art ........................................ 1–89 2185

Sec. 156. Commission Patent Licenses ........................ 1–90 2186

Sec. 157. Compensation, Awards, and Royalties ................ 1–90 2187

Sec. 158. Monopolistic Use of Patents ........................ 1–91 2188

Sec. 159. Federally Financed Research ........................ 1–91 2189

Sec. 160. Saving Clause ................................... 1–91 2190

CHAPTER 14

GENERAL AUTHORITY

Sec. 161. General Provisions ............................... 1–91 2201

Sec. 162. Contracts ....................................... 1–99 2202

Sec. 163. Advisory Committees ............................. 1–99 2203

Sec. 164. Electric Utility Contracts .......................... 1–100 2204

Sec. 165. Contract Practices ............................... 1–100 2205

Sec. 166. Comptroller General Audit ........................ 1–100 2206

Sec. 167. Claims Settlements .............................. 1–101 2207
PAGE 42 USC

Sec.

Volume 1, Page 1–4

Sec. 168. Payments in Lieu of Taxes ........................ 1–101 2208

Sec. 169. No Subsidy .................................... 1–102 2209

Sec. 170. Indemnification and Limitation of Liability ........... 1–102 2210

Sec. 170a. Conflicts of Interest Relating to Contracts and Other 

Arrangements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–120 2210a

Sec. 170b. Uranium Supply................................. 1–121 2210b

CHAPTER 15

COMPENSATION FOR PRIVATE PROPERTY ACQUIRED

Sec. 171. Just Compensation ............................... 1–123 2221

Sec. 172. Condemnation of Real Property .................... 1–123 2222

Sec. 173. Patent Application Disclosures ..................... 1–123 2223

Sec. 174. Attorney General Approval of Title ................. 1–123 2224

CHAPTER 16

JUDICIAL REVIEW AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE

Sec. 181. General ....................................... 1–124 2231

Sec. 182. License Applications ............................. 1–124 2232

Sec. 183. Terms of Licenses ............................... 1–126 2233

Sec. 184. Inalienability of Licenses .......................... 1–126 2234

Sec. 185. Construction Permits and Operating Licenses .......... 1–126 2235

Sec. 186. Revocation ..................................... 1–127 2236

Sec. 187. Modification of License .......................... 1–127 2237

Sec. 188. Continued Operation of Facilities ................... 1–127 2238

Sec. 189. Hearings and Judicial Review ...................... 1–128 2239

Sec. 190. Licensee Incident Reports ......................... 1–130 2240

Sec. 191. Atomic Safety and Licensing Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–130 2241

Sec. 192. Temporary Operating License ...................... 1–131 2133

Sec. 193. Licensing of Uranium Enrichment Facilities ........... 1–133 2243

CHAPTER 17

JOINT COMMITTEE ON ATOMIC ENERGY

(Repealed) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–135

CHAPTER 18

ENFORCEMENT

Sec. 221. General Provisions .............................. 1–136 2271

Sec. 222. Violations of Specific Sections ..................... 1–137 2272

Sec. 223. Violation of Sections Generally .................... 1–137 2273

Sec. 224. Communication of Restricted Data .................. 1–138 2274

Sec. 225. Receipt of Restricted Data ......................... 1–139 2275

Sec. 226. Tampering with Restricted Data .................... 1–139 2276

Sec. 227. Disclosure of Restricted Data ...................... 1–139 2277

Sec. 228. Statute of Limitations ............................ 1–139 2278

Sec. 229. Trespass Upon Commission Installations ............. 1–140 2278a

Sec. 230. Photographing, Etc., of Commission Installations ...... 1–140 2278b

Sec. 231. Other Laws .................................... 1–140 2279

Sec. 232. Injunction Proceedings ........................... 1–140 2280

Sec. 233. Contempt Proceedings ............................ 1–141 2281
PAGE 42 USC

Sec.

Volume 1, Page 1–5

Sec. 234. Civil Monetary Penalties for Violations of Licensing 

Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–141 2073

Sec. 234a. Civil Monetary Penalties For Violations of Department of 

Energy Regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–142 2282a

Sec. 235. Protection of Nuclear Inspectors .................... 1–143 2283

Sec. 236. Sabotage of Nuclear Facilities or Fuel ............... 1–144 2284

CHAPTER 19

MISCELLANEOUS

Sec. 241. Transfer of Property ............................. 1–144 2015

Sec. 251. Report to Congress .............................. 1–144 2016

Sec. 261. Appropriations .................................. 1–145 2017

Sec. 271. Agency Jurisdiction .............................. 1–146 2018

Sec. 272. Applicability of Federal Power Act .................. 1–146 2019

Sec. 273. Licensing of Government Agencies ................. 1–146 2020

Sec. 274. Cooperation With States .......................... 1–146 2021

Sec. 275. Health and Environmental Standards for Uranium Mill 

Tailings .................................... 1–152 2022

Sec. 276. State Authority to Regulate Radiation Below Level of 

Regulatory Concern of Nuclear Regulatory 

Commission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–155 2023

Sec. 281. Separability .................................... 1–155 2023

Sec. 291. Short Title ..................................... 1–156 2023

CHAPTER 20

JOINT COMMITTEE ON ATOMIC ENERGY ABOLISHED;

FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES REASSIGNED

Sec. 301. Joint Committee on Atomic Energy Abolished ......... 1–156 2258

Sec. 302. Transfer of Certain Functions of the Joint Committee on 

Atomic Energy and Conforming Amendments to 

Certain Other Laws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–156 2251

Sec. 303. Information and Assistance to Congressional Committees 1–156 2259

CHAPTER 21

DEFENSE NUCLEAR FACILITIES SAFETY BOARD

Sec. 311. Establishment .................................. 1–157 2286

Sec. 312. Functions of the Board ........................... 1–158 2286a

Sec. 313. Powers of Board ................................ 1–159 2286b

Sec. 314. Responsibilities of the Secretary of Energy ............ 1–161 2286c

Sec. 315. Board Recommendations .......................... 1–161 2286d

Sec. 316. Reports ........................................ 1–163 2286e

Sec. 317. Judicial Review ................................. 1–164 2286f

Sec. 318. Definition...................................... 1–164 2286g

Sec. 319. Contract Authority Subject to Appropriations .......... 1–164 2286h

Sec. 320. Transmittal of Certain Information to Congress ........ 1–164 2286h-1

Sec. 321. Annual Authorization of Appropriations ............. 1–165 2286i
PAGE 42 USC

Sec.

Volume 1, Page 1–6

NEGOTIATED RULEMAKING ON FINANCIAL PROTECTION FOR

RADIOPHARMACEUTICAL LICENSEES

.......................................... 1–166 2210

TITLE II–UNITED STATES ENRICHMENT CORPORATION

CHAPTER 22

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Sec. 1201. Definitions ..................................... 1–167 2297 

Sec. 1202. Purposes ...................................... 1–168 2297a

CHAPTER 23

ESTABLISHMENT, POWERS, AND ORGANIZATION OF CORPORATION

Sec. 1301. Establishment of The Corporation ................... 1–169 2297b

Sec. 1302. Corporate Offices ............................... 1–169 2297b-1

Sec. 1303. Powers of the Corporation ......................... 1–169 2297b-2

Sec. 1304. Board of Directors ............................... 1–170 2297b-3

Sec. 1305. Employees of the Corporation ...................... 1–171 2297b-4

Sec. 1306. Audits ........................................ 1–172 2297b-5

Sec. 1307. Annual Reports ................................. 1–173 2297b-6

Sec. 1308. Accounts ...................................... 1–173 2297b-7

Sec. 1309. Obligations .................................... 1–174 2297b-8

Sec. 1310. Exemption from Taxation and Payments in Lieu

of Taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–175 2297b-9

Sec. 1311. Cooperation with Other Agencies ................... 1–176 2297b-10

Sec. 1312. Applicability of Certain Federal Laws ............... 1–176 2297b-11

Sec. 1313. Security ....................................... 1–177 2297b-12

Sec. 1314. Control of Information ........................... 1–177 2297b-13

Sec. 1315. Transition ...................................... 1–177 2297b-14

Sec. 1316. Working Capital Account ......................... 1–178 2297b-15

CHAPTER 24

RIGHTS, PRIVILEGES, AND ASSETS OF THE CORPORATION

Sec. 1401. Marketing and Contracting Authority ................ 1–178 2297c

Sec. 1402. Pricing ........................................ 1–179 2297c-1

Sec. 1403. Leasing of Gaseous Diffusion Facilities of Department . . 1–179 2297c-2

Sec. 1404. Capital Structure of Corporation .................... 1–180 2297c-3

Sec. 1405. Patents and Inventions ............................ 1–181 2297c-4

Sec. 1406. Liabilities ...................................... 1–181 2297c-5

Sec. 1407. Transfer of Uranium Inventories .................... 1–181 2297c-6

Sec. 1408. Purchase of Highly Enriched Uranium from Former

Soviet Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–181 2297c-7

CHAPTER 25

PRIVATIZATION OF THE CORPORATION

Sec. 1501. Strategic Plan for Privatization ..................... 1–182 2297d

Sec. 1502. Privatization .................................... 1–182 2297d-1
PAGE 42 USC

Sec.

Volume 1, Page 1–7

CHAPTER 26

AVLIS AND ALTERNATIVE TECHNOLOGIES FOR

URANIUM ENRICHMENT

Sec. 1601. Assessment by United States Enrichment Corporation . . . 1–183 2297e

Sec. 1602. Transfer of Rights and Property to United States 

Enrichment Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–184 2297e-1

Sec. 1603. Predeployment Activities by United States Enrichment 

Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–185 2297e-2

Sec. 1604. United States Enrichment Corporation Sponsorship 

of Private For-Profit Corporation to Construct

AVLIS and Alternative Technologies for 

Uranium Enrichment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–185 2297e-3

Sec. 1605. AVLIS Commercialization Fund within United States 

Enrichment Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–186 2297e-4

Sec. 1606. Department Research and Development Assistance ..... 1–187 2297e-5

Sec. 1607. Site Selection ................................... 1–187 2297e-6

Sec. 1608. Exclusion From Price-Anderson Coverage ............ 1–187 2297e-7

CHAPTER 27

LICENSING AND REGULATION OF URANIUM ENRICHMENT FACILITIES

Sec. 1701. Gaseous Diffusion Facilities ....................... 1–188 2297f

Sec. 1702. Licensing of Other Technologies ................... 1–189 2297f-1

Sec. 1703. Regulation of Restricted Data ...................... 1–189 2297f-2

CHAPTER 28

DECONTAMINATION AND DECOMMISSIONING

Sec. 1801. Uranium Enrichment Decontamination and 

Decommissioning Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–190 2297g

Sec. 1802. Deposits ....................................... 1–190 2297g-1

Sec. 1803. Department Facilities ............................. 1–191 2297g-2

Sec. 1804. Employee Provisions ............................. 1–192 2297g-3

CHAPTER 28 (continued)

DECONTAMINATION AND DECOMMISSIONING

Sec. 1805. Reports to Congress .............................. 1–192 2297g-4

TITLE III–RESCISSIONS AND OFFSETS

CHAPTER 1

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT

URANIUM ENRICHMENT CAPACITY

SUBCHAPTER A

UNITED STATES ENRICHMENT CORPORATION PRIVATIZATION

Sec. 3101. Short Title ..................................... 1–192 2011

Sec. 3102. Definitions ..................................... 1–192 2297h

Sec. 3103. Sale of the Corporation ........................... 1–193 2297h-1

Sec. 3104. Method of Sale ................................. 1–193 2297h-2

Sec. 3105. Establishment of Private Corporation ................ 1–194 2297h-3

Sec. 3106. Transfers to the Private Corporation ................. 1–195 2297h-4

Sec. 3107. Leasing of Gaseous Diffusion Facilities .............. 1–195 2297h-5
PAGE 42 USC

Sec.

Volume 1, Page 1–8

Sec. 3108. Transfer of Contracts ............................. 1–197 2297h-6

Sec. 3109. Liabilities ...................................... 1–198 2297h-7

Sec. 3110. Employee Protections ............................ 1–199 2297h-8

Sec. 3111. Ownership Limitations ........................... 1–202 2297h-9

Sec. 3112. Uranium Transfers and Sales ....................... 1–202 2297h-10

 Table Annual Maximum Deliveries to End Users ............ 1–202 2297h-10

Sec. 3113. Low-level Waste ................................ 1–206 2297h-11

Sec. 3114. AVLIS ........................................ 1–206 2297h-12

Sec. 3115. Application of Certain Laws ....................... 1–207 2297h-13
1

Added by Public Law 102-486 (106 Stat. 2943); Oct. 24, 1992.

2

Sec. 20 Public Law 88-489 (78 Stat. 602)(1964), the Private Ownership of Special Nuclear Materials Act

reads as follows:

Nothing in this Act shall be deemed to diminish existing authority of the United States, or of the Atomic

Energy Commission under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended to regulate source, byproduct, and

special nuclear material and production and utilization facilities or to control such materials and facilities

exported from the United States by imposition of governmental guarantees and security safeguards with respect

thereto, in order to assure the common defense and security and to protect the health and safety of the public, or

to reduce the responsibility of the Atomic Energy Commission to achieve such objectives. 3

Public Law 88-489 (78 Stat. 602)(1964), sec. 1, deleted subsec. 2b. Subsec. 2b read as follows:

b. In permitting the property of the United States to be used by others such sue must be regulated in the

national interest and in order to provide for the common defense and security and to protect the health and

safety of the public.

Volume 1, Page 1–9

THE ATOMIC ENERGY ACT OF 1954

Public Law 83-703 68 Stat. 919

August 30, 1954

TITLE I– ATOMIC ENERGY

CHAPTER 1– DECLARATION, FINDINGS, AND PURPOSE

Sec. 1. Declaration

42 USC 2011.

Declaration.

Atomic energy is capable of application for peaceful as well as

military purposes. It is therefore declared to be the policy of the United

States that1

–

a. the development, use, and control of atomic energy shall be

directed so as to make the maximum contribution to the general welfare,

subject at all times to the paramount objective of making the maximum

contribution to the common defense and security; and

b. the development, use, and control of atomic energy shall be

directed so as to promote world peace, improve the general welfare,

increase the standard of living, and strengthen free competition in private

enterprise.

Sec. 2. Findings.

42 USC 2012.

Findings.

The Congress of the United States hereby makes the following

findings concerning the development, use and control of atomic energy:2

a. The development, utilization, and control of atomic energy for

military and for all other purposes are vital to the common defense and

security.

c.3

 The processing and utilization of source, byproduct, and special

nuclear material affect interstate and foreign commerce and must be

regulated in the national interest.

d. The processing and utilization of source, byproduct, and special

nuclear material must be regulated in the national interest and in order to

provide for the common defense and security and to protect the health and

safety of the public.

e. Source and special nuclear material, production facilities, and

utilization facilities are affected with the public interest, and regulation by

the United States of the production and utilization of atomic energy and of

the facilities used in connection therewith is necessary in the national

interest to assure the common defense and security and to protect the

health and safety of the public.
4

Public Law 88-489 (78Stat. 602) (1964), sec. 2, deleted subsec. 2h. Subsec. 2h, read as follows:

h. It is essential to the common defense and security that title to all special nuclear material be in the

United States while such special nuclear material is within the United States. 5

Public Law 85-256 (71 Stat. 576), (1957) sec. 1, added subsec. i.

6

Public Law 88-489 (78 Stat. 602) (1964), sec. 3, amended this subsection. Before amendment it read:

c. A program for Government control of the possession, use, and production of atomic energy and special

nuclear material so directed as to make the maximum contribution to the common defense and security and the

national welfare;

Volume 1, Page 1–10

f. The necessity for protection against possible interstate damage

occurring from the operation of facilities for production or utilization of

source or special nuclear material places the operation of those facilities

in interstate commerce for the purposes of this Act.

g. Funds of the United Sates may be provided for the development

and use of atomic energy under conditions which will provide for the

common defense and security and promote the general welfare.

i.4

 In order to protect the public and to encourage the development of

the atomic energy industry, in the interest of the general welfare and of

the common defense and security, the United States may make funds

available for a portion of the damages suffered by the public from nuclear

incidents, and may limit the liability of those persons liable for such

losses.5

Sec. 3. Purpose.

42 USC 2013.

Purpose.

It is the purpose of this Act to effectuate the policies set forth above

by providing for–

a. a program of conducting, assisting, and fostering research and

development in order to encourage maximum scientific and industrial

progress;

b. a program for the dissemination of unclassified scientific and

technical information and for the control, dissemination, and

declassification of Restricted Data, subject to appropriate safeguards, so

as to encourage scientific and industrial progress;

c. a program for Government control of the possession, use, and

production of atomic energy and special nuclear material, whether owned

by the Government or others, so directed as to make the maximum

contribution to the common defense and security and the national welfare,

and to provide continued assurance of the Government’s ability to enter

into and enforce agreements with nations or groups of nations for the

control of special nuclear materials and atomic weapons.6

d. a program to encourage widespread participation in the

development and utilization of atomic energy for peaceful purposes to the

maximum extent consistent with the common defense and security and

with the health and safety of the public;

e. a program of international cooperation to promote the common

defense and security and to make available to cooperating nations the

benefits of peaceful applications of atomic energy as widely as expanding

technology and considerations of the common defense and security will

permit; and

f. a program of administration which will be consistent with the

foregoing policies and programs, with international arrangements, and

with agreements for cooperation, which will enable the Congress to be

currently informed so as to take further legislative action as may be

appropriate.
7

Public Law 87-206 (75 Stat. 475) (1961), sec. 2, amended this subsection by adding sec. 91c.

8

Public Law 95-604 (92 Stat. 3033) (1978), sec. 201, amended sec. 11(e) by substituting a complete new

subsec. 11(e). Before amendment, subsec. 11(e) read as follows: 

The term “byproduct material” means any radioactive material (except special nuclear material) yielded in

or made radioactive by exposure to the radiation incident to the process of producing or utilizing special

nuclear material.

Volume 1, Page 1–11

CHAPTER 2–DEFINITIONS

Sec. 11. Definitions.

42 USC 2014.

Definitions.

The intent of Congress in the definitions as given in this section

should be construed from the words or phrases used in the definitions. As

used in this Act:

Agency of the U.S. a. The term “agency of the United States” means the executive branch

of the United States, or any Government agency, or the legislative branch

of the United States, or any agency, committee, commission, office, or

other establishment in the legislative branch, or the judicial branch of the

United States, or any office, agency, committee, commission, or other

establishment in the judicial branch.

Agreement for

cooperation.

b. The term “agreement for cooperation” means any agreement with

another nation or regional defense organization authorized or permitted by

sections 54, 57, 64, 82, 91c., 103, 104, or 144, and made pursuant to

section 123.7

Atomic energy. c. The term “atomic energy” means all forms of energy released in the

course of nuclear fission or nuclear transformation.

Atomic weapon. d. The term “atomic weapon” means any device utilizing atomic

energy, exclusive of the means for transporting or propelling the device

(where such means is a separable and divisible part of the device), the

principal purpose of which is for use as, or for development of, a weapon

prototype, or a weapon test device.

Byproduct material.

e. The term “byproduct material” means (1) any radioactive material

(except special nuclear material) yielded in or made radioactive by

exposure to the radiation incident to the process of producing or utilizing

special nuclear material, and (2) the tailings or wastes produced by the

extraction or concentration of uranium or thorium from any ore processed

primarily for its source material content.8

Commission. f. The term “Commission” means the Atomic Energy Commission.

Common defense

and security.

g. The term “common defense and security” means the common

defense and security of the United States.

Defense

information.

h. The term “defense information” means any information in any

category determined by any Government agency authorized to classify

information, as being information respecting, relating to, or affecting the

national defense.

Design. i. The term “design” means (1) specifications, plans drawings,

blueprints, and other items of like nature; (2) the information contained

therein; or (3) the research and development data pertinent to the

information contained therein.

Extraordinary

nuclear occurrence.

j. The term “extraordinary nuclear occurrence” means any event

causing a discharge or dispersal of source, special nuclear, or byproduct

material from its intended place of confinement in amounts off-site, or

causing radiation levels off-site, which the Nuclear Regulatory

Commission or the Secretary of Energy, as appropriate, determines to be

substantial, and which the Nuclear Regulatory Commission or the

Secretary of Energy, as appropriate determines has resulted or will

probably result in substantial damages to persons off-site or property
9

Public Law 89-645 (80 Stat. 891) (1966), sec. 1, added subsec. j.

10Public Law 85-256 (71 Stat. 576) (1957), sec. 3, added subsec. k.

11Public Law 89-645 (80 Stat. 891) (1966), sec. 1, added subsec. m.

12Public Law 85-256 (71 Stat. 576) (1957), sec. 3, added subsec. p.

13Public Law 89-645 (80 Stat. 891) (1966), sec. 1, amended this subsection by inserting the phase:

including an extraordinary nuclear occurrence.

Volume 1, Page 1–12

off-site. Any determination by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission or the

Secretary of Energy, as appropriate, that such an event has, or has not,

occurred shall be final and conclusive, and no other official or any court

shall have power or jurisdiction to review any such determination. The

Nuclear Regulatory Commission or the Secretary of Energy, as

appropriate, shall establish criteria in writing setting forth the basis upon

which such determination shall be made. As used in this subsection,

“off-site” means away from “the location” or “the contract location” as

defined in the applicable Nuclear Regulatory Commission or the

Secretary of Energy, as appropriate, indemnity agreement, entered into

pursuant to section 170.9

Financial

protection.

k. The term “financial protection” means the ability to respond in

damages for public liability and to meet the costs of investigating and

defending claims and settling suits for such damages.10

Government

agency.

l. The term “Government agency” means any executive department,

commission, independent establishment, corporation, wholly or partly

owned by the United States of America which is an instrumentality of the

United States, or any board, bureau, division, service, office, officer,

authority, administration, or other establishment in the executive branch

of the Government.

Indemnitor. m. The term “indemnitor” means (1) any insurer with respect to his

obligations under a policy of insurance furnished as proof of financial

protection; (2) any licensee, contractor or other person who is obligated

under any other form of financial protection, with respect to such

obligations; and (3) the Nuclear Regulatory Commission or the Secretary

of Energy, as appropriate, with respect to any obligation undertaken by it

in an indemnity agreement entered into pursuant to section 170.11

International

arrangement.

n. The term “international arrangement” means any international

agreement hereafter approved by the Congress or any treaty during the

time such agreement or treaty is in full force and effect, but does not

include any agreement for cooperation.

Joint Committee. o. The term “Joint Committee” means the Joint Committee on Atomic

Energy.

Licensed activity. p. The term “licensed activity” means an activity licensed pursuant to

this Act and covered by the provisions of section 170a.12

Nuclear incident. q. The term “nuclear incident” means any occurrence, including an

extraordinary nuclear occurrence,13 within the United States causing,

within or outside the United States, bodily injury, sickness, disease, or

death, or loss of or damage to property, or loss of use of property, arising

out of or resulting from the radioactive, toxic, explosive, or other

hazardous properties of source, special nuclear, or byproduct material:

Provided, however, That as the term is used in section 170 1., it shall

42 USC 2091. include any such occurrence outside of the United States:

42 USC 2111.

42 USC 2121.

42 USC 2151.

 And provided

further, That as the term is used in section 170d., it shall include any such

occurrence outside the United States if such occurrence involves source,

special nuclear, or byproduct material owned by, and used by or under

contract with, the United States: And provided further, That as the term is
14Public Law 85-256 (71 Stat. 576) (1957), sec. 3 added subsec. q. Prior to amendment by Public Law

89-645 (see footnote 9, above) the subsection had been amended by Public Law 87-615 (76 Stat. 409) (1962),

sec. 4. Before amendment it read: 

o. The term “nuclear incident” means any occurrence within the United States causing bodily injury,

sickness, disease, or death, or loss of or damage to property, or for loss of use of property, arising out of or

resulting from the radioactive, toxic, explosive, or other hazardous properties of source, special nuclear, or

byproduct material; Provided however, That as the term is used in subsection 170.1., it shall mean any such

occurrence outside of the United States rather than within the United States.

Public Law 84-197 (89 Stat. 1111) (1975), sec. 1, amended the second proviso in subsection 11q. Prior to

amendment, the proviso read as follows:

And provided further, That as the term is used in section 170d., it shall include any such occurrence

outside of the United States if such occurrence involves a facility or device owned by, and used by or under

contract with, the United States. 15Public Law 85-256 (71 Stat. 576) (1957), sec. 3, added subsection t. Public Law 87-615 (76 Stat. 409)

(1962), sec. 5, amended the subsection. Before amendment, it read: 

r. The term “person indemnified” means the person with whom an indemnity agreement is executed and

any other person who may be liable for public liability.

Public Law 94-197 (89 Stat. 1111) (1975), sec. 1, amended subsection 11t. by adding the phrases “or

outside the United States as the term is used in subsection 170c.” and “or who is required to maintain financial

protection.” to the definition of the term person “indemnified.”

Volume 1, Page 1–13

used in section 170c., it shall include any such occurrence outside both

the United States and any other nation if such occurrence arises out of or

results from the radioactive, toxic, explosive, or other hazardous

properties of source, special nuclear, or byproduct material licensed

pursuant to chapters 6, 7, 8, and 10 of this Act, which is used in

connection with the operation of a licensed stationary production

utilization facility or which moves outside the territorial limits of the

United States in transit from one person licensed by the Nuclear

Regulatory Commission to another person licensed by the Nuclear

Regulatory Commission.14

Operator. r. The term “operator” means any individual who manipulates the

controls of a utilization or production facility.

Person. s. The term “person” means (1) any individual, corporation,

partnership, firm, association, trust, estate, public or private institution,

group, Government agency other than the Commission, any State or any

political subdivision of, or any political entity within a State, any foreign

government or nation or any political subdivision of any such government

or nation, or other entity; and (2) any legal successor, representative,

agent, or agency of the foregoing.

Person idemnified. t. The term “person indemnified” means (1) with respect to a nuclear

incident occurring within the United States or outside the United States as

the term is used in section 170c., and with respect to any nuclear incident

in connection with the design, development, construction, operation,

repair, maintenance, or use of the nuclear ship Savannah, the person with

whom an indemnity agreement is executed or who is required to maintain

financial protection, and any other person who may be liable for public

liability or (2) with respect to any other nuclear incident occurring outside

the United States, the person with whom an indemnity agreement is

executed and any other person who may be liable for public liability by

reason of his activities under any contract with the Secretary of Energy or

any project to which indemnification under the provisions of

section 170d. has been extended or under any subcontract, purchase order

or other agreement, of any tier, under any such contract or project.15

u. The term “produce”, when used in relation to special nuclear

material, means (1) to manufacture, make, produce, or refine special
16Public Law 101-575 (104 Stat. 2834) (1990) Sec. 5(a) added a new last sentence to Section 11v.

17Public Law 102-486 (106 Stat. 2955) amended the last sentence of v. Before amendment the last sentence

read:

Except with respect to the export or a uranium enrichment production facility, such term as used in

chapters 10 and 16 shall not include any equipment or device (or important component part especially designed

for such equipment or device) capable of separating the isotopes of uranium or enriching uranium in the

isotope 235. 18Public Law 104-134 (110 Stat. 1321-349) struck the words “or the construction and operation of a

uranium enrichment production facility using Atomic Vapor Laser Isotope Separation technology” following:

Except with respect to the export of a uranium enrichment production facility.

19Public Law 104-134, title III, § 3116(b)(1), 110 Stat. 1321-349 added new language:

Chapters 10 and 16 shall not include any equipment or device (or important component part especially

designed for such equipment or device) capable of separating the isotopes of uranium or enriching uranium in

the isotope 235. 20Public Law 85-256 (71 Stat. 576) (1957), sec. 3, added subsection w. Public Law 87-206 (75 Stat. 475)

(1961), sec. 3, amended the subsection. Before amendment it read:

u. The term “public liability” means any legal liability arising out of or resulting from a nuclear incident,

except claims under State or Federal Workmen’s Compensation Acts of employees of persons indemnified who

are employed at the site of and in connection with the activity where the nuclear incident occurs, and except for

claims arising out of an act of war. “Public liability” also included damage to property of persons indemnified:

Provided, That such property is covered under the terms of the financial protection required, except property

which is located at the site of and used in connection with the activity where the nuclear incident occurs.

Volume 1, Page 1–14

nuclear material; (2) to separate special nuclear material from other

substances in which such material may be contained; or (3) to make or to

produce new special nuclear material.

Production facility. v.16 The term “production facility” means (1) any equipment or device

determined by rule of the Commission to be capable of the production of

special nuclear material in such quantity as to be of significance to the

common defense and security, or in such manner as to affect the health

and safety of the public; or (2) any important component part especially

designed for such equipment or device as determined by the Commission.

Except with respect to the export of a uranium enrichment production

facility,17 18 such term as used in Chapters 10 and 16 shall not include any

equipment or device (or important component part especially designed for

such equipment or device) capable of separating the isotopes of uranium

or enriching uranium in the isotope 235.19

Public liability. w. The term “public liability”20 means any legal liability arising out of

or resulting from a nuclear incident or precautionary evacuation

(including all reasonable additional costs incurred by a State, or political

subdivision of a State, in the course of responding to a nuclear incident or

precautionary evacuation) except: (i) claims under State or Federal

workmen’s compensation acts of employees or persons indemnified who

are employed at the site of and in connection with the activity where the

nuclear incident occurs; (ii) claims arising out of an act of war; and (iii)

whenever used in subsections a., c., and k., of section 170, claims for loss

of, or damage to property which is located at the site of and used in

connection with licensed activity where the nuclear incident occurs.

“Public liability; also includes damage to property of persons

indemnified: Provided, That such property is covered under the terms of

the financial protection required, except property which is located at the

site of and used in connection with the activity where the nuclear incident

occurs.
21Public Law 84-1006 (70 Stat. 1069) (1956), sec. 1, amended this definition. Before amendment it read:

u. The term “United States” when used in a geographical sense, includes all Territories and possessions of

the United States, and the Canal Zone. 22Public Law 100-408 (102 Stat. 1066) (1988) added subsections dd-jj.

Volume 1, Page 1–15

Research and

development.

x. The term “research and development” means (1) theoretical

analysis, exploration, or experimentation; or (2) the extension of

investigative findings and theories of a scientific or technical nature into

practical application for experimental and demonstration purposes,

including the experimental production and testing of models, devices,

equipment, materials, and processes.

Restricted Data. y. The term “Restricted Data” means all data concerning

(1)design,manufacture, or utilization of atomic weapons; (2) the

production of special nuclear material; or (3) the use of special nuclear

material in the production of energy, but shall not include data

declassified or removed from the Restricted Data category pursuant to

section 142.

Source material. z. The term “source material” means (1) uranium, thorium, or any

other material which is determined by the Commission pursuant to the

provisions of section 61 to be source material; or (2) ores containing one

or more of the foregoing materials, in such concentration as the

Commission may by regulation determine from time to time.

Special nuclear

material.

aa. The term “special nuclear material” means (1) plutonium, uranium

enriched in the isotope 233 or in the isotope 235, and any other material

which the Commission, pursuant to the provisions of section 51,

determines to be special nuclear material, but does not include source

material; or (2) any material artificially enriched by any of the foregoing,

but does not include source material.

United States. bb. The term “United States” when used in a geographical sense

includes all Territories and possessions of the United States, the Canal

Zone and Puerto Rico.21

Utilization facility. cc. The term “utilization facility” means (1) any equipment or device,

except an atomic weapon, determined by rule of the Commission to be

capable of making use of special nuclear material in such quantity as to be

of significance to the common defense and security, or in such manner as

to affect the health and safety of the public, or peculiarly adapted for

making use of atomic energy in such quantity as to be of significance to

the common defense and security, or in such manner as to affect the

health and safety of the public; or (2) any important component part

especially designed for such equipment or device as determined by the

Commission.

dd.22 The terms “high-level radioactive waste” and “spent nuclear

fuel” have the meanings given such terms in section 2 of the Nuclear

Waste Policy Act of 1982 (42 USC 10101).

ee. The term “transuranic waste” means material contaminated with

elements that have an atomic number greater than 92, including

neptunium, plutonium, americium, and curium, and that are in

concentrations greater than 10 nano-curies per gram, or in such other

concentrations as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission may prescribe to

protect the public health and safety.

ff. The term “nuclear waste activities”, as used in section 170, means

activities subject to an agreement of indemnification under subsection d.

of such section, that the Secretary of Energy is authorized to undertake,
23Public Law 93-438, Sec. 104(a) (88 Stat. 1233) (1974), repealed sections 21 and 22. Prior to repeal,

section 21 read as follows.

Sec. 21. Atomic Energy Commission.–There is hereby established an Atomic Energy Commission, which

shall be composed of five members, each of whom shall be a citizen of the United States. The President shall

designate one member of the Commission as Chairman thereof to serve as such during the pleasure of the

President. The Chairman may from time to time designate any other member of the Commission as Acting

Chairman to act in the place and stead of the Chairman during his absence. The Chairman (or the Acting

Chairman in the absence of the Chairman) shall preside at all meetings of the Commission and a quorum for

the transaction of business shall consist of at least three members present. Each member of the Commission,

including the Chairman, shall have equal responsibility and authority in all decisions and actions of the

Commission, shall have full access to all information relating to the performance of his duties or

responsibilities, and shall have one vote.

Action of the Commission shall be determined by a majority vote of the members present. The Chairman

(continued...)

Volume 1, Page 1–16

under this Act or any other law, involving the storage, handling,

transportation, treatment, or disposal of, or research and development on,

spent nuclear fuel, high-level radioactive waste, or transuranic waste,

including (but not limited to) activities authorized to be carried out under

the Waste Isolation Pilot Project under section 213 of Public Law 96-164

(93 Stat. 1265).

gg. The term “precautionary evacuation” means an evacuation of the

public within a specified area near a nuclear facility, or the transportation

route in the case of an accident involving transportation of source

material, special nuclear material, byproduct material, high-level

radioactive waste, spent nuclear fuel, or transuranic waste to or from a

production or utilization facility, if the evacuation is–

(1) the result of any event that is not classified as a nuclear

incident but that poses imminent danger of bodily injury or property

damage from the radiological properties of source material, special

nuclear material, byproduct material, high-level radioactive waste,

spent nuclear fuel, or transuranic waste, and causes an evacuation; and

(2) initiated by an official of a State or a political subdivision of a

State, who is authorized by State law to initiate such an evacuation

and who reasonably determined that such an evacuation was necessary

to protect the public health and safety.

hh. The term “public liability action”, as used in section 170, means

any suit asserting public liability. A public liability action shall be deemed

to be an action arising under section 170, and the substantive rules for

decision in such action shall be derived from the law of the State in which

the nuclear incident involved occurs, unless such law is inconsistent with

the provisions of such section.

jj. Legal Costs.–As used in section 170, the term “legal costs” means

the costs incurred by a plaintiff or a defendant in initiating, prosecuting,

investigating, settling, or defending claims or suits for damages arising

under such section.

CHAPTER 3–ORGANIZATION

Sec. 23. Office.

42 USC 2033.

Office.

The principal office of the Commission shall be in or near the District

of Columbia, but the Commission or any duly authorized representative

may exercise any or all of its powers in any place; however, the

Commission shall maintain an office for the service of process and papers

within the District of Columbia.23
23(...continued)

(or Acting Chairman in the absence of the Chairman) shall be the official spokesman of the Commission in its

relations with the Congress. Government agencies, persons or the public, and on behalf of the Commission,

shall see to the faithful execution of the policies and decisions of the Commission, and shall report thereon to

the Commission from time to time or as the Commission may direct. The Commission shall have an official

seal which shall be judicially noticed.

Public Law 84-337 (69 Stat. 630) (1955). sec. 3 had previously amended the fifth sentence of sec. 21. 

Before amendment this sentence read:

Each member of the Commission, including the Chairman, shall have equal responsibility and authority in

all decisions and actions of the Commission and shall have one vote.

Prior to repeal, sec. 22 read as follows:

Sec. 22. Members.--

a. Members of the Commission shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of

the Senate. In submitting any nomination to the Senate, the President shall set forth the experience and

qualifications of the nominee. The term of office of each member of the Commission taking office after June

30, 1950, shall be five years, except that (1) the terms of office of the members first taking office after June 30,

1950, shall expire, as designated by the President at the time of the appointment, one at the end of one year,

one at the end of two years, one at the end of three years, one at the end of four years, and one at the end of five

years, after June 30, 1950: and (2) any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of

the term for which is predecessor was appointed, shall be appointed for the remainder of such term. Any

member of the Commission may be removed by the President for inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance

in office.

b. No member of the Commission shall engage in any business, vocation, or employment other than that of

serving as a member of the Commission.

Public Law 88-426 (78 Stat. 400) (1964), sec. 305(10)(A) previously amended sec. 22a. by repealing the

last sentence, which read:

Each member, except the Chairman, shall receive compensation at the rate of $22,000 per annum; and the

member designated as Chairman shall receive compensation at the rate of $22,500 per annum.

Public Law 85-287 (71 Stat. 612) (1957), sec. 1, had amended that sentence by substituting $22,000 for

$18,000, and by substituting $22,500 for $20,000. 24Public Law 85-287 (71 Stat. 612) (1957), sec. 2. amended sec. 24 and replaced it in its entirety. Before

amendment sec. 24 read:

Sec. 24. General Manager.–There is hereby established within the Commission a General Manager, who

shall discharge such of the administrative and executive functions of the Commission as the Commission may

direct. The General Manager shall be appointed by the Commission, shall serve at the pleasure of the

Commission, shall be removable by the Commission, and shall receive compensation at a rate determined by

the Commission, but not in excess of $20,000 per annum. 25Public Law 88-426 (78 Stat. 400) (1964), sec. 306(f), amended the last sentence of sec. 24c. by inserting

“and” immediately before “shall be removable by the General Manager” and by deleting the last part of the

sentence which read:

and shall receive compensation at a rate determined by the General Manager, but not in excess of $20,500

per annum

Volume 1, Page 1–17

Sec. 24. General Manager, Deputy and Assistant General Managers.

42 USC 2034.

General Manager,

Deputy and

Assistant General

Managers.

There is hereby established within the Commission 24

a. A General Manager, who shall be the chief executive officer of the

Commission, and who shall discharge such of the administrative and

executive functions of the Commission as the Commission may direct.

The General Manager shall be appointed by the Commission, shall serve

at the pleasure of the Commission, and shall be removable by the

Commission.25

b. A Deputy General Manager, who shall act in the stead of the

General Manager during his absence when so directed by the General

Manager, and who shall perform such other administrative and executive

functions as the General Manager shall direct. The Deputy General

Manager shall be appointed by the General Manager with the approval of
26Public Law 88-426 (78 Stat. 400) (1964), sec. 306(f), amended the last sentence of sec. 24b. by inserting

“and” immediately before “shall be removable by the General Manager” and by deleting the last part of the

sentence which read:

and shall receive compensation at a rate determined by the General Manager, but not in excess of $20,500

per annum. 27Public Law 88-426 (78 Stat. 400) (1964), sec. 306(f), amended the last sentence of sec. 24c. by inserting

“and” immediately before “shall be removable by the General Manager” and by deleting the last part of the

sentence with read:

and shall receive compensation at a rate determined by the General Manager, but not in excess of $20,000

per annum. 28Public Law 85-287 (71 Stat. 612) (1957), sec. 3, amended the title of sec. 25. Before amendment the title

of this section was: “Divisions and Offices.” 29Public Law 90-190 (81 Stat. 575) (1967), sec. 5, amended sec. 25a. Before amendment, sec. 25a. read as

follows:

a. a Division of Military Application and such other program divisions (not to exceed ten in number) as

the Commission may determine to be necessary to the discharge of its responsibilities, including a division or

divisions the primary responsibilities of which include the development and application of civilian uses of

atomic energy. Each such division shall be under the direction of a Director who shall be appointed by the

Commission. The Director of the Division of Military Application shall be an active member of the Armed

Forces. The Commission shall require each such division to exercise such of the Commission’s administrative

and executive powers as the Commission may determine.

Public Law 88-426 (78 Stat. 400) (1964), sec. 306(f), earlier had amended the second sentence of sec. 25

a. by deleting the last part which read: “and shall receive compensation at a rate determined by the

Commission, but not in excess of $19,000 per annum.” Public Law 85-287 (71 Stat. 612) (1957), sec. 3, had

amended that sentence by substituting $19,000 for $16,000. 30Public Law 88-426 (78 Stat. 400) (1964), sec. 306(f), amended sec. 25b. by deleting the last part which

read: “and shall receive compensation at a rate determined by the Commission, but not in excess of $19,500 per

annum.

Public Law 85-287 (71 Stat. 612) (1957), sec. 3, had amended sec. 25b. by substituting $19,500 for

$16,000.

Volume 1, Page 1–18

the Commission, shall serve at the pleasure of the General Manager, and

shall be removable by the General Manager.26

c. Assistant General Managers, or their equivalents (not to exceed a

total of three positions), who shall perform such administrative and

executive functions as the General Manager shall direct. They shall be

appointed by the General Manager with the approval of the Commission,

shall serve at the pleasure of the General Manager, and shall be

removable by the General Manager.27

Sec. 25. Divisions, Offices, And Positions.

42 USC 2035.

Assistant General

Manager for

Military

Application.

Divisions and

offices.

Program divisions.

There is hereby established within the Commission28

a. A Division of Military Application and such other program

divisions (not to exceed ten in number) as the Commission may determine

to be necessary to the discharge of its responsibilities, including a division

or divisions the primary responsibilities of which include the development

and application of civilian uses of atomic energy. The Division of

Military Application shall be under the direction of an Assistant General

Manager for Military Application, who shall be appointed by the

Commission and shall be an active commissioned officer of the Armed

Forces serving in general or flag officer rank or grade, as appropriate.

Each other program division shall be under the direction of a Director

who shall be appointed by the Commission. The Commission shall

require each such division to exercise such of the Commission’s

administrative and executive powers as the Commission may determine;29

General Counsel. b. an Office of the General Counsel under the direction of the

General Counsel who shall be appointed by the Commission;30 and
31Public Law 88-426 (78 Stat. 400) (1964), sec. 306(f), amended the first sentence of sec. 25c. by deleting

the last part which read:

and shall receive compensation at a rate determined by the Commission, but not in excess of

$19,000 per annum.

Public Law 85-287 (71 Stat. 612) (1957), sec. 3, had amended that sentence by substituting $19,000 for

$16,000. 32Public Law 85-287 (71 Stat. 612) (1957), sec. 3, added subsec. d. Public Law 88-426 (78 Stat. 400)

(1964), sec. 306(f). amended the last sentence of this subsection by inserting “and” immediately before “shall

be removable by the General Manager and by deleting the last part of the sentence which read:

and shall receive compensation at a rate determined by the General Manager, but not in excess of $19,000

per annum. 33Public Law 95-91 (91 Stat. 608) (1977) sec. 709(c)(1). repealed sec. 26 which read:

General Advisory Committee–There shall be a General Advisory Committee to advise the Commission on

scientific and technical matters relating to materials, production, and research and development, to be

composed of nine members, who shall be appointed from civilian life by the President. Each member shall

hold office for a term of six years, except that (a) any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the

expiration of the term for which his predecessor was appointed, shall be appointed for the remainder of such

term; and (b) the terms of office of the members first taking office after August 1, 1946, shall expire, as

designated by the President at the time of appointment, three at the end of two years, three at the end of four

years, and three at the end of six years, after August 1, 1946. The Committee shall designate one of its own

members as Chairman. The Committee shall meet at least four times in every calendar year. The members of

the Committee shall receive a per diem compensation for each day spent in meetings or conferences, and all

members shall receive their necessary traveling or other expenses while engaged in the work of the Committee. 34Public Law 99-661 (100 Stat. 4066) (1986) Div C, Title I, Part C, sec. 3137(c) repealed sec. 27, which

read:

Military Liaison Committee.–There is hereby established a Military Liaison Committee consisting of--

a. a Chairman, who shall be the head thereof and who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the

advice and consent of the Senate, who shall serve at the pleasure of the President; and 

b. a representative or representatives from each of the Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, in

equal numbers, as determined by the Secretary of Defense, to be assigned from each Department by the

Secretary thereof, and who will serve without additional compensation.

The Chairman of the Committee may designate one of the members of the Committee as Acting Chairman

to act during his absence. The Commission shall advise and consult with the Department of Defense, through

the Committee, on all atomic energy matters which the Department of Defense deems to relate to military

applications of atomic weapons or atomic energy including the development, manufacture, use, and storage of

atomic weapons, the allocation of special nuclear material for military research, and the control of information

relating to the manufacture or utilization of atomic weapons; and shall keep the Department of Defense,

through the Committee, fully and currently informed of all such matters before the Commission. The

(continued...)

Volume 1, Page 1–19

Inspection

Division.

c. an Inspection Division under the direction of a Director who shall

be appointed by the Commission.31 The Inspection Division shall be

responsible for gathering information to show whether or not the

contractors, licensees, and officers and employees of the Commission are

complying with the provisions of this Act (except those provisions for

which the Federal Bureau of Investigation is responsible) and the

appropriate rules and regulations of the Commission.

d. such other executive management positions (not to exceed six in

number) as the Commission may determine to be necessary to the

discharge of its responsibilities. Such positions shall be established by the

General Manager with the approval of the Commission. They shall be

appointed by the General Manager with the approval of the Commission,

shall serve at the pleasure of the General Manager, and shall be

removable by the General Manager.32

Sec. 26. General Advisory Committee.

(Repealed33)

Sec. 27. Military Liaison Committee.

(Repealed34)
34(...continued)

Department of Defense, through the Committee, shall keep the Commission fully and currently informed on all

matters within the Department of Defense which the Commission deems to relate to the development or

application of atomic energy. The Department of Defense, through the Committee, shall have the authority to

make written recommendations to the Commission from time to time on matters relating to military

applications of atomic energy as the Department of Defense may deem appropriate. If the Department of

Defense at any time concludes that any request, action, proposed action, or failure to act on the part of the

Commission is adverse to the responsibilities of the Department of Defense, the Secretary of Defense shall refer

the matter to the President whose decision shall be final. 35Public Law 90-190 (81- Stat. 575) (1967), sec. 6, amended the first two sentences of sec. 28. Prior to this

amendment, these sentences read as follows:

Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law, any active officer of the Army, Navy, or Air Force may

serve as Director of the Division of Military Application without prejudice to his commissioned status as such

officer. Any such officer serving as Director of the division of Military Application shall receive in addition to

his pay and allowances, including special and incentive pays, an amount equal to the difference between such

pay and allowances, including special and incentive pays, and the compensation established for this position

pursuant to section 303, or section 309 of the Federal Executive Salary Act of 1964.

Public Law 88-426 (73 Stat. 400), sec. 306, had earlier amended the second sentence of sec. 28 by

substituting the last phrase for the phrase “and the compensation prescribed in section 25.” 36Public Law 107–107, Division A, Title X, Subtitle E, sec. 1048(i)(11), (115 Stat. 1230); December 28,

2001.

Volume 1, Page 1–20

Sec. 28. Appointment Of Army, Navy, Or Air Force Officers.

42 USC 2038.

Appointment of

Army, Navy or Air

Force Officers.

Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law, the officer of the

Army, Navy, or Air Force serving as Assistant General Manager for

Military Application shall serve without prejudice to his commissioned

status as such officer. Any such officer serving as Assistant General

Manager for Military Application shall receive in addition to his pay and

allowances, including special and incentive pays, for which pay and

allowances the Commission shall reimburse his service, an amount equal

to the difference between such pay and allowances, including special and

incentive pays, and the compensation established for this position.35 Chairman, Military

Liaison Committee.

Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law, any active or retired

officer of the Army, Navy, or Air Force may serve as Chairman of the

Military Liaison Committee without prejudice to his active or retired

status as such officer. Any such active officer serving as Chairman of the

Military Liaison Committee shall receive, in addition to his pay and

allowances, including special and incentive pays, an amount equal to the

difference between such pay and allowances, including special and

incentive pays, and the compensation fixed for such Chairman. Any such

retired officer serving as Chairman of the Military Liaison Committee

shall receive the compensation fixed for such Chairman and his retired

pay.36

Sec. 29. Advisory Committee On Reactor Safeguards.

42 USC 2039.

Committee on

Reactor

Safeguards.

There is hereby established an Advisory Committee on Reactor

Safeguards consisting of a maximum of fifteen members appointed by the

Commission for terms of four years each. The Committee shall review

safety studies and facility license applications referred to it and shall make

reports thereon, shall advise the Commission with regard to the hazards of

proposed or existing reactor facilities and the adequacy of proposed

reactor safety standards, and shall perform such other duties as the

Commission may request. One member shall be designated by the

Committee as its Chairman. The members of the Committee shall receive

a per diem compensation for each day spent in meetings or conferences,

or other work of the Committee, and all members shall receive their

necessary traveling or other expenses while engaged in the work of the
37Public Law 85-256 (71 Stat. 576) (1957), sec. 5, added sec. 29.

38Public Law 105-362 (112 Stat. 3292), Nov. 10, 1998, struck the following two sentences which had

previously been added by Public Law 99-209 (91 Stat. 1483) (1977), sec. 5: "In addition to its other duties

under this section, the committee, making use of all available sources, shall undertake a study of reactor safety

research and prepare and submit annually to the Congress a report containing the results of such study. The

first such report shall be submitted to the Congress no later than December 31, 1977." 39Public Law 84-1006 (70 Stat. 1069) (1956), sec. 2. added the words “and training.”

40Public Law 91-560 (84 Stat. 1472) (1970), sec. 1, amended paragraph 31a.(4) which read as follows: 

Utilization of special nuclear material, atomic energy, and radioactive material and processes entailed in

the utilization or production atomic energy or such material for all other purposes, including industrial use, the

generation of usable energy, and the demonstration of the practical value of utilization or production facilities

for industrial or commercial purposes; and. 41Public Law 92-84 (85 Stat. 304) (1971), sec. 201(a). added paragraph (6).

42Public Law 84-1006 (70 Stat. 1069) (1956), sec. 3, added subsec. 31b. and redesignated former

subsecs. 31b. and c. as subsecs. 31c. and d., respectively.

Volume 1, Page 1–21

Committee. The provisions of section 163 shall be applicable to the

Committee.37, 38

CHAPTER 4–RESEARCH

Sec. 31. Research Assistance.

42 USC 2051.

Research

assistance.

a. The Commission is directed to exercise its powers in such manner

as to insure the continued conduct of research and development and

training39 activities in the fields specified below, by private or public

institutions or persons, and to assist in the acquisition of an

ever-expanding fund of theoretical and practical knowledge in such fields.

To this end the Commission is authorized and directed to make

arrangements (including contracts, agreements, and loans) for the conduct

of research and development activities relating to–

(1) nuclear processes;

(2) the theory and production of atomic energy, including

processes, materials, and devices related to such production;

(3) utilization of special nuclear material and radioactive material

for medical, biological, agricultural, health, or military purposes;

(4) utilization of special nuclear material, atomic energy, and

radioactive material and processes entailed in the utilization or

production of atomic energy or such material for all other purposes,

including industrial or commercial uses, the generation of usable

energy, and the demonstration of advances in the commercial or

industrial application of atomic energy;40

(5) the protection of health and the promotion of safety during

research and production activities; and

(6) the preservation and enhancement of a viable environment by

developing more efficient methods to meet the Nation”s energy

needs.41

Grants for

construction of

reactors, etc.

b. The Commission is further authorized to make grants and

contributions to the cost of construction and operation of reactors and

other facilities and other equipment to colleges, universities, hospitals,

and eleemosynary or charitable institutions for the conduct of educational

and training activities relating to the fields in subsection a.42

41 USC 252(c)

(See 41 USC

260(b)).

c. The Commission may (1) make arrangements pursuant to this

section, without regard to the provisions of section 3709 of the Revised

Statutes, as amended, upon certification by the Commission that such

action is necessary in the interest of the common defense and security, or
43Public Law 92-84 (85 Stat. 304) (1971), sec. 201(b), amended this sentence. Prior to amendment it read

as follows: “Where the Commission finds private facilities or laboratories are inadequate to the purpose, it is

authorized to conduct for other persons, through its own facilities, such of those activities and studies of the

types specified in section 31 as it deems appropriate to the development of atomic energy.” 44Public Law 90-190 (81 Stat. 575) (1967), sec. 7, amended sec. 33. Prior to amendment, the section read

as follows:

Sec. 33. RESEARCH FOR OTHERS.–Where the Commission finds private facilities or laboratories are

inadequate to the purpose, it is authorized to conduct for other persons, through its own facilities, such of those

activities and studies of the types specified in section 31 as it deems appropriate to the development of atomic

energy. The Commission is authorized to determine and make such charges as in its discretion may be

desirable for the conduct of such activities and studies.

Volume 1, Page 1–22

upon a showing by the Commission that advertising is not reasonably

practicable; (2) make partial and advance payments under such

arrangements; and (3) make available for use in connection therewith such

of its equipment and facilities as it may deem desirable.

d. The arrangements made pursuant to this section shall contain such

provisions (1) to protect health, (2) to minimize danger to life or 

property, and (3) to require the reporting and to permit the inspection of

work performed thereunder, as the Commission may determine. No such

arrangement shall contain any provisions or conditions which prevent the

dissemination of scientific or technical information, except to the extent

such dissemination is prohibited by law.

Sec. 32. Research by the Commission.

42 USC 2052.

Research by the

Commission.

The Commission is authorized and directed to conduct, through its

own facilities, activities and studies of the types specified in section 31.

Sec. 33. Research For Others.

42 USC 2053.

Research for

others.

Where the Commission finds private facilities or laboratories are

inadequate for the purpose, it is authorized to conduct for other persons,

through its own facilities, such of those activities and studies of the types

specified in section 31 as it deems appropriate to the development of

energy.43 To the extent the Commission determines that private facilities

or laboratories are inadequate to the purpose, and that the Commission’s

facilities, or scientific or technical resources have the potential of lending

significant assistance to other persons in the fields of protection of public

health and safety, the Commission may also assist other persons in these

fields by conducting for such persons, through the Commission’s own

facilities, research and development or training activities and studies. The

Commission is authorized to determine and make such charges as in its

discretion may be desirable for the conduct of the activities and studies

referred to in this section.44

CHAPTER 5–PRODUCTION OF SPECIAL NUCLEAR

MATERIAL

Sec. 41. Ownership and Operation of Production Facilities.

42 USC 2061.

Ownership and

operation of

production

facilities.

a. Ownership of Production Facilities.–The Commission, as agent of

and on behalf of the United States, shall be the exclusive owner of all

production facilities other than facilities which (1) are useful in the

conduct of research and development activities in the fields specified in

section 31, and do not, in the opinion of the Commission, have a potential

production rate adequate to enable the user of such facilities to produce

within a reasonable period of time a sufficient quantity of special nuclear

material to produce an atomic weapon; (2) are licensed by the
45Public Law 102-486 (106 Stat. 2943) Oct. 24, 1992 added new section (3).

46Public Law 90-190 (81 Stat. 575) (1967), sec. 8, deleted the last sentence of sec. 41b. which read as

follows:

The President shall determine in writing at least once each year the quantities of special nuclear

material to be produced under this section and shall specify in such determination the quantities of

special nuclear material to be available for distribution by the Commission pursuant to section 53 or

54.

Volume 1, Page 1–23

Commission pursuant under this title; or (3) are owned by the United

States Enrichment Corporation.45

Operation of the

Commission's

production

facilities.

b. Operation of the Commission’s Production Facilities.–The

Commission is authorized and directed to produce or to provide for the

production of special nuclear material in its own production facilities. To

the extent deemed necessary, the Commission is authorized to make, or to

continue in effect, contracts with persons obligating them to produce

special nuclear material in facilities owned by the Commission. The

Commission is also authorized to enter into research and development

contracts authorizing the contractor to produce special nuclear material in

facilities owned by the Commission to the extent that the production of

such special nuclear material may be incident to the conduct of research

and development activities under such contracts. Any contract entered

into under this section shall contain provisions (1) prohibiting the

contractor from subcontracting any part of the work he is obligated to

perform under the contract, except as authorized by the Commission; and

(2) obligating the contractor (A) to make such reports pertaining to

activities under the contract to the Commission as the Commission may

require (B) to submit to inspection by employees of the Commission of all

such activities, and (C) to comply with all safety and security regulations

41 USC 252(c) which may be prescribed by the Commission.

(See 41 USC

260(b)).

 Any contract made under

the provisions of this paragraph may be made without regard to the

provisions of section 3079 of the Revised Statutes, as amended, upon

certification by the Commission that such action is necessary in the

interest of the common defense and security, or upon a showing by the

Commission that advertising is not reasonable practicable. Partial and

advance payments may be made under such contracts.46

Operation of other

production

facilities.

c. Operation of Other Production Facilities.–Special nuclear material

may be produced in the facilities which under this section are not required

to be owned by the Commission.

Sec. 42. Irradiation of Materials.

42 USC 2062.

Irradiation of

materials.

The Commission and persons lawfully producing or utilizing special

nuclear material are authorized to expose materials of any kind to the

radiation incident to the processes of producing or utilizing special

nuclear material.

Sec. 43. Acquisition of Production Facilities.

42 USC 2063.

44 USC 252(c)

(See 41 USC

260(b)).

Acquisition of

production

facilities.

The Commission is authorized to purchase any interest in facilities for

the production of special nuclear materials, or in real property on which

such facilities are located, without regard to the provisions of

section 3709 of the Revised Statutes, as amended, upon certification by

the Commission that such action is necessary in the interest of the

common defense and security, or upon a showing by the Commission that

advertising is not reasonably practicable. Partial and advance payments

may be made under contracts for such purposes. The Commission is

further authorized to requisition, condemn, or otherwise acquire any
47Public Law 103-437, § 15(f))(2), 108 Stat. 4592 changed "Joint Committee" to "Energy Committee".

48See Public Law 95-110, sec. 301b.

49Public Law 103-437, § 15(f))(2), 108 Stat. 4592 changed "Joint Committee" to "Energy Committee".

Volume 1, Page 1–24

interest in such production facilities, or to condemn or otherwise acquire

such real property, and just compensation shall be made therefor.

Sec. 44. Disposition Of Energy.

42 USC 2064.

Disposition of

energy.

If energy is produced at production facilities of the Commission or is

produced in experimental utilization facilities of the Commission, such

energy may be used by the Commission, or transferred to other

Government agencies, or sold to publicly, cooperatively, or privately

owned utilities or users at reasonable and nondiscriminatory prices. If the

energy produced is electric energy, the price shall be subject to regulation

by the appropriate agency having jurisdiction. In contracting for the

disposal of such energy, the Commission shall give preference and

priority to public bodies and cooperatives or to privately owned utilities

providing electric utility services to high cost areas not being served by

public bodies or cooperatives. Nothing in this Act shall be construed to

authorize the Commission to engage in the sale or distribution of energy

for commercial use except such energy as may be produced by the

Commission incident to the operation of research and development

facilities of the Commission, or of production facilities of the

Commission.

CHAPTER 6–SPECIAL NUCLEAR MATERIAL

Sec. 51. Special Nuclear Material.

42 USC 2071.

Special nuclear

material.

The Commission may determine from time to time that other material

is special nuclear material in addition to that specified in the definition as

special nuclear material. Before making any such determination, the

Commission must find that such material is capable of releasing

substantial quantities of atomic energy and must find that the

determination that such material is special nuclear material is in the

interest of the common defense and security, and the President must have

expressly assented in writing to the determination. The Commission’s

determination, together with the assent of the President, shall be

submitted to the Energy47 Committee48 and a period of thirty days shall

elapse while Congress is in session (in computing such thirty days, there

shall be excluded the days on which either House is not in session

because of an adjournment for more than three days) before the

determination of the Commission may become effective: Provided,

however, That the Energy49 Committee, after having received such

determination, may by resolution in writing, waive the conditions of or all

or any portion of such thirty-day period.
50Public Law 88-489 (78 Stat. 602) (1964), sec. 4, reads as follows:

Section 52 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, is repealed. All rights, title, and interest in and

to any special nuclear material vested in the United States solely by virtue of the provisions of the first sentence

of such section 52, and not by any other transaction authorized by the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended,

or other applicable law, are hereby extinguished.

Section 52 read as follows:

Sec. 52. Government Ownership Of All Special Nuclear Material.–All rights, title, and interest in or to any

special nuclear material within or under the jurisdiction of the United States, now or hereafter produced, shall

be the property of the United States and shall be administered and controlled by the Commission as agent of

and on behalf of the United States by virtue of this Act. Any person owning any interest in any special nuclear

material at the time when such material is hereafter determined to be a special nuclear material shall be paid

just compensation therefor. Any person who lawfully produces any special nuclear material, except pursuant to

a contract with the Commission under the provisions of section 31 or 41, shall be paid a fair price, determined

pursuant to section 56, for producing such material. 51Public Law 88-489 (78 Stat. 602) (1964), sec. 5, amended this subsection. Before amendment, this

subsection read:

a. The Commission is authorized to issue licenses for the possession of, to make available for the period of

the license, and to distribute special nuclear material within the United States to qualified applicants requesting

such material– 52Public Law 85-681 (72 Stat. 632) (1958), sec. 1, added clause (4).

53Public Law 90-190 (81 Stat. 575) (1967), sec. 10, added the phrase “or through the provision of

production or enrichment services.”

Volume 1, Page 1–25

Sec. 53. Domestic Distribution of Special Nuclear Material.

42 USC 2073.

Nuclear material

licenses

a.50 The Commission is authorized (i) to issue licenses to transfer or

receive in interstate commerce, transfer, deliver, acquire, possess, own,

receive possession of or title to, import, or export under the terms of an

agreement for cooperation arranged pursuant to section 123, special

nuclear material, (ii) to make special nuclear material available for the

period of the license, and, (iii) to distribute special nuclear material within

the United States to qualified applicants requesting such material–51

(1) for the conduct of research and development activities of the

types specified in section 31;

(2) for use in the conduct of research and development activities or

in medical therapy under a license issued pursuant to section 104;

(3) for use under a license issued pursuant to section 103;

(4) for such other uses as the Commission determines to be

appropriate to carry out the purposes of this Act.52

b. The Commission shall establish, by rule, minimum criteria for the

issuance of specific or general licenses for the distribution of special

nuclear material depending upon the degree of importance to the common

defense and security or to the health and safety of the public of–

(1) the physical characteristics of the special nuclear material to be

distributed;

(2) the quantities of special nuclear material to be distributed; and

(3) the intended use of the special nuclear material to be

distributed.

Distribution. c. (1) The Commission may distribute special nuclear material

licensed under this section by sale, lease, lease with option to buy, or

grant.53 Provided however, That unless otherwise authorized by law, the

Commission shall not after December 31, 1970, distribute special nuclear
54Sect. (c)(1) amended by P.L. 102-486, (106 Stat. 2943) Oct. 24, 1992.

55Public Law 85-681 (72 Stat. 632) (1958), sec. 2, amended subsec. c. of sec. 53. Before amendment this

phrase and the same phrase in the next sentence read “subsection 53a. (1) or subsection 53a (2).” 56Public Law 88-489 (78 Stat. 602) (1964), sec. 6, amended subsec. 53c. Before amendment, this

subsection read:

c. The Commission may make a reasonable charge, determined pursuant to this section, for the use of

special nuclear material licensed and distributed under subsection 53a.(1), (2) or (4) and shall make a

reasonable charge determined pursuant to this section for the use of special nuclear material licensed and

distributed under subsection 53a.(3). The Commission shall establish criteria in writing for the determination

of whether a charge will be made for the use of special nuclear material licensed and distributed under

subsection 53a.(1), (2) or (4) considering, among other things, whether the licensee is a non-profit or

eleemosynary institution and the purposes for which the special nuclear material will be used. 57Public Law 88-489 (78 Stat. 602) (1964), sec. 7, added the words “by lease.

Volume 1, Page 1–26

material except by sale54 to any person who possesses or operates a

utilization facility under a license pursuant to section 103 or 104b. for use

in the course of activities under such license; nor shall the Commission

permit any such person after June 30, 1973, to continue leasing for use in

the course of such activities special nuclear material previously leased to

such person by the Commission.

(2) The Commission shall establish reasonable sales prices for the

special nuclear material licensed and distributed by sale under this

section. Such sales prices shall be established on a nondiscriminatory

basis which, in the opinion of the Commission, will provide reasonable

compensation to the Government for such special nuclear material.

Agreements. (3) The Commission is authorized to enter into agreements with

licensees for such period of time as the Commission may deem necessary

or desirable to distribute to such licensees such quantities of special

nuclear material as may be necessary for the conduct of the licensed

activity. In such agreements, the Commission may agree to repurchase

any special nuclear material licensed and distributed by sale which is not

consumed in the course of the licensed activity, or any uranium remaining

after irradiation of such special nuclear material, at a repurchase price not

to exceed the Commission’s sale price for comparable special nuclear

material or uranium in effect at the time of delivery of such material to the

Commission.

Charges. (4) The Commission may make a reasonable charge, determined

pursuant to this section, for the use of special nuclear material licensed

and distributed by lease under subsection 53a.(1), (2) or (4)55 and shall

make a reasonable charge determined pursuant to this section for the use

of special nuclear material licensed and distributed by lease under

subsection 53a.(3). The Commission shall establish criteria in writing for

the determination of whether special nuclear material will be distributed

by grant and for the determination of whether a charge will be made for

the use of special nuclear material licensed and distributed by lease under

subsection 53a.(1), (2) or (4), considering, among other things, whether

the licensee is a nonprofit or eleemosynary institution and the purposes

for which the special nuclear material will be used.56

d. In determining the reasonable charge to be made by the

Commission for the use of special nuclear material distributed by lease57

to licensees of utilization or production facilities licensed pursuant to

section 103 or 104, in addition to consideration of the cost thereof, the

Commission shall take into consideration–

(1) the use to be made of the special nuclear material;
58Public Law 88-489 (78 Stat. 602) (1964), sec. 7, amended this paragraph. Before amendment this

paragraph read:

(5) with respect to special nuclear material consumed in a facility licensed pursuant to sect. 103,

the Commission shall make a further charge based on the cost to the Commission, as estimated by the

Commission, or the average fair price paid for the production of such special nuclear material as

determined by section 56, whichever is lower.

59Public Law 88-489 (78 Stat. 602) (1964), sec. 8, deleted, subsec. 53e.(1). Subsec. 53e.(1) read:

(1) title to all special nuclear material shall at all times be in the United States: 60Public Law 85-256 (71 Stat. 576), Sec. 2 amended Sec. 53e.(8). Before amendment this Subsection read:

(8) the licensee will hold the United States and the Commission harmless from any damages resulting from

the use or possession of special nuclear material by the licensee.

Volume 1, Page 1–27

(2) the extent to which the use of the special nuclear material will

advance the development of the peaceful uses of atomic energy;

(3) the energy value of the special nuclear material in the particular

use for which the license is issued;

(4) whether the special nuclear material is to be used in facilities

licensed pursuant to section 103 or 104. In this respect, the

Commission shall, insofar as practicable, make uniform,

nondiscriminatory charges for the use of special nuclear material

distributed to facilities licensed pursuant to section 103; and

(5) with respect to special nuclear material consumed in a facility

licensed pursuant to section 103, the Commission shall make a further

charge equivalent to the sale price for similar special nuclear material

established by the Commission in accordance with subsection 53c.(2),

and the Commission may make such a charge with respect to such

material consumed in a facility licensed pursuant to section 104.58

License conditions. e. Each license issued pursuant to this section shall contain and be

subject to the following conditions–

(2)59 no right to the special nuclear material shall be conferred by

the license except as defined by the license;

(3) neither the license nor any right under the license shall be

assigned or otherwise transferred in violation of the provisions of this

Act;

(4) all special nuclear material shall be subject to the right of

recapture or control reserved by section 108 and to all other provisions

of this Act;

(5) no special nuclear material may be used in any utilization or

production facility except in accordance with the provisions of this

Act;

(6) special nuclear material shall be distributed only on terms, as

may be established by rule of the Commission, such that no user will

be permitted to construct an atomic weapon;

(7) special nuclear material shall be distributed only pursuant to

such safety standards as may be established by rule of the Commission

to protect health and to minimize danger to life or property; and

(8) except to the extent that the indemnification and limitation of

liability provisions of section 170 apply, the licensee will hold the

United States and the Commission harmless from any damages

resulting from the use or possession of special nuclear material by the

licensee.60

Distribution for

independent

research, etc.

f. The Commission is directed to distribute within the United States

sufficient special nuclear material to permit the conduct of widespread

independent research and development activities to the maximum extent
61Public Law 90-190 (81 Stat. 575)(1967), sec. 9, deleted the following phrase which appeared at the end

of this sentence: 

and within the limitations set by the President pursuant to section 41.

62See Public Law 95-110, sec. 301b.

Volume 1, Page 1–28

practicable.61 In the event that applications for special nuclear material

exceed the amount available for distribution, preference shall be given to

those activities which are most likely, in the opinion of the Commission,

to contribute to basic research, to the development of peacetime uses of

atomic energy, or to the economic and military strength of the Nation.

Sec. 54. Foreign Distribution Of Special Nuclear Material.

42 USC 2074.

Foreign

distribution of

special nuclear

material.

a. The Commission is authorized to cooperate with any nation or

group of nations by distributing special nuclear material and to distribute

such special nuclear material, pursuant to the terms of an agreement for

cooperation to which such nation or group of nations is a party and which

is made in accordance with section 123. Unless hereafter otherwise

authorized by law the Commission shall be compensated for special

nuclear material so distributed at not less than the Commission’s

published charges applicable to the domestic distribution of such material,

except that the Commission to assist and encourage research on peaceful

uses or for medical therapy may so distribute without charge during any

calendar year only a quantity of such material which at the time of transfer

does not exceed in value $10,000 in the case of one nation or $50,000 in

the case of any group of nations. The Commission may distribute to the

International Atomic Energy Agency, or to any group of nations, only

such amounts of special nuclear materials and for such period of time as

are authorized by Congress: Provided, however, That, (i) notwithstanding

this provision, the Commission is hereby authorized, subject to the

provisions of section 123, to distribute to the Agency, five thousand

kilograms of contained uranium 235, five hundred grams of uranium-233,

and three kilograms of plutonium, together with the amounts of special

nuclear material which will match in amount the sum of all quantities of

special nuclear materials made available by all other members of the

Agency to June 1, 1960; and (ii) notwithstanding the foregoing provisions

of this subsection, the Commission may distribute to the International

Atomic Energy Agency, or to any group of nations, such other amounts of

special nuclear materials and for such other periods of time as are

established in writing by the Commission: Provided, however, That

before they are established by the Commission pursuant to this

subdivision (ii), such proposed amounts and periods shall be submitted to

the Congress and referred to the Joint Committee62 and a period of sixty

days shall elapse while Congress is in session (in computing such sixty

days, there shall be excluded the days on which either House is not in

session because of adjournment of more than three days): And provided

further, That any such proposed amounts and periods shall not become

effective if during such sixty-day period the Congress passes a concurrent

resolution stating in substance that it does not favor the proposed action: 

And provided further, That prior to the elapse of the first thirty days of

any such sixty-day period the Joint Committee shall submit a report to the

Congress of its views and recommendations respecting the proposed

amounts and periods and an accompanying proposed concurrent

resolution stating in substance that the Congress favors, or does not favor,

as the case may be, the proposed amounts or periods. The Commission
63Section 2 of Public Law 93-377 (88 Stat. 473) (1974), amended section 54. Previously section 54 read as

follows:

Sec.54. Foreign Distribution Of Special Nuclear Material.–The Commission is authorized to cooperate

with any nation by distributing special nuclear material and to distribute such special nuclear material, pursuant

to the terms of an agreement for cooperation to which such nation is a party and which is made in accordance

with section 123. Unless hereafter otherwise authorized by law the Commission shall be compensated for

special nuclear material so distributed at not less than the Commission’s published charges applicable to the

domestic distribution of such material, except that the Commission to assist and encourage research on

peaceful uses or for medical therapy may so distribute without charge during any calendar year only a quantity

of such material which at the time of transfer does not exceed in value $10,000 in the case of one nation or

$50,000 in the case of any group of nations. The Commission may distribute to the International Atomic

Energy Agency, or to any group of nations, only such amounts of special nuclear materials and for such periods

of time as are authorized by Congress; Provided, however, That notwithstanding this provision, the

Commission is hereby authorized subject to the provisions of section 123, to distribute to the Agency five

thousand kilograms of contained uranium-235, five hundred grams of uranium 233 and three kilograms of

(continued...)

Volume 1, Page 1–29

Purchase of special

nuclear material.

may agree to repurchase any special nuclear material distributed under a

sale arrangement pursuant to this subsection which is not consumed in the

course of activities conducted in accordance with the agreement for

cooperation, or any uranium remaining after irradiation of such special

nuclear material, at a repurchase price not to exceed the Commission’s

sale price for comparable special nuclear material or uranium in effect at

the time of delivery of such material to the Commission. The

Commission may also agree to purchase, consistent with and within the

period of the agreement for cooperation, special nuclear material

produced in a nuclear reactor located outside the United States through

the use of special nuclear material which was leased or sold pursuant to

this subsection. Under any such agreement the Commission shall

purchase only such material as is delivered to the Commission during any

period when there is in effect a guaranteed purchase price for the same

material produced in a nuclear reactor by a person licensed under section

104, established by the Commission pursuant to section 56, and the price

to be paid shall be the price so established by the Commission and in

effect for the same material delivered to the Commission.

Foreign

distribution of

certain materials.

b. Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 123, 124, and 125, the

Commission is authorized to distribute to any person outside the United

States (1) plutonium containing 80 percent centum or more by weight of

plutonium-238, and (2) other special nuclear material when it has, in

accordance with subsection 57d., exempted certain classes or quantities of

such other special nuclear material or kinds of uses or users thereof from

the requirements for a license set forth in this chapter. Unless hereafter

otherwise authorized by law, the Commission shall be compensated for

special nuclear material so distributed at not less than the Commission’s

published charges applicable to the domestic distribution of such material.

The Commission shall not distribute any plutonium containing 80 per

centum or more by weight of plutonium-238 to any person under this

subsection if, in its opinion, such distribution would be inimical to the

common defense and security. The Commission may require such reports

regarding the use of material distributed pursuant to the provisions of this

subsection as it deems necessary.

c. The Commission is authorized to license or otherwise permit others

to distribute special nuclear material to any person outside the United

States under the same conditions, except as to charges, as would be

applicable if the material were distributed by the Commission.63
63(...continued)

plutonium together with the amounts of special nuclear material which will match in amount the sum of all

quantities of special nuclear materials made available by all other members of the Agency to July l, 1960. The

Commission may agree to repurchase any special nuclear material distributed under a sale arrangement

pursuant to this section which is not consumed in the course of the activities conducted in accordance with the

agreement for cooperation, or any uranium remaining after irradiation of such special nuclear material, at a

repurchase price not to exceed the Commission’s sale price for comparable special nuclear material or uranium

in effect at the time of delivery of such material to the Commission. The Commission may also agree to

purchase, consistent with and within the period of the agreement for cooperation, special nuclear material

produced in a nuclear reactor located outside the United States through the use of special nuclear material

which was leased or sold pursuant to this section. Under any such agreement, the Commission shall purchase

only such material as is delivered to the Commission during any period when there is in effect a guaranteed

purchase price for the same material produced in a nuclear reactor by a person licensed under section 104,

established by the Commission pursuant to section 56, and the price to be paid shall be the price so established

by the Commission and in effect for the same material delivered to the Commission.

Public Law 88-487 (78 Stat. 602)(1964) has added the last three sentences to section 54, Public Law 87-

206 (75 Stat. 475)(1961) sec. 4, had added the words “five hundred grams of uranium 233 and three kilograms

of plutonium” to the proviso in this section. Public Law 85-177 (71 Stat. 453) (1957), sec. 7, had added the

second and third sentences, including the proviso, to sec. 54. 64Public Law 95-242 (92 Stat. 125)(1978), sec. 301(a) and sec. 303(b)(1) added subsec. 54(d) and subsec.

54(e), respectively. 65Public Law 88-489 (78 Stat. 602)(1964), sec. 10, amended sec. 55 by substituting a complete new sec.

55. Before amendment sec. 55 read as follows:

Sec. 55 Acquisition.–The Commission is authorized to purchase or otherwise acquire any special

nuclear material or any interest therein outside the United States without regard to the provisions of

section 3709 of the Revised Statutes, as amended, upon certification by the Commission that such

action is necessary in the interest of the common defense and security, or upon a showing by the

Commission that advertising is not reasonably practicable. Partial and advance payments may be

(continued...)

Volume 1, Page 1–30

d. The authority to distribute special nuclear material under this

section other than under an export license granted by the Nuclear

Regulatory Commission shall extend only to the following small

quantities of special nuclear material (in no event more than five hundred

grams per year of the uranium isotope 233, the uranium isotope 235, or

plutonium contained in special nuclear material to any recipient):

(l) which are contained in laboratory samples, medical devices, or

monitoring or other instruments; or

(2) the distribution of which is needed to deal with an emergency

situation in which time is of the essence.

e. The authority in this section to commit United States funds for any

activities pursuant to any subsequent arrangement under section

131a.(2)(E) shall be subject to the requirements of section 131.64

Sec. 55. Acquisition.

42 USC 2075.

Acquisition.

The Commission is authorized, to the extent it deems necessary to

effectuate the provisions of this Act, to purchase without regard to the

limitations in section 54 or any guaranteed purchase prices established

pursuant to section 56, and to take, requisition, condemn, or otherwise

41 USC 252(c) acquire any special nuclear material or any interest therein.

(See 41 USC

260(b)).

 Any contract

of purchase made under this section may be made without regard to the

provisions of section 3709 of the Revised Statutes, as amended, upon

certification by the Commission that such action is necessary in the

interest of the common defense and security, or upon a showing by the

Commission that advertising is not reasonably practical. Partial and

advance payments may be made under contracts for such purposes. Just

compensation shall be made for any right, property, or interest in property

taken, requisitioned, or con condemned under this section.65 Providing,
65(...continued)

made under contracts for such purposes.”

66Public Law 95-242 (92 Stat. 131) (1978), sec. 303(b)(2), added the proviso at the end of sec. 55.

67Public Law 91-560 (84 Stat. 1472) (1970), sec. 2, added “section 103 or” to this sentence.

68Public Law 88-489 (78 Stat. 602)(1964), sec. 11 amended sec. 56, by substituting a new sec. 56. Before

amendment sec. 56 read as follows:

Sec. 56. Fair Price.–In determining the fair price to be paid by the Commission pursuant to section 52 for

the production of any special nuclear material, the Commission shall take into consideration the value of the

special nuclear material for its intended use by the United States and may give such weight to the actual cost of

producing that material as the Commission finds to be equitable. The fair price, as may be determined by the

Commission, shall apply to all licensed producers of the same material: Provided ,however, That the

Commission may establish guaranteed fair prices for all special nuclear material delivered to the Commission

for such period of time as it may deem necessary but not to exceed seven years.

Volume 1, Page 1–31

That the authority in this section to commit United States funds for any

activities pursuant to any subsequent arrangement under section

131a.(2)(E) shall be subject to the requirements of section 131.66

Sec. 56. Guaranteed Purchase Prices.

42 USC 2076.

Guaranteed

purchase prices.

The Commission shall establish guaranteed purchase prices for

plutonium produced in a nuclear reactor by a person licensed under

section 104 and delivered to the Commission before January 1, 1971. The

Commission shall also establish for such periods of time as it may deem

necessary but not to exceed ten years as to any such period, guaranteed

purchase prices for uranium enriched in the isotope 233 produced in a

nuclear reactor by a person licensed under section 103 or section 104 and

delivered to the Commission within the period of the guarantee.67

Guaranteed purchase prices established under the authority of this section

shall not exceed the Commission’s determination of the estimated value

of plutonium or uranium enriched in the isotope 233 as fuel in nuclear

reactors, and such prices shall be established on a non-discriminatory

basis: Provided, That the Commission is authorized to establish such

guaranteed purchase prices only for such plutonium or uranium enriched

in the isotope 233 as the Commission shall determine is produced through

the use of special nuclear material which was leased or sold by the

Commission pursuant to section 53.68

Sec. 57. Prohibition.

42 USC 2077.

Unauthorized

handling.

– a. Unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by the

Commission, which the Commission is authorized to issue pursuant to

section 53, no person may transfer or receive in interstate commerce,

transfer, deliver, acquire, own, possess, receive possession of or title to,

or import into or export from the United States any special nuclear

material.

42 USC 2077.

Post, p. 127.

Post, p. 142.

Special nuclear

material

production.

Technology

transfers.

b. It shall be unlawful for any person to directly or indirectly engage in

the production of any special nuclear material outside of the United States

except (1) as specifically authorized under an agreement for cooperation

made pursuant to section 123, including a specific authorization in a

subsequent arrangement under section 131 of this Act, or (2) upon

authorization by the Secretary of Energy after a determination that such

activity will not be inimical to the interest of the United States: Provided, That any such determination by the Secretary of Energy shall be made

only with the concurrence of the Department of State and after
69Public Law 105-277 (112 Stat. 2681-774), Oct. 21, 1998, struck "the Arms Control and Disarmament

Agency". 70Public Law 105-277 (112 Stat. 2681-774), Oct. 21, 1998, struck "the Arms Control and Disarmament

Agency". 71Public Law 95-242 (92 Stat. 126) (1978), sec. 302, amended sec. 57 by substituting a complete new

subsec. 57(b). Before amendment, subsec. 57(b) read as follows:

b. It shall be unlawful for any person to directly or indirectly engage in the production of any special

nuclear material outside of the United States except (1) under an agreement for cooperation made pursuant to

section 123, or (2) upon authorization by the Commission after a determination that such activity will not be

inimical to the interest of the United States.

Volume 1, Page 1–32

consultation with69 the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the Department

Authorization of Commerce, and the Department of Defense.

requests,

procedures.

 The Secretary of Energy

shall, within ninety days after the enactment of the Nuclear

Non-Proliferation Act of 1978, establish orderly and expeditious

procedures, including provision for necessary administrative actions and

inter-agency memoranda of understanding, which are mutually agreeable

to the Secretaries of State, Defense, Commerce,70 and the Nuclear

Regulatory Commission for the consideration of requests for

authorization under this subsection. Such procedures shall include, at a

minimum, explicit direction on the handling of such requests, express

deadlines for the solicitation and collection of the views of the consulted

agencies (with identified officials responsible for meeting such

deadlines), an inter-agency coordinating authority to monitor the

processing of such requests, predetermined procedures for the expeditious

handling of intra-agency and inter-agency disagreements and appeals to

higher authorities, frequent meetings of inter-agency administrative

coordinators to review the status of all pending requests, and similar

administrative mechanisms. To the extent practicable, an applicant should

be advised of all the information required of the applicant for the entire

process for every agency’s needs at the beginning of the process.

Potentially controversial requests should be identified as quickly as

possible so that any required policy decisions or diplomatic consultations

Standards and can be initiated in a timely manner.

criteria.

 An immediate effort should be

undertaken to establish quickly any necessary standards and criteria,

including the nature of only required assurances or evidentiary showings,

for the decision required under this subsection. The processing of any

requests proposed and filed as of the date of enactment of the Nuclear

Non-Proliferation Act of 1978 shall not be delayed pending the

development and establishment of procedures to implement the

Trade secrets, requirements of this subsection.

protection.

 Any trade secrets or proprietary

information submitted by any person seeking an authorization under this

subsection shall be afforded the maximum degree of protection allowable

42 USC 2014. by law:

Post, pp. 131, 141.

 Provided further, That the export of component parts as defined

in subsection 11v.(2) or 11cc.(2), or shall be governed by sections 109

42 USC 2074. and 126 of this Act:

42 USC 2094.

42 USC 7172.

Ante, p. 125.

 Provided further, That notwithstanding subsection

402(d) of the Department of Energy Organization Act (Public Law

95-91), the Secretary of Energy and not the Federal Energy Regulatory

Commission, shall have sole jurisdiction within the Department of Energy

over any matter arising from any function of the Secretary of Energy in

this section, section 54d., section 64, or section 111b.71

c. The Commission shall not–
72Section 3 of Public Law 93-377 (88 Stat. 475) (1974) added new subsec. d to sec. 57. Previously Public

Law 88-489 (78 Stat. 602) (1964), sec. 12, amended sec. 57 by substituting a complete new sec. 57. Before

amendment sec. 57 read as follows:

Sec. 57. Prohibition.--

a. It shall be unlawful for any person to--

(1) possess or transfer any special nuclear material which is the property of the United States except as

authorized by the Commission pursuant to subsection 53 a.;

(2) transfer or receive any special nuclear material in interstate commerce except as authorized by the

Commission pursuant to subsection 53a., or export from or import into the United States any special nuclear

material; and

(3) directly or indirectly engage in the production of any special nuclear material outside of the United

States except (A) under an agreement for cooperation made pursuant to section 123, or (B) upon authorization

by the Commission after a determination that such activity will not be inimical to the interest of the United

States.

b. The Commission shall not distribute any special nuclear material--

(l) to any person for a use which is not under the jurisdiction of the United States except pursuant to the

provisions of section 54; or

(2) to any person within the Untied States, if the Commission finds that the distribution of such special

nuclear material to such person would be inimical to the common defense and security. 73Section 14 of Public Law 97-415 (96 Stat. 2067) (1983) added new subsec. e to sec. 57.

Volume 1, Page 1–33

(l) distribute any special nuclear material to any person for a use

which is not under the jurisdiction of the United States except

pursuant to the provisions of section 54; or

(2) distribute any special nuclear material or issue a license

pursuant to section 53 to any person within the United States if the

Commission finds that the distribution of such special nuclear material

or the issuance of such license would be inimical to the common

defense and security or would constitute an unreasonable risk to the

health and safety of the public.

Certain

exemptions.

d. The Commission is authorized to establish classes of special

nuclear material and to exempt certain classes or quantities of special

nuclear material or kinds of uses or users from the requirements for a

license set forth in this section when it makes a finding that the exemption

of such classes or quantities of special nuclear material or such kinds of

uses or users would not be inimical to the common defense and security

and would not constitute unreasonable risk to the health and safety of the

public.72

e. Special nuclear material, as defined in section 11, produced in

facilities licensed under section 103 or 104 may not be transferred,

reprocessed, used, or otherwise made available by any instrumentality of

the United States or any other person for nuclear explosive purposes.73

Sec. 58. Review.

42 USC 2078.

Review.

Before the Commission establishes any guaranteed purchase price or

guaranteed purchase price period in accordance with the provisions of

section 56, or establishes any criteria for the waiver of any charge for the

use of special nuclear material licensed and distributed under section 53,

the proposed guaranteed purchase price, guaranteed purchase price

period, or criteria for the waiver of such charge shall be submitted to the

Joint Committee and a period of forty-five days shall elapse while

Congress is in session (in computing such forty-five days there shall be

excluded the days in which either House is not in session because of

adjournment for more than three days): Provided, however, That the Joint

Committee, after having received the proposed guaranteed purchase price,

guaranteed purchase price period, or criteria for the waiver of such
74Public Law 85-79 (71 Stat. 274) (1957), added sec. 58.

75Public Law 88-489 (78 Stat. 602) (1964), sec. 13, amended sec. 58 by substituting a complete new

sec. 58. Before amendment sec. 58 read as follows:

Sec. 58. Review.–Before the Commission establishes any fair price or guaranteed fair price period

in accordance with the provisions of section 56, or establishes any criteria for the waiver of any charge

for the use of special nuclear material licensed or distributed under section 53 the proposed fair price,

guaranteed fair price period, or criteria for the waiver of such charge shall be submitted to the Joint

Committee, and a period of forty-five days shall elapse while Congress is in session (in computing

such forty-five days there shall be excluded the days in which either House is not in session because of

adjournment for more than three days): Provided, however, That the Joint Committee, after having

received the proposed fair price, guaranteed fair prices period, or criteria for the waiver of such

charge, may by resolution waive the conditions of or all or any portion of such forty-five day period.

76See Public Law 95-110, sec. 301b.

Volume 1, Page 1–34

charge, may by resolution in writing waive the conditions of, or all or any

portion of, such forty-five day period.74 75

CHAPTER 7–SOURCE MATERIAL

Sec. 61. Source Material.

42 USC 2091.

Source material.

The Commission may determine from time to time that other material

is source material in addition to those specified in the definition of source

material. Before making such determination, the Commission must find

that such material is essential to the production of special nuclear material

and must find that the determination that such material is source material

is in the interest of the common defense and security, and the President

Submittal of must have expressly assented in writing to the determination.

determination to

Joint Committee.

 The

Commission’s determination, together with the assent of the President,

shall be submitted to the Joint Committee76 and a period of thirty days

shall elapse while Congress is in session (in computing such thirty days,

there shall be excluded the days on which either House is not in session

because of an adjournment of more than three days) before the

determination of the Commission may become effective: Provided,

however, That the Joint Committee, after having received such

determination, may by resolution in writing waive the conditions of or all

or any portion of such thirty-day period.

Sec. 62. License For Transfers Required.

42 USC 2092.

License for

transfers required.

Unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by the

Commission, which the Commission is authorized to issue, no person may

transfer or receive in interstate commerce, transfer, deliver, receive

possession of or title to, or import into or export from the United States

any source material after removal from its place of deposit in nature,

except that licenses shall not be required for quantities of source material

which, in the opinion of the Commission, are unimportant.

Sec. 63. Domestic Distribution Of Source Material.

42 USC 2093.

Domestic

distribution of

source material.

a. The Commission is authorized to issue licenses for and to distribute

source material within the United States to qualified applicants requesting

such material–

(l) for the conduct of research and development activities of the

types specified in section 31;

(2) for use in the conduct of research and development activities or

in medical therapy under a license issued pursuant to section 104;

(3) for use under a license issued pursuant to section 103; or
77Public Law 95-242 (92 Stat. 126) (1978). sec. 301.(b), amended sec. 64 by adding the last sentence.

Volume 1, Page 1–35

Charges. (4) for any other use approved by the Commission as an aid to

science or industry.

b. The Commission shall establish, by rule, minimum criteria for the

issuance of specific or general licenses for the distribution of source

material depending upon the degree of importance to the common defense

and security or to the health and safety of the public of–

(l) the physical characteristics of the source material to be

distributed;

(2) the quantities of source material to be distributed; and

(3) the intended use of the source material to be distributed.

c. The Commission may make a reasonable charge determined

pursuant to subsection 161m. for the source material licensed and

distributed under subsection 63a.(1), subsection 63a.(2), or subsection

63a.(4), and shall make a reasonable charge determined pursuant to

subsection 161m., for the source material licensed and distributed under

subsection 63a.(3). The Commission shall establish criteria in writing for

the determination of whether a charge will be made for the source

material licensed and distributed under subsection 63a.(1), subsection

63a.(2), or subsection 63a.(4), considering, among other things, whether

the licensee is a nonprofit or eleemosynary institution and the purposes

for which the source material will be used.

Sec. 64. Foreign Distribution Of Source Material.

42 USC 2094.

Foreign

distribution of

material.

The Commission is authorized to cooperate with any nation by

distributing source material and to distribute source material pursuant to

the terms of an agreement for cooperation to which such nation is a party

and which is made in accordance with section 123. The Commission is

also authorized to distribute source material outside of the United States

upon a determination by the Commission that such activity will not be

42 USC 2094. inimical to the interests of the United States. The authority to distribute

source material under this section other than under an export license

granted by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission shall in no case extend to

quantities of source material in excess of three metric tons per year per

recipient.77

Sec. 65. Reporting.

42 USC 2095.

Reporting.

The Commission is authorized to issue such rules, regulations, or

orders requiring reports of ownership, possession, extraction, refining,

shipment, or other handling of source material as it may deem necessary,

except that such reports shall not be required with respect to (a) any

source material prior to removal from its place of deposit in nature, or

(b) quantities of source material which in the opinion of the Commission

are unimportant or the reporting of which will discourage independent

prospecting for new deposits.

Sec. 66. Acquisition.

42 USC 2096.

Acquisitions.

The Commission is authorized and directed, to the extent it deems

necessary to effectuate the provisions of this Act–

a. to purchase, take, requisition, condemn, or otherwise acquire

supplies of source material;

b. to purchase, condemn, or otherwise acquire any interest in real

property containing deposits of source material; and

c. to purchase, condemn, or otherwise acquire rights to enter upon any

real property deemed by the Commission to have possibilities of
78Public Law 85-681 (72 Stat. 623) (1958), sec. 3, amended the title to sec. 68. Before amendment it read:

PUBLIC LANDS

Volume 1, Page 1–36

containing deposits of source material in order to conduct prospecting and

exploratory operations for such deposits.

41 USC 252(c)

(See 41 USC

260(b)).

Any purchase made under this section may be made without regard to the

provisions of section 3709 of the Revised Statutes, as amended, upon

certification by the Commission that such action is necessary in the

interest of the common defense and security, or upon a showing by the

Commission that advertising is not reasonably practicable. Partial and

advanced payments may be made under contracts for such purposes. The

Commission may establish guaranteed prices for all source material

delivered to it within a specified time. Just compensation shall be made

for any right, property, or interest in property taken, requisitioned,

condemned, or otherwise acquired under this section.

Sec. 67. Operations On Lands Belonging To The United States.

42 USC 2097.

Operations on

lands belonging to

the United States.

The Commission is authorized, to the extent it deems necessary to

effectuate the provisions of this Act, to issue leases or permits for

prospecting for, exploration for, mining of, or removal of deposits of

source material in lands belonging to the United States: Provided,

however, That notwithstanding any other provisions of law, such leases or

permits may be issued for lands administered for national park,

monument, and wildlife purposes only when the President by Executive

Order declares that the requirements of the common defense and security

make such action necessary.

Sec. 68. Public And Acquired Lands.

42 USC 2098.

Public and acquired

lands.

a.78 No individual, corporation, partnership, or association, which had

any part, directly or indirectly, in the development of the atomic energy

program, may benefit by any location, entry, or settlement upon the public

domain made after such individual, corporation, partnership, or

association took part in such project, if such individual, corporation,

partnership, or association, by reason of having had such part in the

development of the atomic energy program, acquired confidential official

information as to the existence of deposits of such uranium, thorium, or

other materials in the specific lands upon which such location, entry, or

settlement is made, and subsequent to the date of the enactment of this

Act made such location, entry, or settlement or caused the same to be

made for his, or its, or their benefit.

Release of

reservation.

b. Any reservation of radioactive mineral substances, fissionable

materials, or source material, together with the right to enter upon the land

and prospect for, mine, and remove the same, inserted pursuant to

Executive Order 9613 of September 13, 1945, Executive Order 9701 of

March 4, 1946, the Atomic Energy Act of 1946, or Executive Order 9908

of December 5, 1947, in any patent, conveyance, lease, permit, or other

authorization or instrument disposing of any interest in public or acquired

lands of the United States, is hereby released, remised, and quitclaimed to

the person or persons entitled upon the date of this Act under the grant

from the United States or successive grants to the ownership, occupancy,

or use of the land under applicable Federal or State laws: Provided,

however, That in cases where any such reservation on acquired lands of

the United States has been heretofore released, remised, or quitclaimed

subsequent to August 12, 1954, in reliance upon authority deemed to have

been contained in the Atomic Energy Act of 1946, as amended, or the
79Public Law 85-681 (72 Stat. 632)(1958), sec. 3 amended sec. 68 by substituting a new subsec .b. Before

amendment subsec. b. read as follows:

b. In cases where any patent, conveyance, lease, permit, or other authorization has been issued, which

reserved to the United States source materials and the right to enter upon the land and prospect for, mine, and

remove the same, the head of the Government agency which issued the patent, conveyance, lease, permit, or

other authorization shall, on application of the holder thereof, issue a new or supplemental patent, conveyance,

lease, permit, or other authorization without such reservation. If any rights have been granted by the United

States pursuant to any such reservation then such patent shall be made subject to those rights, but the patentee

shall be subrogated to the rights of the United States.

80See Atomic Energy Act of 1946, appendix B, infra, sec. 5(b)(7). 81Public Law 95-604 (92 Stat. 3039)(1978), sec. 205(b), amended the first sentence of sec. 81. Before

amendment it read as follows:

No person may transfer or receive in interstate commerce, manufacture, produce transfer, acquire,

own, possess, import, or export any byproduct material, except to the extent authorized by this section

or by sec. 82.

Volume 1, Page 1–37

Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as heretofore amended, the same shall be

valid and effective in all respects to the same extent as if public lands and

not acquired lands had been involved. The foregoing release shall be

subject to any rights which may have been granted by the United States

pursuant to any such reservation, but the releases shall be subrogated to

the rights of the United States.79

60 Stat. 775.

30 USC 501-505.

30 USC 503.

c. Notwithstanding the provisions of the Atomic Energy Act of 1946,

as amended, and particularly section 5(b)(7) thereof,80 or the provisions of

the Act of August 12, 1953 (67 Stat. 539), and particularly sec. 3 thereof,

any mining claim, heretofore located under the mining laws of the United

States, for or based upon a discovery of a mineral deposit which is a

source material and which, except for the possible contrary construction

of said Atomic Energy Act, would have been locatable under such mining

laws, shall, insofar as adversely affected by such possible contrary

construction, be valid and effective, in all respects to the same extent as if

said mineral deposit were a locatable mineral deposit other than a source

material.

Sec. 69. Prohibition.

42 USC 2099.

Prohibition.

The Commission shall not license any person to transfer or deliver,

receive possession of or title to, or import into or export from the United

States any source material if, in the opinion of the Commission, the

issuance of a license to such person for such purpose would be inimical to

the common defense and security or the health and safety of the public.

CHAPTER 8–BYPRODUCT MATERIAL

Sec. 8l. Domestic Distribution.

42 USC 2111.

Domestic

distribution.

No person may transfer or receive in interstate commerce,

manufacture, produce, transfer, acquire, own, possess, import, or export

any byproduct material, except to the extent authorized by this section,

section 82 or section 84.81 The Commission is authorized to issue general

or specific licenses to applicants seeking to use byproduct material for

research or development purposes, for medical therapy, industrial uses,

agricultural uses, or such other useful applications as may be developed.

The Commission may distribute, sell, loan, or lease such byproduct
82Sec. 4 of Public Law 93-377 (88 Stat. 475) (1974) changed the word “licensees” to “qualified applicants”

and deleted the following sentence, which was previously the fifth sentence of sec. 8l:

Licensees of the Commission may distribute byproduct material only to applicants therefor who

are licensed by the Commission to receive such byproduct material.

Volume 1, Page 1–38

material as it owns to qualified applicants82 with or without charge:

Provided, however, That, for byproduct material to be distributed by the

Commission for a charge, the Commission shall establish prices on such

equitable basis as, in the opinion of the Commission, (a) will provide

reasonable compensation to the Government for such material, (b) will

not discourage the use of such material or the development of sources of

supply of such material independent of the Commission, and (c) will

encourage research and development. In distributing such material, the

Commission shall give preference to applicants proposing to use such

material either in the conduct of research and development or in medical

therapy. The Commission shall not permit the distribution of any

byproduct material to any licensee, and shall recall or order the recall of

any distributed material from any licensee, who is not equipped to observe

or who fails to observe such safety standards to protect health as may be

established by the Commission or who uses such material in violation of

law or regulation of the Commission or in a manner other than as

disclosed in the application therefor or approved by the Commission. The

Commission is authorized to establish classes of byproduct material and

to exempt certain classes or quantities of material or kinds of uses or users

from the requirements for a license set forth in this section when it makes

a finding that the exemption of such classes or quantities of such material

or such kinds of uses or users will not constitute an unreasonable risk to

the common defense and security and to the health and safety of the

public.

Sec. 82. Foreign Distribution Of Byproduct Material.

42 USC 2112.

Foreign

distribution of

byproduct material.

a. The Commission is authorized to cooperate with any nation by

distributing byproduct material, and to distribute byproduct material,

pursuant to the terms of an agreement for cooperation to which such

nation is party and which is made in accordance with section 123.

b. The Commission is also authorized to distribute byproduct material

to any person outside the United States upon application therefor by such

person and demand such charge for such material as would be charged for

the material if it were distributed within the United States: Provided,

however, That the Commission shall not distribute any such material to

any person under this section if, in its opinion, such distribution would be

inimical to the common defense and security: And provided further, That

the Commission may require such reports regarding the use of material

distributed pursuant to the provisions of this section as it deems

necessary.

c. The Commission is authorized to license others to distribute

byproduct material to any person outside the United States under the same

conditions, except as to charges, as would be applicable if the material

were distributed by the Commission.
83Public Law 96-106 (93 Stat. 800) (1979) sec. 22(c) amended last sentence of sec. 83a. Before

amendment this sentence read as follows:

Any license in effect on the date of the enactment of this section shall either contain such terms

and conditions on renewal thereof after the effective date of this section, or comply with paragraphs

(1) and (2) upon the termination of such license, whichever first occurs.

84Public Law 96-106 (93 Stat. 800) (1979) sec. 22(e)(1) amended sec. 83(b)(1)(A) by striking out all that

follows “transferred to.” through “Unless.” Before amendment this part read as follows:

(A) the United States, or

(B) the State in which such land is located, at the option of such State.

(2) Unless

85Public Law 96-106 (93 Stat. 800) (1979) sec. 22(e)(2) amended sec. 83(b)(1)(A) by inserting “section 81

of this Act” in lieu of “section 84b.”

Volume 1, Page 1–39

Sec. 83. Ownership And Custody Of Certain Byproduct Material

And Disposable Sites.

42 USC 2113.

42 USC 2002.

42 USC 2014.

42 USC 2111.

a. Any license issued or renewed after the effective date of this section

under section 62 or section 81 for any activity which results in the

production of any byproduct material, as defined in section 11e.(2), shall

contain terms and conditions as the Commission determines to be

necessary to assure that, prior to termination of such license–

(l) the licensee will comply with decontamination,

decommissioning, and reclamation standards prescribed by the

Commission for sites (A) at which ores were processed primarily for

their source material content and (B) at which such byproduct material

is deposited, and 

42 USC 2014. (2) ownership of any byproduct material, as defined in

sec. 11e.(2), which resulted from such licensed activity shall be

transferred to (A) the United States or (B) in the State in which such

activity occurred if such State exercises the option under subsection

b.(1) to acquire land used for the disposal of byproduct material.

Any license which is in effect on the effective date of this section and

which is subsequently terminated without renewal shall comply with

paragraphs (1) and (2) upon termination.83

Rule, regulation or

order.

(b)(1)(A) The Commission shall require by rule, regulation, or order

that prior to the termination of any license which is issued after the

effective date of this section, title to the land, including any interest

therein (other than land owned by the United States or by a State) which

is used for the disposal of any byproduct material, as defined by

section 11e.(2), pursuant to such license shall be transferred to:

(i) the United States or–

(ii) the State in which such land is located, at the option of

such State

unless84 the Commission determines prior to such termination that transfer

of title to such land and such byproduct material is not necessary or

desirable to protect the public health, safety, or welfare or to minimize or

eliminate danger to life or property. Such determination shall be made in

accordance with section 181 of this Act. Notwithstanding any other

provision of law or any such determination, such property and materials

shall be maintained pursuant to a license issued by the Commission

pursuant to section 81 of this Act85 in such manner as will protect the

public health, safety, and the environment.

(B) If the Commission determines by order that use of the surface

or subsurface estates, or both, of the land transferred to the United

States or to a State under sub-paragraph (A) would not endanger the

public health, safety, welfare, or environment, the Commission,
Volume 1, Page 1–40

pursuant to such regulations as it may prescribe, shall permit the use

of the surface or subsurface estates, or both, of such land in a manner

consistent with the provisions of this section. If the Commission

permits such use of such land, it shall provide the person who

transferred such land with the right of first refusal with respect to such

use of such land.

(2) If transfer to the United States of title to such byproduct

material and such land is required under this section, the Secretary

of Energy or any Federal agency designated by the President shall,

following the Commission’s determination of compliance under

subsection c., assume title and custody of such byproduct material

and land transferred as provided in this subsection Such Secretary

or Federal agency shall maintain such material and land in such

manner as will protect the public health and safety and the

environment. Such custody may be transferred to another officer

or instrumentality of the United States only upon approval of the

President.

(3) If transfer to a State of title to such byproduct material is

required in accordance with this subsection, such State shall,

following the Commission’s determination of compliance under

subsection d., assume title and custody of such byproduct material

and land transferred as provided in this subsection. Such State

shall maintain such material and land in such manner as will

protect the public health, safety, and the environment.

42 USC 2092. (4) In the case of any such license under section 62, which was

in effect on the effective date of this section, the Commission may

require, before the termination of such license, such transfer of

land and interest therein (as described in paragraph (1) of this

subsection) to the United States or a State in which land is located,

at the option of such State, as may be necessary to protect the

public health, welfare, and the environment from any effects

associated with such byproduct material. In exercising the

authority of this paragraph, the Commission shall take into

consideration the status of the ownership of such land and interest

therein and the ability of the licensee to transfer title and custody

thereof to the United States or a State.

(5) The Commission may, pursuant to a license, or by rule or

order, require the Secretary or other Federal agency or State

having custody of such property and materials to undertake such

monitoring, maintenance, and emergency measures as are

necessary to protect the public health and safety and such other

actions as the Commission deems necessary to comply with the

Post, p. 3039. standards promulgated pursuant to section 84 of this Act. The

Secretary or such other Federal agency is authorized to carry out

maintenance, monitoring, and emergency measures, but shall take

no other action pursuant to such license, rule or order, with respect

to such property and materials unless expressly authorized by

Congress after the date of enactment of this Act.

42 USC 2014. (6) The transfer of title to land or byproduct materials, as

defined in section 11e.(2), to a State or the United States pursuant

to this subsection shall not relieve any licensee of liability for any

fraudulent or negligent acts done prior to such transfer.
86Public Law 95-604 (92 Stat. 3033) (1978, sec. 202(a), added sec. 83.

87Public Law 97-415 (96 Stat. 2067) (1983) sec. 22 added the language after “material.” 

Volume 1, Page 1–41

(7) Material and land transferred to the United States or a

State in accordance with this subsection shall be transferred

without cost to the United States or a State (other than

administrative and legal costs incurred in carrying out such

transfer). Subject to the provisions of paragraph (1)(B) of this

subsection, the United States or a State shall not transfer title to

material or property acquired under this subsection to any person,

unless such transfer is in the same manner as provided under

section 104(h) of the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act

of 1978.

(8) The provisions of this subsection respecting transfer of title

and custody to land shall not apply in the case of lands held in trust

by the United States for any Indian tribe or lands owned by such

Indian tribe subject to a restriction against alienation imposed by

the United States. In the case of such lands which are used for the

disposal of byproduct material, as defined in section 11e.(2), the

licensee shall be required to enter into such arrangements with the

Commission as may be appropriate to assure the long-term

maintenance and monitoring of such lands by the United States.

c. Upon termination on any license to which this section applies, the

Commission shall determine whether or not the licensee has complied

with all applicable standards and requirements under such license.86

Sec. 84. Authorities of Commission Respecting Certain Byproduct

Material.

42 USC 2114. a. The Commission shall insure that the management of any

byproduct material, as defined in section 11e.(2), is carried out in such

manner as–

(1) the Commission deems appropriate to protect the public health

and safety and the environment from radiological and nonradiological

hazards associated with the processing and with the possession and

transfer of such material taking into account the risk to the public

health, safety, and the environment, with due consideration of the

economic costs and such other factors as the Commission determines

to be appropriate,87

Infra. (2) conforms with applicable general standards promulgated by the

Administration of the Environmental Protection Agency under section

275, and

(3) conforms to general requirements established by the

Commission, with the concurrence of the Administrator, which are, to

the maximum extent practicable, at lease comparable to requirements

applicable to the possession, transfer, and disposal of similar

hazardous material regulated by the Administrator under the Solid

Waste Disposal Act, as amended.

42 USC 6901 note. b. In carrying out its authority under this section, the Commission is

authorized to–

42 USC 2112.

Rule, regulation of

order.

(l) by rule, regulation, or order require persons, officers, or

instrumentalities, exempted from licensing under section 81 of this

Act to conduct monitoring, perform remedial work, and to comply

with such other measures as it may deem necessary or desirable to

protect health or to minimize danger to life or property, and in
88Public Law 95-604 (92 Stat. 3039) (1978), sec. 205(a), added sec. 84.

89Public Law 97-415 (96 Stat. 2067) (1983) sec. 20 added subsec. “c.”

Volume 1, Page 1–42

connection with the disposal or storage of such byproduct material;

and

(2) make such studies and inspections and to conduct such

monitoring as may be necessary.

Ante, p. 3033.

Civil penalty.

Any violation by any person other than the United States or any officer 

or employee of the United States or a State of any rule, regulation, or

order or licensing provision, of the Commission established under this

section or section 83 shall be subject to a civil penalty in the same manner

and in the same amount as violations subject to a civil penalty under

42 USC 2282. section 234. Nothing in this section affects any authority of the

Commission under any other provisions of this Act.88

42 USC 2014.

42 USC 2114.

c. In the case of sites at which ores are processed primarily for their

source material content or which are used for the disposal of byproduct

material as defined in section 11e.(2), a licensee may propose alternatives

to specific requirements adopted and enforced by the Commission under

this Act. Such alternative proposals may take into account local or

regional conditions, including geology, topography, hydrology and

meteorology. The Commission may treat such alternatives as satisfying

Commission requirements if the Commission determines that such

alternatives will achieve a level of stabilization and containment of the

sites concerned, and a level of protection for public health, safety, and the

environment from radiological and nonradiological hazards associated

42 USC 2022. with such sites, which is equivalent to, to the extent practicable, or more

stringent than the level which would be achieved by standards and

requirements adopted and enforced by the Commission for the same

purpose and any final standards promulgated by the Administrator of the

Environmental Protection Agency in accordance with section 275.89

CHAPTER 9–MILITARY APPLICATION OF ATOMIC 

ENERGY

Sec. 91. Authority.

42 USC 2121.

Authority.

a. The Commission is authorized to–

(1) conduct experiments and do research and development work in

the military application of atomic energy;

(2) engage in the production of atomic weapons, or atomic weapon

parts, except that such activities shall be carried on only to the extent

that the express consent and direction of the President of the United

States has been obtained, which consent and direction shall be

obtained at least once each year;

(3) provide for safe storage, processing, transportation, and

disposal of hazardous waste (including radioactive waste) resulting

from nuclear materials production, weapons production and

surveillance programs, and naval nuclear propulsion programs;

(4) carry out research on and development of technologies needed

for the effective negotiation and verification of international

agreements on control of special nuclear materials and nuclear

weapons; and

(5) under applicable law (other than this paragraph) and consistent

with other missions of the Department of Energy, make transfers of
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federally owned or originated technology to State and local

governments, private industry, and universities or nonprofit

organizations so that the prospects for commercialization of such

technology are enhanced.

b. The President from time to time may direct the Commission (1) to

deliver such quantities of special nuclear material or atomic weapons to

the Department of Defense for such use as he deems necessary in the

interest of national defense, or (2) to authorize the Department of Defense

to manufacture, produce, or acquire any atomic weapon or utilization

facility for military purposes: Provided, however, That such authorization

shall not extend to the production of special nuclear material other than

that incidental to the operation of such utilization facilities.

c. The President may authorize the Commission or the Department of

Defense, with the assistance of the other, to cooperate with another nation

and, notwithstanding the provisions of section 57, 62, or 81, to transfer by

sale, lease, or loan to that nation, in accordance with terms and conditions

of a program approved by the President–

(1) nonnuclear parts of atomic weapons provided that such nation

has made substantial progress in the development of atomic weapons,

and other nonnuclear parts of atomic weapons systems involving

Restricted Data provided that such transfer will not contribute

significantly to that nation’s atomic weapon design, development or

fabrication capability; for the purpose of improving that nation’s state

of training and operational readiness;

(2) utilization facilities for military applications; and

(3) source, byproduct, or special nuclear material for research on,

development of, production of, or use in utilization facilities for

military applications; and

(4) source, byproduct, or special nuclear material for research on,

development of, or use in atomic weapons: Provided, however, That

the transfer of such material to that nation is necessary to improve its

atomic weapon design, development, or fabrication capability: And

provided further, That such nation has made substantial progress in

the development of atomic weapons,

whenever the President determines that the proposed cooperation and

each proposed transfer arrangement for the nonnuclear parts of atomic

weapons and atomic weapons systems, utilization facilities or source,

byproduct, or special nuclear material will promote and will not constitute

an unreasonable risk to the common defense and security, while such

other nation is participating with the United States pursuant to an

international arrangement by substantial and material contributions to the

mutual defense and security: Provided, however, That the cooperation is

undertaken pursuant to an agreement entered into in accordance with

section 123: And provided further, That if an agreement for cooperation

arranged pursuant to this subsection provides for transfer of utilization

facilities for military applications the Commission, or the Department of

Defense with respect to cooperation it has been authorized to undertake,

may authorize any person to transfer such utilization facilities for military
90Public Law 83-703. Title I, Ch. 9, sect. 91 (68 Stat. 936), Aug. 30, 1954; Public Law 85-479, sect. I (72

Stat. 276), July 2, 1958; Public Law 101-189, Div. C, Title XXXI, Part E, sect. 3157 (103 Stat. 1684), Nov. 29,

1989; Public Law 102-486, Title IX, sect. 902(a)(8) (106 Stat. 2944), renumbered Title I, Oct. 24, 1992. 91Public Law 85-479 (72 Stat. 276) (1958), sec. 2, amended sec. 92 by substituting a complete new sec. 92. 

Before amendment sec. 92 read as follows:

Sec. 92. Prohibition.–It shall be unlawful for any person to transfer or receive in interstate commerce,

manufacture, produce, transfer, acquire, possess, import, or export any atomic weapon, except as may be

authorized by the Commission pursuant to the provisions of section 91. Nothing in this section shall be

deemed to modify the provisions of subsection 31 a. or section 101. 92Public Law 84-1006 (70 Stat. 1069) (1956), sec. 11, added the word “use.”

93Public Law 91-560 (84 Stat. 1472) (1970), sec. 3, amended sec. 102, prior to amendment it read as

follows:

Sec. 102. Finding Of Practical Value–Whenever the Commission has made a finding in writing that any

type of utilization or production facility has been sufficiently developed to be of practical value for industrial or

commercial purposes, the Commission may thereafter issue licenses for such type of facility pursuant to section

103.

Volume 1, Page 1–44

applications in accordance with the terms and conditions of this

subsection and of the agreement for cooperation90.

Sec. 92. Prohibition.

42 USC 2122.

Prohibition.

It shall be unlawful, except as provided in section 91, for any person

to transfer or receive in interstate or foreign commerce, manufacture,

produce, transfer, acquire, possess, import, or export any atomic weapon. 

Nothing in this section shall be deemed to modify the provisions of

subsection 31a. or section 101.91

CHAPTER 10–ATOMIC ENERGY LICENSES

Sec. 101. License Required.

42 USC 2131.

License required.

It shall be unlawful, except as provided in section 91, for any person

within the United States to transfer or receive in interstate commerce,

manufacture, produce, transfer, acquire, possess, use,92 import, or export

any utilization or production facility except under and in accordance with

a license issued by the Commission pursuant to section 103 or 104.

Sec. 102. Utilization And Production Facilities For Industrial Or

Commercial Purposes.

42 USC 2132. a. Except as provided in subsections b. and c., or otherwise

specifically authorized by law, any license hereafter issued for a

utilization or production facility for industrial or commercial purposes

shall be issued pursuant to section 103.

b. Any license hereafter issued for a utilization or production facility

for industrial or commercial purposes, the construction or operation of

which was licensed pursuant to subsection 104b. prior to enactment into

law of this subsection, shall be issued under subsection 104b.

c. Any license for a utilization or production facility for industrial or

commercial purposes constructed or operated under an arrangement with

the Commission entered into under the Cooperative Power Reactor

Demonstration Program shall, except as otherwise specifically required by

applicable law, be issued under subsection 104b.93

Sec. 103. Commercial Licenses.

42 USC 2133.

Commercial

licenses.

 a. The Commission is authorized to issue licenses to persons applying

therefor to transfer or receive in interstate commerce, manufacture,
94Public Law 84-1006 (70 Stat. 1069) (1956), sec. 12, added the word “use.”

95Public Law 91-560 (84 Stat. 1472) (1970), sec. 4, amended the first sentence of sec. 103a. Before

amendment it read as follows:

Subsequent to a finding by the Commission as required in section 102, the Commission may issue licenses

to transfer or receive in interstate commerce, manufacture, produce, transfer, acquire, possess, use, import, or

export under the terms of an agreement for cooperation arranged pursuant to section 123, such type of

utilization or production facility. 96Public Law 84-1006 (70 Stat. 1069) (1956), sec. 13, added the words “an alien or any” between the

words “to” and “any” in the second sentence of subsec. 103d. Addition of the word “any” was, of course,

unnecessary.

Volume 1, Page 1–45

produce, transfer, acquire, possess, use94 import, or export under the terms

of an agreement for cooperation arranged pursuant to section 123,

utilization or production facilities for industrial or commercial purposes.95

Such licenses shall be issued in accordance with the provisions of chapter

16 and subject to such conditions as the Commission may by rule or

regulation establish to effectuate the purposes and provisions of this Act.

b. The Commission shall issue such licenses on a nonexclusive basis

to persons applying therefor (1) whose proposed activities will serve a

useful purpose proportionate to the quantities of special nuclear material

or source material to be utilized; (2) who are equipped to observe and

who agree to observe such safety standards to protect health and to

minimize danger to life or property as the Commission may by rule

establish; and (3) who agree to make available to the Commission such

technical information and data concerning activities under such licenses

as the Commission may determine necessary to promote the common

defense and security and to protect the health and safety of the public. All

such information may be used by the Commission only for the purposes

of the common defense and security and to protect the health and safety

of the public.

c. Each such license shall be issued for a specified period, as

determined by the Commission, depending on the type of activity to be

licensed, but not exceeding forty years, and may be renewed upon the

expiration of such period.

d. No license under this section may be given to any person for

activities which are not under or within the jurisdiction of the United

States, except for the export of production or utilization facilities under

terms of an agreement for cooperation arranged pursuant to section 123,

or except under the provisions of section 109. No license may be issued

to an alien or any96 corporation or other entity if the Commission knows

or has reason to believe it is owned, controlled, or dominated by an alien,

a foreign corporation, or a foreign government. In any event, no license

may be issued to any person within the United States if, in the opinion of

the Commission, the issuance of a license to such person would be

inimical to the common defense and security or to the health and safety of

the public.

42 USC 2133. f. Each license issued for a utilization facility under this section or

section 104b. shall require as a condition thereof that in case of any

accident which could result in an unplanned release of quantities of

fission products in excess of allowable limits for normal operation

established by the Commission, the licensee shall immediately so notify

the Commission. Violation of the condition prescribed by this subsection
97Public Law 96-295 (94 Stat. 786) (1980) sec. 201, added subsec. (f) without prior enactment of

subsec. (e). 98Public Law 91-560 (84 Stat. 1472) (1970), sec. 5, amended subsec. 104b. Before amendment it read as

follows:

b. The Commission is authorized to issue licenses to persons applying therefor for utilization and

production facilities involved in the conduct of research and development activities leading to the

demonstration of the practical value of such facilities for industrial or commercial purposes. In issuing licenses

under this subsection, the Commission shall impose the minimum amount of such regulations and terms of

license as will permit the Commission to fulfill its obligations under this Act to promote the common defense

and security and to protect the health and safety of the public and will be compatible with the regulations and

terms of license which would apply in the event that a commercial license were later to be issued pursuant to

section 103 for that type of facility. In issuing such licenses, priority shall be given to those activities which

will, in the opinion of the Commission, lead to major advances in the application of atomic energy for

industrial or commercial purposes.

Volume 1, Page 1–46

may, in the Commission’s discretion, constitute grounds for license

42 USC 2237. revocation. In accordance with section 187 of this Act, the Commission

shall promptly amend each license for a utilization facility issued under

this section or section 104b. which is in effect on the date of enactment

of this subsection to include the provisions required under this

subsection.97

Sec. 104. Medical Therapy And Research And Development.

42 USC 2134.

Medical therapy

and research and

development.

a. The Commission is authorized to issue licenses to persons applying

therefore for utilization facilities for use in medical therapy. In issuing

such licenses the Commission is directed to permit the widest amount of

effective medical therapy possible with the amount of special nuclear

material available for such purposes and to impose the minimum amount

of regulation consistent with its obligations under this Act to promote the

common defense and security and to protect the health and safety of the

public.

b. As provided for in subsection 102b., or 102c., or where specifically

authorized by law, the Commission is authorized to issue licenses under

this subsection to persons applying therefor for utilization and production

facilities for industrial and commercial purposes. In issuing licenses under

this subsection, the Commission shall impose the minimum amount of

such regulations and terms of license as will permit the Commission to

fulfill its obligations under this Act.98

c. The Commission is authorized to issue licenses to persons applying

therefor for utilization and production facilities useful in the conduct of

research and development activities of the types specified in section 31

and which are not facilities of the type specified in subsection 104b. The

Commission is directed to impose only such minimum amount of

regulation of the licensee as the Commission finds will permit the

Commission to fulfill its obligations under this Act to promote the

common defense and security and to protect the health and safety of the

public and will permit the conduct of widespread and diverse research and

development.

d. No license under this section may be given to any person for

activities which are not under or within the jurisdiction of the United

States, except for the export of production or utilization facilities under

terms of an agreement for cooperation arranged pursuant to section 123 or

except under the provisions of section 109. No license may be issued to

any corporation or other entity if the Commission knows or has reason to

believe it is owned, controlled, or dominated by an alien, a foreign

corporation, or a foreign government. In any event, no license may be
99Public Law 88-489 (78 Stat. 602) (1964), sec. 14, deleted the phase “, including the provisions which

vest title to all special nuclear material in the United States,” which appeared after the word “Act.”

Volume 1, Page 1–47

issued to any person within the United States if, in the opinion of the

Commission, the issuance of a license to such person would be inimical to

the common defense and security or to the health and safety of the public.

Sec. 105. Antitrust Provisions.

42 USC 2135.

Antitrust

provisions.

a. Nothing contained in this Act99 shall relieve any person from the

operation of the following Acts, as amended, An Act to protect trade and

commerce against unlawful restraints and monopolies, approved July

second, eighteen hundred and ninety: sections seventy-three to

seventy-seven inclusive, of an Act entitled ‘An Act to reduce taxation, to

provide revenue for the Government, and for other purposes approved

August twenty-seven, eighteen hundred and ninety-four; ‘An Act to

supplement existing laws against unlawful restraints and monopolies, and

for other purposes, approved October fifteen, nineteen hundred and

fourteen; and ‘An Act to create a Federal Trade Commission, to define its

powers and duties, and for other purposes, approved September

twenty-six, nineteen hundred and fourteen. In the event a licensee is

found by a court of competent jurisdiction, either in an original action in

that court or in a proceeding to enforce or review the findings or orders of

any Government agency having jurisdiction under the laws cited above, to

have violated any of the provisions of such laws in the conduct of the

licensed activity, the Commission may suspend, revoke, or take such other

action as it may deem necessary with respect to any license issued by the

Commission under the provisions of this Act.

b. The Commission shall report promptly to the Attorney General any

information it may have with respect to any utilization of special nuclear

material or atomic energy which appears to violate or to tend toward the

violation of any of the foregoing Acts, or to restrict free competition in

private enterprise.

c. (1) The Commission shall promptly transmit to the Attorney

General a copy of any license application provided for in paragraph (2) of

this subsection, and a copy of any written request provided for in

paragraph (3) of this subsection; and the Attorney General shall, within a

reasonable time, but in no event to exceed 180 days after receiving a copy

of such application or written request, render such advice to the

Commission as he determines to be appropriate in regard to the finding to

be made by the Commission pursuant to paragraph (5) of this subsection.

Such advice shall include an explanatory statement as to the reasons or

basis therefor.

2. Paragraph (1) of this subsection shall apply to an application for a

license to construct or operate a utilization or production facility under

section 103: Provided, however, That paragraph (1) shall not apply to an

application for a license to operate a utilization or production facility for

which a construction permit was issued under section 103 unless the

Commission determines such review is advisable on the ground that

significant changes in the licensee”s activities or proposed activities have

occurred subsequent to the previous review by the Attorney General and

the Commission under this subsection in connection with the construction

permit for the facility.

(3) With respect to any Commission permit for the construction of

a utilization or production facility issued pursuant to subsection 104b.
Volume 1, Page 1–48

prior to the enactment into law of this subsection, any person who

intervened or who sought by timely written notice to the Commission

to intervene in the construction permit proceeding for the facility to

obtain a determination of antitrust considerations or to advance a

jurisdiction basis for such determination shall have the right, upon a

written request to the Commission, to obtain an antitrust review under

this section of the application for an operating license. Such written

request shall be made within 25 days after the date of initial

Commission publication in the Federal Register of notice of the filing

of an application for an operating license for the facility or the date of

enactment into law of this subsection, whichever is later.

(4) Upon the request of the Attorney General, the Commission

shall furnish or cause to be furnished such information as the Attorney

General determines to be appropriate for the advice called for in

paragraph (1) of this subsection.

(5) Promptly upon receipt of the Attorney General’s advice, the

Commission shall publish the advice in the Federal Register. Where

the Attorney General advises that there may be adverse antitrust

aspects and recommends that there be a hearing, the Attorney General

or his designee may participate as a party in the proceedings thereafter

held by the Commission on such licensing matter in connection with

the subject matter of his advice. The Commission shall give due

consideration to the advice received from the Attorney General and to

such evidence as may be provided during the proceedings in

connection with such subject matter, and shall make a finding as to

whether the activities under the license would create or maintain a

situation inconsistent with the antitrust laws as specified in subsection

105a.

(6) In the event the Commission’s finding under paragraph (5) is

in the affirmative, the Commission shall also consider, in determining

whether the license should be issued or continued, such other factors,

including the need for power in the affected area, as the Commission

in its judgment deems necessary to protect the public interest. On the

basis of its findings, the Commission shall have the authority to issue

or continue a license as applied for, to refuse to issue a license, to

rescind a license or amend it, and to issue a license with such

conditions as it deems appropriate.

(7) The commission, with the approval of the Attorney General,

may except from any of the requirements of this subsection such

classes or types of licenses as the Commission may determine would

not significantly affect the applicant’s activities under the antitrust

laws as specified in subsection 105a.

(8) With respect to any application for a construction permit on

file at the time of enactment into law of this subsection, which permit

would be for issuance under section 103, and with respect to any

application for an operating license in connection with which a written

request for an antitrust review is made as provided for in paragraph

(3), the Commission, after consultation with the Attorney General,

may, upon determination that such action is necessary in the public

interest to avoid unnecessary delay, establish by rule or order periods

for Commission notification and receipt of advice differing from those

set forth above and may issue a construction permit or operating
100Public Law 91-560 (84 Stat. 1472)(1970), sec. 6, amended subsec. 105c. Before amendment it read as

follows:

c. Whenever the Commission proposes to issue any license to any persons under section 103, it shall

notify the Attorney General of the proposed license and the proposed terms and conditions thereof, except such

classes or type of licenses, as the Commission, with the approval of the Attorney General, may determine would

not significantly affect the licensee’s activities under the antitrust laws as specified in subsection 150a. Within

a reasonable time, in no event to exceed 90 days after receiving such notification, the Attorney General shall

advise the Commission whether, insofar as he can determine, the proposed license would tend to create or

maintain a situation inconsistent with the antitrust laws, and such advice shall be published in the Federal

Register. Upon the request of the Attorney General, the Commission shall furnish or cause to be furnished

such information as the Attorney General determines to be appropriate or necessary to enable him to give the

advice called for by this section. 101Public Law 86-373 (73 Stat. 688)(1959), sec. 2, amended sec. 108 by deleting the phrase “distributed

under the provisions of subsection 53a.,” after the words “special nuclear material” in the second sentence.

Volume 1, Page 1–49

license in advance of consideration of and findings with respect to the

matters covered in this subsection: Provided, That any construction

permit or operating license so issued shall contain such conditions as

the Commission deems appropriate to assure that any subsequent

findings and orders of the Commission with respect to such matters

will be given full force and effect.100

Sec. 106. Classes Of Facilities.

42 USC 2136.

Classes of facilities.

The Commission may–

a. group the facilities licensed either under section 103 or under

section 104 into classes which may include either production or utilization

facilities or both, upon the basis of the similarity of operating and

technical characteristics of the facilities;

b. define the various activities to be carried on at each such class of

facility; and

c. designate the amounts of special nuclear material available for use 

by each such facility.

Sec. 107. Operators’ Licenses.

42 USC 2137.

Operators’ licenses.

–The Commission shall–

a. prescribe uniform conditions for licensing individuals as operators

of any of the various classes of production and utilization facilities

licensed in this Act;

b. determine the qualifications of such individuals;

c. issue licenses to such individuals in such form as the commission

may prescribe; and 

d. suspend such licenses for violations of any provision of this Act or

any rule or regulation issued thereunder whenever the Commission deems

such action desirable.

Sec. 108. War Or National Emergency.

42 USC 2138.

War or national

emergency.

Whenever the Congress declares that a state of war or national

emergency exists, the Commission is authorized to suspend any licenses

granted under this Act if in its judgment such action is necessary to the

common defense and security. The Commission is authorized during such

period, if the Commission finds it necessary to the common defense and

security, to order the recapture of any special nuclear material101 or to

order the operation of any facility licensed under section 103 or 104, and

is authorized to order the entry into any plant or facility in order to

recapture such material, or to operate such facility. Just compensation

shall be paid for any damages caused by the recapture of any special

nuclear material or by the operation of any such facility.
102Public Law 105-277 (112 Stat. 2681-774), Oct. 21, 1998, struck "and the Director". 103Public Law 95-242 (92 Stat. 141)(1978), sec. 309(a), amended sec. 109 by substituting a complete new

sec. 109. Before amendment, sec. 109 read as follows:

Sec. 109. Component Parts of Facilities–With respect to those utilization and production facilities which

are so determined by this Commission pursuant to subsection 11v.(2) or 11cc.(2) the Commission may

(a) issue general licenses for activities required to be licensed under section 101, if the Commission determines

in writing that such general licensing will not constitute an unreasonable risk to the common defense and

security, and (b) issue licenses for the export of such facilities, if the Commission determines in writing that

each export will not constitute an unreasonable risk to the common defense and security.

 Amended by Public Law 89-645 (80 Stat. 891)(1966), sec. 1. Prior to amendment, reference was to "11t.(2)."

 Amended by Public Law 89-645 (80 Stat. 891)(1966), sec. 1. Prior to amendment, reference was to “11aa(2).”

Earlier, Public Law 87-615 (76 Stat. 409)(1962), sec. 9, had amended the reference. Prior to this amendment

the reference was to "11v.(2)."

Volume 1, Page 1–50

Sec. 109. Component And Other Parts Of Facilities.

42 USC 2139.

Domestic activities

licenses, issuance,

authorization.

a. With respect to those utilization and production facilities which are

so determined by the Commission pursuant to subsection 11v.(2) or

11cc.(2) the Commission may issue general licenses for domestic

activities required to be licensed under section 101, if the Commission

determines in writing that such general licensing will not constitute an

unreasonable risk to the common defense and security.

Export licenses. b. After consulting with the Secretaries of State, Energy, and

Commerce,102 the Commission is authorized and directed to determine

which component parts as defined in subsection 11v.(2) or 11cc.(2) and

which other items or substances are especially relevant from the

standpoint of export control because of their significance for nuclear

Ante, p.131. explosive purposes. Except as provided in section 126 b.(2), no such

component, substance, or item which is so determined by the Commission

shall be exported unless the Commission issues a general or specific

license for its export after finding, based on a reasonable judgment of the

assurances provided and other information available to the Federal

Government, including the Commission, that the following criteria or

their equivalent are met: (1) IAEA safeguards as required by Article III

(2) of the Treaty will be applied with respect to such component,

substance, or item; (2) no such component, substance, or item will be used

for any nuclear explosive device or for research on or development of any

nuclear explosive device; and (3) no such component, substance, or item

will be retransferred to the jurisdiction of any nation or group of nations

unless the prior consent of the United States is obtained for such

retransfer; and after determining in writing that the issuance of each such

general or specific license or category of licenses will not be inimical to

the common defense and security; Provided, That a specific license shall

not be required for an export pursuant to this section if the component,

item or substance is covered by a facility license issued pursuant to

section 126 of this Act.

c. The Commission shall not issue an export license under the

authority of subsection b. if it is advised by the executive branch, in

accordance with the procedures established under subsection 126 a., that

the export would be inimical to the common defense and security of the

United States.103

Sec. 110. Exclusions.

42 USC 2140.

Exclusions.

Nothing in this chapter shall be deemed

a. to require a license for (1) the processing, fabricating, or refining of

special nuclear material, or the separation of special nuclear material, or

the separation of special nuclear material from other substances, under
104Public Law 105-277 (112 Stat. 2681-774); Oct. 21, 1998, struck "the Arms Control and Disarmament

Agency". 105Public Law 95-242 (92 Stat. 125)(1978), sec. 301(c), added sec. 111.

Volume 1, Page 1–51

contract with and for the account of the Commission; or (2) the

construction or operation of facilities under contract with and for the

account of the Commission; or

b. to require a license for the manufacture, production, or acquisition

by the Department of Defense of any utilization facility authorized

pursuant to section 91, or for the use of such facility by the Department of

Defense or a contractor thereof.

Sec. 111. Distribution By The Department Of Energy.–

42 USC 2141.

42 USC 2112.

Supra.

a. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is authorized to license the

distribution of special nuclear material, source material, and byproduct

material by the Department of Energy, pursuant to section 54, 64, and 82

of this Act, respectively, in accordance with the same procedures

established by law for the export licensing of such material by any person: 

Provided, That nothing in this section shall require the licensing of the

distribution of byproduct material by the Department of Energy under

section 82 of this Act.

b. The Department of Energy shall not distribute any special nuclear

material or source material under section 54 or 64 of this Act other than

under an export license issued by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission

until (1) the Department has obtained the concurrence of the Department

of State and has consulted with104 the Nuclear Regulatory Commission,

and the Department of Defense under mutually agreed procedures which

shall be established within not more than ninety days after the date of

enactment of this provision and (2) the Department finds based on a

reasonable judgment of the assurances provided and the information

Post, p. 136. available to the United States Government,

Post, p. 137.

 that the criteria in section 127

of this Act or their equivalent and any applicable criteria in subsection

128 are met, and that the proposed distribution would not be inimical to

the common defense and security.105

CHAPTER 11– INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES

Sec. 121. Effect Of International Arrangements.

42 USC 2151.

Effect of

international

arrangements.

Any provision of this Act or any action of the Commission to the

extent and during the time that it conflicts with the provisions of any

international arrangements made after the date of enactment of this Act

shall be deemed to be of no force or effect.

Sec. 122. Policies Contained In International Arrangements.

42 USC 2152.

Policies contained

in international

arrangements.

In the performance of its functions under this Act, the Commission

shall give maximum effect to the policies contained in any international

arrangement made after the date of enactment of this Act.
106As amended by Public Law 103-227 (108 Stat. 2092), October 5, 1994.

Volume 1, Page 1–52

Sec. 123. Cooperation With Other Nations.

42 USC 2073.

42 USC 2074.

42 USC 2077.

42 USC 2094.

42 USC 2112.

42 USC 2121.

42 USC 2133.

42 USC 2134.

42 USC 2164.

No cooperation with any nation, group of nations or regional defense

organization pursuant to section 53, 54a., 57, 64, 82, 91, 103, 104, or 144

shall be undertaken until–

a. the proposed agreement for cooperation has been submitted to the

President, which proposed agreement shall include the terms, conditions,

duration, nature, and scope of the cooperation; and shall include the

following requirements:

(1) a guaranty by the cooperating party that safeguards as set forth

in the agreement for cooperation will be maintained with respect to all

Cooperative nuclear materials

agreements,

submitted to

President.

Contents.

 and equipment transferred pursuant thereto, and with

respect to all special nuclear material used in or produced through the

use of such nuclear materials and equipment, so long as the material or

equipment remains under the jurisdiction or control of the cooperating

party, irrespective of the duration of other provisions in the agreement

or whether the agreement is terminated or suspended for any reason;

(2) in the case of non-nuclear-weapon states, a requirement, as a

condition of continued United States nuclear supply under the

agreement for cooperation, that IAEA safeguards be maintained with

respect to all nuclear materials in all peaceful nuclear activities within

the territory of such state, under its jurisdiction, or carried out under

its control anywhere;

(3) except in the case of those agreements for cooperation arranged

pursuant to subsection 91 c., a guaranty by the cooperating party that

no nuclear materials and equipment or sensitive nuclear technology to

be transferred pursuant to such agreement, and no special nuclear

material produced through the use of any nuclear materials and

equipment or sensitive nuclear technology transferred pursuant to such

agreement, will be used for any nuclear explosive device, or for

research on or development of any nuclear explosive device, or for

any other military purpose

(4) except in the case of those agreements for cooperation arranged

pursuant to subsection 91c. and agreements for cooperation with

nuclear-weapon states, a stipulation that the United States shall have

the right to require the return of any nuclear materials and equipment

transferred pursuant thereto and any special nuclear material produced

through the use thereof if the cooperating party detonates a nuclear

explosive device or terminates or abrogates an agreement providing

for IAEA safeguards; 

42 USC 2121.

42 USC 2164.

(5) a guaranty by the cooperating party that any material or any

Restricted Data transferred pursuant to the agreement for cooperation

and, except in the case of agreements arranged pursuant to subsection

91c., 144b., 144c., or 144d.,106 any production or utilization facility

transferred pursuant to the agreement for cooperation or any special

nuclear material produced through the use of any such facility or

through the use of any material transferred pursuant to the agreement,

will not be transferred to unauthorized persons or beyond the

jurisdiction or control of the cooperating party without the consent of

the United States;

(6) a guaranty by the cooperating party that adequate physical

security will be maintained with respect to any nuclear material
107As amended by Public Law 103-227 (108 Stat. 2092), October 5, 1994. 108As amended by Public Law 103-227 (108 Stat. 2092), October 5, 1994. 109As amended by Public Law 103-227 (108 Stat. 2092), October 5, 1994. 110As amended by Public Law 103-227 (108 Stat. 2092), October 5, 1994.

Volume 1, Page 1–53

transferred pursuant to such agreement and with respect to any special

nuclear material used in or produced through the use of any material,

production facility, or utilization facility transferred pursuant to such

agreement;

(7) except in the case of agreements for cooperation arranged

pursuant to subsection 91c., 144b., 144c., or 144d.,107 a guaranty by

the cooperating party that no material transferred pursuant to the

agreement for cooperation and no material used in or produced

through the use of any material, production facility, or utilization

facility transferred pursuant to the agreement for cooperation will be

reprocessed, enriched or (in the case of plutonium, uranium 233, or

uranium enriched to greater than twenty percent in the isotope 235, or

other nuclear materials which have been irradiated) otherwise altered

in form or content without the prior approval of the United States;

(8) except in the case of agreements for cooperation arranged

pursuant to subsection 91c., 144b., 144c., or 144d.,108 a guaranty by

the cooperating party that no plutonium, no uranium 233, and no

uranium enriched to greater than twenty percent in the isotope 235,

transferred pursuant to the agreement for cooperation, or recovered

from any source or special nuclear material so transferred or from any

source or special nuclear material used in any production facility or

utilization facility transferred pursuant to the agreement for

cooperation, will be stored in any facility that has not been approved

in advance by the United States; and

(9) except in the case of agreements for cooperation arranged

pursuant to subsection 91c., 144b., 144c., or 144d.,109 a guaranty by

the cooperating party that any special nuclear material, production

facility, or utilization facility produced or constructed under the

jurisdiction of the cooperating party by or through the use of any

sensitive nuclear technology transferred pursuant to such agreement

for cooperation will be subject to all the requirements specified in this

subsection.

42 USC 2121.

42 USC 2164.

Agreement

requirements

Presidential

exemptions.

The President may exempt a proposed agreement for cooperation (except

an agreement arranged pursuant to subsection 91c., 144b., 144c., or

144d.110) from any of the requirements of the foregoing sentence if he

determines that inclusion of any such requirement would be seriously

prejudicial to the achievement of United States non- proliferation

objectives or otherwise jeopardize the common defense and security. 
111As amended by Public Law 103-227 (108 Stat. 2092), October 5, 1994. 112Public law 105-277 (112 Stat. 2681-774); Oct. 21, 1998 struck "and in consultation with the Director of

the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency ("the Director")". 113As amended by Public Law 99-64, sec. 301 (a)(1). 114As amended by Public Law 103-227 (108 Stat. 2092), October 5, 1994. 115As amended by Public Law 103-227 (108 Stat. 2092), October 5, 1994. 116As amended by Public Law 99-64, sec. 301(a)(2).

Volume 1, Page 1–54

Nuclear

Proliferation

Assessment

Statement,

submitted to

President.

Proposed

cooperation

agreements

submittal to

President.

Except in the case of those agreements for cooperation arranged pursuant

to subsection 91c., 144b., 144c., or 144d.111 any proposed agreement for

cooperation shall be negotiated by the Secretary of State, with the

technical assistance and concurrence of the Secretary of Energy and112

after consultation with the Commission shall be submitted to the President

jointly by the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Energy accompanied

by the views and recommendations of the Secretary of State, the Secretary

of Energy and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Each Nuclear

Proliferation Assessment Statement prepared pursuant to this Act shall be

accompanied by a classified annex, prepared in consultation with the

Director of Central Intelligence, summarizing relevant classified

information. The Secretary of State shall also provide to the president an

unclassified Nuclear Proliferation Assessment Statement (A) which shall

analyze the consistency of the text of the proposed agreement for

cooperation with all the requirements of this Act, with specific attention

to whether the proposed agreement is consistent with each of the criteria

set forth in this subsection, and (B)113 regarding the adequacy of the

safeguards and other control mechanisms and the peaceful use assurances

contained in the agreement for cooperation to ensure that any assistance

furnished thereunder will not be used to further any military or nuclear

explosive purpose. In the case of those agreements for cooperation

arranged pursuant to subsection 91c., 144b., 144c., or 144d.,114 any

proposed agreement for cooperation shall be submitted to the President by

the Secretary of Energy or, in the case of those agreements for

cooperation arranged pursuant to subsection 91c., or 144b., which are to

be implemented by the Department of Defense, by the Secretary of

Defense: 

b. the President has submitted text of the proposed agreement for

cooperation, except an agreement arranged pursuant to section 91c.,

144b., 144c., or 144d. of section 144,115 together with the accompanying

unclassified Nuclear Proliferation Assessment Statement, to the

Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on

Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives, the President has

consulted with such Committees for a period of not less than thirty days

of continuous session (as defined in section 130g. of this Act) concerning

the consistency of the terms of the proposed agreement with all the

requirements of this Act, and116 the President has approved and authorized

the execution of the proposed agreement for cooperation and has made a

determination in writing that the performance of the proposed agreement

will promote and will not constitute an unreasonable risk to, the common

defense and security;

Submittal to

congressional

committees.

c. the proposed agreement for cooperation (if not an agreement subject

to subsection d.), together with the approval and determination of the

President, has been submitted to the Committee on International Relations

of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations
117As amended by Public Law 99-64, sec. 301(a)(1). 118Public Law 105-277 (112 Stat. 774); Oct. 21, 1998, struck "Nuclear Proliferation Assessment Statement

prepared by the Director of the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency". 119As amended by Public Law 99-64, sec. 301(b)(2). 120As amended by Public Law 99-64, sec. 301(a)(3). 121As amended by Public Law 99-64, sec. 301(b)(3).

Volume 1, Page 1–55

of the Senate for a period of thirty days of continuous session (as defined

Ante, p.139. in subsection 130g.): Provided, however, That these committees, after

having received such agreement for cooperation, may by resolution in

writing waive the conditions of all or any portion of such thirty-day

period; and

42 USC 2073.

42 USC 2074.

42 USC 2133.

42 USC 2134.

d. the proposed agreement for cooperation (if arranged pursuant to

subsection 91c., 144b., 144c., or 144d., or if entailing implementation of

section 53, 54a., 103, or 104 in relation to a reactor that may be capable of

producing more than five thermal megawatts or special nuclear material

for use in connection therewith) has been submitted to the Congress,

together with the approval and determination of the President, for a period

of sixty days of continuous session (as defined in subsection 130g. of this

Act) and referred to the Committee on International Relations of the

House of Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the

Senate, and in addition, in the case of a proposed agreement for

cooperation arranged pursuant to subsection 91c., 144b., 144c., or 144d.,

the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and

the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate, but such proposed

agreement for cooperation shall not become effective if during such

sixty-day period the Congress adopts, and there is enacted, a joint

resolution117 stating in substance that the Congress does not favor the

Ante, p.142. proposed agreement for cooperation: Provided, That the sixty-day period

shall not begin until a Nuclear Proliferation Assessment Statement

prepared by the Secretary of State, and any annexes thereto,118 when

required by subsection 123a., have been submitted to the Congress:

Ante, p.139. Provided further, That an agreement for cooperation exempted by the

President pursuant to subsection a. from any requirement contained in that

subsection shall not become effective unless the Congress adopts, and

there is enacted, a joint resolution stating that the Congress does favor

such agreement.119 During the sixty-day period the Committee on Foreign

Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Foreign

Relations of the Senate shall each hold hearings on the proposed

agreement for cooperation and submit a report to their respective bodies

recommending whether it should be approved or disapproved.120 Any

such proposed agreement for cooperation shall be considered pursuant to

the procedures set forth in section 130i. of this Act.121

42 USC 2121.

42 USC 2164.

Agency views to

Congressional

Committees.

Following submission of a proposed agreement for cooperation

(except an agreement for cooperation arranged pursuant to subsection

91c., 144b., 144c., or 144d.) to the Committee on International Relations

of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations

of the Senate, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the Department of

State, the Department of Energy, and the Department of Defense shall,

upon the request of either of those committees, promptly furnish to those

committees their views as to whether the safeguards and other controls

contained therein provide an adequate framework to ensure that any

export as contemplated by such agreement will not be inimical to or

constitute an unreasonable risk to the common defense and security.
122Public Law 95-242 (92 Stat. 142) (1978), sec. 401, amended sec. 123 by substituting a complete new

sec. 123. Before amendment, sec. 123 read as follows:

Sec 123. Cooperation With Other Nations–No cooperation with any nation or regional defense

organization pursuant to sections 53, 54a, 57, 64, 82, 91, 103, 104, or 144 shall be undertaken until–

a. the Commission or, in the case of those agreements for cooperation arranged pursuant to subsection

91c. or 144b. which are to be implemented by the Department of Defense, the Department of Defense has

submitted to the President the proposed agreement for cooperation, together with its recommendations thereon,

which proposed agreement shall include (1) the terms, conditions, duration, nature, and scope of the

cooperation; (2) a guaranty by the cooperating party that security safeguards and standards as set forth in the

agreement for cooperation will be maintained; (3) except in the case of those agreements for cooperation

arranged pursuant to subsection 91c., a guaranty by the cooperating party that any material to be transferred

pursuant to such agreement will not be used for atomic weapons, or for research on or development of atomic

weapons or for any other military purpose; and (4) a guaranty by the cooperating party that any material or any

Restricted Data to be transferred pursuant to the agreement for cooperation will not be transferred to

unauthorized persons or beyond the jurisdiction of the cooperating party, except as specified in the agreement

for cooperation;

b. the President has approved and authorized the execution of the proposed agreement for cooperation,

and has made a determination in writing that the performance of the proposed agreement will promote and will

not constitute an unreasonable risk to the common defense and security;

c. the proposed agreement for cooperation, together with the approval and the determination of the

President, has been submitted to the Joint committee and a period of thirty days has elapsed while congress is

in session (in computing such thirty days, there shall be excluded the days on which either House is not in

session because of an adjournment of more than three days): Provided, however, That the Joint Committee,

after having received such agreement for cooperation, may by resolution in writing waive the conditions of all

or any portion of such thirty-day period; and

d. The proposed agreement for cooperation together with the approval and determination of the President,

if arranged pursuant to subsection 91c; 144b., or 144c., or if entailing implementation of sections 53, 54a, 103

or 104 in relation to a reactor that may be capable of producing more than five thermal megawatts or special

nuclear material for use in connection therewith, has been submitted to the Congress and referred to the Joint

Committee and a period of sixty days has elapsed while congress is in session (in computing such sixty days,

there shall be excluded the days on which either House is not in session because of an adjournment of more

than three days), but any such proposed agreement for cooperation shall not become effective if during such

sixty-day period the congress passes a concurrent resolution stating in substance that it does not favor the

proposed agreement for cooperation: Provided, That prior to the elapse of the first thirty days of any such sixtyday period the Joint committee shall submit a report to the Congress of its views and recommendations

respecting the proposed agreement and an accompanying proposed concurrent resolution stating in substance

that the Congress favors, or does not favor, as the case may be, the proposed agreement for cooperation. Any

such concurrent resolution so reported shall become the pending business of the House in question (in the case

of the Senate the time for debate shall be equally divided between the proponents and the opponents) within

twenty-five days and shall be voted on within five calendar days thereafter, unless such House shall otherwise

determine. a

Public Law 88-489 (78 Stat. 602) (1964), sec. 15, added “53.”

b

Sec. 5 of Public Law 93-377 (88 Stat. 475) (1974) changed the term “54” to “54a.”

c

Public Law 85-479 (72 Stat. 276) (1958), sec. 3 amended sec. 123 by inserting “91,” and substituting a

new subsec. a. Before amendment subsec. a. read as follows:

(continued...)

Volume 1, Page 1–56

If, after the date of enactment of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act of

1978, the Congress fails to disapprove a proposed agreement for

cooperation which exempts the recipient nation from the requirement set

Ante, p.131. forth in subsection 123a.(2),

Ante, p.137.

 such failure to act shall constitute a failure

to adopt a resolution of disapproval pursuant to subsection 128b.(3) for

purposes of the Commission’s consideration of applications and requests

under section 126a.(2) and there shall be no congressional review

pursuant to section 128 of any subsequent license or authorization with

respect to that state until the first such license or authorization which is

issued after twelve months from the elapse of the sixty-day period in

which the agreement for cooperation in question is reviewed by the

Congress.122
122(...continued)

a. the Commission or, in the case of those agreements for cooperation arranged pursuant to subsection

144b., the Department of Defense has submitted to the President the proposed agreement for cooperation,

together with its recommendation thereon, which proposed agreement shall include (1) the terms conditions,

duration, nature, and scope of the cooperation; (2) a guaranty by the cooperating party that security safeguards

and standards as set forth in the agreement for cooperation will be maintained; (3) a guaranty by the

cooperating party that any material to be transferred pursuant to such agreement will not be used for atomic

weapons, or for research on or development of atomic weapons, or for any other military purpose; and (4) a

guaranty by the cooperating party that any material or any Restricted Data to be transferred pursuant to the

agreement for cooperation will not be transferred to unauthorized persons or beyond the jurisdiction of the

cooperating party, except as specified in the agreement for cooperation;

Public Law 85-681 (72 Stat. 632) (1958), sec. 4, added the proviso to subsec. 123 c. The semicolon

erroneously inserted after the word “and” at the end of the subsection was added by Public Law 85-479.

Subsec. 123d was amended by Public Law 93-485 (88 stat. 1460) (1974). Prior to amendment, subsec. 123d

read as follows:

d. the proposed agreement for cooperation, together with the approval and determination of the President,

if arranged pursuant to subsection 91c., 144b., or 144c., has been submitted to the Congress and referred to the

Joint Committee and a period of sixty days has elapsed while Congress is in session, but any such proposed

agreement for cooperation shall not become effective if during such sixty-day period the Congress passes a

concurrent resolution stating in substance that it does not favor the proposed agreement for cooperation: 

Provided, however, That during the Eighty-fifth Congress such period shall be thirty days (in computing such

sixty days, or thirty days, as the case may be, there shall be excluded the days on which either House is not in

session because of an adjournment of more than three days). d

Public Law 85-479 (72 Stat. 276) (1958), sec. 4 added new subsec. 123d.

123Sec. 5 of Public Law 93-377 (88 stat. 475) (1974) amended secs. 124 and 125 by substituting the terms

“54a” for the term “54.” 124Public Law 85-14 (71 Stat. 11) (1957), added sec. 125.

Volume 1, Page 1–57

Sec. 124. International Atomic Pool.

42 USC 2154.

International

atomic pool.

The President is authorized to enter into an international arrangement

with a group of nations providing for international cooperation in the

nonmilitary applications of atomic energy and he may thereafter cooperate

with that group of nations pursuant to sections 54a, 57, 64, 82, 103, 104,

or 144a.: Provided, however, That the cooperation is undertaken pursuant

to an agreement for cooperation entered into in accordance with section

123.

Sec. 125. Cooperation With Berlin.

42 USC 2153.

Cooperation with

Berlin.

The President may authorize the Commission to enter into agreements

for cooperation with the Federal Republic of Germany in accordance with

section 123, on behalf of Berlin, which for the purposes of this Act

comprises those areas over which the Berlin Senate exercises jurisdiction

(the United States, and French sectors) and the Commission may

thereafter cooperate with Berlin pursuant to sections 54a,123 57, 64, 82,

103, or 104; Provided, That the guaranties required by section 123 shall

be made by Berlin with the approval of the allied commandants.124

Sec. 126. Export Licensing Procedures.

42 USC 2112.

42 USC 2155.

Ante, p. 125.

Executive branch

judgment notice to

commission.

Exemption.

Supra.

a. No license may be issued by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission

(the “Commission”) for the export of any production or utilization

facility, or any source material or special nuclear material, including

distributions of any material by the Department of Energy under section

54, 64, or 82, for which a license is required or requested, no exemption

from any requirement for such an export license may be granted by the

Commission, as the case may be, until–

(1) the Commission has been notified by the Secretary of State

that it is the judgment of the executive branch that the proposed export

or exemption will not be inimical to the common defense and security,
125Public Law 105-277 (112 Stat. 774); Oct. 21, 1998 struck "the Director of the Arms Control and

Disarmament Agency".

Volume 1, Page 1–58

or that any export in the category to which the proposed export

belongs would not be inimical to the common defense and security

Contents. because it lacks significance for nuclear explosive purposes.

Procedures.

 The

Secretary of State shall, within ninety days after the enactment of this

section, establish orderly and expeditious procedures, including

provision for necessary administrative actions and inter-agency

memoranda of understanding, which are mutually agreeable to the

Secretaries of Energy, Defense, and Commerce,125 and the Nuclear

Regulatory Commission for the preparation of the executive branch

judgment on export applications under this section. Such procedures

shall include, at a minimum, explicit direction on the handling of such

applications, express deadlines for the solicitation and collection of

the views of the consulted agencies (with identified officials

responsible for meeting such deadlines), an inter-agency coordinating

authority to monitor the processing of such applications,

predetermined procedures for the expeditious handling of intra-agency

and inter-agency disagreements and appeals to higher authorities,

frequent meetings of inter-agency administrative coordinators to

review the status of all pending applications, and similar

administrative mechanisms. To the extent practicable, an applicant

should be advised of all the information required of the applicant for

the entire process for every agency’s needs at the beginning of the

process. Potentially controversial applications should be identified as

quickly as possible so that any required policy decisions or diplomatic

Standards and consultations can be initiated in a timely manner.

criteria.

 An immediate effort

should be undertaken to establish quickly any necessary standards and

criteria, including the nature of any required assurances or evidentiary

showing, for the decisions required under this section. The processing

of any export application proposed and filed as of the date of

enactment of this section shall not be delayed pending the

development and establishment of procedures to implement the

requirements of this section. The executive branch judgment shall be

completed in not more than sixty days from receipt of the application

or request, unless the Secretary of State in his discretion specifically

authorizes additional time for consideration of the application or

request because it is in the national interest to allow such additional

Notice to time.

congressional

committees.

 The Secretary shall notify the Committee on Foreign Relations

of the Senate and the Committee on International Relations of the

House of Representatives of any such authorization. In submitting any

such judgment, the Secretary of State shall specifically address the

extent to which the export criteria then in effect are met and the extent

to which the cooperating party has adhered to the provisions of the

applicable agreement for cooperation. In the event he considers it

warranted, the Secretary may also address the following additional

factors, among others:

(A) whether issuing the license or granting the exemption will

materially advance the non-proliferation policy of the United

States by encouraging the recipient nation to adhere to the Treaty,

or to participate in the undertakings contemplated by section 403

or 404(a) of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act of 1978;
Volume 1, Page 1–59

(B) whether failure to issue the license or grant the exemption

would otherwise be seriously prejudicial to the non-proliferation

objectives of the United States; and

Post, p.136. (C) whether the recipient nation or group of nations has agreed

that conditions substantially identical to the export criteria set forth

in section 127 of this Act will be applied by another nuclear

supplier nation or group of nations to the proposed United States

export, and whether in the Secretary’s judgment those conditions

will be implemented in a manner acceptable to the United States.

Data and

recommendations.

The Secretary of State shall provide appropriate data and

recommendations, subject to requests for additional data and

recommendations, as required by the Commission or the Secretary of

Energy, as the case may be; and 

Data and

recommendations.

(2) the Commission finds, based on a reasonable judgment of the

assurances provided and other information available to the Federal

Government, including the Commission, that the criteria in section

127 of this Act or their equivalent, and any other applicable statutory

42 USC 2154. requirements, are met: Provided, That continued cooperation under

an agreement for cooperation as authorized in accordance with section

124 of this Act shall not be prevented by failure to meet the provisions

of paragraph (4) or (5) of section 127 for a period of thirty days after

enactment of this section, and for a period of twenty-three months

thereafter if the Secretary of State notifies the commission that the

nation or group of nations bound by the relevant agreement has agreed

to negotiations as called for in section 404(a) of the Nuclear

Non-Proliferation act of 1978; however, nothing in this subsection

shall be deemed to relinquish any rights which the United States may

have under agreements for cooperation in force on the date of

Extension, notice enactment of this section:

to Congress.

 Provided further, That if, upon the

expiration of such twenty four month period, the President determines

that failure to continue cooperation with any group of nations which

has been exempted pursuant to the above proviso from the provisions

of paragraph (4) or (5) of section 127 of this Act, but which has not

yet agreed to comply with those provisions would be seriously

prejudicial to the achievement of United States non-proliferation

objectives or otherwise jeopardize the common defense and security,

he may, after notifying the Congress of his determination, extend by

Executive order the duration of the above proviso for a period of

twelve months, and may further extend the duration of such proviso by

one year increments annually thereafter if he again makes such

determination and so notifies the Congress. In the event that the

Committee on International Relations of the House of Representatives

or the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate reports a joint

resolution to take any action with respect to any such extension, such

joint resolution will be considered in the House or Senate, as the case

may be, under procedures identical to those provided for the

Findings. consideration of resolutions pursuant to section 120 of this Act:

Post, p.139.

 And

additionally provided, That the Commission is authorized to (A) make

a single finding under this subsection for more than a single

application or request, where the applications or requests involve

exports to the same country, in the same general time frame, of similar

significance for nuclear explosive purposes and under reasonably
Volume 1, Page 1–60

similar circumstances and (B) make a finding under this subsection

that there is no material changed circumstance associated with a new

application or request from those existing at the time of the last

application or request for an export to the same country, where the

prior application or request was approved by the Commission using all

applicable procedures of this section, and such finding of no material

changed circumstance shall be deemed to satisfy the requirement of

Judicial review, this paragraph for findings of the Commission.

exception.

 The decision not to

make any such finding in lieu of the findings which would otherwise

be required to be made under this paragraph shall not be subject to

judicial review: And provided further, That nothing contained in this

section is intended to require the Commission independently to

conduct or prohibit the Commission from independently conducting

country or site specific visitations in the Commission’s consideration

of the application of IAEA safeguards.

b. (1) Timely consideration shall be given by the Commission to

requests for export license and exemptions and such requests shall be

granted upon a determination that all applicable statutory requirements

have been met.

Presidential review. (2) If, after receiving the executive branch judgment that the

issuance of a proposed export license will not be inimical to the

common defense and security, the Commission does not issue the

proposed license on a timely basis because it is unable to make the

statutory determinations required under this Act, the Commission shall

publicly issue its decision to that effect, and shall submit the license

application to the President. The Commission’s decision shall include

an explanation of the basis for the decision and any dissenting or

separate views. If, after receiving the proposed license application and

reviewing the Commission’s decision, the President determines that

withholding the proposed export would be seriously prejudicial to the

achievement of United States non-proliferation objectives, or would

otherwise jeopardize the common defense and security, the proposed

Post, p.139. export may be authorized by Executive order:

Report to Congress

and congressional

committees.

 Provided, That prior to

any such export, the President shall submit the Executive order,

together with his explanation of why, in light of the Commission’s

decision, the export should nonetheless be made, to the Congress for a

period of sixty days of continuous session (as defined in subsection

130g.) and shall be referred to the Committee on International

Relations of the House of Representatives and the Committee on

Foreign Relations of the Senate, but any such proposed export shall

not occur if during such sixty-day period the Congress adopt a

concurrent resolution stating in substance that it does not favor the

proposed export. Any such Executive order shall be considered

pursuant to the procedures set forth in section 130 of this Act for the

Review. consideration of Presidential submissions: And provided further That ,

the procedures established pursuant to subsection (b) of section 304 of

the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act of 1978 shall provide that the

Commission shall immediately initiate review of any application for a

license under this section and to the maximum extent feasible shall

expeditiously process the application concurrently with the executive

branch review while awaiting the final executive branch judgment.
126Public Law 95-242 (92 Stat. 131)(1978). sec. 304(a), added sec. 126.

Volume 1, Page 1–61

Concerns and

request, transmittal

to executive

branch.

In initiating its review the Commission may identify a set of concerns

and requests for information associated with the projected issuance of

such license and shall transmit such concerns and requests to the

executive branch which shall address such concerns and requests in its

written communications with the Commission. Such procedures shall

also provide that if the Commission has not completed action on the

application within sixty days after the receipt of an executive branch

judgment that the proposed export or exemption is not inimical to the

common defense and security or that any export in the category to

which the proposed export belongs would not be inimical to the

common defense and security because it lacks significance for nuclear

explosive purposes, the Commission shall inform the applicant in

writing of the reason for delay and provide follow-up reports as

appropriate. If the Commission has not completed action by the end of

an additional sixty days (a total of one hundred and twenty days from

receipt of the executive branch judgment), the President may authorize

the proposed export by Executive order, upon a finding that further

delay would be excessive and upon making the findings required for

such Presidential authorizations under this subsection, and subject to

the Congressional review procedures set forth herein. However, if the

Commission has commenced procedures for public participation

regarding the proposed export under regulations promulgated pursuant

to subsection (b) of section 304 of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act

of 1978, or–within sixty days after receipt of the executive branch

judgment on the proposed export–the Commission has identified and

transmitted to the executive branch a set of additional concerns or

requests for information, the President may not authorize the proposed

export until sixty days after public proceedings are completed or sixty

days after a full executive branch response to the Commission’s

additional concerns or requests has been made consistent with

subsection a.(1) of this section: Provided further, That nothing in this

section shall affect the right of the Commission to obtain data and

recommendations from the Secretary of State at any time as provided

in subsection a.(1) of this section.

Referral to

congressional

committees.

c. In the event that the House of Representatives or the Senate passes

a joint resolution which would adopt one or more additional export

criteria, or would modify any existing export criteria under this Act, any

such joint resolution shall be referred in the other House to the Committee

on Foreign Relations of the Senate or the Committee on International

Relations of the House of Representatives, as the case may be, and shall

be considered by the other House under applicable procedures provided

for the consideration of resolutions pursuant to section 130 of this Act.126

Sec. 127. Criteria Governing United States Nuclear Exports.

42 USC 2156. The United States adopts the following criteria which, in addition to

other requirements of law, will govern exports for peaceful nuclear uses

from the United States of source material, special nuclear material,

production or utilization facilities, and any sensitive nuclear technology:

(1) IAEA safeguards as required by Article III(2) of the Treaty

will be applied with respect to any such material or facilities proposed

to be exported, to any such material or facilities previously exported
127Public Law 95-242 (92 Stat. 136)(1978), sec. 305, added sec. 127.

Volume 1, Page 1–62

and subject to the applicable agreement for cooperation, and to any

special nuclear material used in or produced through the use thereof.

(2) No such material, facilities, or sensitive nuclear technology

proposed to be exported or previously exported and subject to the

applicable agreement for cooperation, and no special nuclear material

produced through the use of such materials, facilities, or sensitive

nuclear technology, will be used for any nuclear explosive device or

for research on or development of any nuclear explosive device. 

(3) Adequate physical security measures will be maintained with

respect to such material or facilities proposed to be exported and to

any special nuclear material used in or produced through the use

thereof. Following the effective date of any regulations promulgated

by the Commission pursuant to section 304(d) of the Nuclear

Non-Proliferation Act of 1978, physical security measures shall be

deemed adequate if such measures provide a level of protection

equivalent to that required by the applicable regulations.

(4) No such materials, facilities, or sensitive nuclear technology

proposed to be exported, and no special nuclear material produced

through the use of such material, will be retransferred to the

jurisdiction of any other nation or group of nations unless the prior

approval of the United States is obtained for such retransfer. In

addition to other requirements of law, the United States may approve

such retransfer only if the nation or group of nations designated to

receive such retransfer agrees that it shall be subject to the conditions

required by this section.

(5) No such material proposed to be exported and no special

nuclear material produced through the use of such material will be

reprocessed, and no irradiated fuel elements containing such material

removed from a reactor shall be altered in form or content, unless the

prior approval of the United states is obtained for such reprocessing or

alteration.

(6) No such sensitive nuclear technology shall be exported unless

the foregoing conditions shall be applied to any nuclear material or

equipment which is produced or constructed under the jurisdiction of

the recipient nation or group of nations by or through the use of any

exported sensitive nuclear technology.127

Sec. 128. Additional Export Criterion And Procedures.

42 USC 2157. a. (1) As a condition of continued United States export of source

material, special nuclear material, production or utilization facilities, and

any sensitive nuclear technology to non-nuclear-weapon states, no such

export shall be made unless IAEA safeguards are maintained with respect

to all peaceful nuclear activities in, under the jurisdiction of, or carried

out under the control of such state at the time of the export.

(2) The President shall seek to achieve adherence to the foregoing

criterion by recipient non-nuclear weapon states.

Export

applications,

criterion

enforcement.

b. The criterion set forth in subsection a. shall be applied as an export

criterion with respect to any application for the export of materials,

facilities, or technology specified in subsection a. which is filed after

eighteen months from the date of enactment of this section, or for any

such application under which the first export would occur at least
Volume 1, Page 1–63

twenty-four months after the date of enactment of this section, except as

provided in the following paragraphs:

(1) If the Commission or the Department of Energy, as the case

may be, is notified that the President has determined that failure to

approve an export to which this subsection applies because such

criterion has not yet been met would be seriously prejudicial to the

achievement of United States non-proliferation objectives or

otherwise jeopardize the common defense and security, the license or

authorization may be issued subject to other applicable requirements

of law: Provided, That no such export of any production or utilization

facility or of any source or special nuclear material (intended for use

as fuel in any production or utilization facility) which has been

licensed or authorized pursuant to this subsection shall be made to any

non-nuclear-weapon state which has failed to meet such criterion until

the first such license or authorization with respect to such state is

submitted to the Congress (together with a detailed assessment of the

reasons underlying the President’s determination, the judgement of the

Ante, p.131. executive branch required under section 126 of this Act,

Post, p.139.

 and any

Commission opinion and views) for a period of sixty days of

continuous session (as defined in subsection 130g. of this Act) and

referred to the Committee on International Relations of the House of

Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the

Senate, but such export shall not occur if during such sixty-day period

the Congress adopts a concurrent resolution stating in substance that

the Congress does not favor the proposed export. Any such license or

authorization shall be considered pursuant to the procedures set forth

in section 130 of this Act for the consideration of Presidential

submissions.

Congressional

disapproval,

resolution.

(2) If the Congress adopts a resolution of disapproval pursuant to

paragraph (1), no further export of materials, facilities, or technology

specified in subsection a. shall be permitted for the remainder of that

Congress, unless such state meets the criterion or the President

notifies the Congress that he has determined that significant progress

has been made in achieving adherence to such criterion by such state

or that United States foreign policy interests dictate reconsideration

and the Congress, pursuant to the procedure of paragraph (1), does not

adopt a concurrent resolution stating in substance that it disagrees with

the President’s determination.

Export

authorizations,

congressional

review.

(3) If the Congress does not adopt a resolution of disapproval with

respect to a license or authorization submitted pursuant to

paragraph (1), the criterion set forth in subsection a. shall not be

applied as an export criterion with respect to exports of materials,

facilities and technology specified in subsection a. to that state: 

Provided, That the first license or authorization with respect to that

state which is issued pursuant to this paragraph after twelve months

from the elapse of the sixty-day period specified in paragraph (1), and

the first such license or authorization which is issued after each

twelve-month period thereafter, shall be submitted to the Congress for

review pursuant to the procedures specified in paragraph (1): 

Provided further, That if the Congress adopts a resolution of

disapproval during any review period provided for by this paragraph,
128Public Law 95-242 (92 Stat. 137), Sec. 306, added sec. 128.

Volume 1, Page 1–64

the provisions of paragraph (2) shall apply with respect to further

exports to such state.128

Sec. 129. Conduct Resulting In Termination Of Nuclear Exports.

42 USC 2158.

Export

terminations,

criterion.

No nuclear materials and equipment or sensitive nuclear technology

shall be exported to–

(1) any non-nuclear-weapon state that is found by the President to

have, at any time after the effective date of this section,

(A) detonated a nuclear explosive device; or

(B) terminated or abrogated IAEA safeguards; or

(C) materially violated an IAEA safeguards agreement; or

(D) engaged in activities involving source or special nuclear

material and having direct significance for the manufacture or

acquisition of nuclear explosive devices, and has failed to take

steps which, in the President’s judgment, represent sufficient

progress toward terminating such activities; or

(2) any nation or group of nations that is found by the President to

have, at any time after the effective date of this section,

(A) materially violated an agreement for cooperation with the

United States, or, with respect to material or equipment not

supplied under an agreement for cooperation, materially violated

the terms under which such material or equipment was supplied or

the terms of any commitments obtained with respect thereto

pursuant to section 402(a) of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act of

1978; or

(B) assisted, encouraged, or induced any non-nuclear-weapon

state to engage in activities involving source or special nuclear

material and having direct significance for the manufacture or

acquisition of nuclear explosive devices, and has failed to take

steps which, in the President’s judgment, represent sufficient

progress toward terminating such assistance, encouragement, or

inducement; or

(C) entered into an agreement after the date of enactment of

this section for the transfer of reprocessing equipment, materials,

or technology to the sovereign control of a non-nuclear-weapon

state except in connection with an international fuel cycle

evaluation in which the United States is a participant or pursuant

to a subsequent international agreement or understanding to which

the United States subscribes; 

unless the President determines that cessation of such exports would be

seriously prejudicial to the achievement of United States non-proliferation

objectives or otherwise jeopardize the common defense and security:

Report to Congress. Provided,

Infra.

 That prior to the effective date of any such determination, the

President’s determination, together with a report containing the reasons

for his determination, shall be submitted to the Congress and referred to

the Committee on International Relations of the House of Representatives

and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate for a period of

sixty days of continuous session (as defined in subsection 130g. of this

act), but any such determination shall not become effective if during such

sixty-day period the Congress adopts a concurrent resolution stating in

substance that it does not favor the determination. Any such determination
129Public Law 95-242 (92 Stat. 138)(1978), sec. 307, added sec. 129 130Public Law 99-64, sec 301(c)(1)(A)(i) 131Public Law 99-64, sec 301(c)(1)(A)(ii) 132Public Law 99-64, sec 301(c)(1)(B)

Volume 1, Page 1–65

shall be considered pursuant to the procedures set forth in section 130 of

this Act for the consideration of Presidential submissions.129

Sec. 130. Congressional Review Procedures.

42 USC 2121.

42 USC 2159.

42 USC 2164.

Ante, pp. 131, 137,

138, 127.

Congressional

committee reports.

Post, p. 142.

a. Not later than forty-five days of continuous session of Congress

after the date of transmittal to the Congress of any submission of the

President required by subsection130 126a.(2), 126b.(2), 128b., 129,

131a.(3), or 131f.(1)(A) of this Act, the Committee on Foreign Relations

of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of

Representatives131 shall each submit a report to its respective House on its

views and recommendations respecting such Presidential submission

together with a resolution, as defined in subsection f., stating in substance

that the Congress approves or disapproves such submission, as the case

may be: Provided, That if any such committee has not reported such a

resolution at the end of such forty-five day period, such committee shall

be deemed to be discharged from further consideration of such

submission.132 If no such resolution has been reported at the end of such

period, the first resolution, as defined in subsection f., which is introduced

within five days thereafter within such House shall be placed on the

appropriate calendar of such House. 

b. When the relevant committee or committees have reported such a

resolution (or have been discharged from further consideration of such a

resolution pursuant to subsection a.) or when a resolution has been

introduced and placed on the appropriate calendar pursuant to subsection

a., as the case may be, it is at any time thereafter in order (even though a

previous motion to the same effect has been disagreed to) for any Member

of the respective House to move to proceed to the consideration of the

resolution. The motion is highly privileged and is not debatable. The

motion shall not be subject to amendment, or to a motion to postpone, or

to a motion to proceed to the consideration of other business. A motion to

reconsider the vote by which the motion is agreed to or disagreed to shall

not be in order. If a motion to proceed to the consideration of the

resolution is agreed to, the resolution shall remain the unfinished business

of the respective House until disposed of.

c. Debate on the resolution, and on all debatable motions and appeals

in connection therewith, shall be limited to not more than ten hours,

which shall be divided equally between individuals favoring and

individuals opposing the resolution. A motion further to limit debate is in

order and not debatable. An amendment to a motion to postpone, or a

motion to recommit the resolution, or a motion to proceed to the

consideration of other business is not in order. A motion to reconsider the

vote by which the resolution is agreed to or disagreed to shall not be in

order. No amendment to any concurrent resolution pursuant to the

procedures of this section is in order except as provided in subsection d.

d. Immediately following (1) the conclusion of the debate on such

concurrent resolution, (2) a single quorum call at the conclusion of debate

if requested in accordance with the rules of the appropriate House, and

(3) the consideration of an amendment introduced by the Majority Leader

or his designee to insert the phrase, “does not” in lieu of the word “does”
133Public Law 95-242 (92 Stat. 138)(1978), sec. 308, added sec. 130.

Volume 1, Page 1–66

if the resolution under consideration is a concurrent resolution of

approval, the vote on final approval of the resolution shall occur.

e. Appeals from the decisions of the Chair relating to the application

of the rules of the Senate or the House of Representatives, as the case may

be, to the procedure relating to such a resolution shall be decided without

debate.

Resolution. f. For the purposes of subsections a. through e. of this section, the

term “resolution” means a concurrent resolution of the Congress, the

matter after the resolving clause of which is as follows: That the Congress

(does or does not) favor the transmitted to the Congress by the President

on ______, the blank spaces therein to be appropriately filled, and the

affirmative or negative phrase within the parenthetical to be appropriately

selected.

Continuous

sessions of

Congress.

g. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), for the purposes of this

section–

(A) continuity of session is broken only by an adjournment of

Congress sine die; and

Computation (B) the days on which either House is not in session because

of an adjournment of more than three days to a day certain are

excluded in the computation of any period of time in which

Congress is in continuous session.

(2) For purposes of this section insofar as it applies to

section 123–

(A) continuity of session is broken only by an adjournment of

congress sine die at the end of a Congress; and

(B) the days on which either House is not in session because

of an adjournment of more than three days are excluded in the

computation of any period of time in which Congress is in

continuous session.

h. This section is enacted by Congress–

(1) as an exercise of the rulemaking power of the Senate and the

House of Representatives, respectively, and as such they are deemed a

part of the rules of each House, respectively, but applicable only with

respect to the procedure to be followed in that House in the case of

resolutions described by subsection f. of this section; and they

supersede other rules only to the extent that they are inconsistent

therewith; and

(2) With full recognition of the constitutional right of either

House to change the rules (so far as relating to the procedure of that

House) at any time, in the same manner and to the same extent as in

the case of any other rule of that House.133

i. (1) For the purposes of this subsection, the term “joint resolution”

means a joint resolution, the matter after the resolving clause of which is

as follows: That the Congress (does or does not) favor the proposed

agreement for cooperation transmitted to the Congress by the President on

_____, with the date of the transmission of the proposed agreement for

cooperation inserted in the blank, and the affirmative or negative phrase

within the parenthetical appropriately selected.

(2) On the day on which a proposed agreement for cooperation is

submitted to the House of Representatives and the Senate under

section 123d., a joint resolution with respect to such agreement for
Volume 1, Page 1–67

cooperation shall be introduced (by request) in the House by the

chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for himself and the

ranking minority member of the Committee, or by Members of the

House designated by the chairman and ranking minority member; and

shall be introduced (by request) in the Senate by the majority leader of

the Senate, for himself and the minority leader of the Senate, or by

Members of the Senate designated by the majority leader and minority

leader of the Senate. If either House is not in session on the day on

which such an agreement for cooperation is submitted, the joint

resolution shall be introduced in that House, as provided in the

preceding sentence, on the first day thereafter on which that House is

in session.

(3) All joint resolutions introduced in the House of

Representatives shall be referred to the appropriate committee or

committees, and all joint resolutions introduced in the Senate shall be

referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations and in addition, in the

case of a proposed agreement for cooperation arranged pursuant to

section 91c., 144b., or 144c., the Committee on Armed Services.

(4) If the committee of either House to which a joint resolution

has been referred has not reported it at the end of 45 days after its

introduction, the committee shall be discharged from further

consideration of the joint resolution or of any other joint resolution

introduced with respect to the same matter; except that, in the case of a

joint resolution which has been referred to more than one committee,

if before the end of that 45-day period one such committee has

reported the joint resolution, any committee to which the joint

resolution was referred shall be discharged from further consideration

of the joint resolution or of any other joint resolution introduced with

respect to the same matter.

(5) A joint resolution under this subsection shall be considered in

the Senate in accordance with the provisions of section 601(b)(4) of

the International Security Assistance and Arms Export Control Act of

1976. For the purpose of expediting the consideration and passage of

joint resolutions reported or discharged pursuant to the provisions of

this subsection, it shall be in order for the committee on Rules of the

House of Representatives to present for consideration a resolution of

the House of Representatives providing procedures for the immediate

consideration of a joint resolution under this subsection which may be

similar, if applicable, to the procedures set forth in section 601(b)(4)

of the International Security Assistance and Arms Export Control Act

of 1976.

(6) In the case of a joint resolution described in paragraph (1), if

prior to the passage by one House of a joint resolution of that House,

that House receives a joint resolution with respect to the same matter

from the other House, then–

(A) the procedure in that House shall be the same as if no joint

resolution had been received from the other House; but

(B) the vote on final passage shall be on the joint resolution of

the other House.
134Public Law 105-277 (112 Stat. 2681-774); Oct. 21, 1998, struck "the Director declares that he intends". 135Public Law 105-277 (112 Stat. 2681-774); Oct. 21, 1998, struck "the Director's declaration".

Volume 1, Page 1–68

Sec. 131. Subsequent Arrangements.

42 USC 2121.

42 USC 2160.

42 USC 2164.

Consultation.

a.(1) Prior to entering into any proposed subsequent arrangement

under an agreement for cooperation (other than an agreement for

cooperation arranged pursuant to subsection 91c., 144b., or 144c. of this

Act), the Secretary of Energy shall obtain the concurrence of the

Secretary of State and shall consult with the Commission, and the

Secretary of Defense: Provided, That the Secretary of State shall have the

leading role in any negotiations of a policy nature pertaining to any

proposed subsequent arrangement regarding arrangements for the storage

or disposition of irradiated fuel elements or approvals for the transfer, for

which prior approval is required under an agreement for cooperation, by a

recipient of source or special nuclear material, production or utilization

Notice publication facilities, or nuclear technology.

in the Federal

Register.

 Notice of any proposed subsequent

arrangement shall be published in the Federal Register, together with the

written determination of the Secretary of Energy that such arrangement

will not be inimical to the common defense and security, and such

proposed subsequent arrangement shall not take effect before fifteen days

after publication. Whenever the Secretary of State is required134 to prepare

a Nuclear Proliferation Assessment Statement pursuant to paragraph (2)

of this subsection, notice of the proposed subsequent arrangement which

is the subject of the requirement to prepare a Nuclear Proliferation

Assessment Statement135 shall not be published until after the receipt by

the Secretary of Energy of such Statement or the expiration of the time

authorized by subsection c. for the preparation of such Statement,

whichever occurs first.

Nuclear

Proliferation

Assessment

Statement.

(2) If in the view of the Secretary of State, Secretary of Energy,

Secretary of Defense, or the Commission, a proposed subsequent

arrangement might significantly contribute to proliferation, the

Secretary of State, in consultation with such Secretary or the

Commission shall prepare an unclassified Nuclear Proliferation

Assessment Statement with regard to such proposed subsequent

arrangement regarding the adequacy of the safeguards and other

control mechanisms and the application of the peaceful use assurances

of the relevant agreement to ensure that assistance to be furnished

pursuant to the subsequent arrangement will not be used to further any

Subsequent military or nuclear explosive purpose. 

arrangements.

 For the purposes of this

section, the term “subsequent arrangements” means arrangements

entered into by any agency or department of the United States

Government with respect to cooperation with any nation or group of

nations (but not purely private or domestic arrangements) involving–

Contracts. (A) contracts for the furnishing of nuclear materials and

equipment;

(B) approvals for the transfer, for which prior approval is

required under an agreement for cooperation, by a recipient of any

source or special nuclear material, production or utilization

facility, or nuclear technology; 

Ante, p. 125.

Post, pp. 131, 141.

(C) authorization for the distribution of nuclear materials and

equipment pursuant to this Act which is not subject to the

procedures set forth in section 111b., section 126, or section 109b.;

(D) arrangements for physical security;
Volume 1, Page 1–69

(E) arrangements for the storage or disposition of irradiated

fuel elements;

(F) arrangements for the application of safeguards with respect

to nuclear materials and equipment; or

(G) any other arrangement which the President finds to be

important from the standpoint of preventing proliferation.

(3) The United States will give timely consideration to all requests

for prior approval, when required by this Act, for the reprocessing of

material proposed to be exported, previously exported and subject to

the applicable agreement for cooperation, or special nuclear material

produced through the use of such material or a production or

utilization facility transferred pursuant to such agreement for

cooperation, or to the altering of irradiated fuel elements containing

such material, and additionally, to the maximum extent feasible, will

attempt to expedite such consideration when the terms and conditions

for such actions set forth in such agreement for cooperation or in some

other international agreement executed by the United States and

subject to congressional review procedures comparable to those set

forth in section 123 of this Act.

Post, p. 142. (4) All other statutory requirements under other sections of this

Act for the approval or conduct of any arrangement subject to this

subsection shall continue to apply and any other such requirements for

prior approval or conditions for entering such arrangements shall also

be satisfied before the arrangement takes effect pursuant to subsection

a.(1).

b. With regard to any special nuclear material exported by the United

States or produced through the use of any nuclear materials and

equipment or sensitive nuclear technology exported by the United States–

Report to

congressional

committees.

(1) the Secretary of Energy may not enter into any subsequent

arrangement for the retransfer of any such material to a third country

for reprocessing, for the reprocessing of any such material, or for the

subsequent retransfer of any plutonium in quantities greater than 500

grams resulting from the reprocessing of any such material, until he

has provided the Committee on International Relations of the House

of Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the

Senate with a report containing his reasons for entering into such

arrangement and a period of 15 days of continuous session (as defined

Post, p. 139. in subsection 130g. of this Act) has elapsed: Provided, however, That

if in the view of the President an emergency exists due to unforeseen

circumstances requiring immediate entry into a subsequent

arrangement, such period shall consist of fifteen calendar days;

(2) the Secretary of Energy may not enter into any subsequent

arrangement for the reprocessing of any such material in a facility

which has not processed power reactor fuel assemblies or been the

subject of a subsequent arrangement therefor prior to the date of

enactment of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act of 1978 or for

subsequent retransfer to a non-nuclear-weapon state of any plutonium

in quantities greater than 500 grams resulting from such reprocessing,

unless in his judgment, and that of the Secretary of State, such

reprocessing or retransfer will not result in a significant increase of the

risk of proliferation beyond that which exists at the time that approval

is requested. Among all the factors in making this judgment, foremost
136Public Law 105-277 (112 Stat. 2681-775); Oct. 21, 1998, struck "Director" and added "Secretary of

State". 137Public Law 105-277 (112 Stat. 2681-775); Oct. 21, 1998, struck "Director" and added "Secretary of

State".

Volume 1, Page 1–70

consideration will be given to whether or not the reprocessing or

retransfer will take place under conditions that will ensure timely

warning to the United States of any diversion well in advance of the

time at which the non-nuclear-weapon state could transform the

diverted material into a nuclear explosive device and

(3) the Secretary of Energy shall attempt to ensure, in entering

into any subsequent arrangement for the reprocessing of any such

material in any facility that has processed power reactor fuel

assemblies or been the subject of a subsequent arrangement therefor

prior to the date of enactment of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act of

1978, or for the subsequent retransfer to any non-nuclear-weapon state

of any plutonium in quantities greater than 500 grams resulting from

such reprocessing, that such reprocessing or retransfer shall take place

under conditions comparable to those which in his view, and that of

the Secretary of State, satisfy the standards set forth in paragraph (2).

Nuclear materials,

reprocessing or

transfer procedures.

c. The Secretary of Energy shall, within ninety days after the

enactment of this section, establish orderly and expeditious procedures,

including provision for necessary administrative actions and inter-agency

memoranda of understanding, which are mutually agreeable to the

Secretaries of State, Defense, and Commerce, and the Nuclear Regulatory

Commission for the consideration of requests for subsequent

arrangements under this section. Such procedures shall include, at a

minimum, explicit direction on the handling of such requests, express

deadlines for the solicitation and collection of the views of the consulted

agencies (with identified officials responsible for meeting such

deadlines), an inter-agency coordinating authority to monitor the

processing of such requests, predetermined procedures for the expeditious

handling of intra-agency and inter-agency disagreements and appeals to

higher authorities, frequent meetings of inter-agency administrative

coordinators to review the status of all pending requests, and similar

administrative mechanisms. To the extent practicable, an applicant should

be advised of all the information required of the applicant for the entire

Controversial process for every agency’s needs at the beginning of the process.

requests,

identification.

Potentially controversial request should be identified as quickly as

possible so that any required policy decisions or diplomatic consultations

Standards and can be initiated in a timely manner.

criteria.

 An immediate effort should be

undertaken to establish quickly any necessary standards and criteria,

including the nature of any required assurance or evidentiary showings,

Nuclear for the decisions required under this section.

Proliferation

Assessment

Statement.

 Further, such procedures

shall specify that if he intends to prepare a Nuclear Proliferation

Assessment Statement, the Secretary of State136 shall so declare in his

response to the Department of Energy. If the Secretary of State137 declares

Notice to that he intends to prepare such a Statement,

congressional

committees.

Presidential waiver.

 he shall do so within sixty

days of his receipt of a copy of the proposed subsequent arrangement

(during which time the Secretary of Energy may not enter into the
138Public Law 105-277 (112 Stat. 2681-775); Oct. 21, 1998, struck "Director" and added "Secretary of

State".

Volume 1, Page 1–71

subsequent arrangement), unless pursuant to the Secretary of State's138

request, the President waives the sixty-day requirement and notifies the

Committee on International Relations of the House of Representatives

and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate of such waiver and

the justification therefor. The processing of any subsequent arrangement

proposed and filed as of the date of enactment of this section shall not be

delayed pending the development and establishment of procedures to

implement the requirements of this section.

d. Nothing in this section is intended to prohibit, permanently or

unconditionally, the reprocessing of spent fuel owned by a foreign nation

which fuel has been supplied by the United States, to preclude the United

States from full participation in the International Nuclear Fuel cycle

Evaluation provided for in section 105 of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation

Act of 1978; to in any way limit the presentation or consideration in that

evaluation of any nuclear fuel cycle by the United States or any other

participation; nor to prejudice open and objective consideration of the

results of the evaluation.

42 USC 7172. e. Notwithstanding subsection 402(d) of the Department of Energy

Organization Act (Public Law 95-91), the Secretary of Energy, and not

the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, shall have sole jurisdiction

within the Department of Energy over any matter arising from any

function of the Secretary of energy in this section.

Presidential plan,

submittal to

Congress.

f.(1) With regard to any subsequent arrangement under

subsection a.(2)(E) (for the storage or disposition of irradiated fuel

elements), where such arrangement involves a direct or indirect

commitment of the United States for the storage or other disposition,

interim or permanent, of any foreign spent nuclear fuel in the United

States, the Secretary of Energy may not enter into any such subsequent

arrangement, unless:

(A)(i) Such commitment of the United States has been

submitted to the Congress for a period of sixty days of continuous

session (as defined in subsection 130g. of this act) and has been

referred to the Committee on International relations of the House

of representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the

Senate, but any such commitment shall not become effective if

during such sixty-day period the Congress adopts a concurrent

resolution stating in substance that it does not favor the

commitment, any such commitment to be considered pursuant to

the procedures set forth in section 130 of this act for the

consideration of Presidential submission; or (ii) if the President

has submitted a detailed generic plan for such disposition or

storage in the United States to the Congress for a period of sixty

days of continuous session (as defined in subsection 130g. of this

Act), which plan has been referred to the Committee on

International Relations of the House of Representatives and the

Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and has not been

adoption of a concurrent resolution stating in substance that

Congress does not favor the plan; and the commitment is subject to

the terms of an effective plan. any such plan shall be considered
139Public Law 95-242 (92 Stat. 127)(1978), sec. 303(a), added sec. 131. 140Public Law 99-399 (100 Stat 853)(1986), sec. 602 added sec. 132.

Volume 1, Page 1–72

pursuant to the procedures set forth in section 130 of this act for

the consideration of Presidential submissions:

(B) The Secretary of Energy has complied with subsection a.;

and 

Ante, p. 125.

Post, p. 131.

(C) The Secretary of Energy has complied, or in the

arrangement will comply with all other statutory requirements of

this Act, under sections 54 and 55 and any other applicable

sections, and any other requirements of law.

Notice to

congressional

committees.

(2) Subsection (1) shall not apply to the storage or other

disposition in the United States of limited quantities of foreign spent

nuclear fuel if the President determines that (A) a commitment under

section 54 or 55 of this Act of the United States for storage or other

disposition of such limited quantities in the United States is required

by an emergency situation, (B) it is in the national interest to take such

immediate action, and (C) he notifies the Committees on International

Relations and Science and Technology of the House of

Representatives and the Committees on Foreign Relations and Energy

and Natural Resources of the Senate of the determination and action,

with a detailed explanation and justification thereof, as soon as

possible.

Plan, contents. (3) Any plan submitted by the President under subsection f.(1)

shall include a detailed discussion, with detailed information, and any

supporting documentation thereof, relating to policy objectives,

technical description, geographic information, cost data and

justifications, legal and regulatory considerations, environmental

impact information and any related international agreements,

arrangements for understandings.

Foreign spent

nuclear fuel.

(4) For the purposes of this subsection, the term “foreign spent

nuclear fuel” shall include any nuclear fuel irradiated in any nuclear

power reactor located outside of the United States and operated by any

foreign legal entity, government or nongovernment, regardless of the

legal ownership or other control of the fuel or the reactor and

regardless of the origin or licensing of the fuel or reactor, but not

including fuel irradiated in a research reactor.139

Sec. 132. Authority To Suspend Nuclear Cooperation With Nations

Which Have Not Ratified The Convention On The Physical Security

Of Nuclear Material.

42 USC 2160b.

President of U.S.

The President may suspend nuclear cooperation under this Act with

any nation or group of nations which has not ratified the Convention on

the Physical Security of Nuclear Material.140

Sec. 133. Consultation With The Department Of Defense

Concerning Certain Exports And Subsequent Arrangements.

42 USC 2160c. a. In addition to other applicable requirements–

(1) a license may be issued by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission

under this Act for the export of special nuclear material described in

subsection b.; and 

42 USC 2160. (2) approval may be granted by the Secretary of Energy under

section 131 of this Act for the transfer of special nuclear material

described in subsection b.; only after the Secretary of Defense has

been consulted on whether the physical protection of that material
141Public Law 103-236 (108 Stat. 521) (1994), changed 20 kilograms to 5 kilograms. 142Public Law 99-399 (100 Stat 853)(1986), sec. 602 added sec. 133. 143Public Law 102-486 (106 Stat 2945) added new sec. 134.

Volume 1, Page 1–73

during the export or transfer will be adequate to deter theft, sabotage,

and other acts of international terrorism which would result in the

diversion of that material. If, in the view of the Secretary of Defense

based on all available intelligence information, the export or transfer

might be subject to a genuine terrorist threat, the Secretary shall

provide to the Nuclear Regulatory commission or the Secretary of

Energy, as appropriate, his written assessment of the risk and a

description of the actions the Secretary of Defense considers

necessary to upgrade physical protection measures.

b. Subsection a. applies to the export or transfer of more than 2

kilograms of plutonium or more than 5141 kilograms of uranium enriched

to more than 20 percent in the isotope 233 or the isotope 235.142

Sec. 134. Further Restrictions on Exports.

42 USC 2160d. a. The Commission may issue a license for the export of highly

enriched uranium to be used as a fuel or target in a nuclear research or test

reactor only if , in addition to any other requirement of this Act, the

Commission determines that–

(1) there is no alternative nuclear reactor fuel or target enriched in

the isotope 235 to a lesser percent that the proposed export, that can

be used in that reactor;

(2) the proposed recipient of that uranium has provided assurances

that, whenever an alternative nuclear reactor fuel or target can be used

in that reactor, it will use that alternative in lieu of highly enriched

uranium; and

(3) the United States Government is actively developing an

alternative nuclear reactor fuel or target than can be used in that

reactor.

b. As used in this section–

(1) the term “alternative nuclear reactor fuel or target” means a

nuclear reactor fuel or target which is enriched to less than 20 percent

in the isotope U-235;

(2) the term “highly enriched uranium” means uranium enriched to

20 percent or more in the isotope U-235; and

(3) a fuel or target “can be used” in a nuclear research or test

reactor if–

(A) the fuel or target has been qualified by the Reduced

Enrichment Research and Test Reactor Program of the Department

of Energy, and

(B) use of the fuel or target will permit the large majority of

ongoing and planned experiments and isotope production to be

conducted in the reactor without a large percentage increase in the

total cost of operating the reactor.143

c. Report to Congress.

(1) IN GENERAL.–Not later than 90 days after the date of the

enactment of this Act, the Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory

Commission, after consulting with other relevant agencies, shall

submit to the Congress a report detailing the current disposition of

previous United States exports of highly enriched uranium, including–

(A) their location;
144Public Law 103-160, Div c., Title XXXII, § 3202(a)(2), Nov. 30, 1993 (107 Stat 1959 ) added.

Volume 1, Page 1–74

(B) whether they are irradiated;

(C) whether they have been used for the purpose stated in their

export license; and

(D) whether they have been used for an alternative purpose

and, if so, whether such alternative purpose has been explicitly

approved by the Commission.

(2) EXPORTS TO EURATOM.–To the maximum extent possible,

the export required by paragraph (1) shall include–

(A) exports of highly enriched uranium to EURATOM; and

(B) subsequent retransfers of such material within

EURATOM, without regard to the extent of United States control

over such retransfers.144

CHAPTER 12–CONTROL OF INFORMATION

Sec. 141. Policy.

42 USC 2161.

Policy.

It shall be the policy of the Commission to control the dissemination

and declassification of Restricted Data in such a manner as to assure the

common defense and security. Consistent with such policy, the

Commission shall be guided by the following principles:

a. Until effective and enforceable international safeguards against the

use of atomic energy for destructive purposes have been established by an

international arrangement, there shall be no exchange of Restricted Data

with other nations except as authorized by section 144; and

b. The dissemination of scientific and technical information relating to

atomic energy should be permitted and encouraged so as to provide that

free interchange of ideas and criticism which is essential to scientific and

industrial progress and public understanding and to enlarge the fund of

technical information.

Sec. 142. Classification And Declassification Of Restricted Data.

42 USC 2162.

Classification and

declassification of

restricted data.

a. The Commission shall from time to time determine the data, within

the definition of Restricted Data, which can be published without undue

risk to the common defense and security and shall thereupon cause such

data to be declassified and removed from the category of Restricted Data.

b. The commission shall maintain a continuous review of Restricted

Data and of any Classification guides issued for the guidance of those in

the atomic energy program with respect to the areas of Restricted Data

which have been declassified in order to determine which information

may be declassified and removed from the category of Restricted Data

without undue risk to the common defense and security.

c. In the case of Restricted Data which the Commission and the

Department of Defense jointly determine to relate primarily to the military

utilization of atomic weapons, the determination that such data may be

published without constituting an unreasonable risk to the common

defense and security shall be made by the Commission and the

Department of Defense jointly, and if the Commission and the

Department of Defense do not agree, the determination shall be made by

the President.

d. The Commission shall remove from the Restricted Data category

such data as the Commission and the Department of Defense jointly

determine relates primarily to the military utilization of atomic weapons
145Public Law 103-337 (108 Stat. 3092) (1994) 146Public Law 84-1006 (70 Stat. 1069)(1956), sec. 14, added the words: or any other person authorized

access to Restricted Data by the Commission under subsection 145b. 147Public Law 87-206 (75 Stat. 475)(1961), sec. 5, deleted the words “subsection 145b.” and substituted in

lieu thereof the words, “subsections 145b. and 145c.”

Volume 1, Page 1–75

and which the Commission and Department of Defense jointly determine

50 USC 403(d). can be adequately safeguarded as defense information:

61 Stat. 498.

 Provided,

however, That no such data so removed from the Restricted Data category

shall be transmitted or otherwise made available to any nation or regional

defense organization, while such data remains defense information,

except pursuant to an agreement for cooperation entered into in

accordance with subsection b. or d. of section 144.145

42 USC 2163.

Department of

Defense

participation.

e. The Commission shall remove from the Restricted Data category

such information concerning the atomic energy programs of other nations

as the Commission and the Director of Central Intelligence jointly

determine to be necessary to carry out the provisions of section 102(d) of

the National Security Act of 1947, as amended, and can be adequately

safeguarded as defense information.

Sec. 143. Department Of Defense Participation.

The Commission may authorize any of its employees, or employees of

any contractor, prospective contractor, licensee or prospective licensee of

the Commission or any other person authorized access to Restricted Data

by the Commission under subsections 145 b.146 and 145 c.147 to permit any

employee of an agency of the Department of Defense or of its contractors,

or any member of the Armed Forces to have access to Restricted Data

required in the performance of his duties and so certified by the head of

the appropriate agency of the Department of Defense or his designee: 

Provided, however, That the head of the appropriate agency of the

Department of Defense or his designee has determined, in accordance

with the established personnel security procedures and standards of such

agency, that permitting the member or employee to have access to such

Restricted Data will not endanger the common defense and security: And

provided further, That the Secretary of Defense finds that the established

personnel and other security procedures and standards of such agency are

adequate and in reasonable conformity to the standards established by the

Commission under section 145.

Sec. 144. International Cooperation.

42 USC 2164.

International

cooperation.

a. The President may authorize the Commission to cooperate with

another nation and to communicate to that nation Restricted Data on–

(1) refining, purification, and subsequent treatment of source

material;

(2) civilian reactor development;

(3) production of special nuclear material;

(4) health and safety;

(5) industrial and other applications of atomic energy for peaceful

purposes; and

(6) research and development relating to the foregoing: Provided,

however, That no such cooperation shall involve the communication

of Restricted Data relating to the design or fabrication of atomic

weapons: And provided further, That the cooperation is undertaken

pursuant to an agreement for cooperation entered into in accordance
148Public Law 85-479 (72 Stat. 276)(1958), sec. 5 amended subsec. a. of sec. 144 by inserting the word

“civilian” before the words “reactor development” in clause (2) thereof. 149Public Law 85-479 (72 Stat. 276)(1958), sec. 6, amended sec. 144 by substituting a new subsec. b.

Before amendment subsec. b. read as follows:

b. The President may authorize the Department of Defense, with the assistance of the Commission, to

cooperate with another nation or with a regional defense organization to which the United States is a party, and

to communicate to that nation or organization such Restricted Data as is necessary to--

(1) the development of defense plans;

(2) the training of personnel in the employment of and defense against atomic weapons; and 

(3) the evaluation of the capabilities of potential enemies in the employment of atomic weapons.

while such other nation or organization is participating with the United States pursuant to an international

arrangement by substantial and material contributions to the mutual defense and security: Provided, however,

That no such cooperation shall involve communication of Restricted Data relating to the design or fabrication

of atomic weapons except with regard to external characteristics, including size, weight, and shape, yields and

effects, and systems employed in the delivery or use thereof but not including any data in these categories

unless in the joint judgment of the Commission and the Department of Defense such data will not reveal

important information concerning the design or fabrication of the nuclear components of an atomic weapon:

And provided further, That the cooperation is undertaken pursuant to an agreement entered into in accordance

with section 123.

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with section 123, or is undertaken pursuant to an agreement existing

on the effective date of this Act.148

Cooperation by

Defense

Department.

b. The President may authorize the Department of Defense, with the

assistance of the Commission, to cooperate with another nation or with a

regional defense organization to which the United States is a party, and to

communicate to that nation or organization such Restricted Data

(including design information) as is necessary to–

(1) the development of defense plans;

(2) the training of personnel in the employment of and defense

against atomic weapons and other military applications of atomic

energy;

(3) the evaluation of the capabilities of potential enemies in the

employment of atomic weapons and other military applications of

atomic energy; and

(4) the development of compatible delivery systems for atomic

weapons;

whenever the President determines that the proposed cooperation and the

proposed communication of the Restricted Data will promote and will not

constitute an unreasonable risk to the common defense and security, while

such other nation or organization is participating with the United States

pursuant to an international arrangement by substantial and material

contributions to the mutual defense and security: Provided, however,

That the cooperation is undertaken pursuant to an agreement entered into

accordance with section 123.149

c. In addition to the cooperation authorized in subsections 144a. and

144b., the President may authorize the Commission, with the assistance of

the Department of Defense, to cooperate with another nation and–

(1) to exchange with that nation Restricted Data concerning atomic

weapons: Provided, That communication of such Restricted Data to

that nation is necessary to improve its atomic weapon design,

development, or fabrication capability and provided that nation has

made substantial progress in the development of atomic weapons; and

(2) to communicate or exchange with that nation Restricted Data

concerning research, development, or design, of military reactors,

whenever the President determines that the proposed cooperation and the

communication of the proposed Restricted Data will promote and will not
150Public Law 103-337 (108 Stat. 3091), October 5, 1994 added new subsection “d.” 151Public Law 103-337 (108 Stat. 3092) amended Public Law 85-479 (92 Stat. 276) (1958) by

redesignating subsection “d” to “e.” [Note: see footnote 149 for explanation of new subsection “d.”]

Volume 1, Page 1–77

constitute an unreasonable risk to the common defense and security, while

such other nation is participating with the United States pursuant to an

international arrangement by substantial and material contributions to the

mutual defense and security: Provided, however, That the cooperation is

undertaken pursuant to an agreement entered into in accordance with

section 123.150

d. (1) In addition to the cooperation authorized in subsections a., b.,

and c., the President may, upon making a determination described in

paragraph (2), authorize the Department of Energy, with the assistance of

the Department of Defense, to cooperate with another nation to

communicate to that nation such Restricted Data, and the President may,

upon making such determination, authorize the Department of Defense,

with the assistance of the Department of Energy, to cooperate with

another nation to communicate to that nation such data removed from the

Restricted Data category under section 142, as is necessary for–

(A ) the support of a program for the control of and accounting

for fissile material and other weapons material;

(B ) the support of the control of and accounting for atomic

weapons;

(C) the verification of a treaty; and

(D) the establishment of international standards for the

classification of data on atomic weapons, data on fissile material,

and related data.

(2) A determination referred to in paragraph (1) is a determination

that the proposed cooperation and proposed communication referred

to in that paragraph–

(A) will promote the common defense and security interests of

the United States and the nation concerned; and

(B) will not constitute an unreasonable risk to such common

defense and security interests.

(3) Cooperation under this subsection shall be undertaken pursuant

to an agreement for cooperation entered into in accordance with

section 123.

e. The President may authorize any agency of the United States to

communicate in accordance with the terms and conditions of an

agreement for cooperation arranged pursuant to subsection 144a., b., c., or

d., such Restricted Data as is determined to be transmissible under the

agreement for cooperation involved.151

Sec. 145. Restrictions.

42 USC 2165.

Restrictions.

a. No arrangement shall be made under section 31, no contract shall

be made or continued in effect under section 41, and no license shall be

issued under section 103 or 104, unless the person with whom such

arrangement is made, the contractor or prospective contractor, or the

prospective licensee agrees in writing not to permit any individual to have

Investigations by access to Restricted Data until the

CSC.

 Civil Service Commission shall have

made an investigation and report to the Commission on the character,

associations, and loyalty of such individual, and the Commission shall

have determined that permitting such person to have access to Restricted

Data will not endanger the common defense and security.
152Public Law 106-65, Div. C, Title XXXI, Subtitle D, sec. 3144(a), 113 Stat. 934, Oct. 5, 1999. 153Public Law 87-615 (76 Stat. 409)(1962), sec. 10, amended subsec. 145f. by striking out a comma after

the word “investigation.”

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b. Except as authorized by the Commission or the General Manager

upon a determination by the Commission or General Manager that such

action is clearly consistent with the national interest, no individual shall

be employed by the Commission nor shall the Commission permit any

individual to have access to Restricted Data until the Civil Service

Commission shall have made an investigation and report to the

Commission on the character, associations, and loyalty of such individual,

and the Commission shall have determined that permitting such person to

have access to Restricted Data will not endanger the common defense and

security.

c. In lieu of the investigation and report to be made by the Civil

Service Commission pursuant to subsection b. of this section, the

Commission may accept an investigation and report on the character,

associations, and loyalty of an individual made by another Government

agency which conducts personnel security investigations, provided that a

security clearance has been granted to such individual by another

Government agency based on such investigation and report.

Investigations by

FBI.

d. In the event an investigation made pursuant to subsections a. and b.

of this section develops any data reflecting that the individual who is the

subject of the investigation is of questionable loyalty, the Civil Service

Commission shall refer the matter to the Federal Bureau of Investigation

for the conduct of a full field investigation, the results of which shall be

furnished to the Civil Service commission for its information and

appropriate action.

e. (1) If the President deems it to be in the national interest he may

from time to time determine that investigations of any group or class

which are required by subsections (a), (b), and (c) of this section be made

by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

 (2) In the case of an individual employed in a program known as a

Special Access Program or a Personnel Security and Assurance Program,

any investigation required by subsections a., b., and c. of this section shall

be made by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.152

f. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections a., b., and c. of this

section, a majority of the members of the Commission shall certify those

specific positions which are of a high degree of importance or sensitivity,

and upon such certification, the investigation153 and reports required by

such provisions shall be made by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

g. The commission shall establish standards and specifications in

writing as to the scope and extent of investigations, the reports of which

will be utilized by the Commission in making the determination, pursuant

to subsections a., b., and c. of this section, that permitting a person access

to restricted data will not endanger the common defense and security.

Such standards and specifications shall be based on the location and class

or kind of work to be done, and shall, among other considerations, take

into account the degree of importance to the common defense and security

of the Restricted Data to which access will be permitted.

h. Whenever the Congress declares that a state of war exists, or in the

event of a national disaster due to enemy attack, the Commission is

authorized during the state of war or period of national disaster due to
154Public Law 87-206 (75 Stat. 475)(1961), sec. 6, amended sec. 145 by redesignating subsec. c. as subsec.

d and subsec. g. as subsec. h. This amendment also added new subsecs. “c”, “e”, “f”, and “g.” Before

amendment, the section read as follows:

Sec. 145. Restrictions.--

a. No arrangement shall be made under section 31, no contract shall be made or continued in effect under

section 41, and no license shall be issued under section 103 or 104, unless the person with whom such

arrangement is made, the contractor or prospective contractor, or the prospective licensee agrees in writing not

to permit any individual to have access to Restricted Data until the Civil Service Commission shall have made

an investigation and report to the Commission on the character, associations, and loyalty of such individual and

the Commission shall have determined that permitting such person to have access to Restricted Data will not

endanger the common defense security.

b. Except as authorized by the Commission or the General Manager upon a determination by the

Commission or General Manager that such action is clearly consistent with the national interest, no individual

shall be employed by the Commission nor shall the Commission permit any individual to have access to

Restricted Data until the Civil Service Commission shall have made an investigation and report to t he

Commission on the character, associations, and loyalty of such individual, and the Commission shall have

determined that permitting such person to have access to Restricted Data will not endanger the common

defense and security.

c. In the event an investigation made pursuant to subsections a. and b. of this section develops any data

reflecting that the individual who is the subject of the investigation is of questionable loyalty, the Civil Service

Commission shall refer the matter to the Federal Bureau of Investigation of the conduct of a full field

investigation, the results of which shall be furnished to the Civil Service Commission for its information and

appropriate action.

d. If the President deems it to be in the national interest, he may from time to time cause investigations of

any group or class which are required by subsections a. and b. of this section to be made by the Federal bureau

of Investigation instead of by the Civil Service Commission. 

e. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections a. and b. of this section, a majority of the members of the

Commission shall certify those specific positions which are of a high degree of importance or sensitivity and

upon such certification the investigation and reports required by such provisions shall be made by the Federal

Bureau of Investigation instead of by the Civil Service Commission.

f. The Commission shall establish standards and specifications in writing as to the scope and extent of

investigations to be made by the Civil Service Commission pursuant to subsections a. and b. of this section. 

Such standards and specifications shall be based on the location and class or kind of work to be done, and

shall, among other considerations, take into account the degree of importance to the common defense and

security of the Restricted Data to which access will be permitted.

g. Whenever the Congress declares that a state of war exists, or in the event of a national disaster due to

enemy attack, the Commission is authorized during the state of war or period of national disaster due to enemy

attack to employ individuals and to permit individual access to Restricted Data pending the investigation

report, and determination required by section 145b., to the extent that and so long as the Commission finds that

such action is required to prevent impairment of its activities in furtherance of the common defense and

security.

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enemy attack to employ individuals and to permit individuals access to

Restricted Data pending the investigation report, and determination

required by section 145b., to the extent that and so long as the

Commission finds that such action is required to prevent impairment of its

activities in furtherance of the common defense and security.154

Sec. 146. General Provisions.

42 USC 2166.

General Provisions.

a. Sections 141 to 145, inclusive, shall not exclude the applicable

provisions of any other laws, except that no Government agency shall take

any action under such other laws inconsistent with the provisions of those

sections.

b. The Commission shall have no power to control or restrict the

dissemination of information other than as granted by this or any other

law.

Sec. 147. Safeguards Information.

42 USC 2167.

Regulations.

a. In addition to any other authority or requirement regarding

protection from disclosure of information, and subject to subsection (b)(3)

of section 552 of title 5 of the United States Code, the Commission shall
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prescribe such regulations, after notice and opportunity for public

comment, or issue such orders, as necessary to prohibit the unauthorized

disclosure of safeguards information which specifically identifies a

licensee’s or applicant’s detailed–

(1) control and accounting procedures or security measures

(including security plans, procedures, and equipment) for the physical

protection of special nuclear material, by whomever possessed,

whether in transit or at fixed sites, in quantities determined by the

Commission to be significant to the public health and safety or the

common defense and security;

(2) security measures (including security plans, procedures, and

equipment) for the physical protection of source material or byproduct

material, by whomever possessed, whether in transit or at fixed sites,

in quantities determined by the Commission to be significant to the

public health and safety or the common defense and security; or

(3) security measures (including security plans, procedures, and

equipment) for the physical protection of and the location of certain

plant equipment vital to the safety of production or utilization

facilities involving nuclear materials covered by paragraphs (1) and

(2) if the unauthorized disclosure of such information could

reasonably be expected to have a significant adverse effect on the

health and safety of the public or the common defense and security by

significantly increasing the likelihood of theft, diversion, or sabotage

of such material or such facility. The Commission shall exercise the

authority of this subsection–

(A) so as to apply the minimum restrictions needed to protect

the health and safety of the public or the common defense and

security, and

(B) upon a determination that the unauthorized disclosure of

such information could reasonably be expected to have a

significant adverse effect on the health and safety of the public or

the common defense and security by significantly increasing the

likelihood of theft, diversion, or sabotage of such material or such

facility.

Nothing in this Act shall authorize the Commission to prohibit the

public disclosure of information pertaining to the routes and quantities of

shipments of source material, by-product material, high level nuclear

waste, or irradiated nuclear reactor fuel. Any person, whether or not a

licensee of the Commission, who violates any regulations adopted under

this section shall be subject to the civil monetary penalties of section 234

42 USC 2282. of this Act. Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize the

withholding of information from the duly authorized committees of the

Congress.

42 USC 2273. b. For the purpose of section 223 of this Act, any regulations or orders

prescribed or issued by the Commission under this section shall also be

deemed to be prescribed or issued under section 161b. of this Act.

c. Any determination by the Commission concerning the applicability

of this section shall be subject to judicial review pursuant to

subsection (a)(4)(B) of section 552 of title 5 of the United States Code.

d. Upon prescribing or issuing any regulation or order under

subsection a. of this section, the Commission shall submit to Congress a

report that:
155NOTE: As a result of Public Law 104-66, sec. 3003 (109 Stat. 734), Dec. 21, 1995, sec. 147e, ceased

to be effective on December 21, 1999. 156Public Law 96-295 (94 Stat. 788)(1980) sec. 207(a)(1), added new sec. 147. 157Public Law 97-90 (95 Stat. 1163)(1981) Sec. 210(a)(1), added new sec. 148. 158Public Law 97-415 (96 Stat. 2067)(1983) sec. 17 inserted in sec. 148a.(1) after “Secretary” the words

“with respect to atomic energy defense programs.”

Volume 1, Page 1–81

(1) specifically identifies the type of information the Commission

intends to protect from disclosure under the regulation or order;

(2) specifically states the Commission’s justification for

determining that unauthorized disclosure of the information to be

protected from disclosure under the regulation or order could

reasonably be expected to have a significant adverse effect on the

health and safety of the public or the common defense and security by

significantly increasing the likelihood of theft, diversion, or sabotage

of such material or such facility, as specified under subsection (a) of

this section; and

(3) provides justification, including proposed alternative

regulations or orders, that the regulation or order applies only the

minimum restrictions needed to protect the health and safety of the

public or the common defense and security.

e. In addition to the reports required under subsection d. of this

section, the Commission shall submit to Congress on a quarterly basis a

report detailing the Commission’s application during that period of every

regulation or order prescribed or issued under this section. In particular,

the report shall:155

(1) identify any information protected from disclosure pursuant to

such regulation or order;

(2) specifically state the Commission’s justification for

determining that unauthorized disclosure of the information protected

from disclosure under such regulation or order could reasonably be

expected to have a significant adverse effect on the health and safety

of the public or the common defense and security by significantly

increasing the likelihood of theft, diversion or sabotage of such

material or such facility, a specified under subsection a. of this

section; and

(3) provide justification that the Commission has applied such

regulation or order so as to protect from disclosure only the minimum

amount of information necessary to protect the health and safety of the

public or the common defense and security.156

Sec. 148. Prohibition Against The Dissemination Of Certain

Unclassified Information.

42 USC 2168.

Regulations.

a.157 (1) In addition to any authority or requirement regarding

protection from dissemination of information, and subject to section

552(b)(3) of title 5, United States Code, the Secretary of Energy

(hereinafter in this section referred to as the “Secretary” with respect to

atomic energy defense programs,158) shall prescribe such regulations, after

notice and opportunity for public comment thereon, or issue such orders

as may be necessary to prohibit the unauthorized dissemination of

unclassified information pertaining to–

(A) the design of production facilities or utilization facilities;

(B) security measures (including security plans, procedures,

and equipment) for the physical protection of (i) production or
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utilization facilities, (ii) nuclear material contained in such

facilities, or (iii) nuclear material in transit; or

42 USC 2162. (C) the design, manufacture, or utilization of any atomic

weapon or component if the design, manufacture, or utilization of

such weapon or component was contained in any information

declassified or removed from the Restricted Data category by the

Secretary (or the head of the predecessor agency of the

Department of Energy) pursuant to section 142.

(2) The Secretary may prescribe regulations or issue orders under

paragraph (1) to prohibit the dissemination of any information

described in such paragraph only if and to the extent that the Secretary

determines that the unauthorized dissemination of such information

could reasonably be expected to have a significant adverse effect on

the health and safety of the public or the common defense and security

by significantly increasing the likelihood of (A) illegal production of

nuclear weapons, or (B) theft, diversion, or sabotage of nuclear

materials, equipment, or facilities.

(3) In making a determination under paragraph (2), the Secretary

may consider what the likelihood of an illegal production, theft,

diversion, or sabotage referred to in such paragraph would be if the

information proposed to be prohibited from dissemination under this

section were at no time available for dissemination.

(4) The Secretary shall exercise his authority under this subsection 

to prohibit the dissemination of any information described in

subsection a.(1)–

(A) so as to apply the minimum restrictions needed to protect

the health and safety of the public or the common defense and

security; and

(B) upon a determination that the unauthorized dissemination

of such information could reasonably be expected to result in a

significant adverse effect on the health and safety of the public or

the common defense and security by significantly increasing the

likelihood of (i) illegal production of nuclear weapons, or (ii) theft,

diversion, or sabotage of nuclear materials, equipment, or

facilities.

(5) Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize the

Secretary to authorize the withholding of information from the

appropriate committees of the Congress.

Penalties. b. (1) Any person who violates any regulation or order of the

Secretary issued under this section with respect to the unauthorized

dissemination of information shall be subject to a civil penalty, to be

imposed by the Secretary, of not to exceed $100,000 for each such

violation. The Secretary may compromise, mitigate, or remit any penalty

imposed under this subsection.

42 USC 2282. (2) The provisions of subsections b. and c. of section 234 of this

Act shall be applicable with respect to the imposition of civil penalties

by the Secretary under this section in the same manner that such

provisions are applicable to the imposition of civil penalties by the

Commission under subsection a. of such section.

42 USC 2273. c. For the purposes of section 223 of this Act, any regulation

prescribed or order issued by the Secretary under this section shall also be

deemed to be prescribed or issued under section 161b. of this Act.
159Public Law 97-415 (96 Stat. 2067)(1983) sec. 17 added new subsec. “d” and “e” to sec. 148.

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Judicial review. d. Any determination by the Secretary concerning the applicability of

this section shall be subject to judicial review pursuant to section

552(a)(4)(B) of title 5, United States Code.

Quarterly report. e. The Secretary shall prepare on a quarterly basis a report to be made

available upon the request of any interested person, detailing the

Secretary’s application during that period of each regulation or order

prescribed or issued under this section. In particular, such report shall–

(1) identify any information protected from disclosure pursuant to

such regulation or order;

(2) specifically state the Secretary’s justification for determining

that unauthorized dissemination of the information protected from

disclosure under such regulation or order could reasonably be

expected to have a significant adverse effect on the health and safety

of the public or the common defense and security by significantly

increasing the likelihood of illegal production of nuclear weapons, or

theft, diversion, or sabotage of nuclear materials, equipment, or

facilities, as specified under subsection a.; and

(3) provide justification that the Secretary has applied such

regulation or order so as to protect from disclosure only the minimum

amount of information necessary to protect the health and safety of the

public or the common defense and security.159

Sec. 149. Fingerprinting For Criminal History Record Checks.

42 USC 2133.

42 USC 2134.

42 USC 2169.

42 USC 2168

a. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (in this section referred to as

the “Commission”) shall require each licensee or applicant for a license to

operate a utilization facility under section 103 or 104b. to fingerprint each

individual who is permitted unescorted access to the facility or is

permitted access to safeguards information under section 147. All

fingerprints obtained by a licensee or applicant as required in the

preceding sentence shall be submitted to the Attorney General of the

United States through the Commission for identification and a criminal

history records check. The costs of any identification and records check

conducted pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be paid by the licensee

or applicant. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Attorney

General may provide all the results of the search to the Commission, and,

in accordance with regulations prescribed under this section, the

Commission may provide such results to licensee or applicant submitting

such fingerprints.

Health and medical

care.

Safety.

b. The Commission, by rule, may relieve persons from the obligations

imposed by this section, under specified terms, conditions, and periods, if

the Commission finds that such action is consistent with its obligations to

promote the common defense and security and to protect the health and

safety of the public.

Regulations. c. For purposes of administering this section, the Commission shall

prescribe, subject to public notice and comment, regulations–

(1) to implement procedures for the taking of fingerprints;

(2) to establish the conditions for use of information received from

the Attorney General, in order–

(A) to limit the redissemination of such information ;

42 USC 2168. (B) to ensure that such information is used solely for the

purpose of determining whether an individual shall be permitted
160Public Law 99-399 (100 Stat. 853) (1986) sec. 606 added sec. 149. 161Public Law 87-206 (75 Stat. 475) (1961), sec. 7, changed the title of this section. The title prior to

amendment was “Military Utilization.”

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unescorted access to the facility of a licensee or applicant or shall

be permitted access to safeguards information under section 147;

(C) to ensure that no final determination may be made solely

on the basis of information provided under this section involving–

(i) an arrest more than 1 year old for which there is no

information of the disposition of the case; or

(ii) an arrest that resulted in dismissal of the charge or an

acquittal; and

(D) to protect individuals subject to fingerprinting under this

section from misuse of the criminal history records; and

(3) to provide each individual subject to fingerprinting under this

section with the right to complete, correct, and explain information

contained in the criminal history records prior to any final adverse

determination.

d. (1) The Commission may establish and collect fees to process

fingerprints and criminal history records under this section.

(2) Notwithstanding section 3302(b) of title 31, United States

Code, and to the extent approved in appropriation Acts–

(A) a portion of the amounts collected under this subsection in

any fiscal year may be retained and used by the Commission to

carry out this section; and

(B) the remaining portion of the amounts collected under this

subsection in such fiscal year may be transferred periodically to

the Attorney General and used by the Attorney General to carry

out this section.

(3) Any amount made available for use under paragraph (2) shall

remain available until expended.160

CHAPTER 13.–PATENTS AND INVENTIONS

Sec. 151. Inventions Relating To Atomic Weapons, And Filing Of

Reports.

42 USC 2181.

Inventions relating

to atomic weapons.

a.161 No patent shall hereafter be granted for any invention or

discovery which is useful solely in the utilization of special nuclear

material or atomic energy in an atomic weapon. Any patent granted for

any such invention or discovery is hereby revoked, and just compensation

shall be made therefor.

b. No patent hereafter granted shall confer any rights with respect to

any invention or discovery to the extent that such invention or discovery

is used in the utilization of special nuclear material or atomic energy in

atomic weapons. Any rights conferred by any patent heretofore granted

for any invention or discovery are hereby revoked to the extent that such

invention or discovery is so used, and just compensation shall be made

therefor.

Inventions reports. c. Any person who has made or hereafter makes any invention or

discovery useful in the production or utilization of special nuclear

material or atomic energy, shall file with the Commission a report

containing a complete description thereof unless such invention or

discovery is described in an application for a patent filed with the Under
162As amended by Public Law 106–113, Division B, sec. 1000(a)(9), 113 Stat 1536; November 29, 1999. 163Public Law 87-206 (75 Stat. 475) (1961), sec. 8, amended sec. 151c. Before amendment section 151c,

read as follows:

c. Any person who has made or hereafter makes any invention or discovery useful (1) in the production or

utilization of special nuclear material or atomic energy; (2) in the utilization of special nuclear material in an

atomic weapon; or (3) in the utilization of atomic energy in an atomic weapon, shall file with the Commission a

report containing a complete description thereof unless such invention or discovery is described in an

application for a patent filed with the Commission of Patents by such person within the time required for the

filing of such report. The report covering any such invention or discovery shall be filed on or before whichever

of the following is the later either the ninetieth day after completion of such invention or discovery; or the

ninetieth day after such person first discovers or first has reason to believe that such invention or discovery is

useful in such production or utilization. 164As amended by Public Law 106–113, Division B, sec. 1000(a)(9), 113 Stat 1536; November 29, 1999. 165Public Law 87-206 (75 Stat. 475) (1961) sec. 9, added subsec. e.

Volume 1, Page 1–85

Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the

United States Patent and Trademark Office162 by such person within the

time required for the filing of such report. The report covering any such

invention or discovery shall be filed on or before the one hundred and

eightieth day after such person first discovers or first has reason to believe

that such invention or discovery is useful in such production or

utilization.163

 “d. The Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and

Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office164 shall notify

the Commission of all applications for patents heretofore or hereafter

filed which, in his opinion, disclose inventions or discoveries required to

be reported under subsection 151c., and shall provide the Commission

access to all such applications.

 “e. Reports filed pursuant to subsection c. of this section, and

application to which access is provided under subsection d. of this

section, shall be kept in confidence by the Commission, and no

information concerning the same given without authority of the inventor

or owner unless necessary to carry out the provisions of any Act of

Congress or in such special circumstances as may be determined by the

Commission.165

Sec. 152. Inventions Made Or Conceived During Commission

Contracts.

42 USC 2182.

Invention

conceived during

Commission

contracts.

Any invention or discovery, useful in the production or utilization of

special nuclear material or atomic energy, made or conceived in the

course of or under any contract, subcontract, or arrangement entered into

with or for the benefit of the Commission, regardless of whether the

contract, subcontract, or arrangement involved the expenditure of funds

by the Commission, shall be vested in, and be the property of, the

Commission, except that the Commission may waive its claim to any such

invention or discovery under such circumstances as the Commission may

deem appropriate, consistent with the policy of this section. No patent for

any invention or discovery, useful in the production or utilization of

special nuclear material or atomic energy, shall be issued unless the

applicant files with the application, or within thirty days after request

therefor by the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property

and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (unless the

Commission advises the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual

Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office

that its rights have been determined and that accordingly no statement is

necessary) a statement under oath setting forth the full facts surrounding
166Amended by Public Law 87-615 (76 Stat. 409) (1962), sec. 11. Prior to amendment word was

“allowances.”

Volume 1, Page 1–86

the making or conception of the invention or discovery described in the

application and whether the invention or discovery was made or

conceived in the course of or under any contract, subcontract, or

arrangement entered into with or for the benefit of the Commission,

regardless of whether the contract, subcontract, or arrangement involved

the expenditure of funds by the Commission. The Under Secretary of

Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States

Patent and Trademark Office shall as soon as the application is otherwise

in condition for allowance166 forward copies of the application and the

statement to the Commission.

The Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and

Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office may proceed

with the application and issue the patent to the applicant (if the invention

or discovery is otherwise patentable) unless the Commission, within 90

days after receipt of copies of the application and statement, directs the

Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of

the United States Patent and Trademark Office to issue the patents to the

Commission (if the invention or discovery is otherwise patentable) to be

held by the Commission as the agent of and on behalf of the United

States.

If the Commission files such a direction with the Under Secretary of

Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States

Patent and Trademark Office, and if the applicant’s statement claims, and

the applicant still believes, that the invention or discovery was not made

or conceived in the course of or under any contract, subcontract or

arrangement entered into with or for the benefit of the Commission

entitling the Commission to the title to the applicant or the patent the

applicant may, within 30 days after notification of the filing of such a

direction, request a hearing before the Board of Patents Appeals and

Interferences. The Board shall have the power to hear and determine

whether the Commission was entitled to the direction filed with the Under

Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the

United States Patent and Trademark Office. The Board shall follow the

rules and procedures established for interference cases and an appeal may

be taken by either the applicant or the Commission from the final order of

the Board to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in 

accordance with the procedures governing the appeals from the Board of

Patent Appeals an Interferences.

If the statement filed by the applicant should thereafter be found to

contain false material statements any notification by the Commission that

it has no objections to the issuance of a patent to the applicant shall not be

deemed in any respect to constitute a waiver of the provisions of this

section or of any applicable civil or criminal statute, and the Commission

may have the title to the patent transferred to the Commission on the

records of the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and

Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office in accordance

with the provisions of this section. A determination of rights by the

Commission pursuant to a contractual provision or other arrangement

prior to the request of the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual

Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office
167Public Law 87-206 (75 Stat. 475) (1961), sec 10, amended sec 152. Before amendment this section read

as follows:

Sec. 152. Inventions Conceived During Commission Contracts–Any invention or discovery, useful in the

production or utilization of special nuclear material or atomic energy, made or conceived under any contract,

subcontract, arrangement, or other relationship with the Commission, regardless of whether the contract or

arrangement involved the expenditure of funds by the Commission, shall be deemed to have been made or

conceived by the Commission, except the Commission may waive its claim to any such invention or discovery

if made or conceived by any person at or in connection with any laboratory under the jurisdiction of the

Commission as provided in section 33, or under such other circumstances as the Commission may deem

appropriate. No patent for any invention or discovery, useful in the production or utilization of special nuclear

material or atomic energy, shall be issued unless the applicant files with the application, or within 30 days after

request therefor by the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States

Patent and Trademark Office, a statement under oath setting forth the full facts surrounding the making or

conception of the invention or discovery described in the application and whether the invention or discovery

was made or conceived in the course of, in connection with or under the terms of any contract, subcontract,

arrangement, or other relationship with the Commission, regardless of whether the contract or agreement

involved the expenditure of funds by the Commission. The Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual

Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office shall forthwith forward copies of the

application and the statement to the Commission.

The Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and

Trademark Office may proceed with the application and issue the patent to the applicant (if the invention or

discovery is otherwise patentable) unless the Commission, within 90 days after receipt of copies of the

application and statement, directs the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of

the United States Patent and Trademark Office to issue the patent to the Commission (if the invention or

discovery is otherwise patentable) to be held by the Commission as the agent of and on behalf of the United

States.

If the Commission files such a direction with the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property

and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, and if the applicant’s statement claims, and the

applicant still believes, that the invention or discovery was not made or conceived in the course of, in

connection with, or under the terms of any contract, subcontract, arrangement, or other relationship with the

Commission entitling the Commission to take title to the application or the patent the applicant may, within 30

days after notification of the filing of such a direction, request a hearing before a Board of Patents

Interferences. The Boards shall have the power to hear and determine whether the Commission was entitled to

the direction filed with the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United

States Patent and Trademark Office. The Board shall follow the rules and procedures established for

interference cases and procedures established an appeal may be taken by either the applicant or the

Commission from the final order of the Board to the Court of Customs and Patent Appeals in accordance with

the procedures governing the appeals from the Board of Patent Interferences (amended by Public Law 97-164

and Public Law 98-622).

If the statement filed by the applicant should thereafter be found to contain false material statements any

notification by the Commission that it has no objections to the issuance of a patent to the applicant shall not be

deemed in any respect to constitute a waiver of the provisions of this section or of any applicable civil or

criminal statute, and the Commission may have the title to the patent transferred to the Commission on the

records of the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent

and Trademark Office in accordance with the provisions of this section.

Volume 1, Page 1–87

for the statement, shall be final in the absence of false material statements

or nondisclosure of material facts by the applicant.167

Sec. 153. Nonmilitary Utilization.

42 USC 2183.

Nonmilitary

utilization.

 a. The Commission may, after giving the patent owner an opportunity

for a hearing, declare any patent to be affected with the public interest if

(1) the invention or discovery covered by the patent is of primary

importance in the production or utilization of special nuclear material or

atomic energy; and (2) the licensing of such invention or discovery under

this section is of primary importance to effectuate the policies and

purposes of this Act.

b. Whenever any patent has been declared affected with the public

interest, pursuant to subsection 153 a.–
Volume 1, Page 1–88

(1) the Commission is hereby licensed to use the invention or

discovery covered by such patent in performing any of its powers

under this Act;

(2) any person may apply to the Commission for a nonexclusive

patent license to use the intervention or discovery covered by such

patent, and the Commission shall grant such patent license to the

extent that it finds that the use of the invention or discovery is of

primary importance to the conduct of an activity by such person

authorized under this Act.

c. Any person–

(1) who has made application to the Commission for a license

under sections 53, 62, 63, 81, 103, or 104, or a permit or lease under

section 67;

(2) to whom such license, permit, or lease has been issued by the

Commission;

(3) who is authorized to conduct such activities as such applicant

is conducting or proposed to conduct under a general license issued by

the Commission under section 62 or 81; or

(4) whose activities or proposed activities are authorized under

section 31, may at any time make application to the Commission for a

patent license for the use of an invention or discovery useful in the

production or utilization of special nuclear material or atomic energy

covered by a patent. Each such application shall set forth the nature

and purpose of the use which the applicant intends to make of the

patent license, the steps taken by the applicant to obtain a patent

license from the owner of the patent, and a statement of the effects, as

estimated by the applicant, on the authorized activities which will

result from failure to obtain such patent license and which will result

from the granting of such patent license.

d. Whenever any person has made an application to the Commission

for a patent license pursuant to subsection 153c.–

(1) the Commission, within 30 days after the filing of such

application, shall make available to the owner of the patent all of the

information contained in such application, and shall notify the owner

of the patent of the time and place at which a hearing will be held by

the Commission;

(2) the Commission shall hold a hearing within 60 days after the

filing of such application at a time and place designated by the

Commission; and

(3) in the event an applicant applies for two or more patent

licenses, the Commission may, in it discretion, order the consolidation

of such applications, and if the patents are owned by more than one

owner, such owners may be made parties to one hearing.

e. If, after any hearing conducted pursuant to subsection 153d, the

Commission finds that–

(1) the invention or discovery covered by the patent is of primary

importance in the production or utilization of special nuclear material

atomic energy;

(2) the licensing of such invention or discovery is of primary

importance to the conduct of the activities of the applicant;
168Public Law 86-50 (73 Stat. 81) (1959), sec. 114, amended subsec. 153h. by changing the date from

Sept. 1, 1959, to Sept. 1, 1964. Public Law 88-394 (78 Stat. 376) (1964), sec. 1, amended subsec. 153 h. by

changing the date from Sept. 1, 1964, to Sept. 1, 1969. Public Law 91-161 (83 Stat. 444) (1969), sec. 1,

amended subsec. 153h. by changing the date from Sept. 1, 1969, to Sept. 1, 1974. Public Law 93-377, sec. 6

(88 Stat. 475) (1974), amended subsec. 153 h. by changing the date from Sept. 1, 1974 to Sept. 1, 1979.

Volume 1, Page 1–89

(3) the activities to which the patent license are proposed to be

applied by such applicant are of primary importance to the furtherance

of policies and purposes of this Act; and

(4) such applicant cannot otherwise obtain a patent license from

the owner of the patent on terms which the Commission deems to be

reasonable for the intended use of the patent to be made by such

applicant, the Commission shall license the applicant to use the

invention or discovery covered by the patent for the purposes stated in

such application on terms deemed equitable by the Commission and

generally not less fair than those granted by the patents or by the

Commission to similar licensees for comparable use.

f. The Commission shall not grant any patent license pursuant to

subsection 153e. for any other purpose than that stated in the application.

Nor shall the Commission grant any patent license to any other applicant

for a patent license on the same patent without an application being made

by such applicant pursuant to subsection 153c., and without separate

notification and hearing as provided in subsection 153d., and without a

separate finding as provided in subsection 153e.

g. The owner of the patent affected by a declaration or a finding made

by the Commission pursuant to subsection 153b. or 153e. shall be entitled

to a reasonable royalty fee from the licensee for any use of an invention or

discovery licensed by the section. Such royalty fee may be agreed upon by

such owner and the patent licensee, or in the absence of such agreement

shall be determined for each patent license by the Commission pursuant to

subsection 157c.

h. The provisions of this section shall apply to any patent the

application for which shall have been filed before September 1, 1979.168

Sec. 154. Injunctions.

42 USC 2184.

Injunctions.

No court shall have jurisdiction or power to stay, restrain, or otherwise

enjoin the use of any invention or discovery by a patent licensee, to the

extent that such use is licensed by subsection 153b. or 153e. If, in any

action against such patent licensee, the court shall determine that the

defendant is exercising such license, the measure of damages shall be the

royalty fee determined pursuant to subsection 157c. If any such patent

licensee shall fail to pay such royalty fee, the patentee may bring an action

in any court of competent jurisdiction for such royalty fee, together with

such costs, interest, and reasonable attorney’s fees as may be fixed by the

court.

Sec. 155. Prior Art.

42 USC 2185.

Prior art.

In connection with applications for patents covered by this Chapter,

the fact that the invention or discovery was known or used before shall be

a bar to the patenting of such invention or discovery even though such

prior knowledge or use was under secrecy within the atomic energy

program of the United States.
169Public Law 96-517 (94 Stat. 3027) (1980), sec. 7(a), amended sec. 156 by deleting the words “held by

the Commission or.” 170Public Law 93-276 (88 Stat. 115) (1974), sec. 201, amended this section by substituting the words “after

consultation with” for the words “upon the recommendation of.”

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Sec. 156. Commission Patent Licenses.

42 USC 2186.

Commission patent

licenses.

The Commission shall establish standards specifications upon which it

may grant a patent license to use any patent169 declared to be affected with

the public interest pursuant to subsection 153a. Such a patent license

shall not waive any of the other provisions of this Act.

Sec. 157. Compensation, Awards, And Royalties.

42 USC 2187.

Compensation,

awards, and

royalties.

a. Patent Compensation Board.–The Commission shall designate a

patent Compensation Board to consider applications under this section.

The members of the Board shall receive a per diem compensation for each

day spent in meetings or conferences, and all members shall receive their

necessary traveling or other expenses while engaged in the work of the

62 Stat. 697. Board. The members of the Board may serve as such without regard to

the provisions of sections 281, 283, or 284 of Title 18 of the United States

Code, except in so far as such sections may prohibit any such member

from receiving compensation in respect of any particular matter which

directly involves the Commission or in which the Commission is directly

interested.

Eligibility. b. Eligibility.–

(1) Any owner of a patent licensed under section 158 or subsection

153b. or 153e., or any patent licensed thereunder may make

application to the Commission for the determination of a reasonable

royalty fee in accordance with such procedures as the Commission by

regulation may establish.

(2) Any person seeking to obtain the just compensation provided

in section 151 shall make application therefor to the Commission in

accordance with such procedures as the Commission may by

regulation establish.

(3) Any person making any invention or discovery useful in the

production or utilization of special nuclear material or atomic energy,

who is not entitled to compensation or a royalty therefor under this

Act and who has complied with the provisions of section 151c. hereof

may make application to the Commission for, and the Commission

may grant, an award. The Commission may also, after consultation

with170 the General Advisory Committee, and with the approval of the

President, grant an award for any especially meritorious contribution

to the development, use, or control of atomic energy.

Standards. c. Standards.–

(1) In determining a reasonable royalty fee as provided for in

subsection 153b., or 153e., the Commission shall take into

consideration (A) the advice of the Patent Compensation Board; (B)

any defense, general or special, that might be pleaded by a defendant

in an action for infringement; (C) the extent to which, if any, such

patent was developed through federally financed research; and (D) the

degree of utility, novelty, and importance of the invention or

discovery, and, may consider the cost to the owner of the patent of

developing such invention or discovery or acquiring such patent.

(2) In determining what constitutes just compensation as provided

for in section 151, or in determining the amount of any award under 
171Public Law 87-206 (75 Stat. 475) (1961), sec. 11, added subsec. 4. 172The second sentence of sec. 158 was amended by Public Law 87-206 (75 stat. 475) (1961), sec. 12. 

Prior to amendment, it read: “Such licensee shall pay a reasonable royalty fee to be determined in accordance

with section 157, to the owner of the patent. 173See Atomic Energy Act of 1946, appendix 4, infra, sec. 11.

Volume 1, Page 1–91

subsection 157b.(3), the Commission shall take into account the

considerations set forth in subsection 157c.(1) and the actual use of

such invention or discovery. Such compensation may be paid by the

Commission in periodic payments or in a lump sum.

d. Period Of Limitations.–Every application under this section shall be

barred unless filed within six years after the date on which first accrues

the right of such reasonable royalty fee, just compensation, or award for

which such application is filed.171

Sec. 158. Monopolistic Use Of Patents.

42 USC 2188.

Monopolistic use

of patents.

Whenever the owner of any patent hereafter granter for any invention

or discovery or primary use in the utilization or production of special

nuclear material or atomic energy is found by a court of competent

jurisdiction to have intentionally used such patent in a manner so as to

violate any of the antitrust laws specified in subsection 105a., there may

be included in the judgement of the court, in its discretion and in addition

to any other lawful sanction, a requirement that such owner license such

patent to any other licensee of the Commission who demonstrates a need

therefor. If the court, at its discretion, deems that such licensee shall pay a

reasonable royalty to the owner of the patent, the reasonable royalty shall

be determined in accordance with section 157.172

Sec. 159. Federally Financed Research.

42 USC 2189.

Federally financed

research.

Nothing in this Act shall affect the right of the Commission to require

the patents granted on inventions made or conceived during the course of

federally financed research or operations, be assigned to the United

States.

Sec. 160. Saving Clause.

42 USC 2190.

Saving clause.

Any patent application on which a patent was denied by the United

States Patent Office under section 11(a)(1), 11(a)(2), or 11(b) of the

Atomic Energy Act of 1946,173 and which is not prohibited by section 151

or section 155 of this Act may be reinstated upon application to the Under

Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the

United States Patent and Trademark Office within one year after

enactment of this Act and shall then be deemed to have been continuously

pending since its original filing date: Provided, however, That no patent

issued upon any patent application so reinstated shall in any way furnish a

basis of claim against the Government of the United States.

CHAPTER 14–GENERAL AUTHORITY

Sec. 161. General Provisions.

42 USC 2201.

General provisions.

In the performance of its functions the Commission is authorized to–

a. establish advisory boards to advise with and make recommendations

to the Commission on legislation, policies, administration, research, and

other matters, provided that the Commission issues regulations setting

forth the scope, procedure, and limitation of the authority of each such

board;

b. establish by rule, regulation, or order, such standards and

instructions to govern the possession and use of special nuclear material,
174Public Law 101-575 (104 Stat. 2835) (1990), Amended Sec. 161b. 175Public Law 91-452 (84 Stat. 922)(1970) sec. 237, The Organized Crime Control Act of 1970, deleted the

following sentence form subsec. 161c:

No person shall be excused from complying with any requirements under this paragraph because of his

privilege against self-incrimination, but the immunity provisions of the Compulsory Testimony Act of

February 11, 1893, shall apply with respect to any individual who specifically claims such privilege. 176Public Law 87-793 (76 Stat. 832) (1962), sec. 1001(g), added the words “up to a limit of the highest rate

of grade 18 of the General Schedule of the Classification Act of 1949, as amended.” Prior to this amendment a

limitation of $19,000 had been imposed by Public Law 85-287 (71 Stat. 612) (1957), sec. 4. 177Public Law 85-681 (72 Stat. 633) (1968), sec. -- amended subsec. 161 d. by inserting this sentence.

Volume 1, Page 1–92

source material, and byproduct material as the Commission may deem

necessary or desirable to promote the common defense and security or to

protect health or to minimize danger to life or property; in addition, the

Commission shall prescribe such regulations or orders as may be

necessary or desirable to promote the Nation’s common defense and

security with regard to control, ownership, or possession of any

equipment or device, or important component part especially designed for

such equipment or device, capable of separating the isotopes of uranium

or enriching uranium in the isotope 235;174

c. make such studies and investigations, obtain such information, and

hold such meetings or hearings as the Commission may deem necessary

or proper to assist it in exercising any authority provided in this Act, or in

the administration or enforcement of this Act, or any regulations or orders

issued thereunder. For such purposes the Commission is authorized to

administer oaths and affirmations, and by subpoena to require any person

to appear and testify or appear and produce documents, or both, at any

27 Stat. 443. designated place.

49 USC 46.

 Witnesses subpoenaed under this subsection shall be

paid the same fees and mileage as are paid witnesses in the district courts

of the United States;175

d. appoint and fix the compensation of such officers and employees as

may be necessary to carry out the functions of the Commission. Such

officers and employees shall be appointed in accordance with the

civil-service laws and their compensation fixed in accordance with the

5 USC 5101. Classification Act of 1949, as amended,

80 Stat. 443.

 except that, to the extent the

Commission deems such action necessary to the discharge of its

responsibilities, personnel may be employed and their compensation fixed

without regard to such laws: Provided, however, That no officer or

employee (except such officers and employees whose compensation is

fixed by law, and scientific and technical personnel up to a limit of the

highest rate of grade 18 of the General Schedule of the Classification Act

of 1949, as amended)176 whose position would be subject to the

Classification Act of 1949, as amended, if such Act were applicable to

such position, shall be paid a salary at a rate in excess of the rate payable

under such Act for positions of equivalent difficulty or responsibility.

Such rates of compensation may be adopted by the Commission as may be

authorized by the Classification Act of 1949, as amended, as of the same

date such rates are authorized for positions subject to such Act.177 The

Commission shall make adequate provision for administrative review of

any determination to dismiss any employee;

e. acquire such material, property, equipment, and facilities, establish

or construct such buildings and facilities, and modify such buildings and

facilities from time to time, as it may deem necessary, and construct,

acquire, provide, or arrange for such facilities and services (at project
178Public Law 85-162 (71 Stat. 403) (1957), sec. 201, added the clause:

(at the time of the initial grant of any privilege grant, lease, or permit, or renewal thereof, or in order to

avoid inequalities or undue hardship prior to the sale by the United States of property affected by such grant. 179Public Law 84-722 (70 Stat. 553) (1956), amended sec. 161e. by adding the proviso clause. 180The text of Executive Order 9816, providing for the transfer of properties and personnel of the

Manhattan Engineer District to the Atomic Energy Commission on January 1, 1947, will be found in

appendix 8, infra.

Volume 1, Page 1–93

sites where such facilities and services are not available) for the housing,

health, safety, welfare, and recreation of personnel employed by the

Commission as it may deem necessary, subject to the provisions of

section 174: Provided, however, That in the communities owned by the

Commission, the Commission is authorized to grant privileges, leases and

permits upon adjusted terms which (at the time of the initial grant of any

privilege, grant, lease, or permit, or renewal thereof, or in order to avoid

inequities or undue hardship prior to the sale by the United States of

property affected by such grant)178 are fair and reasonable to responsible

persons to operate commercial businesses without advertising and without

advertising (sic) and without securing competitive bids, but taking into

consideration, in addition to the price, and among other things (1) the

quality and type of services required by the residents of the community,

(2) the experience of each concession applicant in the community and its

surrounding area, (3) the ability of the concession applicant to meet the

needs of the community, and (4) the contribution the concession applicant

has made or will make to the other activities and general welfare of the

community;179

f. with the consent of the agency concerned, utilize or employ the

services or personnel of any Government agency or any State or local

government, or voluntary or uncompensated personnel, to perform such

functions on its behalf as may appear desirable;

g. acquire, purchase, lease, and hold real and personal property,

including patents, as agent of and on behalf of the United States,180

subject to the provisions of section 174, and to sell, lease, grant, and

dispose of such real and personal property as provided in this Act;

h. consider in a single application one or more of the activities for

which a license is required by this Act, combine in a single license one or

more of such activities, and permit the applicant or licensee to incorporate

by reference pertinent information already filed with the Commission;

i. prescribe such regulations or order as it may deem necessary (1) to

protect Restricted Data received by any person in connection with any

activity authorized pursuant to this Act, (2) to guard against the loss or

diversion of any special nuclear material acquired by any person pursuant

to section 53 or produced by any person in connection with any activity

authorized pursuant to this Act, to prevent any use or disposition thereof

which the Commission may determine to be inimical to the common

defense and security, including regulations or orders designating

activities, involving quantities of special nuclear material which in the

opinion of the Commission are important to the common defense and

security, that may be conducted only by persons whose character,

associations, and loyalty shall have been investigated under standards and

specifications established by the Commission and as to whom the

Commission shall have determined that permitting each such person to

conduct the activity will not be inimical to the common defense and
181Sec. 7 of Public Law 93-377 (88 Stat. 475) (1974), amended subsec. 161i. by adding the phrase

beginning with the word “including” and ending with the word “security” the second time it appears thereafter. 182Public Law 99-661 (100 Stat. 4064) (1986) amended subsec. 161k. Public Law 97-90 (95 Stat. 1163)

(1981) sec. 211 amended sec. 161k. (42 U.S.C. 2201k.) by striking out the semicolon after “duties” and

inserting in lieu thereof a period and the new language giving arrest authority for persons authorized to carry

firearms.

Volume 1, Page 1–94

security,181 and (3) to govern any activity authorized pursuant to this Act,

including standards and restrictions governing the design, location, and

operation of facilities used in the conduct of such activity, in order to

protect health and to minimize danger to life or property;.”

40 USC 471.

40 USC 488 note.

63 Stat. 377.

j. without regard to the provisions of the Federal Property and

Administrative Services Act of 1949, as amended, except section 207 of

that Act, or any other law, make such disposition as it may deem desirable

of (1) radioactive materials, and (2) any other property, the special

disposition of which is, in the opinion of the Commission, in the interest

of the national security: Provided, however, That the property furnished

to licensees in accordance with the provisions of subsection 161 m. shall

not be deemed to be properly disposed of by the commission pursuant to

this subsection;

k. authorize such of its members, officers, and employees as it deems

necessary in the interest of the common defense and security to carry

firearms while in the discharge of their official duties. The Commission

may also authorize such of those employees of its contractors and

subcontractors (at any tier) engaged in the protection of property under

the jurisdiction of the United States located at facilities owned by or

contracted to the United States or being transported to or from such

facilities as it deems necessary in the interests of the common defense and

42 USC 2201(K). security to carry firearms while in the discharge of their official duties.

A person authorized to carry firearms under this subsection may, while in

the performance of, and in connection with, official duties, make arrests

without warrant for any offense against the United States committed in

that person’s presence or for any felony cognizable under the laws of the

United States if that person has reasonable grounds to believe that the

individual to be arrested has committed or is committing such felony. An

employee of a contractor or subcontractor authorized to carry firearms

under this subsection may make such arrests only when the individual to

be arrested is within, or in direct flight from, the area of such offense. A

person granted authority to make arrests by this subsection may exercise

that authority only in the enforcement of (1) laws regarding the property

of the United States in the custody of the Department of Energy, the

Nuclear Regulatory Commission, or a contractor of the Department of

Energy or Nuclear Regulatory Commission, or (2) any provision of this

Act that may subject an offender to a fine, imprisonment, or both. The

arrest authority conferred by this subsection is in addition to any arrest

authority under other laws. The Secretary, with the approval of the

Attorney General, shall issue guidelines to implement this subsection;182
183Public Law 87-456 (76 Stat. 72) (1962), sec. 303(c), the Tariff Classification Act of 1962, repealed

sec. 161 l, effective on the 10 day following a Presidential proclamation concerning tariff schedules, import

restrictions and related matters. This proclamation was issued on August 21, 1963 (3 CFR, Proclamation

3548).

Sec. 161 l, read as follows:

l. Secure the admittance free of duty into the United States of purchases made abroad of source materials,

upon certification to the Security of the Treasury that such entry is necessary in the interest of the common

defense and security. 184Public Law 86-300 (73 Stat. 574) (1959), sec. 1, amended subsec. 161m. to authorize agreements with

persons licensed under secs. 53a. (4) or 63a.(4) as well as under secs. 103 or 104. 185Public Law 85-507 (72 Stat. 327) (1958). sec. 21, repealed former subsec. 161n., and relettered

subsequent subsections accordingly.

Subsec. 161 n. read as follows:

n. assign scientific, technical, professional, and administrative employees for instruction, education, or

training by public or private agencies, institutions of learning, laboratories, or industrial or commercial

organizations and to pay the whole or any part of the salaries of such employees, costs of their transportation

and per diem in lieu of subsistence in accordance with applicable laws and regulation, and training charges

incident to their assignments (including tuition and other related fees): Provided, however, That (1) not more

than one per centum of the eligible employees shall be so assigned during any fiscal year, and (2) any such

assignment shall be approved in advance by the Commission or shall be in accordance with a training program

previously approved by the Commission: And provided further, That appropriations or other funds available to

the Commission for salaries or expenses shall be available for the purposes of this subsection. 186Public Law 90-190 (81 Stat. 575) (1967), sec. 11, amended sec. 161n. by striking out “57a.(3)” and

inserting in lieu thereof “57b.” 187Public Law 91-560 (84 Stat. 1472) (1970), sec. 7, amended subsec. 161n. by striking out at this point

the following:

102 (with respect to the finding of practical value).

Volume 1, Page 1–95

m. 183 enter into agreements with persons licensed under Section 103,

104, 53a. (4), or 63a.(4)184 for such periods of time as the Commission

may deem necessary or desirable (1) to provide for the processing,

fabricating, separating, or refining in facilities owned by the Commission

of source, byproduct, or other material or special nuclear material owned

by or made available to such licensees and which is utilized or produced

in the conduct of the licensed activity, and (2) to sell, lease, or otherwise

make available to such licensees such quantities of source or byproduct

material, and other material not defined as special nuclear material

pursuant to this Act, as may be necessary for the conduct of the licensed

activities; Provided, however, That any such agreement may be canceled

by the licensee at any time upon payment of such reasonable cancellation

charges as may be agreed upon by the licensee and the Commission: And

provided, further, That the Commission shall establish prices to be paid

by licensees for material or services to be furnished by the Commission

pursuant to this subsection, which prices shall be established on such a

nondiscriminatory basis as, in the opinion of the Commission, will

provide reasonable compensation to the Government for such material or

services and will not discourage the development of sources of supply

independent of the Commission;

n.185 delegate to the General Manager or other officers of the

Commission any of those functions assigned to it under this Act except

those specified in section 51, 57b.,186 61,187 108, 123, 145b. (with respect
188Amended by Public Law 87-615 (76 Stat. 409) (1962), sec. 12. Prior to amendment reference was to

145e.189Public Law 84-1006 (70 Stat. 1069), sec. 4, added subsec. q. (originally subsec. r.).

Volume 1, Page 1–96

to the determination of those persons to whom the Commission may

reveal Restricted Data in the national interest), 145f.,188 and 161a.;

o. require by rule, regulation, or order, such reports, and the keeping

of such records with respect to, and to provide for such inspections of,

activities and studies of types specified in section 31 and of activities

under licenses issued pursuant to sections 53, 63, 81, 103, and 104, as

may be necessary to effectuate the purposes of this Act, including

section 105; and

p. make, promulgate, issue, rescind, and amend such rules and

regulations as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.

Easements for

rights-of-way.

q. The Commission is empowered, under such terms and conditions as

are deemed advisable by it, to grant easements for rights-of-way over,

across, in, and upon acquired lands under its jurisdiction and control, and

public lands permanently withdrawn or reserved for the use of the

Commission, to any State, political subdivision thereof, or municipality,

or to any individual, partnership, or corporation of any State, Territory, or

possession of the United States, for (a) railroad tracks; (b) oil pipe lines;

(c) substations for electric power transmission lines, telephone lines, and

telegraph lines, and pumping stations for gas, water, sewer, and oil pipe

lines; (d) canals; (e) ditches; (f) flumes; (g) tunnels; (h) dams and

reservoirs in connection with fish and wildlife programs, fish hatcheries,

and other fish-cultural improvements; (i) roads and street; and (j) for any

other purpose or purposes deemed advisable by the Commission:

Provided, That such rights-of-way shall be granted only upon a finding by

the Commission that the same will not be incompatible with the public

interest: Provided further, That such rights-of-way shall not include any

more land than is reasonably necessary for the purpose for which granted:

And provided further, That all or any part of such right-of-way may be

annulled and forfeited by the Commission for failure to comply with the

terms and conditions of any grant hereunder or for nonuse for a period of

two consecutive years or abandonment of rights granted under authority

hereof. Copies of all instruments granting easements over public lands

pursuant to this section shall be furnished to the Secretary of the

Interior.189

r. Under such regulations and for such periods and at such prices the

Commission may prescribe, the Commission may sell or contract to sell to

purchasers within Commission-owned communities or in the immediate

vicinity of the Commission community, as the case may be, any of the

following utilities and related services, if it is determined that they are not

available from another local source and that the sale is in the interest of

the national defense or in the public interest:

(1) Electric power.

(2) Steam.

(3) Compressed air.

(4) Water.

(5) Sewage and garbage disposal.

(6) Natural, manufactured, or mixed gas.

(7) Ice.
190Public Law 85-162 (71 Stat. 403) (1957), sec. 204, added subsec. 4. (originally subsec s.). 191Public Law 85-681 (72 Stat. 632) (1958), sec. 7, amended sec. 161 by adding new subsecs.t., u., and v. 

Public Law 87-206 (75 Stat. 475) ( 1961), sec. 13, changed the designation of subsecs. t., u., and v. to subsecs.

s., t., and u., respectively.

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(8) Mechanical refrigeration.

(9) Telephone service.

Proceeds of sales under this subsection shall be credited to the

appropriation currently available for the supply of that utility or service.

To meet local needs the Commission may make minor expansions and

extensions of any distributing system or facility within or in the

immediate vicinity of a Commission-owned community through which a

utility or service is furnished under this subsection.190

Succession of

authority.

s. establish a plan for a succession of authority which will assure the

community of direction of the Commission’s operations in the event of a

national disaster due to enemy activity. Notwithstanding any other

provision of this Act, the person or persons succeeding to command in the

event of disaster in accordance with the plan established pursuant to this

subsection shall be vested with all of the authority of the Commission:

Provided, That any such succession to authority, and vesting of authority

shall be effective only in the event and as long as a quorum of three or

more members of the Commission is unable to convene and exercise

direction during the disaster period: Provided further, That the disaster

period includes the period when attack on the United States is imminent

and the post-attack period necessary to reestablish normal lines of

command;191

Processing

contracts.

t. enter into contracts for the processing, fabricating, separating, or

refining in facilities owned by the Commission of source, byproduct or

other material, or special nuclear material, in accordance with and within

the period of an agreement for cooperation while comparable services are

available to persons licensed under section 103 or 104: Provided, That the

prices for services under such contracts shall be no less than the prices

currently charged by the Commission pursuant to section 161m.;

Long term contract

authority.

u. (1) enter into contracts for such periods of time as the Commission

may deem necessary or desirable, but not to exceed five years from the

date of execution of the contract, for the purchase or acquisition of reactor

services or services related to or required by the operation of reactors;

(2) (A) enter into contracts for such periods of time as the

Commission may deem necessary or desirable for the purchase or

acquisition of any supplies, equipment, materials, or services required

by the Commission whenever the Commission determines that: (i) it is

advantageous to the Government to make such purchase or acquisition

from commercial sources; (ii) the furnishing of such supplies,

equipment, materials, or services will require the construction or

acquisition of special facilities by the vendors or supplies thereof; (iii)

the amortization chargeable to the Commission constitutes an

appreciable portion of the cost of contract performance, excluding

cost of materials; and (iv) the contract for such period is more

advantageous to the Government than a similar contract not executed

under the authority of this subsection. Such contracts shall be entered

into for periods not to exceed five years each from the date of initial

delivery of such supplies, equipment, materials, or services or ten
192See footnote 184, supra. 193Public Law 88-489 (78 Stat. 602)(1964), sec. 16, added subsec. v. 194Public Law 102-486 (106 Stat. 2944) Oct. 24, 1992 changed sec. v. 195Public Law 92-314 (86 Stat. 222) (1972), sec. 301, added subsec. w. 196Public Law 102-486 (106 Stat. 2944) Oct. 24, 1992 amended sect. w.

Volume 1, Page 1–98

years from the date of execution of the contracts excluding periods of

renewal under option.

(B) In entering into such contracts the Commission shall be

guided by the following principles: (i) the percentage of the total

cost of special facilities devoted to contract performance and

chargeable to the Commission should not exceed the ratio between

the period of contract deliveries and the anticipated useful life of

such special facilities; (ii) the desirability of obtaining options to

renew the contract for reasonable periods at prices not to include

charges for special facilities already amortized; and (iii) the

desirability of reserving in the Commission the right to take title to

the special facilities under appropriate circumstances; and

(3) include in contracts made under this subsection provisions

which limit the obligation of funds to estimated annual deliveries and

services and the unamortized balance of such amounts due for special

facilities as the parties shall agree is chargeable to the performance of

the contract. Any appropriation available at the time of termination or

thereafter made available to the Commission for operating expenses

shall be available for payment of such costs which may arise from

termination as the contract may provide. The term “special facilities”

as used in this subsection means any land and any depreciable

buildings, structures, utilities, machinery, equipment, and fixtures

necessary for the production or furnishing of such supplies,

equipment, materials, and services and not available to the vendors or

suppliers for the performance of the contract.192

Contract authority. v. provide services in support of the United States Enrichment

Corporation, except that the Secretary of Energy shall annually collect

payments and other charges from the Corporation sufficient to ensure

recovery of the costs (excluding depreciation and imputed interest on

original plant investments in the Department’s gaseous diffusion plants

and costs under section 1403(d)) incurred by the Department of Energy

after the date of the enactment of the Energy Policy Act of 1992 in

performing such services;.193 194

w. prescribe and collect from any other Government agency, which

applies for or is issued a license for a utilization facility designed to

produce electrical or heat energy pursuant to section 103 or 104b, or

which operates any facility regulated or certified under section 1701 or

1702 and any fee, charge, or price which it may require, in accordance

with the provisions of section 483a of title 31 of the United States Code

or any other law, of applicants for, or holders of, such licenses or

certificates.195 196

42 USC 2231. x. Establish by rule, regulation, or order, after public notice, and in

accordance with the requirements of section 181 of this Act, such

standards and instructions as the Commission may deem necessary or

desirable to ensure–
197Public Law 95-604 (92 Stat. 3036) (1978), sec. 203, added a new subsection. 161(x).

Volume 1, Page 1–99

42 USC 2014. (1) that an adequate bond, surety, or other financial arrangement

(as determined by the Commission) will be provided, before

termination of any license for byproduct materials as defined in

section 11e.(2), by a licensee to permit the completion of all

requirements established by the Commission for the decontamination,

decommissioning, and reclamation of sites, structures, and equipment

used in conjunction with byproduct material as so defined, and

(2) that–

 (A) in the case of any such license issued or renewed after the date of

the enactment of this subsection, the need for long-term maintenance and

monitoring of such sites, structures and equipment after termination of

such license will be minimized and, to the maximum extent practicable,

eliminated; and

(B) in the case of each license for such material (whether in effect on

the date of the enactment of this section or issued or renewed thereafter),

if the Commission determines that any such long-term maintenance and

monitoring is necessary, the licensee, before termination of any license

for byproduct material as defined in section 11e.(2), will make available

such bonding, surety, or other financial arrangements as may be necessary

to assure such long-term maintenance and monitoring.

Such standards and instructions promulgated by the Commission

pursuant to this subsection shall take into account, as determined by the

Commission, so as to avoid unnecessary duplication and expense,

performance bonds or other financial arrangements which are required by

other Federal agencies or State agencies and/or other local governing

bodies for such decommissioning, decontamination, and reclamation and

long-term maintenance and monitoring except that nothing in this

paragraph shall be construed to require that the Commission accept such

bonds or arrangements if the Commission determines that such bonds or

arrangements are not adequate to carry out subparagraphs (1) and (2) of

this subsection.197

Sec. 162. Contracts.

42 USC 2202.

Contracts.

The President may, in advance, exempt any specific action of the

Commission in a particular matter from the provisions of law relating to

contracts whenever he determines that such action is essential in the

interest of the common defense and security.

Sec. 163. Advisory Committees.

42 USC 2203.

62 Stat. 697.

Advisory

committees.

The members of the General Advisory Committee established

pursuant to section 26 and the members of advisory boards established

pursuant to section 161a. may serve as such without regard to the

provisions of sections 281, 283, or 284 of Title 18 of the United States

Code, except insofar as such sections may prohibit any such member from

receiving compensation from a source other than a nonprofit educational
198Public Law 86-300 (73 Stat. 574)(1959), sec. 2, amended sec. 163 by inserting after the words “from

receiving compensation” the words “from a source other than a nonprofit educational institution.” 199Public Law 87-849 (76 Stat. 1119) (1962), Sec. 2, revised the existing conflict of interest laws. All

exemptions from the provisions of secs. 281, 283 and 284 of Title 18 of the U.S. Code are deemed to be

exemptions from the corresponding sections of the new conflict of interest law “except to the extent that they

affect officers or employees of the executive branch of the United States Government [or] of any independent

agency of the United States, * * * as to whom they are no longer applicable.”

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institution198 in respect of any particular matter which directly involves

the Commission or in which the Commission is directly interested.199

Sec. 164. Electric Utility Contracts.

31 USC 665.

42 USC 2204.

Electric utility

contracts.

The Commission is authorized in connection with the construction or

operations of the Oak Ridge, Paducah, and Portsmouth installations of the

Commission, without regard to section 3679 of the Revised Statutes, as

amended, to enter into new contracts or modify or confirm existing

contracts to provide for electric utility serves for periods not exceeding

twenty-five years, and such contracts shall be subject to termination by

the Commission upon payment of cancellation costs as provided in such

contracts, and any appropriation presently or hereafter made available to

the Commission shall be available for the payment of such cancellation

costs. Any such cancellation payments shall be taken into consideration in

determination of the rate to be charged in the event the Commission or

any other agency of the Federal Government shall purchase electric utility

services from the contractors subsequent to the cancellation and during

the life of the original contract. The authority of the Commission under

this section to enter into new contracts or modify or confirm existing

contracts to provide for electric utility services includes, in case such

electric utility services are to be furnished to the Commission by the

Tennessee Valley Authority, authority to contract with any person to

furnish electric utility services to the Tennessee Valley Authority in

replacement thereof. Any contract hereafter entered into by the

Commission pursuant to this section shall be submitted to the Joint

Committee and a period of thirty days shall elapse while Congress is in

session (in computing such thirty days, there shall be excluded the days

on which either House is not in session because of adjournment for more

than three days) before the contract of the Commission shall become

effective: Provided, however, That the Joint Committee, after having

received the proposed contract, may by resolution in writing, waive the

conditions of or all or any portion of such thirty-day period.

Sec. 165. Contract Practices.

42 USC 2205.

Contract practices.

a. In carrying out the purposes of this Act the Commission shall not

use the cost-plus-percent age-of-cost system of contracting.

60 Stat. 755. b. No contract entered into under the authority of this Act shall

provide, and no contract entered into under the authority of the Atomic

Energy Act of 1946, as amended, shall be modified or amended after the

date of enactment of this Act to provide, for direct payment or direct

reimbursement by the Commission of any Federal income taxes on behalf

of any contractor performing such contract for profit.

Sec. 166. Comptroller General Audit.

42 USC 2206.

Comptroller

General audit.

No moneys appropriated for the purposes of this Act shall be available

for payments under any contract with the Commission, negotiated without

advertising, except contracts with any foreign government or any agency

thereof and contracts with foreign producers, unless such contract

includes a clause to the effect that the Comptroller General of the United
200Public Law 85-681 (72 Stat. 632) (1958), sec. 8, amended sec. 166 by adding the second proviso clause. 201Public Law 87-206 (75 Stat. 474) (1961), sec 14, amended sec. 167. Prior to amendment this section

read as follows:

Sec. 167. Claim Settlements–The Commission, acting on behalf of the United States, is authorized to

consider, ascertain, adjust, determine, settle, and pay, any claim for money damage of $5,000 or less against the

United States for bodily injury, death, or damage to or loss of real or personal property resulting from any

detonation, explosion, or radiation produced in the conduct of the Commission’s program for testing atomic

weapons, where such claim is presented to the Commission in writing within one year after the accident or

incident out of which the claim arises: Provided, however, That the damage to or loss of property, or bodily

injury or death, shall not have been caused in whole or in part by any negligence or wrongful act on the part of

the claimant, his agents, or employees. Any such settlement under the authority of this section shall be final

and conclusive for all purposes, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary.

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States or any of his duly authorized representatives shall, until the

expiration of three years after final payment, have access to and the right

to examine any directly pertinent books, documents, papers, and records

of the contractor or any of his subcontractors engaged in the performance

of, and involving transactions related to such contracts or subcontracts: 

Provided, however, That no moneys so appropriated shall be available for

payment under such contract which includes any provision precluding an

audit by the General Accounting Office of any transaction under such

contract: And provided further, That nothing in this section shall preclude

the earlier disposal of contractor and subcontractor records in accordance

with records disposal schedules agreed upon between the Commission

and the General Accounting Office.200

Sec. 167. Claims Settlements.

42 USC 2207. The Commission, acting on behalf of the United States, is authorized

to consider, ascertain, adjust, determine, settle, and pay, any claim for

money damage of $5,000 or less against the United States for bodily

injury, death, or damage to or loss of real or personal property resulting

from any detonation, explosion, or radiation produced in the conduct of

any program undertaken by the Commission involving the detonation of

an explosive device, where such claim is presented to the Commission in

writing within one year after the accident or incident out of which the

claim arises: Provided, however, That the damage to or loss of property,

or bodily injury or death, shall not have been caused in whole or in part

by any negligence or wrongful act on the part of the claimant, his agents,

or employees. Any such settlement under the authority of this section

shall be final and conclusive for all purposes, notwithstanding any other

provision of law to the contrary. If the Commission considers that a claim

in excess of $5,000 is meritorious and would otherwise be covered by this

section, the Commission may report the facts and circumstances thereof to

the Congress for its consideration.201

Sec. 168. Payments In Lieu Of Taxes.

42 USC 2208.

Payments in Lieu

of taxes.

In order to render financial assistance to those States and localities in

which the activities of the Commission are carried on, and in which the

Commission has acquired property previously subject to State and local

taxation, the Commission is authorized to make payments to State and

local governments in lieu of property taxes. Such payments may be in the

amounts, at times, and upon the terms the Commission deems appropriate,

but the Commission shall be guided by the policy of not making payments

in excess of the taxes which would have been payable for such property in

the condition in which it was acquired, except in cases where special

burdens have been cast upon the State or local government by activities of

the Commission, the Manhattan Engineer District or their agents. In any
202Public Law 85-256 (72 Stat. 576) (1957), sec. 4, added sec. 170. 203Public Law 94-197 (89 Stat. 1111) (1975), sec. 2, amended subsection 170a. Prior to amendment

subsection 170a. read as follows:

a. Each license issued under section 103 or 104 and each construction permit issued under section 185

shall, and each license issued under section 53, 63, or 81 may, have as a condition of the license a requirement

that the licensee have and maintain financial protection of such type and in such amounts as the Commission

shall require in accordance with subsection 170b. to cover public liability claims. Whenever such financial

protection is required, it shall be a further condition of the license that the licensee execute and maintain an

indemnification agreement in accordance with subsection 170c. The Commission may require, as a further

condition of issuing a license, that an applicant waive any immunity from public liability conferred by Federal

or State law.

Volume 1, Page 1–102

such case, any benefit accruing to the State or local government by reason

of such activities shall be considered in determining the amount of the

payment.

Sec. 169. No Subsidy.

42 USC 2209.

No subsidy.

No funds of the Commission shall be employed in the construction or

operation of facilities licensed under section 103 or 104 except under

contract or other arrangement entered into pursuant to section 31.

Sec. 170. Indemnification And Limitation Of Liability.

42 USC 2210. a.202 Each license issued under section 103 or 104 and each

construction permit issued under section 185 shall, and each license

issued under section 53, 63, or 81 may, for the public purposes cited in

section 2i., have as a condition of the license a requirement that the

licensee have and maintain financial protection of such type and in such

amounts as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (in this section referred

to as the “Commission”) in the exercise of its licensing and regulatory

authority and responsibility shall require in accordance with subsection b.

Indemnification to cover public liability claims.

agreement.

 Whenever such financial protection is

required, it may be a further condition of the license that the licensee

execute and maintain an indemnification agreement in accordance with

Waiver. subsection c. The Commission may require, as a further condition of

issuing a license, that an applicant waive any immunity from public

liability conferred by Federal or State law.203

Liability insurance. b. (1) The amount of primary financial protection required shall be

the amount of liability insurance available from private sources, except

that the Commission may establish a lesser amount on the basis of criteria

set forth in writing, which it may revise from time to time, taking into

consideration such factors as the following: (A) the cost and terms of

private insurance, (B) the type, size, and location of the licensed activity

and other factors pertaining to the hazard, and (C) the nature and purpose

of the licensed activity: Provided, That for facilities designed for

producing substantial amounts of electricity and having a rated capacity of

100,000 electrical kilowatts or more, the amount of primary financial

protection required shall be the maximum amount available at reasonable

cost and on reasonable terms from private sources (excluding the amount

of private liability insurance available under the industry retrospective

rating plan required in this subsection). Such primary financial protection

may include private insurance, private contractual indemnities, self

insurance, other proof of financial responsibility, or a combination of

such measures and shall be subject to such terms and conditions as the

Commission may, be rule, regulation, or order, prescribe. The

Commission shall require licensees that are required to have and maintain

primary financial protection equal to the maximum amount of liability
Volume 1, Page 1–103

insurance available from private sources to maintain, in addition to such

primary financial protection, private liability insurance available under an

industry retrospective rating plan providing for premium charges deferred

in whole of major part until public liability from a nuclear incident

exceeds or appears likely to exceed the level of the primary financial

protection required of the licensee involved in the nuclear incident:

Provided, That such insurance is available to, and required of, all of the

licensees of such facilities without regard to the manner in which they

obtain other types or amounts of such primary financial protection: And

provided further, That the maximum amount of the standard deferred

premium that may be charged a licensee following any nuclear incident

under such a plan shall not be more than $63,000,000 (subject to

adjustment for inflation under subsection t.) but not more than

$10,000,000 in any 1 year, for each facility for which licensee is required

to maintain the maximum amount of primary financial protection: And

provided further, That the amount which may be charged a licensee

following any nuclear incident shall not exceed the licensee’s pro rata

share of the aggregate public liability claims and costs (excluding legal

costs subject to subsection o.(1)(D), payment of which has not been

authorized under such subsection) arising out of the nuclear incident.

Payment of any State premium taxes which may be applicable to any

deferred premium provided for in this Act shall be the responsibility of

the licensee and shall not be included in the retrospective premium

established by the Commission.

(2)(A) The Commission may, on a case by case basis, assess

annual deferred premium amounts less than the standard annual

deferred premium amount assessed under paragraph (1)–

(i) for any facility, if more than one nuclear incident occurs

in any one calendar year; or

(ii) for any licensee licensed to operate more than one

facility, if the Commission determines that the financial impact

of assessing the standard annual deferred premium amount

under paragraph (1) would result in undue financial hardship to

such licensee or the ratepayers of such licensee.

(B) In the event that the Commission assesses a lesser annual

deferred premium amount under subparagraph (A), the

Commission shall require payment of the difference between the

standard annual deferred premium assessment under paragraph (1)

and any such lesser annual deferred premium assessment within a

reasonable period of time, with interest at a rate determined by the

Secretary of Treasury on the basis of the current average market

yield on outstanding marketable obligations of the United States of

comparable maturities during the month preceding the date that the

standard annual deferred premium assessment under paragraph (1)

would become due.

(3) The Commission shall establish such requirements as are

necessary to assure availability of funds to meet any assessment of

deferred premiums within a reasonable time when due, and may

provide reinsurance or shall otherwise guarantee the payment of such

premiums in the event it appears that the amount of such premiums

will not be available on a timely basis through the resources of private

industry and insurance. Any agreement by the Commission with a
204Public Law 94-197 (89 Stat. 1111) (1975), sec. 3, amended subsection 170b. Prior to amendment,

subsection 170b. read as follows:

b. The amount of financial protection required shall be in the amount of liability insurance available from

private sources, except that the Commission may establish a lesser amount on the basis of criteria set forth in

writing, which it may revise from time to time, taking into consideration such factors as the following: (1) the

cost and terms of private insurance, (2) the type, size and location of the licensed activity and other factors

pertaining to the hazard, and (3) the nature and purpose of the licensed activity: Provided, That for facilities

designed for producing substantial amounts of electricity and having a rated capacity of 100,000 electrical

kilowatts or more, the amount of financial protection required shall be the maximum amount available from

private sources. Such financial protection may include private insurance, private contractual indemnities, self

insurance, other proof of financial responsibility, or a combination of such measures.

Volume 1, Page 1–104

licensee or indemnitor to guarantee the payment of deferred premiums

may contain such terms as the Commission deems appropriate to carry

out the purposes of this section and to assure reimbursement to the

Commission for its payments made due to the failure of such licensee

or indemnitor to meet any of its obligations arising under or in

connection with financial protection required under this subsection

including without limitation terms creating liens upon the licensed

facility and the revenues derived therefrom or any other property or

revenues of such licensee to secure such reimbursement and consent

to the automatic revocation of any license.204

Claims. (4)(A) In the event that the funds available to pay valid claims in

any year are insufficient as a result of the limitation on the amount of

deferred premiums that may be required of a licensee in any year

under paragraph (1) or (2), or the Commission is required to make

reinsurance or guaranteed payments under paragraph (3), the

Commission shall, in order to advance the necessary funds–

(i) request the Congress to appropriate sufficient funds to

satisfy such payments; or

(ii) to the extent approved in appropriation Acts, issue to

the Secretary of the Treasury obligations in such forms and

denominations, bearing such maturities, and subject to such

terms and conditions as may be agreed to by the Commission

and the Secretary of the Treasury.

(B) Except for funds appropriated for purposes of making

reinsurance or guaranteed payments under paragraph (3), any

funds appropriated under subparagraph (A)(i) shall be repaid to

the general fund of the United States Treasury from amounts made

available by standard deferred premium assessments, with interest

at a rate determined by the Secretary of Treasury on the basis of

the current average market yield on outstanding marketable

obligations of the United States of comparable maturities during

the month preceding the date that the funds appropriated under

such subparagraph are made available.

(C) Except for funds appropriate for purposes of making

reinsurance or guaranteed payments under paragraph (3),

redemption of obligations issued under subparagraph (A)(ii) shall

be made by the Commission from amounts made available by

standard deferred premium assessments. Such obligations shall

bear interest at a rate determined by the Secretary of Treasury by

taking into consideration the average market yield on outstanding

marketable obligations to the United States of comparable
205Public Law 94-197 (89 Stat. 1111) (1975), sec. 5(a) and (b) amended subsection 170c. by adding the

phrase “of less than $560,000,000.” by substituting the work “excluding” for the words “including the

reasonable,” and by substituting the date “August 1, 1987” for the date “August 1, 1977” wherever it appeared.

Public Law 89-210 (79 Stat. 855) (1965), sec. 1. had previously amended subsec. 170c. Prior to amendment

this subsection read as follows:

c. The Commission shall, with respect to licenses issued between August 30, 1954 , and August 1, 1967,

for which it requires financial protection, agree to indemnify and hold harmless the licensee and other persons

indemnified, as their interest may appear, from public liability arising form nuclear incidents which is in excess

of the level of financial protection required of the license. The aggregate indemnity for all persons indemnified

in connection with each nuclear incident shall not exceed $500,000,000 including the reasonable costs of

investigating and settling claims and defending suits for damage. Such a contract of indemnification shall

cover public liability arising out of or in connection with the licensed activity. With respect to any production

or utilization facility for which a construction permit is issued between August 30, 1954, and August 1, 1967,

the requirements of this subsection shall apply to any license issued for such facility subsequent to August 1,

1967.

Public Law 88-394 (78 Stat. 376) (1964), sec. 2, had previously amended subsec. 170c. by adding the last

sentence.

Volume 1, Page 1–105

maturities during the month preceding the issuance of the

Securities. obligations under this paragraph. The Secretary of the Treasury

shall purchase any issued obligations, and for such purpose the

Secretary of the Treasury may use as a public debt transaction the

proceeds from the sale of any securities issued under chapter 31 of

title 31, United States Code, and the purposes for which securities

may be issued under such chapter are extended to include any

purchase of such obligations. The Secretary of the Treasury may at

any time sell any of the obligations acquired by the Secretary of

the Treasury under this paragraph. All redemptions, purchases, and

sales by the Secretary of the Treasury of obligations under this

paragraph shall be treated as public debt transactions of the United

States.

c. The Commission shall, with respect to licenses issued between

August 30, 1954, and August 1, 2002, for which it requires financial

protection of less than $560,000,000, agree to indemnify and hold

harmless the licensee and other persons indemnified, as their interest may

appear, from public liability arising from nuclear incidents which is in

excess of the level of financial protection required of the licensee. The

aggregate indemnity for all persons indemnified in connection with each

nuclear incident shall not exceed $500,000,000 excluding costs of

investigating and settling claims and defending suits for damage:

Provided, however, That this amount of indemnity shall be reduced by the

amount that the financial protection required shall exceed $60,000,000.

Such a contract of indemnification shall cover public liability arising out

of or in connection with the licensed activity. With respect to any

production or utilization facility for which a construction permit is issued

between August 30, 1954, and August 1, 2002,205 the requirements of this

subsection shall apply to any license issued for such facility subsequent to

August 1, 2002.

d.(1)(A) In addition to any other authority the Secretary of Energy (in

this section referred to as the “Secretary”) may have, the Secretary shall,

until August 1, 2002, enter into agreements of indemnification under this

subsection with any person who may conduct activities under a contract

with the Department of Energy that involve the risk of public liability and
206Public Law 100-408 (102 Stat. 1066) amended subsection 170d.

Public Law 94-197 (89 Stat 1111) (1975), sec. 5(a) and (b), amended subsection 170d. by substituting the date

“August 1, 1987” for the date “August 1, 1977”, and by substituting the word “excluding” for the words

“including the reasonable.”

Public Law 89-210 (79 Stat 855) (1965), sec. 2 had previously amended the first two sentences of

subsection 170d. Prior to amendment these sentences read as follows:

d. In addition to any other authority the Commission may have, the Commission is authorized until

August 1, 1967, to enter into agreements of indemnification with its contractors for the construction or

operation of production or utilization facilities or other activities under contracts for the benefit of the United

States involving activities under the risk of public liability for a substantial nuclear incident. In such

agreements of indemnification the Commission may require its contractor to provide and maintain financial

protection of such a type and in such amounts as the Commission shall determine to be appropriate to cover

public liability arising out of or in connection with the contractual activity, and shall indemnify the persons

indemnified against such claims above the amount of the financial protection required, in the amount of

$500,000,000 including the reasonable costs of investigating and settling claims and defending suits for

damage in the aggregate for all persons indemnified in connection with such contract and for each nuclear

incident: Provided: That in the case of nuclear incidents occurring outside the United States, the amount of the

indemnity provided by the Commission shall not exceed $100,000,000.

Public Law 87-615 (76 Stat. 409) (1962), sec. 6 had previously amended the second sentence of

subsec. 170d. by adding the proviso providing that in the case of incidents occurring outside the United States,

the amount of indemnity provided by the Commission shall not exceed $100 million.

Volume 1, Page 1–106

that are not subject to financial protection requirements under subsection

b. or agreements of indemnification under subsection c. or k.206

Effective date. (B)(i)(I) Beginning 60 days after the date of enactment of the 

Price-Anderson Amendments Act of 1988, agreements of

indemnification under subparagraph (A) shall be the exclusive

means of indemnification for public liability arising from activities

described in such subparagraph, including activities conducted

under a contract that contains an indemnification clause under

Public Law 85-804 entered into between August 1, 1987, and the

date of enactment of the Price-Anderson Amendments Act of

1988.

(B)(i)(II) The Secretary may incorporate in agreements of

indemnification under subparagraph (A) the provisions relating to

the waiver of any issue or defense as to charitable or governmental

immunity authorized in subsection n. (1) to be incorporated in

agreements of indemnification. Any such provisions incorporated

under this subclause shall apply to any nuclear incident arising out

of nuclear waste activities subject to an agreement of

indemnification under subparagraph (A).

(B)(ii) Public liability arising out of nuclear waste activities

subject to an agreement of indemnification under subparagraph

(A) that are funded by the Nuclear Waste Fund established in

section 302 of the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 (42 USC

10222) shall be compensated from the Nuclear Waste Fund in an

amount not to exceed the maximum amount of financial protection

required of licensees under subsection b.

Claims. (2) In agreements of indemnification entered into under

paragraph (1), the Secretary may require the contractor to provide and

maintain financial protection of such a type and in such amounts as

the Secretary shall determine to be appropriate to cover public liability

arising out of or in connection with the contractual activity, and shall

indemnify the persons indemnified against such claims above the

amount of the financial protection required, to the full extent of the

aggregate public liability of the persons indemnified for each nuclear
207Public Law 87-206 (75 Stat. 475) (1961), sec. 15, added the last sentence of subsec. 170 d.

Volume 1, Page 1–107

incident, including such legal costs of the contractor as are approved

by the Secretary.

(3) (A) Notwithstanding paragraph (2), if the maximum amount of

financial protection required of licensees under subsection b. is

increased by the Commission, the amount of indemnity, together with

any financial protection required of the contractor, shall at all times

remain equal to or greater than the maximum amount of financial

protection required of licensees under subsection b.

(B) The amount of indemnity provided contractors under this

subsection shall not, at any time, be reduced in the event that the

maximum amount of financial protection required of licensees is

reduced.

Effective date. (C) All agreements of indemnification under which the

Department of Energy (or its predecessor agencies) may be

required to indemnify any person, shall be deemed to be amended,

on the date of the enactment of the Price-Anderson Amendments

Act of 1988, to reflect the amount of indemnity for public liability

and any applicable financial protection required of the contractor

under this subsection on such date.

(4) Financial protection under paragraph (2) and indemnification

under paragraph (1) shall be the exclusive means of financial

protection and indemnification under this section for any Department

of Energy demonstration reactor licensed by the Commission under

section 202 of the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 (42 USC 5842).

(5) In the case of nuclear incidents occurring outside the United

States, the amount of the indemnity provided by the Secretary under

this subsection shall not exceed $100,000,000.

(6) The provisions of this subsection may be applicable to lump

sum as well as cost type contracts and to contracts and projects

financed in whole or in part by the Secretary.

(7) A contractor with whom an agreement of indemnification has

been executed under paragraph (1)(A) and who is engaged in activities

connected with the underground detonation of a nuclear explosive

device shall be liable, to the extent so indemnified under this

subsection, for injuries or damage sustained as a result of such

detonation in the same manner and to the same extent as would a

private person acting as principal, and no immunity or defense

founded in the Federal, State, or municipal character of the contractor

or of the work to be performed under the contract shall be effective to

bar such liability.207
208Public Law 100-408 (102 Stat. 1066) (1988), amended subsec. 170e. Subsection e. originally read as

follows:

e. The aggregate liability for a single nuclear incident of persons indemnified, including the reasonable

costs of investigating and settling claims and defending suits for damage, shall not exceed the sum of

$500,000,000 together with the amount of financial protection required of the licensee or contractor. The

Commission or any person indemnified may apply to the appropriate district court of the United States having

venue in bankruptcy matters over the location of the nuclear incident, and upon a showing that the public

liability from a single nuclear incident will probably exceed the limit of liability imposed by this section, shall

be entitled to such orders as may be appropriate for enforcement of the provisions of this section, including an

order limiting the liability of the persons indemnified, orders staying the payment of claims and the execution

of court judgments, orders apportioning the payments to be made to claimants, orders permitting partial

payments to be made before final determination of the total claims, and an order setting aside a part of the

funds available for possible latent injuries not discovered until a later time.

Public Law 85-602 (72 Stat. 525) (1958), sec. 2, deleted the second sentence in the original subsection and

substituted the following:

The Commission or any person indemnified may apply to the appropriate district court of the United States

having venue in bankruptcy matters over the location of the nuclear incident, except that in the case of nuclear

incidents caused by ships of the United States outside of the United States, the Commission or any person

indemnified may apply to the appropriate district court of the United States’ having venue in bankruptcy

matters over the location of the principal place of business of the shipping company owning or operating and

ship, and upon a showing that the public liability from a single nuclear incident will probably exceed the limit

of liability imposed by this action, shall be entitled to such orders as may be appropriate for enforcement of the

provisions of this section, including an order limiting the liability of the persons indemnified, orders staying the

payment of claims and the execution of court judgments, orders apportioning the payments to be made to

claimants, orders permitting partial payments to be made before final determination of the total claims, and an

order setting aside a part of the funds available for possible latent injuries not discovered until a later time.

Public Law 87-615 (76 Stat. 409) (1962), sec. 7, amended the subsection to read:

e. The aggregate liability for a single nuclear incident of persons indemnified, including the reasonable

costs of investigating and settling claims and defending suits for damage, shall not exceed the sum of

$500,000,000 together with the amount of financial protection required of the licensee or contractor: Provided,

however, That with respect to any nuclear incident occurring outside of the United States to which an

agreement of indemnification entered into under the provisions of subsection 170 d. is applicable, such

aggregate liability shall not exceed the amount of $100,000,000 together with the amount of financial

protection required of the contractor. The Commission or any person indemnified may apply to the appropriate

district court of the United States having venue in bankruptcy matters over the location of the nuclear incident,

except that in the case of nuclear incidents occurring outside the United States, the Commission or any person

indemnified may apply to the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, and upon a showing

that the public liability from a single nuclear incident will probably exceed the limit of liability imposed by this

section, shall be entitled to such orders as may be appropriate for enforcement of the provision of this section,

including an order limiting the liability of persons indemnified, orders staying the payments of claims and the

execution of court judgments, orders apportioning the payments to be made before final determination of the

total claims, and an order setting aside a part of the funds available for possible latent injuries not discovered

until a later time.

Public Law 89-210 (79 Stat 855) (1965), sec. 3, amended, the first sentence by adding the first proviso

relating to the limitation of aggregate liability.

Public Law 89-645 (80 Stat. 891) (1966), sec. 2, amended the subsection by deleting the last sentence

thereof.

Public Law 94-197 (89 Stat. 1111) (1975), Sec. 6, amended subsection 170e. Prior to this amendment,

subsection 170e. read as follows:

e. The aggregate liability for a single nuclear incident of persons indemnified, including the reasonable

costs of investigating and settling claims and defending suits for damage, shall not exceed the sum of

$500,000,000 together with the amount of financial protection required of the licensee or contractor: Provided,

however, That such aggregate liability shall in no event exceed the sum of $560,000,000: Provided further,

That with respect to any nuclear incident occurring outside of the United States to which an agreement of

indemnification entered into under the provisions of subsection 170d. is applicable, such aggregate liability

shall not exceed the amount of $100,000,000 together with the amount of financial protection required of the

contractor.

Volume 1, Page 1–108

e. Limitation On Aggregate Public Liability.–(1)208 The aggregate

public liability for a single nuclear incident of persons indemnified,
Volume 1, Page 1–109

including such legal costs as are authorized to be paid under subsection 

o.(1)(D), shall not exceed–

(A) in the case of facilities designed for producing substantial

amounts of electricity and having a rated capacity of 100,000

electrical kilowatts or more, the maximum amount of financial

protection required of such facilities under subsection b. (plus any

surcharge assessed under subsection o.(1)(E));

Contracts. (B) in the case of contractors with whom the Secretary has

entered into an agreement of indemnification under subsection d.,

the maximum amount of financial protection and required under

subsection b. or the amount of indemnity and financial protection

that may be required under paragraph (3) of subsection d.,

whichever amount is more; and

(C) in the case of all other licensees of the Commission

required to maintain financial protection under this section–

(i) $500,000,000, together with the amount of financial

protection required of the licensee; or

(ii) if the amount of financial protection required of the

licensee exceeds $60,000,000, $560,000,000 or the amount of

financial protection required of the licensee, whichever amount

is more.

Claims. (2) In the event of a nuclear incident involving damages in excess

of the amount of aggregate public liability under paragraph (1), the

Congress will thoroughly review the particular incident in accordance

with the procedures set forth in section 170 i, and will in accordance

with; such procedures, take whatever action is determined to be

necessary (including approval of appropriate compensation plans and

appropriation of funds) to provide full and prompt compensation to

the public for all public liability claims resulting from a disaster of

such magnitude. 

(3) No provision of paragraph (1) may be construed to preclude

the Congress from enacting a revenue measure, applicable to licensees

of the Commission required to maintain financial protection pursuant

to subsection b., to fund any action undertaken pursuant to

paragraph (2).

Contracts. (4) With respect to any nuclear incident occurring outside of the

United States to which an agreement of indemnification entered into

under the provisions of subsection d. is applicable, such aggregate

public liability shall not exceed the amount of $100,000,000, together

with the amount of financial protection required of the contractor.

f. The Commission or the Secretary, as appropriate, is authorized to

collect a fee from all persons with whom an indemnification agreement is

executed under this section. This fee shall be $30 per year per thousand

kilowatts of thermal energy capacity for facilities licensed under section

103: Provided, That the Commission or the Secretary, as appropriate, is

authorized to reduce the fee for such facilities in reasonable relation to

increases in financial protection required above a level of $60,000,000.

For facilities licensed under section 104, and for construction permits

under section 185, the Commission is authorized to reduce the fee set

forth above. The Commission shall establish criteria in writing for

determination of the fee for facilities licensed under section 104, taking

into consideration such factors as (1) the type, size, and location of
209Public Law 100-408 (102 Stat. 1066) (1988), amended subsection 170f. by adding, “or the Secretary, as

appropriate.”

Public Law 94-197 (89 Stat. 1111) (1975), sec. 7, amended subsection 170f. by adding the proviso to the

second sentence. 210Public Law 94-197 (89 Stat. 1111) (1975), sec. 8, amended subsection 170h. by substituting the words

“shall not include” for the words “may include reasonable” in the last sentence of the subsection.

Volume 1, Page 1–110

facility involved, and other factors pertaining to the hazard, and (2) the

nature and purpose of the facility. For other licenses, the Commission

shall collect such nominal fees as it deems appropriate. No fee under this

subsection shall be less than $100 per year.209

Private insurance

organizations.

Use of services.

g. In administering the provisions of this section, the Commission or

the Secretary, as appropriate, shall use, to the maximum extent

practicable, the facilities and services of private insurance organizations,

and the Commission or the Secretary, as appropriate, may contract to pay

42 USC 252(c) a reasonable compensation for such services.

(See 41 USC 260

(b)).

 Any contract made under

the provisions of this subsection may be made without regard to the

provisions of section 3709 of the Revised Statutes (41 USC 5), as

amended, upon a showing by the Commission or the Secretary, as

appropriate, that advertising is not reasonable practicable and advance

payments may be made.

Terms of

settlement.

h. The agreement of indemnification may contain such terms as the

Commission or the Secretary, as appropriate, deems appropriate to carry

out the purposes of this section. Such agreement shall provide that, when

the Commission or the Secretary, as appropriate, makes a determination

that the United States will probably be required to make indemnity

payments under this section, the Commission or the Secretary, as

appropriate, shall collaborate with any person indemnified and may

approve the payment of any claim under the agreement of

indemnification, appear through the Attorney General on behalf of the

person indemnified, take charge of such action, and settle or defend any

such action. The Commission or the Secretary, as appropriate, shall have

final authority on behalf of the United States to settle or approve the

settlement of any such claim on a fair and reasonable basis with due

regard for the purposes of this Act. Such settlement shall not include

expenses in connection with the claim incurred by the person

indemnified.210

i. Compensation Plans.–(1) After any nuclear incident involving

damages that are likely to exceed the applicable amount of aggregate

public liability under subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of subsection e. (1),

the Secretary or the Commission, as appropriate, shall–

(A) make a survey of the causes and extent of damage; and

Reports, Defense

and national

security.

(B) expeditiously submit a report setting forth the results of

such survey to the Congress, to the Representatives of the affected

districts, to the Senators of the affected States, and (except for

information that will cause serious damage to the national defense

of the United States) to the public, to the parties involved, and to

the courts.

President of U.S. (2) Not later than 90 days after any determination by a court,

pursuant to subsection o., that the public liability from a single nuclear

incident may exceed the applicable amount of aggregate public

liability under subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of subsection e. (1) the

President shall submit to the Congress–
Volume 1, Page 1–111

(A) an estimate of the aggregate dollar value of personal

injuries and property damage that arises from the nuclear incident

and exceeds the amount of aggregate public liability under

subsection e. (1);

Claims. (B) recommendations for additional sources of funds to pay

claims exceeding the applicable amount of aggregate public

liability under subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of subsection e.(1),

which recommendations shall consider a broad range of possible

sources of funds (including possible revenue measures on the

sector of the economy, or on any other class, to which such

revenue measures might be applied);

Claims. (C) 1 or more compensation plans, that either individually or

collectively shall provide for full and prompt compensation for all

valid claims and contain a recommendation or recommendations as

to the relief to be provided, including any recommendations that

funds be allocated or set aside for the payment of claims that may

arise as a result of latent injuries that may not be discovered until a

later date; and

(D) any additional legislative authorities necessary to

implement such compensation plan or plans.

(3)(A) Any compensation plan transmitted to the Congress

pursuant to paragraph (2) shall bear an identification number and shall

be transmitted to both Houses of Congress on the same day and to

each House while it is in session.

(B) The provisions of paragraphs (4) through (6) shall apply

with respect to consideration in the Senate of any compensation

plan transmitted to the Senate pursuant to paragraph (2).

(4) No such compensation plan may be considered approved for

purposes of subsection 170e.(2) unless between the date of transmittal

and the end of the first period of sixty calendar days of continuous

session of Congress after the date on which such action is transmitted

to the Senate, the Senate passes a resolution described in paragraph 6

of this subsection.

(5) For the purpose of paragraph (4) of this subsection–

(A) continuity of session is broken only by an adjournment of

Congress sine die; and

(B) the days on which either House is not in session because of

an adjournment of more than three days to a day certain are

excluded in the computation of the sixty-day calendar period.

(6)(A) This paragraph is enacted–

(i) as an exercise of the rulemaking power of the Senate and

as such it is deemed a part of the rules of the Senate, but

applicable only with respect to the procedure to be followed in

the Senate in the case of resolutions described by subparagraph

(B) and it supersedes other rules only to the extent that it is

inconsistent therewith; and

(ii) with full recognition of the constitutional right of the

Senate to change the rules at any time, in the same manner and

to the same extent as in the case of any other rule of the Senate.

(B) For purposes of this paragraph, the term “resolution”

means only a joint resolution of the Congress the matter after the

resolving clause of which is as follows: That the _____ approves
Volume 1, Page 1–112

the compensation plan numbered _____ submitted to the Congress

on _____ , 19__, the first blank space therein being filled with the

name of the resolving House and the other blank spaces being

appropriately filled; but does not include a resolution which

specifies more than one compensation plan.

(C) A resolution once introduced with respect to a

compensation plan shall immediately be referred to a committee

(and all resolutions with respect to the same compensation plan

shall be referred to the same committee) by the President of the

Senate.

(D)(i) If the committee of the Senate to which a resolution with

respect to a compensation plan has been referred has not reported

it at the end of twenty calendar days after its referral, it shall be in

order to move either to discharge the committee from further

consideration of such resolution or to discharge the committee

from further consideration with respect to such compensation plan

which has been referred to the committee.

(ii) A motion to discharge may be made only by an

individual favoring the resolution, shall be highly privileged

(except that it may not be made after the committee has

reported a resolution with respect to the same compensation

plan), and debate thereon shall be limited to not more than one

hour, to be divided equally between those favoring and those

opposing the resolution. An amendment to the motion shall not

be in order, and it shall not be in order to move to reconsider 

the vote by which the motion was agreed to or disagreed to.

(iii) If the motion to discharge is agreed to or disagreed to

the motion may not be renewed, nor may another motion to

discharge the committee be made with respect to any other

resolution with respect to the same compensation plan.

(E)(i) When the committee has reported, or has been

discharged from further consideration of, a resolution, it shall be at

any time thereafter in order (even though a previous motion to the

same effect has been disagreed to ) to move to proceed to the

consideration of the resolution. The motion shall be highly

privileged and shall not be debatable. An amendment to the motion

shall not be in order, and it shall not be in order to move to

reconsider the vote by which the motion was agreed to or

disagreed to.

(ii) Debate on the resolution referred to in clause (i) of this

subparagraph shall be limited to not more than ten hours,

which shall be divided equally between those favoring and

those opposing such resolution. A motion further to limit

debate shall not be debatable. An amendment to, or motion to

recommit, the resolution shall not be in order, and it shall not

be in order to move to reconsider the vote by which such

resolution was agreed to or disagreed to.

(F)(i) Motions to postpone, made with respect to the discharge

from committee, or the consideration of a resolution or motions to

proceed to the consideration of other business, shall be decided

without debate.
211Public Law 100-408 (102 Stat. 1066) (1988), sec. 7, amended subsection 170i. “Public Law 94-197 (89

Stat. 1111) (1975), sec. 9, amended subsection 170i. Prior to amendment, subsection 170i. read as follows:

i. After any nuclear incident which will probably require payments by the United States under this section,

the Commission shall make a survey of the causes and extent of damage which shall forthwith be reported to

the Joint Committee, and, except as forbidden by the provisions of chapter 12 of this Act or any other law or

Executive order, all final findings shall be made available to the public, to the parties involved and to the

courts. The Commission shall report to the Joint Committee by April 1, 1958, and every year thereafter on the

operations under this section. 212Public Law 85-744 (72 Stat. 837) (1958) amended sec. 170 by adding new subsec. k.

Public Law 88-394 (78 Stat. 376) (1964), sec. 3, amended subsec. 170k., by adding the last sentence.

Public Law 89-210 (79 Stat. 855) (1965), sec. 4, amended subsec. 170k. by amending the date “August 1,

1967” wherever it appeared to “August 1, 1977.”

Public Law 94-197 (89 Stat. 1111) (1975), Sec. 10, amended subsection 170k. by substituting the date

“August 1, 1987” for the date “August 1, 1977” wherever it appeared and by substituting the word “excluding”

for the words “including the reasonable.”

Volume 1, Page 1–113

(ii) Appeals from the decision of the Chair relating to the

application of the rules of the Senate to the procedures relating

to a resolution shall be decided without debate.211

31 USC 665.

Contracts in

advance of

appropriations.

j. In administering the provisions of this section, the Commission or

the Secretary, as appropriate, may make contracts in advance of

appropriations and incur obligations without regard to sections 1341,

1342, 1349, 1350, and 1351, and subchapter II of chapter 15, of title 31,

United States Code

Educational

activities.

k. With respect to any license issued pursuant to section 53, 63, 81,

104a., or 104c. for the conduct of educational activities to a person found

by the Commission to be a nonprofit educational institution, the

Commission shall exempt such licensee from the financial protection

requirement of subsection a. With respect to licenses issued between

August 30, 1954, and August 1, 2002, for which the Commission grants

such exemption:

(1) the Commission shall agree to indemnify and hold harmless the

licensee and other persons indemnified, as their interests may appear,

from public liability in excess of $250,000 arising from nuclear

incidents. The aggregate indemnity for all persons indemnified in

connection with each nuclear incident shall not exceed $500,000,000,

including such legal costs of the licensee as are approved by the

Commission;

(2) such contracts of indemnification shall cover public liability

arising out of or in connection with the licensed activity; and shall

include damage to property of persons indemnified, except property

which is located at the site of and used in connection with the activity

where the nuclear incident occurs; and

(3) such contracts of indemnification, when entered into with a

licensee having immunity from public liability because it is a State

agency, shall provide also that the Commission shall make payments

under the contract on account of activities of the licensee in the same

manner and to the same extent as the Commission would be required

to do if the licensee were not such a State agency.

Any licensee may waive an exemption to which it is entitled under this

subsection. With respect to any production or utilization facility for which

a construction permit is issued between August 30, 1954, and August 1,

2002, the requirements of this subsection shall apply to any license issued

for such facility subsequent to August 1, 2002.212
Volume 1, Page 1–114

. Presidential Commission On Catastrophic Nuclear Accidents.–*

(1) Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of the

Price-Anderson Amendments Act of 1988, the President shall

establish a commission (in this subsection referred to as the “study

commission”) in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee

Act (5 USC App.) to study means of fully compensating victims of a

catastrophic nuclear accident that exceeds the amount of aggregate

public liability under subsection e.(1).

(2)(A) The study commission shall consist of not less than 7 and

not more than 11 members, who–

(i) shall be appointed by the President; and

(ii) shall be representative of a broad range of views and

interests.

(B) The members of the study commission shall be appointed

in a manner that ensures that not more than a mere majority of the

members are of the same political party.

(C) Each member of the study commission shall hold office

until the termination of the study commission, but may be removed

by the President for inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance

in office.

(D) Any vacancy in the study commission shall be filled in the

manner in which the original appointment was made.

(E) The President shall designate one of the members of the

study commission as chairperson, to serve at the pleasure of the

President.

Reports. (3) The study commission shall conduct a comprehensive study of

appropriate means of fully compensating victims of a catastrophic

nuclear accident that exceeds the amount of aggregate public liability

under subsection e.(1), and shall submit to the Congress a final report

setting forth–

(A) recommendations for any changes in the laws and rules

governing the liability or civil procedures that are necessary for the

equitable, prompt, and efficient resolution and payment of all valid

damage claims, including the advisability of adjudicating public

liability claims through an administrative agency instead of the

judicial system;

(B) recommendations for any standards or procedures that are

necessary to establish priorities for the hearing, resolution, and

payment of claims when awards are likely to exceed the amount of

funds available within a specific time period; and

(C) recommendation for any special standards or procedures

necessary to decide and pay claims for latent injuries caused by the

nuclear incident.

(4)(A) The chairperson of the study commission may appoint and

fix the compensation of a staff of such persons as may be necessary to

discharge the responsibilities of the study commission, subject to the

applicable provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 USC

App.) and title 5, United States Code.

(B) To the extent permitted by law and requested by the

chairperson of the study commission, the Administrator of General

Services shall provide the study commission with necessary
213Public Law 100-408 (102 Stat. 1066) (1988) deleted the provisions of subsections 170f. and replaced

with the Presidential Commission.

Public Law 85-602 (72 Stat. 525) (1958), sec. 2, amended sec 170 by adding new subsection 1.

Public Law 89-210 (79 Stet. 855) (1965), sec. 5, amended subsec. 170 l. Prior to amendment this subsection

read as follows:

1. The Commission is authorized until August 1, 1967, to enter into an agreement of indemnification with

any person engaged in the design, development, construction, operation, repair, and maintenance or use of the

nuclear-powered ship authorized by section 716 of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, and designated the

“nuclear ship Savannah. In any such agreement of indemnification the Commission may require such person

to provide and maintain financial protection of such a type and in such amounts as the Commission shall

determine to be appropriate to cover public liability arising from a nuclear incident in connection with such

design, development, construction, operation, repair, maintenance or use and shall indemnify the person

indemnified against such claims above the amount of the financial protection required, in the maximum

amount provided by subsection e. including the reasonable costs of investigating and settling claims and

defending suits for damage.

Public Law 94-197 (89 State. 1111) (1975), Sec. 11, amended subsection 170.1. by substituting the word

“excluding” for the words “including the reasonable.”

Volume 1, Page 1–115

administrative services, facilities, and support on a reimbursable

basis.

(C) The Attorney General, the Secretary of Health and Human

Services, and the Director of the Federal Emergency Management

Agency shall, to the extent permitted by law and subject to the

availability of funds, provide the study commission with such

facilities, support, funds and services, including staff, as may be

necessary for the effective performance of the functions of the

study commission.

(D) The study commission may request any Executive agency

to furnish such information, advice, or assistance as it determines

to be necessary to carry out its functions. Each such agency is

directed, to the extent permitted by law, to furnish such

information, advice or assistance upon request by the chairperson

of the study commission.

(E) Each member of the study commission may receive

compensation at the maximum rate prescribed by the Federal

Advisory Committee Act (5 USC App.) for each day such member

is engaged in the work of the study commission. Each member

may also receive travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of

subsistence under sections 5702 and 5703 of title 5, United States

Code.

(F) The functions of the President under the Federal Advisory

Committee Act (5 USC App.) that are applicable to the study

commission, except the function of reporting annually to the

Congress, shall be performed by the Administrator of General

Services.

Reports. (5) The final report required in paragraph (3) shall be submitted to

the Congress not later than the expiration of the 2-year period

beginning on the date of the enactment of the Price-Anderson

Amendments Act of 1988.

Termination date. (6) The study commission shall terminate upon the expiration of

the 2-month period beginning on the date on which the final report

required in paragraph (3) is submitted.213

Emergency

assistance

payments.

m. The Commission or the Secretary, as appropriate, is authorized to

enter into agreements with other indemnitors to establish coordinated

procedures for the prompt handling, investigation, and settlement of
214Public Law 89-645 (80 Stat. 891) (1966), sec. 3, amended sec. 170 by adding new subsection m.

Volume 1, Page 1–116

claims for public liability. The Commission or the Secretary, as

appropriate, and other indemnitors may make payments to, or for the aid

of, claimants for the purpose of providing immediate assistance following

a nuclear incident. Any funds appropriate to the Commission or the

Secretary, as appropriate, shall be available for such payments. Such

payments may be made without securing releases, shall not constitute an

admission of the liability of any person indemnified or of any indemnitor,

and shall operate as a satisfaction to the extent thereof of any final

settlement or judgment.214

Waiver of defenses. n.(1) With respect to any extraordinary nuclear occurrence to which

an insurance policy or contract furnished as proof of financial

protection or an indemnity agreement applies and which–

(A) arises out of or results from or occurs in the course of the

construction, possession, or operation of a production or utilization

facility,

(B) arises out of or results from or occurs in the course of

transportation of source material, by-product material, or special

nuclear material to or from a production of utilization facility,

(C) during the course of the contract activity arises out of or

results from the possession, operation, or use by a Department of

Energy contractor or subcontractor of a device utilizing special

nuclear material or by-product material,

(D) arises out of, results from, or occurs in the course of, the

construction, possession, or operation of any facility licensed

under sections 53, 63, or 81, for which the Commission has

imposed as a condition of the license a requirement that the

licensee have and maintain financial protection under subsection

a.,

(E) arises out of , results from, or occurs in the course of,

transportation of source material, byproduct material, or special

nuclear material to or from any facility licensed under section 53,

63, or 81, for which the Commission has imposed as a condition of

the license a requirement that the licensee have and maintain

financial protection under subsection a., or

(F) arises out of, results from, or occurs in the course of

nuclear waste activities.

the Commission or the Secretary, as appropriate, may incorporate

provisions in indemnity agreements with licensees and contractors under

this section, and may require provisions to be incorporated in insurance

policies or contracts furnished as proof of financial protection, which

waive (i) any issue or defense as to conduct of the claimant or fault of

persons indemnified, (ii) any issue or defense as to charitable or

governmental immunity, and (iii) any issue or defense based on any

statute of limitations if suit is instituted within three years from the date

on which the claimant first knew, or reasonable could have know, of his

injury or damage and the cause thereof. The waiver of any such issue or

defense shall be effective regardless of whether such issue or defense may

otherwise be deemed jurisdictional or relating to an element in the cause

of action. When so incorporated, such waivers shall be judicially

enforceable in accordance with their terms by the claimant against the

person indemnified. Such waivers shall not preclude a defense based
Volume 1, Page 1–117

upon a failure to take reasonable steps to mitigate damages, nor shall such

waivers apply to injury or damage to a claimant or to claimants property

which is intentionally sustained by the claimant or which results from a

nuclear incident intentionally and wrongfully caused by the claimant. The

waivers authorized in this subsection shall, as to indemnitors, be effective

only with respect to those obligations set forth in the insurance policies or

the contracts furnished as proof of financial protection and in the

indemnity agreements. Such waivers shall not apply to, or prejudice the

prosecution or defense of, any claim or portion of claim which is not

within the protection afforded under (i) the terms of insurance policies or

contracts furnished as proof of financial protection, or indemnity

agreements, and (ii) the limit of liability provisions of subsection e.

42 USC 2210.

76 Stat. 410.

(2) With respect to any public liability action arising out of or

resulting from a nuclear incident, the United States district court in the

district where the nuclear incident takes place, or in the case of a

nuclear incident taking place outside the United States, the United

States District Court for the District of Columbia, shall have original

jurisdiction without regard to the citizenship of any party or the

amount in controversy. Upon motion of the defendant or of the

Commission or the Secretary, as appropriate, any such action pending

in any State court (including any such action pending on the date of

the enactment of the Price-Anderson Amendments Act of 1988) or

United States district court shall be removed or transferred to the

United States district court having venue under this subsection.

Process of such district court shall be effective throughout the United

States. In any action that is or becomes removable pursuant to his

paragraph, a petition for removal shall be filed within the period

provided in section 1446 of title 28, United States Code, or within the

30-day period beginning on the date of the enactment of the Price

Anderson Amendments Act of 1988, whichever occurs later.

Courts, U.S. (3) (A) Following any nuclear incident, the chief judge of the

United States district court having jurisdiction under paragraph (2)

with respect to public liability actions (or the judicial council of the

judicial circuit in which the nuclear incident occurs) may appoint a

special caseload management panel (in this paragraph referred to as

the ‘management panel”) to coordinate and assign (but not necessarily

hear themselves) cases arising out of the nuclear incident, if–

(i) a court, acting pursuant to subsection o. determines that

the aggregate amount of public liability is likely to exceed the

amount of primary financial protection available under

subsection b. (or an equivalent amount in the case of a

contractor indemnified under subsection d.); or

(ii) the chief judge of the United States district court (or the

judicial council of the judicial circuit) determines that cases

arising out of the nuclear incident will have an unusual impact

on the work of the court.

(B)(i) Each management panel shall consist only of members

who are United States district judges or circuit judges.

(ii) Members of a management panel may include any

United States district judge or circuit judge of another district

court or court of appeals, if the chief judge of such other

district court or court of appeals consents to such assignment.
215Public Law 100-408 (102 Stat. 1066) (1988), sec. 11, added subsection 170N.3.D, E, F, substantially

amended subsection n.2, and added subsec. n.3. The amendments made by sec. 11 apply to nuclear incidents

occurring before, on , or after the date of the enactment of Public Law 100-408.

Public Law 89-645 (80 Stat. 891) (1966), sec. 3, amended sec. 170 by adding new subsection n.

Public Law 94-197 (89 Stat. 1111) (1975), sec. 12, amended subsection 170n (1)(iii) by substituting the word

“twenty” for the word “ten.”

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(C) It shall be the function of each management panel–

(i) to consolidate related or similar claims for hearing or

trial;

(ii) to establish priorities for the handling of different

classes of cases;

(iii) to assign cases to a particular judge or special master;

(iv) to appoint special masters to hear particular types of

cases, or particular elements or procedural steps of cases;

(v) to promulgate special rules of court, not inconsistent

with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, to expedite cases or

allow more equitable consideration of claims;

(vi) to implement such other measures, consistent with

existing law and the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, as will

encourage the equitable, prompt, and efficient resolution of

cases arising out of the nuclear incident; and

(vii) to assemble and submit to the President such data,

available to the court, as may be useful in estimating the

aggregate damages from the nuclear incident.215

Allocation of

funds.

o. Plan For Distribution Of Funds.–(1) Whenever the United States

district court in the district where a nuclear incident occurs, or the United

States District Court for the District of Columbia in case of a nuclear

incident occurring outside the United States, determines upon the petition

of any indemnitor or other interested person that public liability from a

single nuclear incident may exceed the limit of liability under the

applicable limit of liability under subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of

subsection e. (1):

42 USC 2210. (A) Total payments made by or for all indemnitors as a result

of such nuclear incident shall not exceed 15 per centum of such

limit of liability without the prior approval of such court;

(B) The court shall not authorize payments in excess of 15 per

centum of such limit of liability unless the court determines that

such payments are or will be in accordance with a plan of

distribution which has been approved by the court of such

payments are not likely to prejudice the subsequent adoption and

implementation by the court of a plan of distribution pursuant to

subparagraph (C); and

(C) The Commission or the Secretary, as appropriate, shall, and

any other indemnitor or other interested person may, submit to

such district court a plan for the disposition of pending claims and

for the distribution of remaining funds available. Such a plan shall

include an allocation of appropriate amounts for personal injury

claims, property damage claims, and possible latent injury claims

which may not be discovered until a later time and shall include

establishment of priorities between claimants and classes of

claims, as necessary to insure the most equitable allocation of

available funds. Such court shall have all power necessary to

approve, disapprove, or modify plans proposed, or to adopt
216Public Law 100-408 (102 Stat. 1066) (1988), added 170 subsection O.1.D and E and subsection o.2

Public Law 89-645 (80 Stat. 891) (1966), sec. 3, amended sec. 170 by adding new subsection o.

Public Law 94-197 (89 Stat. 1111) (1975), sec. 13, amended subsection 170o. by adding new

subparagraph (4) and by adding the following language to the second sentence of subparagraph (3): and shall

include establishment of priorities between claimants and classes of claims, as necessary to insure the most

equitable allocation of available funds.

Volume 1, Page 1–119

another plan; and to determine the proportionate share of funds

available for each claimant. The Commission or the Secretary, as

appropriate, any other indemnitor, and any person indemnified

shall be entitled to such orders as may be appropriate to implement

and enforce the provisions of this section, including orders limiting

the liability of the persons indemnified, orders approving or

modifying the plan, orders staying the payment of claims and the

execution of court judgments, orders apportioning the payments to

be made to claimants, and orders permitting partial payments to be

made before final determination of the total claims. The orders of

such court shall be effective throughout the United States.

(D) A court may authorize payment of only such legal costs as

are permitted under paragraph (2) from the amount of financial

protection required by subsection b.

(E) If the sum of public liability claims and legal costs

authorized under paragraph (2) arising from any nuclear incident

exceeds the maximum amount of financial protection required

under subsection b., any licensee required to pay a standard

deferred premium under subsection b.(1) shall, in addition to such

deferred premium, be charged such an amount as is necessary to

pay a pro rata share of such claims and costs, but in no case more

than 5 percent of the maximum amount of such standard deferred

premium described in such subsection.

(2) A court may authorize the payment of legal costs under

paragraph (1) (D) only if the person requesting such payment has–

(A) submitted to the court the amount of such payment

requested; and

(B) demonstrated to the court–

(i) that such costs are reasonable and equitable; and

(ii) that such person has–

(I) litigated in good faith;

(II) avoided unnecessary duplication of effort with that

of other parties similarly situated;

(III) not made frivolous claims or defenses; and

(IV) not attempted to unreasonably delay the prompt

settlement or adjudication of such claims.216

p. Reports To Congress.–The Commission and the Secretary shall

submit to the Congress by August 1, 1998, detailed reports concerning the

need for continuation or modification of the provisions of this section,

taking into account the condition of the nuclear industry, availability of

private, insurance, and the state of knowledge concerning nuclear safety

at that time, among other relevant factors, and shall include
217Public Law 105-362 , Title XII, sec. 1201(b), (112 Stat. 3292), Nov. 10, 1998, struck para. (2). 218Public Law 100-408 (102 Stat. 1066) (1988), amended 170 subsection p and added subsections q-t.

Public Law 94-197 (89 Stat. 1111) (1975), sec. 14, added a new subsection 170p.

Volume 1, Page 1–120

recommendations as to the repeal or modification of any of the provisions

of this section.217

q. Limitation On Awarding Of Precautionary Evacuation Costs.–No

court may award costs of a precautionary evacuation unless such costs

constitute a public liability.

r. Limitation Of Liability Of Lessors.–No person under a bona fide

lease of any utilization or production facility (or part thereof or undivided

interest therein) shall be liable by reason of an interest as lessor of such

production or utilization facility, for any legal liability arising out of or

resulting from a nuclear incidents resulting from such facility, unless such

facility is in the actual possession and control of such person at the time

of the nuclear incident giving rise to such legal liability.

s. Limitation On Punitive Damages.–No court may award punitive

damages in any action with respect to a nuclear incident or precautionary

evacuation against a person on behalf of whom the United States is

obligated to make payments under an agreement of indemnification

covering such incident or evacuation.

t. Inflation Adjustment.–(1) The Commission shall adjust the amount

of the maximum standard deferred premium under subsection b.(1) not

less than once during each 5-year period following the date of the

enactment of the Price-Anderson Amendments Act of 1988 in accordance

with the aggregate percentage change in the Consumer Price Index since–

(A) such date of enactment, in the case of the first adjustment

under this subsection; or

(B) the previous adjustment under this subsection.

(2) For purposes of this subsection, the term “Consumer Price

Index” means the Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers

published by the Secretary of Labor.218

Sec. 170A. Conflicts Of Interest Relating To Contracts And Other

Arrangements.

42 USC 2210a.

Conflict of interest.

a. The Commission shall, by rule, require any person proposing to

enter into a contract, agreement, or other arrangement, whether by

competitive bid or negotiation, under this Act or any other law

administered by it for the conduct of research, development, evaluation

activities, or for technical and management support services, to provide

the Commission, prior to entering into any such contract, agreement, or

arrangement, with all relevant information, as determined by the

Commission, bearing on whether that person has a possible conflict of

interest with respect to–

(1) being able to render impartial, technically sound, or objective

assistance or advice in light of other activities or relationships with

other persons, or

(2) being given an unfair competitive advantage. Such person shall

insure, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Commission,

compliance with this section by any subcontractor (other than a supply

subcontractor) or such person in the case of any subcontract for more

than $10,000.

b. The Commission shall not enter into any such contract agreement or

arrangement unless it finds, after evaluating all information provided
219Public Law 95-601 (92 Stat. 2950) (1978), Sec. 8(a) added to a new Sec. 170A.

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under subsection a. and any other information otherwise available to the

Commission that–

(1) it is unlikely that a conflict of interest would exist, or

(2) such conflict has been avoided after appropriate conditions

have been included in such contract, agreement, or arrangement;

except that if the Commission determines that such conflict of interest

exists and that such conflict of interest cannot be avoided by including

appropriate conditions therein, the Commission may enter into such

contract, agreement, or arrangement, if the Commission determines

that it is in the best interests of the United States to do so and includes

appropriate conditions in such contract, agreement, or arrangement to

mitigate such conflict.

Publication. c. The Commission shall publish rules for the implementation of this

section, in accordance with section 553 of Title 5, United States Code

(without regard to subsection (a)(2) thereof) as soon as practicable after

the date of the enactment of this section, but in no event later than 120

days after such date.219

Sec. 170B. Uranium Supply.

42 USC 2210b.

42 USC 2231.

Report to Congress

and President.

a. The Secretary of Energy shall monitor and for the years 1983 to

1992 report annually to the Congress and to the President a determination

of the viability of the domestic uranium mining and milling industry and

shall establish by rule, after public notice and in accordance with the

requirements of section 181 of this Act, within 9 months of enactment of

this section, specific criteria which shall be assessed in the annual reports

Regulations. on the domestic uranium industry’s viability. The Secretary of Energy is

authorized to issue regulations providing for the collection of such

information as the Secretary of Energy deems necessary to carry out the

monitoring and reporting requirements of this section.

Proprietary

information,

disclosure.

b. Upon a satisfactory showing to the Secretary of Energy by any

person that any information, or portion thereof obtained under this

section, would, if made public, divulge proprietary information of such

person, the Secretary shall not disclose such information and disclosure

thereof shall be punishable under section 1905 of title 18, United States

Code.

Criteria. c. The criteria referred to in subsection a. shall also include, but not be

limited to–

(1) an assessment of whether executed contracts or options for

source material or special nuclear material will result in greater than

371⁄2 percent of actual or projected domestic uranium requirements for

any two-consecutive-year period being supplied by source material or

special nuclear material from foreign sources;

(2) projections of uranium requirements and inventories of

domestic utilities for a 10 year period;

(3) present and probable future use of the domestic market by

foreign imports;

(4) whether domestic economic reserves can supply all future

needs for a future 10 year period;

(5) present and projected domestic uranium exploration

expenditures and plans;

(6) present and projected employment and capital investment in

the uranium industry;
220Public Law 97-415, sec. 23(b)(1), amended Chapter 14 to include a new sec. 170B.

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(7) the level of domestic uranium production capacity sufficient to

meet projected domestic nuclear power needs for a 10 year period; and

(8) a projection of domestic uranium production and uranium price

levels which will be in effect under various assumptions with respect

to imports.

Imported material,

impact on domestic

industry and

national security.

d. The Secretary or Energy, at any time, may determine on the basis

of the monitoring and annual reports required under this section that

source material or special nuclear material from foreign sources is being

imported in such increased quantities as to be a substantial cause of

serious injury, or threat thereof, to the United States uranium mining and

milling industry. Based on that determination, the United States Trade

Representative shall request that the United States International Trade

Commission initiate an investigation under section 201 of the Trade Act

of 1974 (19 USC 2251).

e. (1) If, during the period 1982 to 1992, the Secretary of Energy

determines that executed contracts or options for source material or

special nuclear material from foreign sources for use in utilization

facilities within or under the jurisdiction of the United States represent

greater than 371⁄2 percent of actual or projected domestic uranium

requirements for any two-consecutive-year period, or if the Secretary of

Energy determines the level of contracts or options involving source

material and special nuclear material from foreign sources may threaten

to impair the national security, the Secretary of Energy shall request the

Secretary of Commerce to initiate under section 232 of the Trade

Expansion Act of 1962 (19 USC 1862) an investigation to determine the

effects on the national security of imports of source material and special

nuclear material. The Secretary of Energy shall cooperate fully with the

Secretary of Commerce in carrying out such an investigation and shall

make available to the Secretary of Commerce the findings that lead to this

request and such other information that will assist the Secretary of

Commerce in the conduct of the investigation.

Investigations. (2) The Secretary of Commerce shall, in the conduct of any

investigation requested by the Secretary of Energy pursuant to this

section, take into account any information made available by the

Secretary of Energy, including information regarding the impact on

national security of projected or executed contracts or options for

source material or special nuclear material from foreign sources or

whether domestic production capacity is sufficient to supply projected

national security requirements.

(3) No sooner than 3 years following completion of any

investigation by the Secretary of Commerce under paragraph (1), if no

recommendation has been made pursuant to such study for trade

adjustments to assist or protect domestic uranium production, the

Secretary of Energy may initiate a request for another such

investigation by the Secretary of Commerce.220
221Public Law 88-489 (78 Stat. 602)(1964), sec. 17 deleted the phrase “52 (with respect to the material for

which the United States is required to pay just compensation),” after 43. 222Public Law 88-489 (78 Stat. 602)(1964) , sec. 17 added 55. 223Public Law 102-572 (106 Stat. 4516), § 902(b)(1) states:

Reference to “United States Claims Court” shall be deemed to refer to the “United States Court of Federal

Claims.” 224Public Law 102-572 (106 Stat. 4516), § 902(b)(1) states: 

Reference to “United States Claims Court” shall be deemed to refer to the “United States Court of Federal

Claims.”

Volume 1, Page 1–123

CHAPTER 15–COMPENSATION FOR PRIVATE

PROPERTY ACQUIRED

Sec. 171. Just Compensation.

42 USC 2221.

Just compensation.

The United States shall make just compensation for any property or

interests therein taken or requisitioned pursuant to sections 43,221 55,222

66, and 108. Except in case of real property or any interest therein, the

Commission shall determine and pay such just compensation. If the

compensation so determined is unsatisfactory to the person entitled

thereto, such person shall be paid 75 per centum of the amount so

determined, and shall be entitled to sue the United States Court of Federal

Claims,223 or in any district court of the United States for the district in

which such claimant is a resident in the manner provided by section 1346

of Title 28 of the United States Code to recover such further sum as added

to said 75 per centum will constitute just compensation.

Sec. 172. Condemnation of Real Property.

40 USC 257.

40 USC 258a-e.

42 USC 2222.

Condemnation of

real property.

Proceedings for condemnation shall be instituted pursuant to the

provisions of the Act approved August 1, 1988, as amended and section

1403 of Title 28 of the United States Code. The Act approved February

26, 1931, as amended, shall be applicable to any such proceedings.

Sec. 173. Patent Application Disclosures.

42 USC 2223.

Patent application

disclosures.

In the event that the Commission communicates to any nation any

Restricted Data based on any patent application not belonging to the

United States, just compensation shall be paid by the United States to the

owner of the patent application. The Commission shall determine such

compensation. If the compensation so determined is unsatisfactory to the

person entitled thereto, such person shall be paid 75 per centum of the

amount so determined, and shall be entitled to sue the United States Court

of Federal Claims224 or in any district court of the United States for the

district in which such claimant is a resident in a manner provided by

section 1346 of Title 28 of the United States Code to recover such further

sum as added to such 75 per centum will constitute just compensation.

Sec. 174. Attorney General Approval of Title.

40 USC 255.

42 USC 2224.

Attorney General

approval of title.

All real property acquired under this Act shall be subject to the

provisions of section 355 of the Revised Statutes, as amended: Provided,

however, That real property acquired by purchase or donation, or other

means of transfer may also be occupied, used, and improved for the

purposes of this Act prior to approval of title by the Attorney General in

those cases where the President determines that such action is required in

the interest of the common defense and security.
225Public Law 96-295 (94 Stat. 789)(1980) sec. 207(b)(2), substituted “defense information, or safeguards

information protected from disclosure under the authority of section 147” for “or defense information”; and

substituted “, defense information, or such safeguards information,” for “or defense information” in two places. 226Public Law 97-90 (95 Stat. 1163)(1981) sec. 210(b) amended sec. 181 (42 USC 2231) as follows:

(1) by striking out “or” before “safeguards information protected”,

(2) by inserting “or information protected from dissemination under the authority of section 148” after

section 147; and

(3) by striking out “defense information, or such safeguards information,” each place it appears and

inserting in lieu thereof “defense information, such safeguards information, or information protected from

dissemination under the authority of section 148.”

Volume 1, Page 1–124

CHAPTER 16–JUDICIAL REVIEW AND 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE

Sec. 181. General.

42 USC 2231.

General.

The provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (Public Law 404,

Seventy-ninth Congress, approved June 11, 1946) shall apply to all

agency action taken under this Act, and the terms “agency” and “agency

action” shall have the meaning specified in the Administrative Procedure

Act: Provided, however, That in the case of agency proceedings or actions

which involve Restricted Data, defense information, safeguards

information protected from disclosure under the authority of section

147225 or information protected from dissemination under authority of

section 148226 the Commission shall provide by regulation for such

parallel procedures as will effectively safeguard and prevent disclosure of

Restricted Data, defense information, or such safeguards information, or

information protected from dissemination under the authority of

Section 148 to unauthorized persons with minimum impairment of the

procedural rights which would be available if Restricted Data, defense

information, or such safeguards information, or information protected

from dissemination under the authority of Section 148 were not involved.

Sec. 182. License Applications.

42 USC 2232.

License

applications.

a. Each application for a license hereunder shall be in writing and

shall specifically state such information as the Commission, by rule or

regulation, may determine to be necessary to decide such of the technical

and financial qualifications of the applicant, the character of the applicant,

the citizenship of the applicant, or any other qualifications of the

applicant as the Commission may deem appropriate for the license. In

connection with applications for licenses to operate production or

utilization facilities, the applicant shall state such technical specifications,

including information of the amount, kind, and source of special nuclear

material required, the place of the use, the specific characteristics of the

facility, and such other information as the Commission may, by rule or

regulation, deem necessary in order to enable it to find that the utilization

or production of special nuclear material will be in accord with the

common defense and security and will provide adequate protection to the

health and safety of the public. Such technical specifications shall be a

part of any license issued. The Commission may at any time after the

filing of the original application, and before the expiration of the license,

require further written statements in order to enable the Commission to

determine whether the application should be granted or denied or whether

a license should be modified or revoked. All applications and statements

shall be signed by the applicant or licensee. Applications for, and

statements made in connection with, licenses under sections 103 and 104
227Public Law 84-1006 (70 Stat. 1069), sec. 5, amended the third from last sentence of subsec. 182a. and

added the present last two sentences. Before amendment the third from last sentence read:

All applications and statements shall be signed by the applicant or licensee under oath or affirmation.

228Public Law 85-256 (71 Stat. 576)(1957), sec. 6, added subsec. b. and relettered former subsecs. b. and c.

as subsecs. c. and d.

Public Law 87-615 (76 Stat. 409)(1962), sec. 3, amended subsec. b. Before amendment, it read:

b. The Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards shall review each application under section 103 or

104b. for a license for a facility, any application under section 104c. for a testing facility, any application under

section 104a. or c. specifically referred to it by the Commission, and shall submit a report thereon, which shall

be made part of the record of the application and available to the public, except to the extent that security

classification prevents disclosure. 229Public Law 91-560 (84 Stat. 1472)(1970), sec. 9, amended subsec. 182c. Before amendment it read as

follows:

c. the Commission shall not issue any license for a utilization or production facility for the generation of

commercial power under section 103, until it has given notice in writing to such regulatory agency as may have

jurisdiction over the rates and services of the proposed activity, to municipalities, private utilities, public

bodies, and cooperatives within transmission distance authorized to engage in the distribution of electric energy

and until it has published notice of such application once each week for four consecutive weeks in the Federal

Register, and until four weeks after the last notice.

Volume 1, Page 1–125

shall be made under oath or affirmation. The Commission may require

any other applications or statements to be made under oath or

affirmation.227

ACRS Report. b. The Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards shall review each

application under section 103 or section 104 b. for a construction permit

or an operating license for a facility, any application under section 104c.

for a construction permit or an operating license for a testing facility, any

application under section 104a. or c. specifically referred to it by the

Commission, and any application for an amendment to a construction

permit or an amendment to an operating license under section 103 or

104a., b., or c. specifically referred to it by the Commission, and shall

submit a report thereon which shall be made part of the record of the

application and available to the public except to the extent that security

classification prevents disclosure228

Commercial power. c. The Commission shall not issue any license under section 103 for a

utilization or production facility for the generation of commercial power

until it has given notice in writing to such regulatory agency as may have

jurisdiction over the rates and services incident to the proposed activity;

until it has published notice of the application in such trade or news

publications as the Commission deems appropriate to give reasonable

notice to municipalities, private utilities, public bodies, and cooperatives

which might have a potential interest in such utilization or production

facility; and until it has published notice of such application once each

week for four consecutive weeks in the Federal Register, and until four

weeks after the last notice.229

d. The Commission, in issuing any license for a utilization or

production facility for the generation of commercial power under

section 103, shall give preferred consideration to applications for such

facilities which will be located in high cost power areas in the United

States if there are conflicting applications for a limited opportunity for

such license. Where such conflicting applications resulting from limited

opportunity for such license include those submitted by public or

cooperative bodies such applications shall be given preferred

consideration.
230Public Law 88-489 (78 Stat. 602)(1964), sec. 18, deleted subsec. 183a. Subsec. a. read as follows:

a. Title to all special nuclear material utilized or produced by facilities pursuant to the license, shall at all

times be in the United States. 231Public Law 88-489 (78 Stat. 602)(1964), sec. 19, added “or special nuclear material.” 232Public Law 88-489 (78 Stat. 602)(1964), sec. 19, substituted the word “facility” for the word “property.”

Volume 1, Page 1–126

Sec. 183. Terms of Licenses.

42 USC 2233.

Terms of licenses.

Each license shall be in such form and contain such terms and

conditions as the Commission may, by rule or regulation, prescribe to

effectuate the provisions of this Act, including the following provisions:

b.230 No right to the special nuclear material shall be conferred by the

license except as defined by the license.

c. Neither the license nor any right under the license shall be assigned

or otherwise transferred in violation of the provisions of this Act.

d. Every license issued under this Act shall be subject to the right of

recapture or control reserved by section 108, and to all of the other

provisions of this Act, now or hereafter in effect and to all valid rules and

regulations of the Commission.

Sec. 184. Inalienability of Licenses.

42 USC 2234.

Inalienability of

licenses.

No license granted hereunder and no right to utilize or produce special

nuclear material granted hereby shall be transferred, assigned or in any

manner disposed of, either voluntarily or involuntarily, directly or

indirectly, through transfer of control of any license to any person, unless

the Commission shall, after securing full information, find that the

transfer is in accordance with the provisions of this Act, and shall give its

consent in writing. The Commission may give such consent to the

creation of a mortgage, pledge, or other lien upon any facility or special

nuclear material,231 owned or thereafter acquired by a licensee, or upon

any leasehold or other interest to such facility,232 and the rights of the

creditors so secured may thereafter be enforced by any court subject to

rules and regulations established by the Commission to protect public

health and safety and promote the common defense and security. 

Sec. 185. Construction Permits and Operating Licenses.

42 USC 2235.

Construction

permits.

a. All applicants for licenses to construct or modify production or

utilization facilities shall, if the application is otherwise acceptable to the

Commission, be initially granted a construction permit. The construction

permit shall state the earliest and latest dates for the completion of the

construction or modification. Unless the construction or modification of

the facility is completed by the completion date, the construction permit

shall expire, and all rights thereunder be forfeited, unless upon good

cause shown, the Commission extends the completion date. Upon the

completion of the construction or modification of the facility, upon the

filing of any additional information needed to bring the original

application up to date, and upon finding that the facility authorized has

been constructed and will operate in conformity with the application as

amended and in conformity with the provisions of this Act and of the

rules and regulations of the Commission, and in the absence of any good

cause being shown to the Commission why the granting of a license

would not be in accordance with the provisions of this Act, the

Commission shall thereupon issue a license to the applicant. For all other

purposes of this Act, a construction permit is deemed to be a “license.”

b. After holding a public hearing under section 189a.(1)(A), the

Commission shall issue to the applicant a combined construction and

operating license if the application contains sufficient information to
233Public Law 102-486 (106 Stat. 3120), Oct. 24, 1992 added new heading and (a) to Sec. 185 and new (b)

at end of Sect. 185(a).

NOTE: Sections 185b. and 189a.(1)(b) of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as added by sections 2801 and

2802 of this Act, shall apply to all proceedings involving a combined license for which an application was filed

after May 8, 1991, under such sections.

Volume 1, Page 1–127

support the issuance of a combined license and the Commission

determines that there is reasonable assurance that the facility will be

constructed and will operate in conformity with the license, the provisions

of this Act, and the Commission’s rules and regulations. The Commission

shall identify within the combined license the inspections, tests, and

analyses, including those applicable to emergency planning, that the

licensee shall perform, and the acceptance criteria that, if met, are

necessary and sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that the facility

has been constructed and will be operated in conformity with the license,

the provisions of this Act, and the Commission’s rules and regulations.

Following issuance of the combined license, the Commission shall ensure

that the prescribed inspections, tests, and analyses are performed and,

prior to operation of the facility, shall find that the prescribed acceptance

criteria are met. Any finding made under this subsection shall not require

a hearing except as provided in section 189a.(1)(B).233 and NOTE.

Sec. 186. Revocation.

42 USC 2236.

Revocation.

a. Any license may be revoked for any material false statement in the

application or any statement of fact required under section 182, or

because of conditions revealed by such application or statement of fact or

any report, record, or inspection or other means which would warrant the

Commission to refuse to grant a license on an original application, or for

failure to construct or operate a facility in accordance with the terms of

the construction permit or license or the technical specifications in the

application, or for violation of, or failure to observe any of the terms and

provisions of this Act or of any regulation of the Commission.

5 USC 558(b).

80 Stat. 388

b. The Commission shall follow the provisions of section 9(b) of the

Administrative Procedure Act in revoking any license.

5 USC 551. c. Upon revocation of the license, the Commission may immediately

retake possession of all special nuclear material held by the licensee. In

cases found by the Commission to be of extreme importance to the

national defense and security or to the health and safety of the public, the

Commission may recapture any special nuclear material held by the

licensee or may enter upon and operate the facility prior to any of the

procedures provided under the Administrative Procedures Act. Just

compensation shall be paid for the use of the facility.

Sec. 187. Modification of License.

42 USC 2237.

Modification of

license.

The terms and conditions of all licenses shall be subject to

amendment, revision, or modification, by reason of amendments of this

Act, or by reason of rules and regulations issued in accordance with the

terms of this Act.

Sec. 188. Continued Operation of Facilities.

42 USC 2238.

Continued

operation of

facilities.

Whenever the Commission finds that the public convenience and

necessity or the production program of the Commission requires

continued operation of a production facility or utilization facility the

license for which has been revoked pursuant to section 186, the

Commission may, after consultation with the appropriate regulatory

agency, State or Federal, having jurisdiction, order that possession be

taken of and such facility be operated for such period of time as the public
234Public Law 87-615 (76 Stat. 409)(1962), sec. 2, amended this section. Before amendment it read:

SEC. 189. HEARINGS AND JUDICIAL REVIEW.--

a. In any proceeding under this Act, for the granting, suspending, revoking, or amending of any license or

construction permit, or application to transfer control, and in any proceeding for the issuance or modification of

rules and regulations dealing with the activities of licensees, and in any proceeding for the payment of

compensation, an award or royalties under sections 153, 157, 186c., or 188, the Commission shall grant a

hearing upon the request of any person whose interest may be affected by the proceeding, and shall admit any

such person as a party to such proceeding. The Commission shall hold a hearing after thirty days notice and

publication once in the Federal Register on each application under section 103 or 104b. for a license for a

facility, and on any application under section 104c. for a license for a testing facility.

Public Law 85-256 (71 Stat. 576)(1957), sec. 7, had previously amended sec. 189a. by adding the last

sentence thereof.

Public Law 102-486 (106 Stat. 3120) added a subparagraph designator (A), to Sec. 189a(1) and added a

new subsection (B)(i).

Volume 1, Page 1–128

convenience and necessity or the production program of the Commission

may, in the judgment of the Commission, require, or until a license for the

operation of the facility shall become effective. Just compensation shall

be paid for the use of the facility.

Sec. 189. Hearings and Judicial Review.

42 USC 2239.

Hearings and

judicial review.

a. (1)(A) In any proceeding under this Act, for the granting,

suspending, revoking, or amending of any license or construction permit,

or application to transfer control, and in any proceeding for the issuance

or modification of rules and regulations dealing with the activities of

licensees, and in any proceeding for the payment of compensation, an

award, or royalties under sections 153, 157, 186c., or 188, the

Commission shall grant a hearing upon the request of any person whose

interest may be affected by the proceeding, and shall admit any such

Federal Register. person as a party to such proceeding.

Publication.

 The Commission shall hold a

hearing after thirty days’ notice and publication once in the Federal

Register, on each application under section 103 or 104b. for a

construction permit for a facility, and on any application under section

104c. for a construction permit for a testing facility. In cases where such a

construction permit has been issued following the holding of such a

hearing, the Commission may, in the absence of a request therefor by any

person whose interest may be affected, issue an operating license or an

amendment to a construction permit or an amendment to an operating

license without a hearing, but upon thirty days’ notice and publication

once in the Federal Register of its intent to do so. The Commission may

dispense with such thirty days’ notice and publication with respect to any

application for an amendment to a construction permit or an amendment

to an operating license upon a determination by the Commission that the

amendment involves no significant hazards consideration.234

(B)(i) Not less than 180 days before the date schedules for

initial loading of fuel into a plant by a licensee that has been issued

a combined construction permit and operating license under

section 185b., the Commission shall publish in the Federal

Register notice of intended operation. That notice shall provide

that any person whose interest may be affected by operation of the

plant, may within 60 days request the Commission to hold a

hearing on whether the facility as constructed complies, or on

completion will comply, with the acceptance criteria of the license.

(ii) A request for hearing under clause (i) shall show, prima

facie, that one or more of the acceptance criteria in the

combined license have not been, or will not be met, and the
235Public Law 102-486 (106 Stat. 3121), Oct. 24, 1992 amends Sec. 189a(2) of the Atomic Energy Act of

1954 (42 USC 2239 (a)(2)) is amended by inserting “or any amendment to a combined construction and

operating license” after “any amendment to an operating license” each time it occurs.

*Note: Sections 185b. and 189a.(1)(b) of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as added by sections 2801 and

2802 of this Act, shall apply to all proceedings involving a combined license for which an application was filed

after May 8, 1991, under such sections.

Volume 1, Page 1–129

specific operational consequences of nonconformance that

would be contrary to providing reasonable assurance of

adequate protection of the public health and safety.

(iii) After receiving a request for a hearing under clause (i),

the Commission expeditiously shall either deny or grant the

request. If the request is granted, the Commission shall

determine, after considering petitioners’ prima facie showing

and any answers thereto, whether during a period of interim

operation, there will be reasonable assurance of adequate

protection of the public health and safety. If the Commission

determines that there is such reasonable assurance, it shall

allow operation during an interim period under the combined

license.

(iv) The Commission, in its discretion, shall determine

appropriate hearing procedures, whether informal or formal

adjudicatory, for any hearing under clause (i), and shall state its

reasons therefor.

(v) The Commission shall, to the maximum possible extent,

render a decision on issues raised by the hearing request within

180 days of the publication of the notice provided by clause (i)

or the anticipated date for initial loading of fuel into the

reactor, whichever is later. Commencement of operation under

a combined license is not subject to subparagraph (A).235

(2)(A) The Commission may issue and make immediately effective

any amendment to an operating license or any amendment to a

combined construction and operating license, upon a determination by

the Commission that such amendment involves no significant hazards

consideration, notwithstanding the pendency before the Commission

of a request for a hearing from any person. Such amendment may be

issued and made immediately effective in advance of the holding and

completion of any required hearing. In determining under this section

whether such amendment involves no significant hazards

consideration, the Commission shall consult with the State in which

the facility involved is located. In all other respects such amendment

shall meet the requirements of this Act.

Notice publication. (B) The Commission shall periodically (but not less frequently

than once every thirty days) publish notice of any amendments

issued, or proposed to be issued, as provided in subparagraph (A).

Each such notice shall include all amendments issued, or proposed

to be issued, since the date of publication of the last such periodic

notice. Such notice shall, with respect to each amendment or

proposed amendment (i) identify the facility involved; and (ii)

provide a brief description of such amendment. Nothing in this

subsection shall be construed to delay the effective date of any

amendment.
236Public Law 97-415 (96 Stat. 2067)(1983), sec. 12 amended sec. 189 by inserting (1) after subsec. (a)

designation and by adding at end thereof new paragraph (2)(A)(B)(C). 237Public Law 104-134, Title III, Ch 1, Subch A, § 3116(c), 110 Stat. 1321-349; April 26, 1996. 

Substituted subsec. (b) for one which read:

(b) Any final order entered in any proceeding of the kind specified in subsection (a) above or any final

order allowing or prohibiting a facility to begin operating under a combined construction and operating license

shall be subject to judicial review in the manner prescribed in the Act of December 29, 1950, as amended

(ch. 1189, 64 Stat. 1129), and to the provisions of section 10 of the Administrative Procedure Act, as amended. 238Sec. 190 was added by Public Law 87-206 (75 Stat. 475)(1961), sec. 16.

Volume 1, Page 1–130

Regulations

establishing

standards, criteria,

and procedures.

(C) The Commission shall, during the ninety-day period

following the effective date of this paragraph, promulgate

regulations establishing (i) standards for determining whether any

amendment to an operating license involves no significant hazards

consideration; (ii) criteria for providing or, in emergency

situations, dispensing with prior notice and reasonable opportunity

for public comment on any such determination, which criteria shall

take into account the exigency of the need for the amendment

involved; and (iii) procedures for consultation on any such

determination with the State in which the facility involved is

located.236

42 USC 2239(b). b. The following Commission actions shall be subject to judicial

review in the manner prescribed in chapter 158 of title 28, United States

Code, and chapter 7 of title 5, United States Code:

(1) Any final order entered in any proceeding of the kind specified

in subsection (a).

(2) Any final order allowing or prohibiting a facility to begin

operating under a combined construction and operating license.

(3) Any final order establishing by regulation standards to govern

the Department of Energy’s gaseous diffusion uranium enrichment

plants, including any such facilities leased to a corporation established

under the USEC Privatization Act.

(4) Any final determination under section 1701(c) relating to

whether the gaseous diffusion plants, including any such facilities

leased to a corporation established under the USEC Privatization Act,

are in compliance with the Commission’s standards governing the

gaseous diffusion plants and all applicable laws.237

Sec. 190. Licensee Incident Reports.

42 USC 2240. No report by any licensee of any incident arising out of or in

connection with a licensed activity made pursuant to any requirement of

the Commission shall be admitted as evidence in any suit or action for

damages growing out of any matter mentioned in such report.238

Sec. 191. Atomic Safety and Licensing Board.

5 USC 556.

5 USC 557.

42 USC 2241.

80 Stat. 386.

80 Stat. 387.

Atomic Safety and

Licensing Board

a. Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 7(a) and 8(a) of the

Administrative Procedure Act, the Commission is authorized to establish

one or more atomic safety and licensing boards, each comprised of three

members, one of whom shall be qualified in the conduct of administrative

proceedings and two of whom shall have such technical or other

qualifications as the Commission deems appropriate to the issues to be

decided, to conduct such hearings as the Commission may direct and

make such intermediate or final decisions as the Commission may

authorize with respect to the granting, suspending, revoking or amending

of any license or authorization under the provisions of this Act, any other
239Public Law 91-560 (84 Stat. 1472)(1970), sec. 10, amended the first sentence of subsec. 191a. Before

amendment it read as follows:

Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 7(a) and 8(a) of the Administrative Procedure Act, the

Commission is authorized to establish one or more atomic safety and licensing boards, each composed of three

members, two of whom shall be technically qualified and one of whom shall be qualified in the conduct of

administrative proceedings, to conduct such hearings as the Commission may direct and make such

intermediate or final decisions as the Commission may authorize with respect to the granting, suspending,

revoking or amending of any license or authorization under the provisions of this Act, any other provision of

law, or any regulation of the Commission issued hereunder. 240Sec. 191 was added by Public Law 87-615 (76 Stat. 409) (1962), sec. 1.

Volume 1, Page 1–131

provision of law, or any regulation of the Commission issued

thereunder.239

The Commission may delegate to a board such other regulatory

functions as the Commission deems appropriate. The Commission may

appoint a panel of qualified persons from which board members may be

selected.

b. Board members may be appointed by the Commission from private

life, or designated from the staff of the Commission or other Federal

agency. Board members appointed from private life shall receive a per

diem compensation for each day spent in meetings or conferences, and all

members shall receive their necessary traveling or other expenses while

engaged in the work of a board. The provisions of section 163 shall be

applicable to board members appointed from private life.240

Sec. 192. Temporary Operating License.

42 USC 2133.

42 USC 2134.

42 USC 2242.

Post. p. 2073.

Temporary

licensing authority.

 a. In any proceeding upon an application for an operating license for a

utilization facility required to be licensed under section 103 or 104b. of

this Act, in which a hearing is otherwise required pursuant to section

189a., the applicant may petition the Commission for a temporary

operating license for such facility authorizing fuel loading, testing, and

operation at a specific power level to be determined by the Commission,

Initial petition. pending final action by the Commission on the application. The initial

petition for a temporary operating license for each such facility, and any

temporary operating license issued for such facility based upon the initial

petition, shall be limited to power levels not to exceed 5 percent of rated

full thermal power. Following issuance by the Commission of the

temporary operating license for each such facility, the licensee may file

petitions with the Commission to amend the license to allow facility

operation in staged increases at specific power levels, to be determined by

the Commission, exceeding 5 percent of rated full thermal power. The

initial petition for a temporary operating license for each such facility may

be filed at any time after the filing of: (1) the report of the Advisory

Committee on Reactor Safeguards required by section 182b.; (2) the filing

of the initial Safety Evaluation Report by the Nuclear Regulatory

Commission staff and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission staff’s first

supplement to the report prepared in response to the report of the

Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards for the facility; (3) the

Nuclear Regulatory Commission staff’s final detailed statement on the

environmental impact of the facility prepared pursuant to

section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969

(42 USC 4332(2)(C)); and (4) a State, local, or utility emergency

Affidavits. preparedness plan for the facility. Petitions for the issuance of a

temporary operating license, or for an amendment to such a license

allowing operation at a specific power level greater than that authorized in
Volume 1, Page 1–132

the initial temporary operating license, shall be accompanied by an

affidavit or affidavits setting forth the specific fact upon which the

petitioner relies to justify issuance of the temporary operating license or

Publication in the amendment thereto.

Federal Register.

 The Commission shall publish notice of each

such petition in the Federal Register and in such trade or news

publications as the Commission deems appropriate to give reasonable

notice to persons who might have a potential interest in the grant of such

temporary operating license or amendment thereto. Any person may file

affidavits or statements in support of, or in opposition to, the petition

within thirty days after the publication of such notice in the Federal

Register.

b. With respect to any petition filed pursuant to subsection a. of this

section, the Commission may issue a temporary operating license, or

amend the license to authorize temporary operation at each specific power

level greater than that authorized in the initial temporary operating

license, as determined by the Commission, upon finding that–

(1) in all respects other than the conduct or completion of any

required hearing, the requirements of law are met;

(2) in accordance with such requirements, there is reasonable

assurance that operation of the facility during the period of the

temporary operating license in accordance with its terms and

conditions will provide adequate protection to the public health and

safety and the environment during the period of temporary operation;

and

(3) denial of such temporary operating license will result in delay

between the date on which construction of the facility is sufficiently

completed, in the judgment of the Commission, to permit issuance of

the temporary operating license, and the date when such facility would

otherwise receive a final operating license pursuant to this Act.

Final order,

transmittal to

congressional

committees.

The temporary operating license shall become effective upon issuance and

shall contain such terms and conditions as the Commission may deem

necessary, including the duration of the license and any provision for the

extension thereof. Any final order authorizing the issuance or amendment

of any temporary operating license pursuant to this section shall recite

with specificity the facts and reasons justifying the findings under this

subsection, and shall be transmitted upon such issuance to the Committee

on Interior and Insular Affairs and Energy and Commerce of the House of

Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of

Judicial review. the Senate. The final order of the Commission with respect to the

issuance or amendment of a temporary operating license shall be subject

to judicial review pursuant to chapter 158 of title 28, United States Code. 

28 USC 2341 et

seq.

Post, p. 2073.

The requirements of section 189a. of this Act with respect to the issuance

or amendment of facility licenses shall not apply to the issuance or

amendment of a temporary operating license under this section.

Hearing. c. Any hearing on the application for the final operating license for a

facility required pursuant to section 189a. shall be concluded as promptly

as practicable. The Commission shall suspend the temporary operating

license if it finds that the applicant is not prosecuting the application for

the final operating license with due diligence. Issuance of a temporary

operating license under subsection b. of this section shall be without
241Sec. 192 was added by Public Law 92-307 (86 Stat. 191) (1972) and amended by Public Law 97-415

(96 Stat. 2067) (1983) prior to which sec. 192 read as follows:

Sec. 192. Temporary Operating Licenses.--

a. In an proceeding upon an application for an operating license for a nuclear power reactor, in which a

hearing is otherwise required pursuant to section 189a., the applicant may petition the Commission for a

temporary operating license authorizing operation of the facility pending final action by the Commission on the

application. Such petition may be filed at any time after filing of: (1) the report of the Advisory Committee on

Reactor Safeguards required by subsection 182b.; (2) the safety evaluation of the application by the

Commission’s regulatory staff; and (3) the regulatory staff’s final detailed statement on the environmental

impact of the facility prepared pursuant to section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969

(83 Stat. 853) or, in the case of an application for operating license filed on or before September 9, 1971, if the

regulatory staff’s final detailed statement required under section 102(2)(C) is not completed, the Commission

must satisfy the applicable requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act prior to issuing any

temporary operating license under this section 192. The petition shall be accompanied by an affidavit or

affidavits setting forth the facts upon which the petitioner relies to justify issuance of the temporary operating

license. Any party to the proceeding may file affidavits in support of, or opposition to, the petition within

fourteen days subject to judicial review pursuant to the Act of December 29, 1950, as amended (ch. 1189, 64

Stat. 1129).

c. The hearing on the application for the final operating license otherwise required pursuant to section

189a. shall be concluded as promptly as practicable. The Commission shall vacate the temporary operating

license if it finds that the applicant is not prosecuting the application for the final operating license with due

diligence. Issuance of a temporary operating license pursuant to subsection b. of this section shall be without

prejudice to the position of any party to the proceeding in which a hearing is otherwise required pursuant to

section 189a.; and failure to assert any ground for denial or limitation of a temporary operating license shall not

bar the assertion of such ground in connection with the issuance of a subsequent final operating license.

d. The authority under this section shall expire on October 30, 1973.

Volume 1, Page 1–133

prejudice to the right of any party to raise any issue in a hearing required

pursuant to section 189a.;

Infra.

 and failure to assert any ground for denial or

limitation of a temporary operating license shall not bar the assertion of

such ground in connection with the issuance of a subsequent final

operating license. Any party to a hearing required pursuant to section 189

a. on the final operating license for a facility for which a temporary

operating license has been issued under subsection b., and any member of

the Atomic Safety and Licensing Board conducting such hearing, shall

promptly notify the Commission of any information indicating that the

terms and conditions of the temporary operating license are not being met,

or that such terms and conditions are not sufficient to comply with the

provisions of paragraph (2) of subsection b.

d. The Commission is authorized and directed to adopt such

administrative remedies as the Commission deems appropriate to

minimize the need for issuance of temporary operating licenses pursuant

to this section.

Expiration date. e. The authority to issue new temporary operating licenses under this

section shall expire on December 31, 1983.241

Sec. 193. Licensing of Uranium Enrichment Facilities.

42 USC 2243. (a) Environmental Impact Statement.–

(1) Major Federal Action.–The issuance of a license under sections

53 and 63 for the construction and operation of any uranium

enrichment facility shall be considered a major Federal action

significantly affecting the quality of the human environment for

purposes of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 USC

4321 et seq.).

(2) Timing.–An environmental impact statement prepared under

paragraph (1) shall be prepared before the hearing on the issuance of a

license for the construction and operation of a uranium enrichment

facility is completed.
242Public Law 101-575 (104 Stat. 2835) (1990), added new Sec. 193.

Volume 1, Page 1–134

(b) Adjudicatory Hearing.–

(1) In General.–The Commission shall conduct a single

adjudicatory hearing on the record with regard to the licensing of the

construction and operation of a uranium enrichment facility under

sections 53 and 63.

(2) Timing.–Such hearing shall be completed and a decision issued

before the issuance of a license for such construction and operation.

(3) Single Proceeding.–No further Commission licensing action

shall be required to authorize operation.

(c) Inspection and Operation.–Prior to commencement of operation of

a uranium enrichment facility licensed hereunder, the Commission shall

verify through inspection that the facility has been constructed in

accordance with the requirements of the license for construction and

Federal Register, operation.

publication.

 The Commission shall publish notice of the inspection results

in the Federal Register.

Claims.

Nuclear materials.

(d) Insurance and Decommissioning.–“(1) The Commission shall

require, as a condition of the issuance of a license under sections 53 and

63 for a uranium enrichment facility, that the licensee have and maintain

liability insurance of such type and in such amounts as the Commission

judges appropriate to cover liability claims arising out of any occurrence

within the United States, causing, within or outside the United States,

bodily injury, sickness, disease, or death, or loss of or damage to property,

or loss of use of property, arising out of or resulting from the radioactive,

toxic, explosive, or other hazardous properties of chemical compounds

containing source or special nuclear material.

(2) The Commission shall require, as a condition for the issuance

of a license under sections 53 and 63 for a uranium enrichment

facility, that the licensee provide adequate assurance of the availability

of funds for the decommissioning (including decontamination) of such

facility using funding mechanisms that may include, but are not

necessarily limited to, the following:

(A) Prepayment (in the form of a trust, escrow account,

government fund, certificate of deposit, or deposit of government

securities).

(B) Surety (in the form of a surety or performance bond, letter

of credit, or line of credit), insurance, or other guarantee (including

parent company guarantee) method.

(C) External sinking fund in which deposits are made at least

annually.

(e) No Price-Anderson Coverage.–Section 170 of this Act shall not

apply to any license under section 53 or 63 for a uranium enrichment

facility constructed after the date of enactment of this section.242

(f) LIMITATION.–No license or certificate of compliance may be

issued to the United States Enrichment Corporation or its successor under
243Public Law 104-134, Title III, Ch. 1, Subch. A, § 3116(b)(2), (110 Stat. 1321-349), April 26, 1996

added subsec (f). 244Public Law 95-110 (91 Stat. 884)(1977), which added Chapter 20, repealed Chapter 17, which read as

follows:

JOINT COMMITTEE ON ATOMIC ENERGY

Sec. 201. Membership. -- There is hereby established a Joint Committee on Atomic Energy to be

composed of nine Members of the Senate to be appointed by the President of the Senate, and nine Members of

the House of Representatives to be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. In each instance

not more than five Members shall be members of the same political party.

Sec. 202. Authority and Duty.--

a. The Joint Committee shall make continuing studies of the activities of the Atomic Energy Commission

and of problems relating to the development, use, and control of atomic energy. During the first ninetya

 days of

each session of the Congress, the Joint Committee may conduct hearings in either open or executive session for

the purpose of receiving information concerning the development, growth, and state of the atomic energy

industryb

 The Commission shall keep the Joint Committee fully and currently informed with respect to all of

the Commission’s activities. The Department of Defense shall keep the Joint Committee fully and currently

informed with respect to all matters within the Department of Defense relating to the development, utilization,

or application of atomic energy. Any Government agency shall furnish any information requested by the Joint

Committee with respect to the activities or responsibilities of that agency in the field of atomic energy. All

bills, resolutions, and other matters in the Senate or the House of Representatives relating primarily to the

Commission or to the development, use, or control of atomic energy shall be referred to the Joint Committee. 

The members of the Joint Committee who are Members of the Senate shall from time to time report to the

Senate, and the members of the Joint Committee who are Members of the House of Representatives shall from

time to time report to the House, by bill or otherwise, their recommendations with respect to matters within the

jurisdiction of their respective Houses which are referred to the Joint Committee or otherwise within the

jurisdiction of the Joint Committee.

b. The members of the Joint Committee who are Members of the Senate and the Members of the Joint

Committee who are Members of the House of Representatives shall, on or before June 30 of each year, report to

their respective Houses on the development, use, and control of nuclear energy for the common defense and

security and for peaceful purposes. Each report shall provide facts and information available to the Joint

Committee concerning nuclear energy which will assist the appropriate committees of the Congress and

individual members in the exercise of informed judgment on matters of weaponry; foreign policy; defense;

international trade; and in respect to the expenditure and appropriation of Government revenues. Each report

shall be presented formally under circumstances which provide for clarification and discussion by the Senate

and the House of Representatives. In recognition of the need for public understanding, presentations of the

reports shall be made to the maximum extent possible in open session and by means of unclassified written

materials.

Sec. 203. Chairman.-- Vacancies in the membership of the Joint Committee shall not affect the power of

the remaining members to execute the functions of the Joint Committee, and shall be filled in the same manner

as in the case of the original selection. The Joint Committee shall select a Chairman and a Vice Chairman from

among its members at the beginning of each Congress. The Vice Chairman shall act in the place and stead of

the Chairman in the absence of the Chairman. The Chairmanship shall alternate between the Senate and the

House of Representatives with each Congress, and the Chairman shall be selected by the Members from that

(continued...)

Volume 1, Page 1–135

this section or sections 53, 63, or 1701, if the Commission determines

that–243

(1) the Corporation is owned, controlled, or dominated by an alien,

a foreign corporation, or a foreign government; or

(2) the issuance of such a license or certificate of compliance

would be inimical to–

(A) the common defense and security of the United States; or

(B) the maintenance of a reliable and economical domestic

source of enrichment services.

CHAPTER 17–JOINT COMMITTEE ON ATOMIC

ENERGY

(Repealed244)
244(...continued)

House entitled to the Chairmanship. The Vice Chairman shall be chosen from the House other than that of the

Chairman by the Members from that House.

Sec. 204 Powers.-- In carrying out its duties under this Act, the Joint Committee, or any duly authorized

subcommittee thereof, is authorized to hold such hearings or investigations, to sit and act at such places and

times to require, by subpoena or otherwise, the attendance of such witnesses and the production of such books,

papers, and documents, to administer such oaths, to take such testimony, to procure such printing and binding,

and to make such expenditures as it deems advisable. The Joint Committee may make such rules respecting its

organization and procedures as it deems necessary: Provided, however, That no measure or recommendation

shall be reported from the Joint Committee unless a majority of the committee assent. Subpoenas may be

issued over the signature of the Chairman of the Joint Committee or by any member designated by him or by

the Joint Committee, and may be served by such person or persons as may be designated by such Chairman or

member. The Chairman of the Joint Committee or any member thereof may administer oaths to witnesses. The

Joint Committee may use a committee seal. The provisions of Sections 102 to 104, inclusive, of the Revised

Statutes, as amended, shall apply in case of any failure of any witness to comply with a subpoena or to testify

when summoned under authority of this section. The expenses of the Joint Committee shall be paid from the

contingent fund of the Senate from funds appropriated for the Joint Committee upon vouchers approved by the

Chairman. The cost of stenographic service to report public hearings shall not be in excess of the amounts

prescribed by law for reporting the hearings of standing committees of the Senate. The cost of stenographic

service to report executive hearings shall be fixed at an equitable rate by the Joint Committee. Members of the

Joint Committee, and its employees and consultants, while traveling on official business for the Joint

Committee, may receive either the per diem allowance authorized to be paid to Members of Congress or its

employees, or their actual and necessary expenses provided an itemized statement of such expenses is attached

to the voucher.

Sec. 205. Staff and Assistance.-- The Joint Committee is empowered to appoint and fix the compensation

of such experts, consultants, technicians, and staff employees as it deems necessary and advisable. The Joint

Committee is authorized to utilize the services, information, facilities, and personnel of the departments and

establishments of the Government. The Joint Committee is authorized to permit such of its members,

employees, and consultants as it deems necessary in the interest of common defense and security to carry

firearms while in the discharge of their official duties for the committee.

Sec. 206. Classification of Information.-- The Joint Committee may classify information originating

within the committee in accordance with standards used generally by the executive branch for classifying

Restricted Data or defense information.

Sec. 207. Records.-- The Joint Committee shall keep a complete record of all committee actions, including

a record of the votes on any question on which a record vote is demanded. All committee records, data, charts,

and files shall be the property of the Joint Committee and shall be kept in the offices of the Joint Committee or

other places as the Joint Committee may direct under such security safeguards as the Joint Committee shall

determine in the interest of the common defense and security.

Public Law 87-206 (75 Stat. 475) (1961), sec. 17, substituted the word “ninety” for the word “sixty.”

Public Law 88-294 (78 Stat. 172) (1964), amended the second sentence of sec. 202. Before amendment

this sentence read:

During the first ninety days of each session of the Congress, the Joint Committee shall conduct hearings in

either open or executive session for the purpose of receiving information concerning the development, growth,

and state of the atomic energy industry.

Subsection 202b, was added by Public Law 93-514 (88 Stat. 1611) (1974).

Volume 1, Page 1–136

CHAPTER 18–ENFORCEMENT

Sec. 221. General Provisions.

42 USC 2271.

General provisions.

a. To protect against the unlawful dissemination of Restricted Data

and to safeguard facilities, equipment, materials, and other property of the

Commission, the President shall have authority to utilize the services of

any Government agency to the extent he may deem necessary or desirable.

b. The Federal Bureau of Investigation of the Department of Justice

shall investigate all alleged or suspected criminal violations of this Act.

c. No action shall be brought against any individual or person for any

violation under this Act unless and until the Attorney General of the

United States has advised the Commission with respect to such action and

no such action shall be commenced except by the Attorney General of the
245”Public Law 101-647 (104 Stat. 4789), sec. 1211, deleted :

That no action shall be brought under section 222, 223, 224, 225 or 226 except by the express direction of

the Attorney General: and provided further,. 246”Public Law 91-161 (83 Stat. 444) (1969), sec. 2, amended sec. 222 by substituting the word “ten” for

the word “five.” Sec. 7 provided that the amendment apply only to offenses committed on or after December

24, 1969. 247”Public Law 91-161 (83 Stat. 444) (1969), sec. 3(a), amended sec. 222 by substituting the words

“imprisonment for life, or by imprisonment for any term of years or a fine of not more than $20,000 or both” in

lieu of “death or imprisonment for life (but the penalty of death or imprisonment for life may be imposed only

upon recommendation of the jury), or by a fine of not more than $20,000 or by imprisonment for not more than

20 years, or both.” Sec. 7 provided that the amendment apply only to offenses committed on or after December

24, 1969. 248Public Law 96-295 (94 Stat. 786)(1980), sec. 203, designated the existing paragraph as subsec. a. 249Public Law 91-161 (83 Stat. 444)(1969), sec. 6, amended sec. 223 by adding the word “criminal” before

the word “penalty.” 250Public Law 90-190 (81 Stat. 575)(1967), sec. 12 amended sec. 223 by striking out the letter “p.”

appearing after the word “or”, and inserting in lieu thereof the letter “o.”

Volume 1, Page 1–137

United States. And provided further, that nothing in this subsection shall

be construed as applying to administrative action taken by the

Commission.245

Sec. 222. Violations of Specific Sections.

42 USC 2272.

Violation of

specific sections.

Whoever willfully violates, attempts to violate, or conspires to violate,

any provisions of sections 57, 92, or 101, or whoever unlawfully

interferes, attempts to interfere, or conspires to interfere with any

recapture or entry under section 108, shall, upon conviction thereof, be

punished by a fine of not more than $10,000 or by imprisonment for not

more than ten246 years, or both, except that whoever commits such an

offense with intent to injure the United States or with intent to secure an

advantage to any foreign nation shall, upon conviction thereof, be

punished by imprisonment for life, or by imprisonment for any term of

years or a fine of not more than $20,000 or both.247

Sec. 223. Violation of Sections Generally.

42 USC 2273.

Violation of

sections generally.

a. Whoever248 willfully violates, attempts to violate, or conspires to

violate, any provision of this Act for which no criminal249 penalty is

specifically provided or of any regulation or order prescribed or issued

under section 65 or subsections 161b., i., or o,250 shall, upon conviction

thereof, be punished by a fine of not more than $5,000 or by

imprisonment for not more than two years, or both, except that whoever

commits such as offense with intent to injure the United States or with

intent to secure an advantage to any foreign nation, shall, upon conviction

thereof, be punished by a fine of not more than $20,000 or by

imprisonment for not more than twenty years, or both.

b. Any individual director, officer, or employee of a firm constructing,

or supplying the components of any utilization facility required to be

licensed under section 103 or 104b. of this Act who by act or omission, in

connection with such construction or supply, knowingly and willfully

violates or causes to be violated, any section of this Act, any rule,

regulation, or order issued thereunder, or any license condition, which

violation results, or if undetected could have resulted, in a significant

impairment of a basic component of such a facility shall, upon conviction,

be subject to a fine of not more than $25,000 for each day of violation, or

to imprisonment not to exceed two years, or both. If the conviction is for a

violation committed after a first conviction under this subsection,

punishment shall be a fine of not more than $50,000 per day of violation,
251Public Law 100-408 (102 Stat. 1066)(1988), sec. 18 amended sec. 223 by adding a subsec. c. Public

Law 96-295 (94 Stat. 786)(1980), sec. 203 added a new subsec. b.

Volume 1, Page 1–138

or imprisonment for not more than two years, or both. For the purposes of

Basic component. this subsection, the term “basic component” means a facility structure,

system, component or part thereof necessary to assure–

(1) the integrity of the reactor coolant pressure boundary,

(2) the capability to shut-down the facility and maintain it in a safe

shut-down condition, or

(3) the capability to prevent or mitigate the consequences of

accidents which could result in an unplanned offsite release of

quantities of fission products in excess of the limits established by the

Commission.

42 USC 2133.

42 USC 2134.

The provisions of this subsection shall be prominently posted at each

site where a utilization facility required to be licensed under section 103

or 104b. of the Act is under construction and on the premises of each

plant where components for such a facility are fabricated.

Contracts. c. Any individual director, officer or employee of a person

indemnified under an agreement of indemnification under section 170d.

(or of a subcontractor or supplier thereto) who, by act or omission,

knowingly and willfully violates or causes to be violated any section of

this Act or any applicable nuclear safety-related rule, regulation or order

issued thereunder by the Secretary of Energy (or expressly incorporated

by reference by the Secretary for purposes of nuclear safety, except any

rule, regulation, or order issued by the Secretary of Transportation),

which violation results in or, if undetected, would have resulted in a

nuclear incident as defined in subsection 11q. shall, upon conviction,

notwithstanding section 3571 of title 18, United States Code, be subject to

a fine of not more than $25,000, or to imprisonment not to exceed two

years, or both. If the conviction is for a violation committed after the first

conviction under this subsection, notwithstanding section 3571 of title 18,

United States Code, punishment shall be a fine of not more than $50,000,

or imprisonment for not more than five years, or both.251

Sec. 224. Communication of Restricted Data.

42 USC 2274.

Communication of

restricted data.

Whoever, lawfully or unlawfully, having possession of, access to,

control over, or being entrusted with any document, writing, sketch,

photograph, plan, model, instrument, appliance, note, or information

involving or incorporating Restricted Data–

a. communicates, transmits, or discloses the same to any individual or

person, or attempts or conspires to do any of the foregoing, with intent to

injure the United States or with intent to secure an advantage to any

foreign nation, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by

imprisonment for life, or by imprisonment for any term of years or a fine

of not more than $100,000 or both;

b. communicates, transmits, or discloses the same to any individual or

person, or attempts or conspires to do any of the foregoing, with reason to

believe such data will be utilized to injure the United States or to secure

an advantage to any foreign nation, shall, upon conviction, be punished by
252Public Law 79-585, Title I, sec. 224, August 1, 1946; Public Law 83-703, sec. 1 (68 Stat. 958),

August 30, 1954; Public Law 91-161, sec. 3(b) (83 Stat. 444), December 24, 1969; Public Law 102-486,

Title IX, sec. 902(a)(8) (106 Stat. 2944), October 24, 1992 (renumbered Title I); Public Law 106-65, Div. C,

Title XXXI, sec. 3148(a) (113 Stat. 938), October 5, 1999l Public Law 106-398, sec. 1 (Div, A, Title X,

Title X, sec. 1087(g)(9) (114 Stat. 1654)m October 30, 2000. 253Public Law 106-65, Div. C, Title XXXI, Subtitle G, sec. 3148(b), 113 Stat. 938, October 30, 2000, as

amended. 254Public Law 106-65, Div. C., Title XXXI, Subtitle G, sec. 3148(a), 113 Stat. 938, Oct 5, 1999

(substituted $12,500 for $2,500).

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a fine of not more than $50,000 or imprisonment for not more than ten

years, or both.252

Sec. 225. Receipt of Restricted Data.

42 USC 2275.

Receipt of

restricted data.

Whoever, with intent to injure the United States or with intent to

secure an advantage to any foreign nation, acquires, or attempts or

conspires to acquire any document, writing, sketch, photograph, plan,

model, instrument, appliance, note, or information involving or

incorporating Restricted Data shall, upon conviction thereof, be punished

by imprisonment for life, or by imprisonment for any term of years or a

fine of not more than $100,000 or both.253

Sec. 226. Tampering with Restricted Data.

42 USC 2276.

Tampering with

restricted data.

Whoever, with intent to injure the United States or with intent to

secure an advantage to any foreign nation, removes, conceals, tampers

with, alters, mutilates, or destroys any document, writing, sketch,

photograph, plan, model, instrument, appliance, or note involving or

incorporating Restricted Data and used by any individual or person in

connection with the production of special nuclear material, or research or

development relating to atomic energy, conducted by the United States, or

financed in whole or in part by Federal funds, or conducted with the aid

of special nuclear material, shall be punished by imprisonment for life, or

by imprisonment for any term of years or a fine of not more than $20,000

or both.

Sec. 227. Disclosure of Restricted Data.

42 USC 2277.

Disclosure of

restricted data.

Whoever, being or having been an employee or member of the

Commission, a member of the Armed Forces, an employee of any agency

of the United States, or being or having been a contractor of the

Commission or of an agency of the United States, or being or having been

an employee of a contractor of the Commission or of an agency of the

United States, or being or having been a licensee of the Commission, or

being or having been an employee of a licensee of the Commission,

knowingly communicates, or whoever conspires to communicate or to

receive, any Restricted Data, knowing or having reason to believe that

such data is Restricted Data, to any person not authorized to receive

Restricted Data pursuant to the provisions of this Act or under rule or

regulation of the Commission issued pursuant thereto, knowing or having

reason to believe such person is not so authorized to receive Restricted

Data shall, upon conviction thereof, be punishable by a fine of not more

than $12,500.254

Sec. 228. Statute of Limitations.

42 USC 2278.

Statute of

limitations.

Except for a capital offense, no individual or person shall be

prosecuted, tried, or punished for any offense prescribed or defined in

sections 224 to 226, inclusive, of this Act, unless the indictment is found

or the information is instituted within ten years next after such offense

shall have been committed.
255Public Law 84-1006 (70 Stat. 1069)(1956), sec. 6, added a new sec. 229. 256Public Law 84-1006 (70 Stat. 1069)(1956), sec. 6, added a new sec. 230. 257Public Law 84-1006 (70 Stat 1069)(1956), sec. 7, amended former sec. 229 and redesignated it as sec.

231. Before amendment, sec. 229 read:

Sec. 229. Other Laws.–Sections 224 to 228 shall not exclude the applicable provisions of any other laws.

Volume 1, Page 1–140

Sec. 229. Trespass Upon Commission Installations.

42 USC 2278a.

Trespass on

Commission

installations.

a.255 The Commission is authorized to issue regulations relating to the

entry upon or carrying, transporting, or otherwise introducing or causing

to be introduced any dangerous weapon, explosive, or other dangerous

instrument or material likely to produce substantial injury or damage to

persons or property, into or upon any facility, installation, or real property

subject to the jurisdiction, administration, or in the custody of the

Commission. Every such regulation of the Commission shall be posted

conspicuously at the location involved.

b. Whoever shall willfully violate any regulation of the Commission

issued pursuant to subsection a. shall, upon conviction thereof, be

punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000.

c. Whoever shall willfully violate any regulation of the Commission

issued pursuant to subsection a. with respect to any installation or other

property which is enclosed by a fence, wall, floor, roof, or other structural

barrier shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall

be punished by a fine of not to exceed $5,000 or to imprisonment for not

more than one year, or both.193

Sec. 230. Photographing, etc., of Commission Installations.

Photographing of

Commission

installations.

42 USC 2278b.

It shall be an offense, punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000 or

imprisonment for not more than one year, or both 256–

(1) to make any photograph, sketch, picture, drawing, map or

graphical representation, while present on property subject to the

jurisdiction, administration or in the custody of the Commission, of

any installations or equipment designated by the President as requiring

protection against the general dissemination of information relative

thereto, in the interest of the common defense and security, without

first obtaining the permission of the Commission, and promptly

submitting the product obtained to the Commission for inspection or

such other action as may be deemed necessary; or

(2) to use or permit the use of an aircraft or any contrivance used,

or designed for navigation or flight in air, for the purpose of making a

photograph, sketch, picture, drawing, map or graphical representation

of any installation or equipment designated by the President as

provided in the preceding paragraph, unless authorized by the

Commission.

Sec. 231. Other Laws.

42 USC 2279.

Other laws.

Sections 224 to 230 shall not exclude the applicable provisions of any

other laws.257

Sec. 232. Injunction Proceedings

42 USC 2280.

Injunction

proceedings.

Whenever in the judgment of the Commission any person has engaged

or is about to engage in any acts or practices which constitute or will

constitute a violation of any provision of this Act, or any regulation or

order issued thereunder, the Attorney General on behalf of the United

States may make application to the appropriate court for an order

enjoining such acts or practices, or for an order enforcing compliance

with such provision, and upon a showing by the Commission that such

person has engaged or is about to engage in any such acts or practices, a
258Public Law 84-1006 (70 Stat. 1069)(1956), sec. 6, renumbered former secs. 230 and 231 to secs. 232

and 233, respectively. 259Public Law 84-1006 (70 Stat. 1069)(1956), sec. 6, renumbered former secs. 230 and 231 to secs. 232

and 233, respectively. 260Public Law 100-408 (102 Stat. 1066)(1988), sec 17 added sec. 234A. Public Law 91-161 (83 Stat.

444)(1069), sec. 4, added Sec. 234. 261Public Law 96-295 (94 Stat. 787)(1980), sec. 206, amended sec. (a) by striking all that followed

“exceed” and inserted “$100,000 for each violation.” Prior to amendment, the portion deleted read as follows: 

$5,000 for each violation: Provided, That in no event shall the total penalty payable by any person exceed

$25,000 for all violations by such person occurring within any period of thirty consecutive days.

Volume 1, Page 1–141

permanent or temporary injunction, restraining order, or other order may

be granted.258

Sec. 233. Contempt Proceedings.

42 USC 2281.

Contempt

proceedings.

In case of failure or refusal to obey a subpoena served upon any

person pursuant to subsection 161c., the district court for any district in

which such person is found or resides or transacts business, upon

application by the Attorney General on behalf of the United States, shall

have jurisdiction to issue an order requiring such person to appear and

give testimony or to appear and produce documents, or both, in

accordance with the subpoena; and any failure to obey such order of the

court may be punished by such court as a contempt thereof.259

Sec. 234. Civil Monetary Penalties for Violations of Licensing

Requirements.

42 USC 2073.

42 USC 2077.

42 USC 2092.

42 USC 2093.

42 USC 2111.

42 USC 2112.

42 USC 2131.

42 USC 2133.

42 USC 2134.

42 USC 2137.

42 USC 2139.

42 USC 2236.

42 USC 2282.

83 Stat. 445.

68 Stat. 930.

Civil penalties.

a.260 Any person who (1) violates any licensing or certification

provision of section 53, 57, 62, 63, 81, 82, 101, 103, 104, 107, 109, or

1701 of any rule, regulation, or order issued thereunder, or any term,

condition, or limitation of any license or certification issued thereunder,

or (2) commits any violation for which a license may be revoked under

section 186, shall be subject to a civil penalty, to be imposed by the

Commission, of not to exceed $100,000 for each such violation.261 If any

violation is a continuing one, each day of such violation shall constitute a

separate violation for the purpose of computing the applicable civil

penalty. The Commission shall have the power to compromise, mitigate,

or remit such penalties.

b. Whenever the Commission has reason to believe that a person has

become subject to the imposition of a civil penalty under the provisions of

this section, it shall notify such person in writing (1) setting forth the date,

facts, and nature of each act or omission with which the person is

charged, (2) specifically identifying the particular provision or provisions

Written of the section,

notification.

 rule, regulation, order, or license involved in the violation,

and (3) advising of each penalty which the Commission proposes to

impose and its amount. Such written notice shall be sent by registered or

certified mail by the Commission to the last known address of such

person. The person so notified shall be granted an opportunity to show in

writing, within such reasonable period as the Commission shall by

regulation prescribe, why such penalty should not be imposed. The notice

shall also advise such person that upon failure to pay the civil penalty

subsequently determined by the Commission, if any, the penalty may be

collected by civil action.

c. On the request of the Commission, the Attorney General is

authorized to institute a civil action to collect a penalty imposed pursuant

to this section. The Attorney General shall have the exclusive power to
Volume 1, Page 1–142

compromise, mitigate, or remit such civil penalties as are referred to him

for collection.

Sec. 234A. Civil Monetary Penalties For Violations Of Department

Of Energy Regulations.

42 USC 2282a.

Contracts.

a. Any person who has entered into an agreement of indemnification

under subsection 170d. (or any subcontractor or supplier thereto) who

violates (or whose employee violates) any applicable rule, regulation or

order related to nuclear safety prescribed or issued by the Secretary of

Energy pursuant to this Act (or expressly incorporated by reference by the

Secretary for purposes of nuclear safety, except any rule, regulation, or

order issued by the Secretary of Transportation) shall be subject to a civil

penalty of not to exceed $100,000 for each such violation. If any violation

under this subsection is a continuing one, each day of such violation shall

constitute a separate violation for the purpose of computing the applicable

civil penalty.

b. (1) The Secretary shall have the power to compromise, modify or

remit, with or without conditions, such civil penalties and to prescribe

regulations as he may deem necessary to implement this section.

(2) In determining the amount of any civil penalty under this

subsection, the Secretary shall take into account the nature,

circumstances, extent, and gravity of the violation or violations and,

with respect to the violator, ability to pay, effect on ability to continue

to do business, any history of prior such violations, the degree of

culpability, and such other matters as justice may require. In

implementing this section, the Secretary shall determine by rule

whether nonprofit educational institutions should receive automatic

remission of any penalty under this section.

c. (1) Before issuing an order assessing a civil penalty against any

person under this section, the Secretary shall provide to such person

notice of the proposed penalty. Such notice shall inform such person of

his opportunity to elect in writing within thirty days after the date of

receipt of such notice to have the procedures of paragraph (3) (in lieu of

those paragraph (2)) apply with respect to such assessment.

(2) (A) Unless an election is made within thirty calendar days after

receipt of notice under paragraph (1) to have paragraph (3) apply with

respect to such penalty, the Secretary shall assess the penalty, by

order, after a determination of violation has been made on the record

after an opportunity for an agency hearing pursuant to section 554 of

title 5, United States Code, before an administrative law judge

appointed under section 3105 of such title 5. Such assessment order

shall include the administrative law judge’s findings and the basis for

such assessment.

Courts, U.S. (B) Any person against whom a penalty is assessed under this

paragraph may, within sixty calendar days after the date of the

order of the Secretary assessing such penalty, institute an action in

the United States court of appeals for the appropriate judicial

circuit for judicial review of such order in accordance with

chapter 7 of title 5, United States Code. The court shall have

jurisdiction to enter a final judgment affirming, modifying or

setting aside in whole or in part, the order of the Secretary, or the

court may remand the proceeding to the Secretary for such further

action as the court may direct.
Volume 1, Page 1–143

(3) (A) In the case of any civil penalty with respect to which the

procedures of this paragraph have been elected, the Secretary shall

promptly assess such penalty, by order, after the date of the election

under paragraph (1).

Courts, U.S. (B) If the civil penalty has not been paid within sixty calendar

days after the assessment order has been made under subparagraph

(A), the Secretary shall institute an action in the appropriate

district court of the United States for an order affirming the

assessment of the civil penalty. The court shall have authority to

review de novo the law and facts involved, and shall have

jurisdiction to enter a judgment enforcing, modifying, and

enforcing as so modified, or setting aside in whole or in part, such

assessment.

(C) Any election to have this paragraph apply may not be

revoked except with consent of the Secretary.

Courts, U.S. (4) If any person fails to pay an assessment of a civil penalty after

it has become a final and unappealable order under paragraph (2), or

after the appropriate district court has entered final judgment in favor

of the Secretary under paragraph (3), the Secretary shall institute an

action to recover the amount of such penalty in any appropriate district

court of the Untied States. In such action, the validity and

appropriateness of such final assessment order or judgment shall not

be subject to review.

Schools and

colleges.

Corporations.

d. The provisions of this section shall not apply to:.

(1) The University of Chicago (and any subcontractors or suppliers

thereto) for activities associated with Argonne National Laboratory;

(2) The University of California (and any subcontractors or

suppliers thereto) for activities associated with Los Alamos National

Laboratory, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, and Lawrence

Berkeley National Laboratory;

(3) American Telephone and Telegraph Company and its

subsidiaries (and any subcontractors or suppliers thereto) for activities

associated with Sandia National Laboratories;

(4) Universities Research Association, Inc. (and any

subcontractors or suppliers thereto) for activities associated with

FERMI National Laboratory;

(5) Princeton University (and any subcontractors or suppliers

thereto) for activities associated with Princeton Plasma Physics

Laboratory;

(6) The Associated Universities, Inc. (and any subcontractors or

suppliers thereto) for activities associated with the Brookhaven

National Laboratory; and

(7) Battelle Memorial Institute (and any subcontractors or

suppliers thereto) for activities associated with Pacific Northwest

Laboratory.

Sec. 235. Protection Of Nuclear Inspectors.

42 USC 2283. a. Whoever kills any person who performs any inspections which–

(1) are related to any activity or facility licensed by the

Commission, and

42 USC 2133.

42 USC 2134.

(2) are carried out to satisfy requirements under this Act or under

any other Federal law governing the safety of utilization facilities

required to be licensed under section 103 or 104b, or the safety of
262Public Law 96-295 (94 Stat. 786) (1980), sec. 202, added new sec. 235. 263Aug. 30, 1954, ch 1073, Title I, Ch 18 as added June 30, 1980, Public Law 96-295, Title II, sect. 204(a)

94 Stat. 787; Jan. 4, 1983, Public Law 97-415, sect. 16, 96 Stat. 2076; Nov. 15, 1990, Public Law 101-575,

sect. 5(d), 104 Stat. 2835; Oct. 24, 1992, Public Law 102-486, Title IX, sect. 902(a)(8), 106 Stat. 2944; Public

Law 107–56, Title VIII, sec. 810(f), 811(h) (115 Stat. 380, 381), October 26, 2001. 264Public Law 107–56, Title VIII, sec. 810(f), 811(h) (115 Stat. 380, 381), October 26, 2001. 265Aug. 30, 1954, ch. 1073, Title I, Ch. 19, sect. 241, 68 Stat. 960; Oct. 24, 1992, Public Law 102-486,

Title IX, sect. 902(a)(8), 106 Stat. 2944. 266This section (Act Aug. 30, 1954, ch 1073, Title I, Ch 19, sect. 251, 68 Stat. 960; June 11, 1959, Public

Law 86-43, 73 Stat. 73; Oct. 24, 1992, Public Law 102-486, Title IX, sect. 902(a)(8), 106 Stat. 2944) was

repealed by Act Nov. 18, 1997, Public Law 105-85, Div. C, Title XXXI, Subtitle D, sect. 3152(a), 111 Stat.

2042. It provided for a report to Congress on the activities of the Atomic Energy Commisssion.

Volume 1, Page 1–144

radioactive materials, shall be punished as provided under

sections 1111 and 1112 of title 18, United States Code. The preceding

sentence shall be applicable only if such person is killed while

engaged in the performance of such inspection duties or on account of

the performance of such duties. 

b. Whoever forcibly assaults, resists, opposes, impedes, intimidates, or

interferes with any person who performs inspections as described under

subsection a. of this section, while such person is engaged in such

inspection duties or on account of the performance of such duties, shall be

punished as provided under section 111 of title 18, United States Code.262

Sec. 236. Sabotage Of Nuclear Facilities Or Fuel.

42 USC 2284. a. Any person who intentionally and willfully destroys or causes

physical damage to–

(1) any production facility or utilization facility licensed under this

Act;

(2) any nuclear waste storage facility licensed under this Act;

(3) any nuclear fuel for such a utilization facility, or any spent

nuclear fuel from such a facility; or

(4) any uranium enrichment facility licensed by the Nuclear

Regulatory Commission or attempts or conspires to dosuch an act,

shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned for not more than

20 years or both, and if death results to any person, shall be

imprisoned for any term of years or for life.263

Penalties. b. Any person who intentionally and willfully causes an interruption

of normal operation of any such facility through the unauthorized use of

or tampering with the machinery, components, or controls of any such

facility, or attempts or conspires to do such an act, shall be fined not more

than $10,000 or imprisoned for not more than 20 years, or both, and, if

death results to any person, shall be imprisoned for any term of years or

for life.264

CHAPTER 19–MISCELLANEOUS

Sec. 241. Transfer Of Property.

42 USC 2015.

Transfer of

property.

Nothing in this Act shall be deemed to repeal, modify, amend, or alter

the provisions of section 9(a) of the Atomic Energy Act of 1946, as

heretofore amended.265

Sec. 251. Report To Congress. [REPEALED]

42 USC 2016.

Report to Congress.

The Commission shall submit to the Congress, in January266 of each

year, a report concerning the activities of the Commission. The

Commission shall include in such report, and shall at such other times as
267Public Law 88-72 (77 Stat. 84) (1963). sec. 107, the AEC Fiscal Year 1964 Authorization Act, amended

section 261. Before amendment this section read as follows:

Sec. 261. APPROPRIATIONS--

a. There are hereby authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary and appropriate to carry

out the provisions and purposes of this Act, except--

(1) Such as may be necessary for acquisition or condemnation of any real property or any facility or for

plant or facility acquisition, construction or expansion: Provided, That for the purposes of this subsection a.,

any nonmilitary experimental reactor which is designed to produce more than 10,000 thermal kilowatts of heat

(except for intermittent excursions) or which is designed to be used in the production of electric power shall be

deemed to be a facility.

(2) Such as may be necessary to carry out cooperative programs with persons for the development and

construction of reactors for the demonstration of their use, in whole or in part, in the production of electric

power or process heat, or for propulsion, or solely or principally for the commercial provision of byproduct

material, irradiation, or other special services, for civilian use, by arrangements (including contracts,

agreements, and loans) or amendments thereto, providing for the payment of funds, the rendering of services,

and the undertaking of research and development without full reimbursement, the waiver of charges

accompanying such arrangement, or the provision by the Commission of any other financial assistance

pursuant to such arrangement, or which involves the acquisition or condemnation of any real property or any

facility or for plant or facility acquisition, construction or expansion undertaken by the Commission as a part of

such arrangements.

b. The acts appropriating such sums may appropriate specified portions thereof to be accounted for upon

the certification of the Commission only.

c. Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated for advance planning, construction design, and

architectural services in connection with any plant or facility not otherwise authorized, and for the restoration

or replacement of any plant or facility destroyed or otherwise seriously damaged, and the Commission is

authorized to use available funds for such purposes. 

d. Funds hereafter authorized to be appropriated for any project to be used in connection with the

development or production of special nuclear material or atomic weapons may be used to start another project

not otherwise authorized. If the substituted project is within the limit of cost of the project for which

substitution is to be made, and the Commission certifies that--

(1) the substituted project is essential to the common defense and security;

(2) the substituted project is required by changes in weapon characteristics or weapon logistic operations;

and

(3) the Commission is unable to enter into a contract with any person on terms satisfactory to it to furnish

from a privately owned plant or facility the product or services to be provided by the new project. Subsecs. c.

and d. added by Public Law 87-615 (76 Stat. 409), sec. 8. For previous amendments of this section see

“Atomic Energy Legislation Through 87th Congress, 2nd Session,” p.79. 268Excerpts from legislation appropriating funds to the Atomic Energy Commission are set forth in

appendix 5. 269Legislation authorizing appropriations to the Commission is set forth in Part II, Infra.

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it deems desirable submit to the Congress, such recommendations for

additional legislation as the Commission deems necessary or desirable.

Sec. 261. Appropriations.

42 USC 2017. a.267 No appropriation268 shall be made to the Commission, nor shall

the Commission waive charges for the use of materials under the

Cooperative Power Reactor Demonstration Program, unless previously

authorized by legislation enacted by the Congress.269

b. Any Act appropriating funds to the Commission may appropriate

specified portions thereof to be accounted for upon the certification of the

Commission only.

c. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection a., funds are hereby

authorized to be appropriated for the restoration or replacement of any

plant or facility destroyed or otherwise seriously damaged, and the

Commission is authorized to use available funds for such purposes.

d. Funds authorized to be appropriated for any construction project to

be used in connection with the development or production of special

nuclear material or atomic weapons may be used to start another

construction project not otherwise authorized if the substituted
270Public Law 89-135 (79 Stat. 551) (1965), amended sec. 271. Prior to amendment this section read as

follows:

Sec. 271. AGENCY JURISDICTION–Nothing in this Act shall be construed to affect the authority or

regulations of any Federal, State, or local agency with respect to the generation, sale, or transmission of electric

power. 271Public Law 86-373 (73 Stat. 688) (1959), sec. 1, added sec. 274.

Volume 1, Page 1–146

construction project is within the limit of cost of the construction project

for which substitution is to be made, and the Commission certifies that–

(1) the substituted project is essential to the common defense and

security;

(2) the substituted project is required by changes in weapon

characteristics or weapon logistics operations; and

(3) the Commission is unable to enter into a contract with any

person on terms satisfactory to it to furnish from a privately owned

plant or facility the product or services to be provided by the new

project.

Sec. 271. Agency Jurisdiction.

42 USC 2018.

Agency

jurisdiction.

Nothing in this Act shall be construed to affect the authority or

regulations of any Federal, State, or Local agency with respect to the

generation, sale, or transmission of electric power produced through the

use of nuclear facilities licensed by the Commission: Provided, That this

section shall not be deemed to confer upon any Federal, State, or local

agency any authority to regulate, control, or restrict any activities of the

Commission.270

Sec. 272. Applicability Of Federal Power Act.

42 USC 2019.

Applicability of

Federal Power Act.

Every licensee under this Act who holds a license from the

Commission for a utilization of production facility for the generation of

commercial electric energy under section 103 and who transmits such

electric energy in interstate commerce or sells it as wholesale in interstate

commerce shall be subject to the regulatory provisions of the Federal

Power Act.

Sec. 273. Licensing Of Government Agencies.

42 USC 2020.

Licensing of

Government

agencies.

Nothing in this Act shall preclude any Government agency now or

hereafter authorized by law to engage in the production, marketing, or

distribution of electric energy from obtaining a license under section 103,

if qualified under the provisions of section 103, for the construction and

operation of production of utilization facilities for the primary purpose of

producing electric energy for disposition for ultimate public consumption.

Sec. 274. Cooperation With States.

42 USC 2021.

Cooperation with

States.

a.271 It is the purpose of this section–

(1) to recognize the interests of the States in the peaceful uses of

atomic energy, and to clarify the respective responsibilities under this

Act of the States and the Commission with respect to the regulation of

byproduct, source, and special nuclear materials;

(2) to recognize the need, and establish programs for cooperation

between the States and the Commission with respect to control of

radiation hazards associated with use of such materials;

(3) to promote an orderly regulatory pattern between the

Commission and State governments with respect to nuclear

development and use and regulation of byproduct, source, and special

nuclear materials;

(4) to establish procedures and criteria for discontinuance of

certain of the Commission’s regulatory responsibilities with respect to
272Public Law 95-604 (92 Stat. 3036) (1978), sec. 204(a), amended sec. 274(b)(1) by adding “as defined in

section 11e. (1)” after the words “byproduct materials.” 273Public Law 95-604 (92 Stat. 3037) (1978), sec. 204(a),, renumbered paragraphs (2) and (3) as

paragraphs (3) and (4), and added a new paragraph (2). 274Public Law 102-486 (106 Stat. 2944), Oct. 24, 1992. 275Public Law 95-604 (92 Stat. 3038) (1978), sec. 204(f), added a new sentence after paragraph (4).

Volume 1, Page 1–147

byproduct, source, and special nuclear materials, and the assumption

thereof by the States;

(5) to provide for coordination of the development of radiation

standards for the guidance of Federal agencies and cooperation with

the States; and

(6) to recognize that, as the States improve their capabilities to

regulate effectively such materials, additional legislation may be

desirable.

Agreements with

States.

b. Except as provided in subsection c., the Commission is authorized

to enter into agreements with the Governor of any State providing for

discontinuance of the regulatory authority of the Commission under

chapters 6, 7, and 8, and section 161 of this Act, with respect to any one

or more of the following materials within the State–

(1) byproduct materials as defined in section 11e.(1);272

(2) byproduct materials as defined in section 11e.(2);273

(3) source materials;

(4) special nuclear materials in quantities not sufficient to form a

critical mass.

During the duration of such an agreement it is recognized that the

State shall have authority to regulate the materials covered by the

agreement for the protection of the public health and safety from radiation

hazards.

c. No agreement entered into pursuant to subsection b. shall provide

for discontinuance of any authority and the Commission shall retain

authority and responsibility with respect to regulation of–

(1) the construction and operation of any production or utilization

facility or any uranium enrichment facility;274

(2) the export from or import into the United States of byproduct,

source, or special nuclear material, or of any production or utilization

facility;

(3) the disposal into the ocean or sea of byproduct, source, or

special nuclear waste materials as defined in regulations or orders of

the Commission;

(4) the disposal of such other byproduct, source, or special nuclear

material as the Commission determines by regulation or order should,

because of the hazards or potential hazards thereof, not be so disposed

42 USC 2014. of without a license from the Commission. The Commission shall

also retain authority under any such agreement to make a

determination that all applicable standards and requirements have been

met prior to termination of a license for byproduct material, as defined

in section 11e.(2).275

Conditions. Notwithstanding any agreement between the Commission and any State

pursuant to subsection b., the Commission is authorized by rule,

regulation, or order to require that the manufacturer, processor, or

producer of any equipment, device, commodity, or other product

containing source, byproduct, or special nuclear material shall not transfer
276Public Law 95-604 (92 Stat. 3037) (1978), sec. 904(b), amended sec. 274(d)(2) by inserting the words

“in accordance with the requirements of subsection o, and in all other respects” before the word “compatible.”

Volume 1, Page 1–148

possession or control of such product except pursuant to a license issued

by the Commission.

d. The Commission shall enter into an agreement under subsection b.

of this section with any State if–

(1) The Governor of that State certifies that the State has a

program for the control of radiation hazards adequate to protect the

public health and safety with respect to the materials within the State

covered by the proposed agreement, and that the State desires to

assume regulatory responsibility for such materials; and

(2) the Commission finds that the State program is in accordance

with the requirements of subsection o. and in all other respects276

compatible with the Commission’s program for regulation of such

materials, and that the State program is adequate to protect the public

health and safety with respect to the materials covered by the proposed

agreement.

Publication in F.R. e. (1) Before any agreement under subsection b. is signed by the

Commission, the terms of the proposed agreement and of proposed

exemptions pursuant to subsection f. shall be published once each week

for four consecutive weeks in the Federal Register; and such opportunity

for comment by interested persons on the proposed agreement and

exemptions shall be allowed as the Commission determines by regulation

or order to be appropriate.

(2) Each proposed agreement shall include the proposed effective

date of such proposed agreement or exemptions. The agreement and

exemptions shall be published in the Federal Register within thirty

days after signature by the Commission and the Governor.

Exemptions.

Licensing

requirements.

f. The Commission is authorized and directed, by regulation or order,

to grant such exemptions from the licensing requirements contained in

chapters 6, 7, and 8, and from its regulations applicable to licensees as the

Commission finds necessary or appropriate to carry out any agreement

entered into pursuant to subsection b. of this section.

g. The Commission is authorized and directed to cooperate with the

States in the formulation of standards for protection against hazards of

radiation to assure that State and Commission programs for protection

against hazards of radiation will be coordinated and compatible.

Federal Radiation

Council.

h. There is hereby established a Federal Radiation Council, consisting

of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, the Chairman of the

Atomic Energy Commission, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of

Commerce, the Secretary of Labor, or their designees, and such other

members as shall be appointed by the President. The Council shall consult

qualified scientists and experts in radiation matters, including the

President of the National Academy of Sciences, the Chairman of the

National Committee on Radiation Protection and Measurement, and

qualified experts in the field of biology and medicine and in the field of

health physics. The Special Assistant to the President for Science and

Technology, or his designee, is authorized to attend meetings, participate

in the deliberations of, and to advise the Council. The Chairman of the

Council shall be designated by the President, from time to time, from

among the members of the Council. The Council shall advise the

President with respect to radiation matters, directly or indirectly affecting
277Public Law 96-295 (94 Stat. 787) (1980), sec. 205, inserted “(1)” after j. 278Public Law 95-604 (92 Stat. 3037) (1978), sec. 204(d)(1), amended sec. 274j by adding the words “all

or part of” after “suspend.” 279Public Law 95-604 (92 Stat. 3037) (1978), sec. 204(d)(2), amended sec. 274j by inserting “(1)” after

“finds that.” 280Public Law 95-604 (92 Stat. 3037) (1978), sec. 204(d)(3), amended sec. 274j by adding at the end

before the period :

or (2) the State has not complied with one or more of the requirements of this section. The Commission

shall periodically review such agreements and actions taken by the States under the agreements to ensure

compliance with the provisions of this section.

Volume 1, Page 1–149

health, including guidance for all Federal agencies in the formulation of

radiation standards and in the establishment and execution of programs of

cooperation with States. The Council shall also perform such other

functions as the President may assign to it by Executive order.

Inspections. i. The Commission in carrying out its licensing and regulatory

responsibilities under this Act is authorized to enter into agreements with

any State, or group of States, to perform inspections or other functions on

a cooperative basis as the Commission deems appropriate. The

Commission is also authorized to provide training, with or without charge,

to employees of, and such other assistance to, any such State or political

subdivision thereof or group of States as the Commission deems

appropriate. Any such provision or assistance by the Commission shall

take into account the additional expenses that may be incurred by a State

as a consequence of the State’s entering into an agreement with the

Commission pursuant to subsection b.

Termination of

agreement.

j. (1)277 The Commission, upon its own initiative after reasonable

notice and opportunity for hearing to the State with which an agreement

under subsection b. has become effective, or upon request of the

Governor of such State, may terminate or suspend all or part of278 its

agreement with the State and reassert the licensing and regulatory

authority vested in it under this Act, if the Commission finds that (1)279

such termination or suspension is required to protect the public health and

safety, or (2) the State has not complied with one or more of the

requirements of this section. The Commission shall periodically review

such agreements and actions taken by the States under the agreements to

insure compliance with the provisions of this section.280

(2) The Commission, upon its own motion or upon request of the

Governor of any State, may, after notifying the Governor, temporarily

suspend all or part of its agreement with the State without notice or

hearing if, in the judgment of the Commission:

(A) an emergency situation exists with respect to any material

covered by such an agreement creating danger which requires

immediate action to protect the health or safety of persons either

within or outside of the State, and

(B) the State has failed to take steps necessary to contain or

eliminate the cause of the danger within a reasonable time after the

situation arose.

A temporary suspension under this paragraph shall remain in effect

only for such time as the emergency situation exists and shall authorize
281Public Law 96-295 (94 Stat. 787) (1980), sec. 205 added new subsec. j. (2). 282Public Law 95-604 (92 Stat. 3037) (1978), sec. 204(c), added last sentence to sec. 274n.

Volume 1, Page 1–150

the Commission to exercise its authority only to the extent necessary to

contain or eliminate the danger.281

k. Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect the authority of

any State or local agency to regulate activities for purposes other than

protection against radiation hazards.

Notice of filing. l. With respect to each application for Commission license authorizing

an activity as to which the Commission’s authority is continued pursuant

to subsection c., the Commission shall give prompt notice to the State or

States in which the activity will be conducted of the filing of the license

application; and shall afford reasonable opportunity for State

representatives to offer evidence, interrogate witnesses, and advise the

Commission as to the application without requiring such representatives

to take a position for or against the granting of the application.

m. No agreement entered into under subsection b., and no exemption

granted pursuant to subsection f., shall affect the authority of the

Commission under subsection 161b. or i. it issue rules, regulations, or

orders to protect the common defense and security, to protect restricted

data or to guard against the loss or diversion of special nuclear material.

For purposes of subsection 161i., activities covered by exemptions

granted pursuant to subsection f. shall be deemed to constitute activities

authorized pursuant to this Act; and special nuclear material acquired by

any person pursuant to such an exemption shall be deemed to have been

acquired pursuant to section 53.

Definition. n. As used in this section, the term “State” means any State, Territory,

or possession of the United States, the Canal Zone, Puerto Rico, and the

Agreement. District of Columbia. As used in this section, the term “agreement”

includes any amendment to any agreement.282

o. In the licensing and regulation of byproduct material, as defined in

section 11e. (2) of this Act, or of any activity which results in the

production of byproduct material as so defined under an agreement

entered into pursuant to subsection b., a State shall require–

(1) compliance with the requirements of subsection b. of

section 83 (respecting ownership of byproduct material and land), and

Ante, p. 3033.

Post. p. 3039.

(2) compliance with standards which shall be adopted by the State

for the protection of the public health, safety, and the environment

from hazards associated with such material which are equivalent, to

the extent practicable, or more stringent than, standards adopted and

enforced by the Commission for the same purpose, including

requirements and standards promulgated by the Commission and the

Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency pursuant to

sections 83, 84, and 275, and

(3) procedures which–

(A) in the case of licenses, provide procedures under State law

which include–

(i) an opportunity, after public notice, for written comments

and a public hearing, with a transcript,

(ii) an opportunity for cross examination, and

(iii) a written determination which is based upon findings

included in such determination and upon the evidence
283Public Law 95-604 (92 Stat. 3037) (1978), sec. 204(e), added a new subsec. o.

Volume 1, Page 1–151

presented during the public comment period and which is

subject to judicial review;

(B) in the case of rulemaking, provide an opportunity for

public participation through written comments or a public hearing

and provide for judicial review of the rule;

(C) require for each license which has a significant impact on

the human environment a written analysis (which shall be available

to the public before the commencement of any such proceedings)

of the impact of such license, including any activities conducted

pursuant thereto, on the environment, which analysis shall

include–

(i) an assessment of the radiological and nonradiological

impacts to the public health of the activities to be conducted

pursuant to such license;

(ii) an assessment of any impact on any waterway and

groundwater resulting from such activities;

(iii) consideration of alternatives, including alternative sites

and engineering methods, to the activities to be conducted

pursuant to such license; and

(iv) consideration of the long-term impacts, including

decommissioning, decontamination, and reclamation impacts,

associated with activities to be conducted pursuant to such

license, including the management of any byproduct material,

as defined by section 11e.(2); and

(D) prohibit any major construction activity with respect to

such material prior to complying with the provisions of

subparagraph (C).

Ante, p. 3033. If any State under such agreement imposes upon any licensee any

requirement for the payment of funds to such State for the reclamation or

long-term maintenance and monitoring of such material, and if transfer to

the United States of such material is required in accordance with section

83b. of this Act, such agreement shall be amended by the Commission to

provide that such State shall transfer to the United States upon

termination of the license issued to such licensee the total amount

collected by such State from such licensee for such purpose. If such

payments are required, they must be sufficient to ensure compliance with

the standards established by the Commission pursuant to section 161x. of

42 USC 2201. this Act. No State shall be required under paragraph (3) to conduct

proceedings concerning any license or regulation which would duplicate

proceedings conducted by the Commission.283

42 USC 2014. In adopting requirements pursuant to paragraph (2) of this subsection

with respect to sites at which ores are processed primarily for their source

material content or which are used for the disposal of byproduct material

as defined in section 11e.(2), the State may adopt alternatives (including,

where appropriate, site-specific alternatives) to the requirements adopted

and enforced by the Commission for the same purpose if, after notice and

opportunity for public hearing, the Commission determines that such

alternatives will achieve a level of stabilization and containment of the

sites concerned, and a level of protection for public health, safety, and the

environment from radiological and nonradiological hazards associated

with such sites, which is equivalent to, to the extent practicable, or more
284Public Law 97-415 (96 Stat. 2067) (1983), sec. 19 added this paragraph. 285Public Law 97-415 (96 Stat. 2067) (1983), sec. 18 substituted “October 1, 1982” for “one year after the

date of enactment of this section.” 286Public Law 97-415 (96 Stat. 2067) (1983), sec. 22 added this language to sec. 275a. 287Public Law 97-415 (96 Stat. 2067) (1983), sec. 18 substituted this language for “one year after

enactment of this section.” 288Public Law 97-415 (96 Stat. 2067) (1983), sec. 22 added this language to sec. 275b(1).

Volume 1, Page 1–152

stringent than the level which would be achieved by standards and

requirements adopted and enforced by the Commission for the same

purpose and any final standards promulgated by the Administrator of the

42 USC 2022. Environmental Protection Agency in accordance with section 275. Such

alternative State requirements may take into account local or regional

conditions, including geology, topography, hydrology and meteorology.284

Sec. 275. Health And Environmental Standards for Uranium Mill

Tailings.

42 USC 2022.

Rule.

 a. As soon as practicable, but not later than October 1, 1982,285 the

Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (hereinafter

referred to in this section as the “Administrator”) shall, by rule,

promulgate standards of general application (including standards

applicable to licenses under section 104(h) of the Uranium Mill Tailings

Radiation Control Act of 1978) for the protection of the public health,

safety, and the environment from radiological and nonradiological

hazards associated with residual radioactive materials (as defined in

section 101 of the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act of 1978)

located at inactive uranium mill tailings sites and depository sites for such

materials selected by the Secretary of Energy, pursuant to title I of the

Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act of 1978. Standards

promulgated pursuant to this subsection shall, to the maximum extent

practicable, be consistent with the requirements of the Solid Waste

Disposal Act, as amended. In establishing such standards, the

Administrator shall consider the risk to the public health, safety, and the

environment, the environmental and economic costs of applying such

standards, and such other factors as the Administrator determines to be

appropriate.286 The Administrator may periodically revise any standard

promulgated pursuant to this subsection.

42 USC 7911. After October 1, 1982, if the Administrator has not promulgated

standards in final form under this subsection, any action of the Secretary

of Energy under title I of the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control

Act of 1978 which is required to comply with, or be taken in accordance

with, standards of the Administrator shall comply with, or be taken in

accordance with, the standards proposed by the Administrator under this

subsection until such time as the Administrator promulgates such

standards in final form.287

42 USC 2014.

42 USC 6901 note.

b.(1) As soon as practicable, but not later than October 31, 1982, the

Administrator shall, by rule, propose and within 11 months thereafter

promulgate in final form,288 standards, general application for the

protection of the public health, safety, and the environment from

radiological and non-radiological hazards associated with processing and

with the possession, transfer, and disposal of byproduct material, as

defined in section 11e.(2) of this Act, at sites at which ores are processed

primarily for their source material content or which are used for the

disposal of such byproduct material.
289Public Law 97-415 (96 Stat. 2067) (1983), sec. 18 changed subsec. b from “eighteen months after

enactment of this section” to current language. 290Public Law 97-415 (96 Stat. 2067) (1983). sec. 22 added this language at end of subsec. b.

Volume 1, Page 1–153

Promulgation

authority.

If the Administrator fails to promulgate standards in final form under

this subsection by October 1, 1983, the authority of the Administrator to

promulgate such standards shall terminate, and the Commission may take

actions under this Act without regard to any provision of this Act

requiring such actions to comply with, or be taken in accordance with,

standards promulgated by the Administrator. In any such case, the

Commission shall promulgate, and from time to time revise, any such

standards of general application which the Commission deems necessary

to carry out its responsibilities in the conduct of its licensing activities

under this Act. Requirements established by the Commission under this

Act with respect to byproduct material as defined in section 11e.(2) shall

42 USC 2014. confirm to such standards. Any requirements adopted by the Commission

respecting such byproduct material before promulgation by the

Commission of such standards shall be amended as the Commission

deems necessary to conform to such standards in the same manner as

provided in subsection f.(3). Nothing in this subsection shall be construed

to prohibit or suspend the implementation or enforcement by the

Commission of any requirement of the Commission respecting byproduct

material as defined in section 11e.(2) pending promulgation by the

Commission of any such standard of general application.289 In

establishing such standards, the Administrator shall consider the risk to

the public health, safety, and the environment, the environmental and

economic costs of applying such standards, and such other factors as the

Administrator determines to be appropriate.290

(2) Such generally applicable standards promulgated pursuant to this

subsection for nonradiological hazards shall provide for the protection of

human health and the environment consistent with the standards required

under subtitle C of the Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended, which are

applicable to such hazards: Provided, however, That no permit issued by

the Administrator is required under this Act or the Solid Waste Disposal

Act, as amended, for the processing, possession, transfer, or disposal of

byproduct material, as defined in section 11e.(2) of this Act. The

Administration may periodically revise any standard promulgated

42 USC 2021. pursuant to this subsection. Within three years after such revision of any

such standard, the Commission and any State permitted to exercise

authority under section 274b.(2) shall apply such revised standard in the

case of any license for byproduct material as defined in section 11e.(2) or

any revision thereof.

Consultation.

Notice, hearing

opportunity.

Publication in

Federal Register.

c. (1) Before the promulgation of any rule pursuant to this section, the

Administrator shall publish the proposed rule in the Federal Register,

together with a statement of the research, analysis, and other available

information in support of such proposed rule, and provide a period of

public comment of at least thirty days for written comments thereon and

an opportunity, after such comment period and after public notice, for any

interested person to present oral data, views, and arguments at a public

hearing. There shall be a transcript of any such hearing. The

Administrator shall consult with the Commission and the Secretary of

Energy before promulgation of any such rule.
291Public Law 95-604 (92 Stat. 3039) (1978), sec. 206(a), added sec. 275.

Volume 1, Page 1–154

Judicial review. (2) Judicial review of any rule promulgated under this section may

be obtained by any interested person only upon such person filing a

petition for review within sixty days after such promulgation in the

United States court of appeals for the Federal judicial circuit in which

such person resides or has his principal place of business. A copy of

the petition shall be forthwith transmitted by the clerk of the court to

the Administrator. The Administrator thereupon shall file in the court

the written submission to, and transcript of, the written or oral

proceedings on which such rule was based as provided in section 2112

5 USC et seq. of title 28, United States Code. The court shall have jurisdiction to

review the rule in accordance with chapter 7 of title 5, United States

Code, and to grant appropriate relief as provided in such chapter. The

judgment of the court affirming, modifying, or setting aside, in whole

or in part, any such rule shall be final, subject to judicial review by the

Supreme Court of the United States upon certiorari or certification as

provided in section 1254 of title 28, United States Code.

(3) Any rule promulgated under this section shall not take effect

earlier than sixty calendar days after such promulgation.

42 USC 2021. d. Implementation and enforcement of the standards promulgated

pursuant to subsection b. of this section shall be the responsibility of the

Commission in the conduct of its licensing activities under this Act. 

States exercising authority pursuant to section 274b.(2) of this Act shall

implement and enforce such standards in accordance with subsection o. of

such section.

42 USC 2014.

42 USC 7401 note.

e. Nothing in this Act applicable to byproduct material, as defined in

section 11e.(2) of this Act, shall affect the authority of the Administrator

under the Clean Air Act of 1970, as amended, or the Federal Water

Pollution Control Act, as amended.291

Uranium mill

licensing

requirement

regulations.

f.(1) Prior to January 1, 1983, the Commission shall not implement or

enforce the provisions of the Uranium Mill Licensing Requirements

published as final rules at 45 Federal Register 65521 to 65538 on

October 3, 1980 (hereinafter in this subsection referred to as the

Implementation “October 3 regulations”).

and Enforcement.

 After December 31, 1982, the Commission is

authorized to implement and enforce the provisions of such October 3

regulations (and any subsequent modifications or additions to such

regulations which may be adopted by the Commission), except as

otherwise provided in paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection.

Review, public

comment, and

suspension.

(2) Following the proposal by the Administrator of standards under

subsection b., the Commission shall review the October 3 regulations,

and, not later than 90 days after the date of such proposal, suspend

implementation and enforcement of any provision of such regulations

which the Commission determines after notice and opportunity for public

comment to require a major action or major commitment by licensees

which would be unnecessary if–

(A) the standards proposed by the Administrator are promulgated

in final form without modification, and

(B) the Commission’s requirements are modified to conform to

such standards.

Such suspension shall terminate on the earlier of April 1, 1984 or the

date on which the Commission amends the October 3 regulations to

conform to final standards promulgated by the Administrator under
292Public Law 97-415 (96 Stat. 2067) (1983), sec. 18 added new subsec. f. 293Public Law 102-486 (106 Stat. 3122) 294Public Law 102-486 (106 Stat. 3122); Oct. 24, 1992 added new Sec. 276.

Volume 1, Page 1–155

subsection b. During the period of such suspension, the Commission shall

continue to regulate byproduct material (as defined in section 11e.(2))

under this Act on a licensee-by-licensee basis as the Commission deems

necessary to protect public health, safety, and the environment.

(3) Not later than 6 months after the date on which the Administrator

promulgates final standards pursuant to subsection b. of this section, the

Commission shall, after notice and opportunity for public comment,

amend the October 3 regulations, and adopt such modifications, as the

Commission deems necessary to conform to such final standards of the

Administrator.

42 USC 2114. (4) Nothing in this subsection may be construed as affecting the

authority or responsibility of the Commission under section 84 to

promulgate regulations to protect the public health and safety and the

environment.292

Sec. 276. State Authority to Regulate Radiation Below Level of

Regulatory Concern of Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

42 USC 2023. (a)293 IN GENERAL.–No provision of this Act, or of the Low-Level

Radioactive Waste Policy Act, may be construed to prohibit or otherwise

restrict the authority of any State to regulate, on the basis of radiological

hazard, the disposal or off-site incineration of low-level radioactive waste,

if the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, after the date of the enactment of

the Energy Policy Act of 1992 exempts such waste from regulation.

(b) RELATION TO OTHER STATE AUTHORITY.–This section

may not be construed to imply preemption of existing State authority.

Except as expressly provided in subsection (a), this section may not be

construed to confer on any State any additional authority to regulate

activities licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

(c) DEFINITIONS.–For purposes of this section:

(1) The term “low-level radioactive waste” means radioactive

material classified by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission as

low-level radioactive waste on the date of the enactment of the Energy

Policy Act of 1992.

(2) The term “off-site incineration” means any incineration of

radioactive materials at a facility that is located off the site where such

materials were generated.

(3) The term “State” means each of the several States, the District

of Columbia, and any commonwealth, territory, or possession of the

United States.

(b) REVOCATION OF RELATED NRC POLICY

STATEMENTS.–The policy statements of the Nuclear Regulatory

Commission published in the Federal Register on July 3, 1990 (55 Fed.

Reg. 27522) and August 29, 1986 (51 Fed. Reg. 30839), relating to

radioactive waste below regulatory concern, shall have no effect after the

date of the enactment of this Act.294

Sec. 281. Separability.

Separability. If any provision of this Act or the application of such provision to any

person or circumstances, is held invalid, the remainder of this Act or the

application of such provision to persons or circumstances other than those

as to which it is held invalid, shall not be affected thereby.
Volume 1, Page 1–156

Sec. 291. SHORT TITLE.

Short title. This Act may be cited as the “Atomic Energy Act of 1954 .”

CHAPTER 20–JOINT COMMITTEE ON ATOMIC

ENERGY ABOLISHED; FUNCTIONS AND

RESPONSIBILITIES REASSIGNED

Sec. 301. Joint Committee On Atomic Energy Abolished.

42 USC 2258. a. The Joint Committee on Atomic Energy is abolished.

b. Any reference in any rule, resolution, or order of the Senate or the

House of Representatives or in any law, regulation, or Executive order to

the Joint Committee on Atomic Energy shall, on and after the date of

enactment of this section, be considered as referring to the committees of

the Senate and the House of Representatives which, under the rules of the

Senate and the House, have jurisdiction over the subject matter of such

reference.

Records, transfer. c. All records, data, charts, and files of the Joint Committee on Atomic

Energy are transferred to the committees of the Senate and House of

Representatives which, under the rules of the Senate and the House, have

jurisdiction over the subject matters to which such records, data, charts,

and files relate. In the event that any record, data, chart, or file shall be

within the jurisdiction of more than one committee, duplicate copies shall

be provided upon request.

Sec. 302. Transfer Of Certain Functions Of The Joint Committee On

Atomic Energy And Conforming Amendments To Certain Other

Laws.

42 USC 2251 et

seq.

Repeal.

a. Effective on the date of enactment of this section, chapter 17 of this

Act is repealed.

b. Section 103 of the Atomic Energy Community Act of 1955, as

Repeal. amended, is repealed.

42 USC 2315. c. Section 3 of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control

Act of 1974 is amended by–

(1) striking the subsection designation “(a)”; and

Repeal. (2) repealing subsection (b).

2 USC 190j.

Repeal.

d. Section 252(a)(3) of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970 is

repealed.

Sec. 303. Information And Assistance To Congressional Committees.

42 USC 2259. a. The Secretary of Energy and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission

shall keep the committees of the Senate and the House of Representatives

which, under the rules of the Senate and the House, have jurisdiction over

the functions of the Secretary or the Commission, fully and currently

informed with respect to the activities of the Secretary and the

Commission.

b. The Department of Defense and Department of State shall keep the

committees of the Senate and the House of Representatives which, under

the rules of the Senate and the House, have jurisdiction over national 

security considerations of nuclear energy, fully and currently informed

with respect to such matters within the Department of Defense and

Department of State relating to national security considerations of nuclear

technology which are within the jurisdiction of such committees.

c. Any Government agency shall furnish any information requested by

the committees of the Senate and the House of Representatives which,
295Public Law 95-110 (91 Stat. 884) (1977) added chapter 20.

Volume 1, Page 1–157

under the rules of the Senate and the House, have jurisdiction over the

development, utilization, or application of nuclear energy, with respect to

the activities or responsibilities of such agency in the field of nuclear

energy which are within the jurisdiction of such committees.

d. The committees of the Senate and the House of Representatives

which, under the rules of the Senate and the House, have jurisdiction over

the development, utilization or application of nuclear energy, are

authorized to utilize the services, information, facilities, and personnel of

any Government agency which has activities or responsibilities in the

field of nuclear energy which are within the jurisdiction of such

committees: Provided, however, That any utilization of personnel by such

committees shall be on a reimbursable basis and shall require, with

respect to committees of the Senate, the prior written consent of the

Committee on Rules and Administration, and with respect to committees

of the House of Representatives, the prior written consent of the

Committee on House Administration.295

Approved August 30, 1954, 9:44 a.m., E.D.T.

CHAPTER 21–DEFENSE NUCLEAR FACILITIES SAFETY

BOARD

Sec. 311. Establishment.

42 USC 2286. (a) Establishment.–There is hereby established an independent

establishment in the executive branch, to be known as the “Defense

Nuclear Facilities Safety Board” (hereafter in this chapter referred to as

the “Board”).

President of U.S. (b) Membership.–(1) The Board shall be composed of five members

appointed from civilian life by the President, by and with the advice and

consent of the Senate, from among United States citizens who are

respected experts in the field of nuclear safety with a demonstrated

competence and knowledge relevant to the independent investigative and

oversight functions of the Board. Not more than three members of the

Board shall be of the same political party.

(2) Any vacancy in the membership of the Board shall be filled in

the same manner in which the original appointment was made.

(3) No member of the Board may be an employee of, or have any

significant financial relationship with, the Department of Energy or

any contractor of the Department of Energy.

42 USC 2286.

President of U.S.

(4) Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this

chapter, the President shall submit to the Senate nominations for

Reports. appointment to the Board. In the event that the President is unable to

submit the nominations within such 180-day period, the President

shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services and on

Appropriations of the Senate and to the Speaker of the House of

Representatives a report describing the reasons for such inability and a

plan for submitting the nominations within the next 90 days. If the

President is unable to submit the nominations within that 90-day

period, the President shall again submit to such committees and the

Speaker such a report and plan. The President shall continue to submit

to such committees and the Speaker such a report and plan every 90

days until the nominations are submitted.
Volume 1, Page 1–158

President of U.S. (c) Chairman and Vice Chairman.–(1) The President shall designate a

Chairman and Vice Chairman of the board from among members of the

Board.

(2) The Chairman shall be the chief executive officer of the Board

and, subject to such policies as the Board may establish, shall exercise

the functions of the Board with respect to–

(A) the appointment and supervision of employees of the

Board;

(B) the organization of any administrative units established by

the Board; and

(C) the use and expenditure of funds.

(3) The Chairman may delegate any of the functions under this

paragraph to any other member or to any appropriate officer of the

Board.

(4) The Vice Chairman shall act as Chairman in the event of the

absence or incapacity of the Chairman or in case of a vacancy in the

office of Chairman.

(d) Terms.–(1) Except as provided under paragraph (2), the members

of the Board shall serve for terms of five years. Members of the Board

may be reappointed.

(2) Of the members first appointed–

(A) one shall be appointed for a term of one year;

(B) one shall be appointed for a term of two years;

(C) one shall be appointed for a term of three years;

(D) one shall be appointed for a term of four years; and

(E) one shall be appointed for a term of five years, as

designated by the President at the time of appointment.

(3) Any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring before the

expiration of the term of office for which such member’s predecessor

was appointed shall be appointed only for the remainder of such term.

A member may serve after the expiration of that member’s term until a

successor has taken office.

(e) Quorum.–Three members of the Board shall constitute a quorum,

but a lesser number may hold hearings.

Sec. 312. Functions Of The Board.

42 USC 2286a. The Board shall perform the following functions:

(1) Review And Evaluation Of Standards.–The Board shall review

and evaluate the content and implementation of the standards relating

to the design, construction, operation, and decommissioning of

defense nuclear facilities of the Department of Energy (including all

applicable Department of Energy orders, regulations, and

requirements) at each Department of Energy defense nuclear facility.

The Board shall recommend to the Secretary of Energy those specific

measures that should be adopted to ensure that public health and

safety are adequately protected. The Board shall include in its

recommendations necessary changes in the content and

implementation of such standards, as well as matters on which

additional data or additional research is needed.

(2) Investigations.–(A) The Board shall investigate any event or

practice at a Department of Energy defense nuclear facility which the

Board determines has adversely affected, or may adversely affect,

public health and safety.
Volume 1, Page 1–159

(B) The purpose of any Board investigation under

subparagraph (A) shall be–

(i) to determine whether the Secretary of Energy is

adequately implementing the standards described in paragraph

(1) of the Department of Energy (including all applicable

Department of Energy orders, regulations, and requirements) at

the facility;

(ii) to ascertain information concerning the circumstances

of such event or practice and its implications for such

standards;

(iii) to determine whether such event or practice is related

to other events or practices at other Department of Energy

defense nuclear facilities; and

(iv) to provide to the Secretary of Energy such

recommendations for changes in such standards or the

implementation of such standards (including Department of

Energy orders, regulations, and requirements) and such

recommendations relating to data or research needs as may be

prudent or necessary.

(3) Analysis Of Design And Operational Data.–The Board shall

have access to and may systematically analyze design and operational

data, including safety analysis reports, from any Department of Energy

defense nuclear facility.

(4) Review Of Facility Design And Construction.–The Board shall

review the design of a new Department of Energy defense nuclear

facility before construction of such facility begins and shall

recommend to the Secretary, within a reasonable time, such

modifications of the design as the Board considers necessary to ensure

adequate protection of public health and safety. During the

construction of any such facility, the Board shall periodically review

and monitor the construction and shall submit to the Secretary, within

a reasonable time, such recommendations relating to the construction

of that facility as the Board considers necessary to ensure adequate

protection of public health and safety. An action of the Board, or a

failure to act, under this paragraph may not delay or prevent the

Secretary of Energy from carrying out the construction of such a

facility.

(5) Recommendations.–The Board shall make such

recommendations to the Secretary of Energy with respect to

Department of Energy defense nuclear facilities, including operations

of such facilities, standards, and research needs, as the Board

determines are necessary to ensure adequate protection of public

health and safety. In making its recommendations the Board shall

consider the technical and economic feasibility of implementing the

recommended measures.

Sec. 313. Powers Of Board.

42 USC 2286b. (a) Hearings.–(1) The Board or a member authorized by the Board

may, for the purpose of carrying out this chapter, hold such hearings and

sit and act at such times and places, and require, by subpoena or

otherwise, the attendance and testimony of such witnesses and the

production of such evidence as the Board or an authorized member may

find advisable.
Volume 1, Page 1–160

(2) (A) Subpoenas may be issued only under the signature of the

Chairman or any member of the Board designated by him and shall be

served by any person designated by the Chairman, any member, or any

person as otherwise provided by law. The attendance of witnesses and

the production of evidence may be required from any place in the

Untied States at any designated place of hearing in the United States.

(B) Any member of the Board may administer oaths or

affirmations to witnesses appearing before the Board.

(C) If a person issued a subpoena under paragraph (1) refuses

to obey such subpoena or is guilty of contumacy, any court of the

United States within the judicial district within which the hearing

is conducted or within the judicial district within which such

person is found or resides or transacts business may (upon

application by the Board) order such person to appear before the

Board to produce evidence or to give testimony relating to the

matter under investigation. Any failure to obey such order of the

court may be punished by such court as a contempt of the court.

(D) The subpoenas of the Board shall be served in the manner

provided for subpoenas issued by a United States district court

under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure for the United States

district courts.

(E) All process of any court to which application may be made

under this section may be served in the judicial district in which

the person required to be served resides or may be found.

(b) Staff.–The Board may, for the purpose of performing its

responsibilities under this chapter–

(1) hire such staff as it considers necessary to perform the

functions of the Board, but not more than the equivalent of 100

full-time employees; and

(2) procure the temporary and intermittent services of experts and

consultants to the extent authorized by section 3109(b) of title 5,

United States Code, at rates the Board determines to be reasonable.

(c) Regulations.–The Board may prescribe regulations to carry out the 

(d) Reporting Requirements.–The Board may establish reporting

requirements for the Secretary of Energy which shall be binding upon the

Classified Secretary.

information.

 The information which the Board may require the Secretary of

Energy to report under this subsection may include any information

designated as classified information, or any information designated as

safeguards information and protected from disclosure under section 147

or 148 of this Act.

42 USC 2286b. (e) Use Of Government Facilities, Etc.–The Board may, for the

purpose of carrying out its responsibilities under this chapter, use any

facility, contractor, or employee of any other department or agency of the

Federal Government with the consent of and under appropriate support

arrangements with the head of such department or agency and, in the case

of a contractor, with the consent of the contractor.

(f) Assistance From Certain Agencies Of The Federal

Government.–With the consent of and under appropriate support

arrangements with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the Board may

obtain the advice and recommendations of the staff of the Commission

on matters relating to the Board’s responsibilities and may obtain the
Volume 1, Page 1–161

advice and recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Reactor

Safeguards on such matters.

(g) Assistance From Organizations Outside The Federal

Government–The Board may enter into an agreement with the National

Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences or any other

appropriate group or organization of experts outside the Federal

Government chosen by the Board to assist the Board in carrying out its

responsibilities under this chapter.

(h) Resident Inspectors.–The Board may assign staff to be stationed at

any Department of Energy defense nuclear facility to carry out the

functions of the Board.

(i) Special Studies.–The Board may conduct special studies pertaining

to adequate protection of public health and safety at any Department of

Energy defense nuclear facility.

(j) Evaluation Of Information.–The Board may evaluate information

received from the scientific and industrial communities, and from the

interested public, with respect to–

(1) events or practices at any Department of Energy defense

nuclear facility; or

(2) suggestions for specific measures to improve the content of

standards described in section 312(1), the implementation of such

standards, or research relating to such standards at Department of

Energy defense nuclear facilities.

Sec. 314. Responsibilities Of The Secretary Of Energy.

42 USC 2286c.

Contracts.

(a) Cooperation.–The Secretary of Energy shall fully cooperate with

the Board and provide the Board with ready access to such facilities,

personnel, and information as the Board considers necessary to carry out

its responsibilities under this chapter. Each contractor operating a

Department of Energy defense nuclear facility under a contract awarded

by the Secretary shall, to the extent provided in such contract or otherwise

with the contractor’s consent, fully cooperate with the Board and provide

the Board with ready access to such facilities, personnel, and information

of the contractor as the Board considers necessary to carry out its

responsibilities under this chapter.

(b) Access To Information.–The Secretary of Energy may deny access

to information provided to the Board to any person who–

(1) has not been granted an appropriate security clearance or

access authorization by the Secretary of Energy; or

(2) does not need such access in connection with the duties of such

person.

Sec. 315. Board Recommendations.

42 USC 2286d.

Federal Register,

publication.

(a) Public Availability And Comment.–Subject to subsections (g) and

(h) and after receipt by the Secretary of Energy of any recommendations

from the Board under section 312, the Board promptly shall make such

recommendations available to the public in the Department of Energy’s

regional public reading rooms and shall publish in the Federal Register

such recommendations and a request for the submission to the Board of

public comments on such recommendations. Interested persons shall have

30 days after the date of the publication of such notice in which to submit

comments, data, views, or arguments to the Board concerning the

recommendations.
Volume 1, Page 1–162

(b) Response By Secretary.–(1) The Secretary of Energy shall transmit

to the Board, in writing, a statement on whether the Secretary accepts or

rejects, in whole or in part, the recommendations submitted to him by the

Board under section 312, a description of the actions to be taken in

response to the recommendations, and his views on such

recommendations. The Secretary of Energy shall transmit his response to

the Board within 45 days after the date of the publication, under

subsection (a), of the notice with respect to such recommendations or

within such additional period, not to exceed 45 days, as the Board may

grant. 

Federal Register,

publication.

(2) At the same time as the Secretary of Energy transmits his

response to the Board under paragraph (1), the Secretary, subject to

subsection (h), shall publish such response, together with a request for

public comment on his response, in the Federal Register.

(3) Interested persons shall have 30 days after the date of the

publication of the Secretary of Energy’s response in which to submit

comments, data, views, or arguments to the Board concerning the

Secretary’s response.

(4) The Board may hold hearings for the purpose of obtaining

public comments on its recommendations and the Secretary of

Energy’s response.

(c) Provision Of Information To Secretary.–The Board shall furnish

the Secretary of Energy with copies of all comments, data, views, and

arguments submitted to it under subsection (a) or (b).

(d) Final Decision.–If the Secretary of Energy, in a response under

subsection (b)(1), rejects (in whole or part) any recommendation made by

the Board under section 312, the Board shall either reaffirm its original

recommendation or make a revised recommendation and shall notify the

Federal Register, Secretary of its action.

publication.

Reports.

 Within 30 days after receiving the notice of the

Board’s action under this subsection, the Secretary shall consider the

Board’s action and make a final decision on whether to implement all or

part of the Board’s recommendations. Subject to subsection (h), the

Secretary shall publish the final decision and the reasoning for such

decision in the Federal Register and shall transmit to the Committees on

Armed Services and on Appropriations of the Senate, and to the Speaker

of the House of Representatives a written report containing that decision

and reasoning.

(e) Implementation Plan.–The Secretary of Energy shall prepare a plan

for the implementation of each Board recommendation, or part of a

recommendation, that is accepted by the Secretary in his final decision.

The Secretary shall transmit the implementation plan to the Board within

90 days after the date of the publication of the Secretary’s final decision

on such recommendation in the Federal Register. The Secretary may have

an additional 45 days to transmit the plan if the Secretary submits to the

Board and to the Committees on Armed Services and on Appropriations

of the Senate and to the Speaker of the House of Representatives a

notification setting forth the reasons for the delay and describing the

actions the Secretary is taking to prepare an implementation plan under

this subsection. The Secretary may implement any such recommendation

(or part of any such recommendation) before, on, or after the date on

which the Secretary transmits the implementation plan to the Board under

this subsection.
Volume 1, Page 1–163

Reports. (f) Implementation.–(1) Subject to paragraph (2), not later than one

year after the date on which the Secretary of Energy transmits an

implementation plan with respect to a recommendation (or part thereof)

under subsection (e), the Secretary shall carry out and complete the

implementation plan. If complete implementation of the plan takes more

than 1 year, the Secretary of Energy shall submit a report to the

Committees on Armed Services and on Appropriations of the Senate and

to the Speaker of the House of Representatives setting forth the reasons

for the delay and when implementation will be completed.

Reports. (2) If the Secretary of Energy determines that the implementation

of a Board recommendation (or part thereof) is impracticable because

of budgetary considerations, or that the implementation would affect

the Secretary’s ability to meet the annual nuclear weapons stockpile

requirements established pursuant to section 91 of this Act, the

Secretary shall submit to the President, to the Committees on Armed

Services and on Appropriations of the Senate, and to the Speaker of

the House of Representatives a report containing the recommendation

and the Secretary’s determination.

Public health and

safety.

(g) Imminent Or Severe Threat.–(1) In any case in which the Board

determines that a recommendation submitted to the Secretary of Energy

under section 312 relates to an imminent or severe threat to public health

and safety, the Board and the Secretary of Energy shall proceed under this

subsection in lieu of subsections (a) through (d).

President of U.S. (2) At the same time that the Board transmits a recommendation

relating to an imminent or severe threat to the Secretary of Energy, the

Board shall also transmit the recommendation to the President and for

information purposes to the Secretary of Defense. The Secretary of

Energy shall submit his recommendation to the President. The

President shall review the Secretary of Energy’s recommendation and

shall make the decision concerning acceptance or rejection of the

Board’s recommendation.

Public information. (3) After receipt by the President of the recommendation from the

Board under this subsection, the Board promptly shall make such

recommendation available to the public and shall transmit such

recommendation to the Committees on Armed Services and on

Appropriations of the Senate and to the Speaker of the House of

President of U.S. Representatives. The President shall promptly notify such committees

and the Speaker of his decision and the reasons for that decision.

(h) Limitation.–Notwithstanding any other provision of this section,

the requirements to make information available to the public under this

section–

(1) shall not apply in the case of information that is classified; and

(2) shall be subject to the orders and regulations issued by the

Secretary of Energy under sections 147 and 148 of this Act to prohibit

dissemination of certain information.

Sec. 316. Reports.

42 USC 2286e. (a) Board Report.–(1) The Board shall submit to the Committees on

Armed Services and on Appropriations of the Senate and to the Speaker

of the House of Representatives each year, at the same time that the

President submits the budget to Congress pursuant to section 1105(a) of

title 31, United States Code, a written report concerning its activities

under this chapter, including all recommendations made by the Board,
Volume 1, Page 1–164

during the year preceding the year in which the report is submitted. The

Board may also issue periodic unclassified reports on matters within the

Board’s responsibilities.

(2) The annual report under paragraph (1) shall include an

assessment of–

(A) The improvements in the safety of Department of Energy

defense nuclear facilities during the period covered by the report;

(B) the improvements in the safety of Department of Energy

defense nuclear facilities resulting from actions taken by the Board

or taken on the basis of the activities of the Board; and

(C) the outstanding safety problems, if any, of Department of

Energy defense nuclear facilities.

(b) DOE Report.–The Secretary of Energy shall submit to the

Committees on Armed Services and on Appropriations of the Senate and

to the Speaker of the House of Representatives each year, at the same

time that the President submits the budget to Congress pursuant to section

1105(a) of title 31, United State Code, a written report concerning the

activities of the Department of Energy under this chapter during the year

preceding the year in which the report is submitted.

Sec. 317. Judicial Review.

42 USC 2286f. Chapter 7 of title 5, United States Code, shall apply to the activities of

the Board under this chapter.

Sec. 318. Definition.

42 USC 2286g. As used in this chapter, the term “Department of Energy defense

nuclear facility” means any of the following:

(1) A production facility or utilization facility (as defined in

section 11 of this Act) that is under the control or jurisdiction of the

Secretary of Energy and that is operated for national security

purposes, but the term does not include–

(A) any facility or activity covered by Executive Order No.

12344, dated February 1, 1982, pertaining to the Naval nuclear

propulsion program;

(B) any facility or activity involved with the assembly or

testing of nuclear explosives or with the transportation of nuclear

explosives or nuclear material;

(C) any facility that does not conduct atomic energy defense

activities; or

(D) any facility owned by the United States Enrichment

Corporation.

(2) A nuclear waste storage facility under the control or

jurisdiction of the Secretary of Energy, but the term does not include a

facility developed pursuant to the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982

(42 USC 10101 et seq.) and licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory

Commission.

Sec. 319. Contract Authority Subject To Appropriations.

42 USC 2286h. The authority of the Board to enter into contracts under this chapter is

effective only to the extent that appropriations (including transfers of

appropriations) are provided in advance for such purpose.

Sec. 320. Transmittal Of Certain Information to Congress.

42 USC 2286h-1. Whenever the Board submits or transmits to the President or the

Director of the Office of Management and Budget any legislative

recommendation, or any statement or information in preparation of a
296Public Law 103-160, Div c., Title XXXII, § 3202(a)(2), Nov. 30, 1993 107 Stat 1959.

Volume 1, Page 1–165

report to be submitted to the Congress pursuant to section 316(a), the

Board shall submit at the same time a copy thereof to the Congress.296

Sec. 321. Annual Authorization Of Appropriations.

42 USC 2286i. Authorizations of appropriations for the Board for fiscal years

beginning after fiscal year 1989 shall be provided annually in

authorizations Acts.

(2) The table of contents at the beginning of the Atomic Energy

Act of 1954 is amended by adding at the end the following:

CHAPTER 21–DEFENSE NUCLEAR FACILITIES SAFETY BOARD

Sec. 311. Establishment.

Sec. 312. Functions of the Board.

Sec. 313. Powers of Board.

Sec. 314. Responsibilities of the Secretary of Energy.

Sec. 315. Board recommendations.

Sec. 316. Reports.

Sec. 317. Judicial review.

Sec. 318. Definition.

Sec. 319. Contract authority subject to appropriations.

Sec. 320. Annual authorization of appropriations.

(b) Salary For Board Members At Executive Schedule Level III.

–Section 5314 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by inserting after

“Members, Nuclear Regulatory Commission.” the following: Members,

Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board.

42 USC 2286e

note.

(c) Requirements For First Annual Report.–(1) Before submission of

the first annual report by the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board

under section 316(a) of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (as added by

subsection (a)), the Board shall conduct a study on whether nuclear

facilities of the Department of Energy that are excluded from the

definition of “Department of Energy defense nuclear facility” in

section 318(1)(C) of such Act (hereafter in this subsection referred to as

“non-defense nuclear facilities”) should be subject to independent

external oversight. The Board shall include in such first annual report the

results of such study and the recommendation of the Board on whether

non-defense nuclear facilities should be subject to independent external

oversight.

(2) If the Board recommends in the report that non-defense nuclear

facilities should be subject to such oversight, the report shall include a

discussion of alternative mechanisms for implementing such

oversight, including mechanisms such as a separate executive agency

and oversight as a part of the Board’s responsibilities. The discussion

of alternative mechanisms of oversight also shall include

considerations of budgetary costs, protection of the security of

sensitive nuclear weapons information, and the similarities and

differences in the design, construction, operation, and

decommissioning of defense and non-defense nuclear facilities of the

Department of Energy.

(d) Requirements For Fifth Annual Report.–The fifth annual report

submitted by the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board under

section 316(a) of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (as added by

subsection (a)) shall include–
297Public Law 100-456 (102 Stat. 2076) (1988) added Chapter 21.

Volume 1, Page 1–166

(1) an assessment of the degree to which the overall administration

of the Board’s activities are believed to meet the objectives of

Congress in establishing the Board;

(2) recommendations for continuation, termination, or

modification of the Board’s functions and programs, including

recommendations for transition to some other independent oversight

arrangement if it is advisable; and

(3) recommendations for appropriate transition requirements in the

event that modifications are recommended.

SEC. 1442. TRANSFER–The Secretary of Energy, to the extent

provided in appropriations Acts, shall transfer to the Defense Nuclear

Facilities Safety Board established by section 311 of the Atomic Energy

Act of 1954 (as added by section 1441) from sums available for

obligation for national security programs such sums as may be necessary,

as determined by such Board, for the operation of the Board during fiscal

year 1989, but in no case may more that $7,000,000 transferred for such

purpose. Sums transferred shall be available to such Board to carry out its

responsibilities under Chapter 21 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (as

added by section 1441) and shall remain available until expended.297

NEGOTIATED RULEMAKING ON FINANCIAL

PROTECTION FOR RADIOPHARMACEUTICAL

LICENSEES.

42 USC 2210 note.

Contracts.

(A) Rulemaking Proceeding.–

(1) Purpose.–The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (hereafter in

this section referred to as the “Commission”) shall initiate a

proceeding, in accordance with the requirements of this section, to

determine whether to enter into indemnity agreements under

section 170 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 USC 2210) with

persons licensed by the Commission under section 81, 104(a), or

104(c) of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 USC 2111, 2134(a), and

2134(c)) or by a State under section 274(b) of the Atomic Energy Act

of 1954 (42 USC 2021(b)) for the manufacture, production,

possession, or use of radioisotopes or radiopharmaceutical for medical

purposes (hereafter in this section referred to as “radiopharmaceutical

licensees”)

(2) Final Determination.–A final determination with respect to

whether radiopharmaceutical licensees, or any class of such licensees,

shall be indemnified pursuant to section 170 of the Atomic Energy Act

of 1954 (42 USC2210) and if so, the terms and conditions of such

indemnification, shall be rendered by the Commission within 18

months of the date of the enactment of this Act.

(b) Negotiated Rulemaking.–

(1) Administrative Conference Guidelines.–For the purpose of

making the determination required under subsection (a), the

Commission shall, to the extent consistent with the provisions of this

Act, conduct a negotiated rulemaking in accordance with the guidance

provided by the Administrative Conference of the United States in

Recommendation 82-4, “Procedures for Negotiating Proposed

Regulations” (42 Fed. Reg. 30708, July 15, 1982).
298Public Law 100-408 (102 Stat. 1066) (1988) Sec. 19 provided for this rulemaking which is not part of

the Atomic Energy Act. 299Added by Public Law 102-486 (106 Stat. 2924) 300Section will be repealed on privatization date. Act April 26, 1996, Public Law 104-134, Title III, Ch

1, Subch A, § 3116(a), 110 Stat. 1321-349, provides:

Chapters 22 through 26 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 USC 2297–2297e-7) are repealed as of the

privatization date.

(The “privatization date” is defined at 42 USCS § 2297h(9) as the date on which 100 percent of the

ownership of the United States Enrichment Corporation has been transferred to private investors.)

Volume 1, Page 1–167

(2) Designation Of Convener.–Within 30 days of the date of the

enactment of this Act, the Commission shall designate an individual or

individuals recommended by the Administrative Conference of the

United States to serve as a convener for such negotiations.

Contracts. (3) Submission Recommendations Of The Convener.–The

convener shall, not later than 7 months after the date of the enactment

of this Act, submit to the Commission recommendations for a

proposed rule regarding whether the Commission should enter into

indemnity agreements under section 170 of the Atomic Energy Act of

1954 (42 USC 2210) with radiopharmaceutical licensees and, if so,

the terms and conditions of such indemnification. If the convener

recommends that such indemnity be provided for radiopharmaceutical

licensees, the proposed rule submitted by the convener shall set forth

the procedures for the execution if indemnification agreements with

radiopharmaceutical licensees.

(4) Publication Of Recommendations And Proposed Rule.–If the

convener recommends that such indemnity be provided for

radiopharmaceutical licensees, the Commission shall publish the

recommendations of the convener submitted under paragraph (3) as a

notice of proposed rulemaking within 30 days of the submission of

such recommendations under such paragraph.

(5) Administrative Procedures.–To the extent consistent with the

provisions of this Act, the Commission shall conduct the proceeding

required under subsection (a) in accordance with section 553 of title 5,

United States Code.298

TITLE II–UNITED STATES ENRICHMENT

CORPORATION

CHAPTER 22–GENERAL PROVISIONS

SEC. 1201. DEFINITIONS.

42 USC 2297. For purposes of this title:299 300

(1) The term “alternative technologies for uranium enrichment”

means technologies to enrich uranium by methods other than the

gaseous diffusion process.

(2) The term “AVLIS” means atomic vapor laser isotope

separation technology.

(3) The term “Board” means the Board of Directors of the

Corporation established under section 1304.

(4) The term “Corporation” means the United States Enrichment

Corporation.
301Severability provisions for Title IX of Act Oct 24, 1992 Public Law 102-486, title IX, § 904, 106 Stat.

2946, provides:

If any provision of this title [42 USCS §§ 2297 et seq., generally, for full classification, consult USCS

Tables volumes], or the amendments made by this title [42 USCS §§ 2297 et seq., generally, for full

classification, consult USCS Tables volumes], or the application of any provision to any entity, person, or

circumstance, is for any reason adjudged by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, the remainder of

this title, and the amendments made by this title [adding 42 USCS §§ 2297 et seq., generally, for full

classification, consult USCS Tables volumes], or its application shall not be affected.

References to the Corporation after privatization date. Act April 26, 1996, Public Law 104-134, Title III,

Ch 1, Subch A, § 3116(e), 110 Stat. 1321-350, provides:

Following the privatization date, all references in the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 [42 USCS §§ 2011 et

seq.] to the United States Enrichment Corporation shall be deemed to be references to the private corporation.

Volume 1, Page 1–168

(5) The term “corrective actions” has the meaning given such term

by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency under

section 3004(u) of the Solid Waste Disposal Act (42 USC 6924(u)).

(6) The term “decontamination and decommissioning” means

those activities, other than response actions or corrective actions,

undertaken to decontaminate and decommission inactive uranium

enrichment facilities that have residual radioactive or mixed

radioactive and hazardous chemical contamination, including depleted

tailings.

(7) The term “Department” means the Department of Energy.

(8) The term “highly enriched uranium” means uranium enriched

to 20 percent or more of the uranium-235 isotope.

(9) The term “low-enriched uranium” means uranium enriched to

less than 20 percent of the uranium-235 isotope.

(10) The term “releases” has the meaning given the term “release”

in section 101(22) of the Comprehensive Environmental response,

Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 USC 9601(22)).

(11) The term “remedial action” has the meaning given such term

in section 101(24) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response,

Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 USC 9601(24)).

(12) the term “response actions” has the meaning given the term

“response” in section 101(25) of the Comprehensive Environmental

Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 USC

9601(25)).

(13) The term “Secretary” means the Secretary of Energy.

(14) The term “uranium enrichment” means the separation of

uranium of a given isotopic content into 2 components, 1 having a

higher percentage of a fissile isotope and 1 having a lower

percentage.301

SEC. 1202. PURPOSES.

42 USC 2297a. The Corporation is created for the following purposes:

(1) To operate as a business enterprise on a profitable and efficient

basis.

(2) To maximize the long-term value of the Corporation to the

Treasury of the United States.

(3) To lease Department uranium enrichment facilities, as needed.

(4) To acquire uranium for uranium enrichment, low-enriched

uranium for resale, and highly enriched uranium for conversion into

low-enriched uranium, as needed.

(5) To market and sell its enriched uranium and uranium

enrichment and related services to–

(A) the Department for governmental purposes; and
302Added by Public Law 102-486 (106 Stat. 2925) 303Section will be repealed on privatization date. Act April 26, 1996, Public Law 104-134, Title III, Ch

1, Subch. A, § 3116(a), 110 Stat. 1321-349, provides:

Chapters 22 through 26 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 USC 2297–2297e-7) are repealed as of the

privatization date.

(The “privatization date” is defined at 42 USCS § 2297h(9) as the date on which 100 percent of the

ownership of the United States Enrichment Corporation has been transferred to private investors.)

Volume 1, Page 1–169

(B) domestic and foreign persons, as provided in

section 1303(6).

(6) To conduct research and development as required to meet

business objectives for the purposes of identifying, evaluating,

improving, and testing alternative technologies for uranium

enrichment.

(7) To conduct the business as a self-financing corporation and

eliminate the need for Federal Government appropriations or sources

of Federal financing other than those provided in this title.

(8) To help maintain a reliable and economical domestic source of

uranium enrichment services.

(9) To comply with laws, and regulations promulgated thereunder,

to protect the public health, safety, and the environment.

(10) To continue at all times to meet the objectives of ensuring the

Nation’s common defense and security, including abiding by United

States laws and policies concerning special nuclear materials and

nonproliferation of atomic weapons and other nonpeaceful uses of

atomic energy.

(11) To take all other lawful actions in furtherance of these

purposes.

CHAPTER 23–ESTABLISHMENT, POWERS, AND

ORGANIZATION OF CORPORATION

SEC. 1301. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CORPORATION.

42 USC 2297b. (a)302 303 IN GENERAL.–There is established a body corporate to be

known as the United States Enrichment Corporation.

(b) GOVERNMENT CORPORATION.–The Corporation shall be

established as a wholly owned Government corporation subject to

chapter 91 of title 31, United States Code (commonly referred to as the

Government Corporation Control Act), except as otherwise provided in

this title

(c) FEDERAL AGENCY.–The Corporation shall be an agency and

instrumentality of the United States.

SEC. 1302. CORPORATE OFFICES.

42 USC 2297b-1. The Corporation shall maintain an office for the service of process

and papers in the District of Columbia, and shall be deemed, for purposes

of venue in civil actions, to be a resident thereof. The Corporation may

establish offices in such other place or places as it may deem necessary or

appropriate in the conduct of its business.

SEC. 1303. POWERS OF THE CORPORATION.

42 USC 2297b-2. In order to accomplish its purposes, the Corporation–

(1) shall, except as provided in this title or applicable Federal law,

have all the powers of a private corporation incorporated under the

District of Columbia Business Corporation Act;
Volume 1, Page 1–170

(2) shall have the priority of the United States with respect to the

payment of debts out of bankrupt, insolvent, and decedents’ estates;

(3) may obtain from the Administrator of General Services the

services the Administrator is authorized to provide agencies of the

United States, on the same basis as those services are provided to

other agencies of the United States;

(4) shall enrich uranium, provide for uranium to be enriched by

others, or acquire enriched uranium (including low-enriched uranium

derived from highly enriched uranium provided under section 1408);

(5) may conduct, or provide for conducting, those research and

development activities related to uranium enrichment and related

processes and activities the Corporation considers necessary or

advisable to maintain the Corporation as a commercial enterprise

operating on a profitable and efficient basis;

(6) may enter into transactions regarding uranium, enriched

uranium, or depleted uranium with–

(A) persons licensed under section 53, 63, 103, or 104 in

accordance with the licenses held by those persons;

(B) persons in accordance with, and within the period of, an

agreement for cooperation arranged under section 123; or

(C) persons otherwise authorized by law to enter into such

transactions;

(7) may enter into contracts with persons licensed under

section 53, 63, 103, or 104, for as long as the Corporation considers

necessary or desirable, to provide uranium or uranium enrichment and

related services;

(8) may enter into contracts to provide uranium or uranium

enrichment and related services in accordance with, and within the

period of, an agreement for cooperation arranged under section 123 or

as otherwise authorized by law; and

(9) shall sell to the Department as provided in this title, without

regard to section 57e., the amounts of uranium enrichment and related

services that the Department determines from time to time are required

for it to–

(A) carry out Presidential directions and authorizations under

section 91; and

(B) conduct other Department programs.

SEC. 1304. BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

42 USC 2297b-3. (a) IN GENERAL.–The powers of the Corporation are vested in the

Board of Directors.

(b) APPOINTMENT.–The Board of Directors shall consist of 5

individuals, to be appointed by the President by and with the advice and

consent of the Senate. The President shall designate a Chairman of the

Board from among members of the Board.

(c) QUALIFICATIONS.–Members of the Board shall be citizens of

the United States. No member of the Board shall be an employee of the

Corporation or have any direct financial relationship with the Corporation

other than that of being a member of the Board.

(d) TERMS.–

(1) IN GENERAL.–Except as provided in paragraph (2), members

of the Board shall serve 5-year terms or until the election of a new

Board of Directors under section 1704, whichever comes first.
Volume 1, Page 1–171

(2) INITIAL MEMBERS.–Of the members first appointed to the

Board–

(A) 1 shall be appointed for a 1-year term;

(B) 1 shall be appointed for a 2-year term;

(C) 1 shall be appointed for a 3-year term; and

(D) 1 shall be appointed for a 4-year term.

(3) REAPPOINTMENT.–Members of the Board may be

reappointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of

the Senate.

(e) VACANCIES.–Upon the occurrence of a vacancy on the Board,

the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate shall

appoint an individual to fill such vacancy for the remainder of the

applicable term.

(f) MEETINGS AND QUORUM.–The Board shall meet at any time

pursuant to the call of the Chairman and as provided by the bylaws of the

Corporation, but not less than quarterly. Three voting members of the

Board shall constitute a quorum. A majority of the Board shall adopt and

from time to time may amend bylaws for the operation of the Board.

(g) POWERS.–The Board shall be responsible for general

management of the Corporation and shall have the same authority,

privileges, and responsibilities as the board of directors of a private

corporation incorporated under the District of Columbia Business

Corporation Act.

(h) COMPENSATION.–Members of the Board shall serve on a

part-time basis and shall receive per diem, when engaged in the actual

performance of Corporation duties, plus reimbursement for travel,

subsistence, and other necessary expenses incurred in the performance of

their duties.

(i) MEMBERSHIP OF SECRETARY OF TREASURY.–The

President may appoint the Secretary of the Treasury or his designee to

serve as a member of the Board or as a nonvoting, ex officio member of

the Board.

(j) CONFLICT OF INTEREST REQUIREMENTS.–No director,

officer, or other management level employee of the Corporation may have

a financial interest in any customer, contractor, or competitor of the

Corporation or in any business that may be adversely affected by the

success of the Corporation.

SEC. 1305. EMPLOYEES OF THE CORPORATION.

42 USC 2297b-4. (a) APPOINTMENT.–The Board shall appoint such officers and

employees as are necessary for the transaction of its business.

(b) COMPENSATION, DUTIES, AND REMOVAL.–The Board

shall, without regard to section 5301 of title 6, United States Code, fix the

compensation of all officers and employees of the Corporation, define

their duties, and provide a system of organization to fix responsibility and

promote efficiency. Any officer or employee of the Corporation may be

removed in the discretion of the Board.

(c) APPLICABLE CRITERIA.–The Board shall ensure that the

personnel function and organization is consistent with the principles of

section 2301(b) of title 5, United States Code, relating to merit system

principles. Officers and employees shall be appointed, promoted, and

assigned on the basis of merit and fitness, and other personnel actions

shall be consistent with the principles of fairness and due process but
Volume 1, Page 1–172

without regard to those provisions of title 5 of the United States Code

governing appointments and other personnel actions in the competitive

service.

(d) TREATMENT OF PERSONS EMPLOYED PRIOR TO

TRANSITION DATE.–Compensation, benefits, and other terms and

conditions of employment in effect immediately prior to the transition

date, whether provided by statute or by rules of the Department or the

executive branch, shall continue to apply to officers and employees who

transfer to the Corporation from other Federal employment until changed

by the Board.

(e) PROTECTION OF EXISTING EMPLOYEES.–

(1) IN GENERAL.–It is the purpose of this subsection to ensure

that the establishment of the Corporation pursuant to this chapter shall

not result in any adverse effects on the employment rights, wages, or

benefits of employees at facilities that are operated, directly or under

contract, in the performance of the functions vested in the

Corporation.

(2) APPLICABILITY OF EXISTING COLLECTIVE

BARGAINING AGREEMENT.–Any employer (including the

Corporation) at a facility described in paragraph (1) shall abide by the

terms of a collective bargaining agreement in effect on April 30, 1991,

at each individual facility until–

(A) the earlier of the date on which a new bargaining

agreement is signed; or

(B) the end of the 2-year period beginning on the date of the

enactment of this title.

(3) APPLICABILITY OF NLRA.–Except as specifically provided

in this subsection, the Corporation is subject to the provisions of the

National Labor Relations Act (29 USC 151 et seq.).

(4) BENEFITS OF TRANSFEREES AND DETAILEES.–At the

request of the Board and subject to the approval of the Secretary, an

employee of the Department may be transferred or detailed as

provided for in section 1315, to the Corporation without any loss in

accrued benefits or standing within the Civil Service System. For

those employees who accept transfer to the Corporation, it shall be

their option as to whether to have any accrued retirement benefits

transferred to a retirement system established by the Corporation or to

retain their coverage under either the Civil Service Retirement System

or the Federal Employees’ Retirement System, as applicable, in lieu of

coverage by the Corporation’s retirement system. For those employees

electing to remain with one of the Federal retirement systems, the

Corporation shall withhold pay and make such payments as are

required under the Federal retirement system. For those Department

employees detailed, the Department shall offer those employees a

position of like grade, compensation, and proximity to their official

duty station after their services are no longer required by the

Corporation.

SEC. 1306. AUDITS.

42 USC 2297b-5. (a) INDEPENDENT AUDITS.–

(1) IN GENERAL.–The financial statements of the Corporation

shall be prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting

principles and shall be audited annually by an independent certified
Volume 1, Page 1–173

public accountant in accordance with auditing standards issued by the

Comptroller General. Such auditing standards shall be consistent with

the private sector’s generally accepted auditing standards.

(2) REVIEW BY GAO.–The Comptroller General may review any

audit of the Corporation’s financial statements conducted under

paragraph (1). The Comptroller General shall report to the Congress

and the Corporation the results of any such review and shall include in

such report appropriate recommendations.

(b) GAO AUDITS.–

(1) IN GENERAL.–The Comptroller General may audit the

financial statements of the Corporation for any year in the manner

provided in subsection (a)(1).

(2) REIMBURSEMENT BY CORPORATION.–The Corporation

shall reimburse the Comptroller General for the full cost of any audit

conducted under this subsection, as determined by the Comptroller

General.

(c) AVAILABILITY OF BOOKS AND RECORDS.–All books,

accounts, financial records, reports, files, papers, and other property

belonging to or in use by the Corporation and its auditor that the

Comptroller General considers necessary to the performance of any audit

or review under this section shall be made available to the Comptroller

General, subject to section 1314.

(d) TREATMENT OF GAO AUDITS.–Activities the Comptroller

General conducts under this section shall be in lieu of any other audit of

the financial transactions of the Corporation the Comptroller General is

required to make under chapter 91 of title 31, United States Code, or other

law.

SEC. 1307. ANNUAL REPORTS.

42 USC 2297b-6. (a) IN GENERAL.–The Corporation shall prepare and submit an

annual report of its activities to the President and the Congress. This

report shall contain–

(1) a general description of the Corporation’s operations;

(2) a summary of the Corporation’s operating and financial

performance, including an explanation of the decision to pay or not

pay dividends;

(3) copies of audit reports prepared under section 1305;

(4) the information required under regulations issued under section

13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 USC 78m); and

(5) an identification and assessment of any impairment of capital

or ability of the Corporation to comply with this title.

(b) DEADLINE.–The report shall be completed not later than 150

days following the close of each of the Corporation’s fiscal years and

shall accurately reflect the financial position of the Corporation at fiscal

year end.

SEC. 1308. ACCOUNTS.

42 USC 2297b-7. (a) ESTABLISHMENT OF UNITED STATES ENRICHMENT

CORPORATION FUND.–There is established in the Treasury of the

United States a revolving fund, to be known as the “United States

Enrichment Corporation Fund”, which shall be available to the

Corporation, without need for further appropriation and without fiscal

year limitation, for carrying out its purposes, functions, and powers, and
Volume 1, Page 1–174

which shall not be subject to apportionment under subchapter II of

chapter 15 of title 31, United States Code.

(b) TRANSFER OF UNEXPENDED BALANCES.–On the transfer

date, the Secretary shall, without need of further appropriation, transfer to

the Corporation the unexpended balance of appropriations and other

monies available to the Department (inclusive of funds set aside for

accounts payable), and accounts receivable which are related to functions

and activities acquired by the Corporation from the Department pursuant

to this title, including all advance payments.

SEC. 1309. OBLIGATIONS.

42 USC 2297b-8. (a) ISSUANCE.–

(1) IN GENERAL.–The Corporation may issue and sell bonds,

notes, and other evidences of indebtedness (collectively referred to in

this title as “bonds”), except that the Corporation may not issue or sell

bonds for the purpose of constructing new uranium enrichment

facilities or conducting directly related preconstruction activities.

Borrowing under this paragraph during any fiscal year ending before

October 1, 1996, shall be subject to approval in appropriation Acts.

(2) USE OF REVENUES.–The Corporation may pledge and use

its revenues for payment of the principal of and interest on its bonds,

for their purchase or redemption, and for other purposes incidental to

these functions, including creation of reserve funds and other funds

that may be similarly pledged and used.

(3) AGREEMENTS WITH HOLDERS AND TRUSTEES.– The

Corporation may enter into binding covenants with the holders and

trustees of its bonds with respect to

(A) the establishment of reserve and other funds;

(B) stipulations concerning the subsequent issuance of bonds;

and

(C) other matters not inconsistent with this title; that the

Corporation determines necessary or desirable to enhance the

marketability of the bonds.

(b) NOT OBLIGATIONS OF UNITED STATES.–Bonds issued by

the Corporation under this section shall not be obligations of, or

guaranteed as to principal or interest by, the United States, and the bonds

shall so plainly state.

(c) TERMS AND CONDITIONS.–

(1) NEGOTIABLE; MATURITY.–Bonds issued by the

Corporation under this section shall be negotiable instruments unless

otherwise specified in the bond and shall mature not more than 50

years after their date of issuance.

(2) ROLE OF SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY.–

(A) RIGHT OF DISAPPROVAL.–The Corporation may set

the terms and conditions of bonds issued under this section,

subject to disapproval of such terms and conditions by the

Secretary of the Treasury within 5 days after the Secretary of the

Treasury is notified of the following terms and conditions of the

bonds:

(i) Their forms and denominations.

(ii) The times, amounts, and prices at which they are sold.

(iii) Their rates of interest.
Volume 1, Page 1–175

(iv) The terms at which they may be redeemed by the

Corporation before maturity.

(v) The priority of their claims on the Corporation’s net

revenues with respect to principal and interest payments.

(vi) Any other terms and conditions.

(B) INAPPLICABILITY OF RIGHT TO PRESCRIBE

TERMS.–Section 9108(a) of title 31, United States Code, shall not

apply to the Corporation.

(d) INAPPLICABILITY OF SECURITIES REQUIREMENTS.– The

Corporation shall be considered an executive department of the United

States for purposes of section 3(c) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

(15 USC 78c(c)).

(e) INAPPLICABILITY OF FEE.–The Corporation shall not issue or

sell any bonds to the Federal Financing Bank.

SEC. 1310. EXEMPTION FROM TAXATION AND PAYMENTS

IN LIEU OF TAXES.

42 USC 2297b-9. (a) EXEMPTION FROM TAXATION.–In order to render financial

assistance to those States and localities in which the facilities of the

Corporation are located, the Corporation shall, beginning in fiscal year

1998, make payments to State and local governments as provided in this

section. These payments shall be in lieu of any and all State and local

taxes on the real and personal property of the Corporation. All property of

the Corporation is expressly exempted from taxation in any manner or

form by any State, county, or other local government entity including

State, county, or other local government sales tax.

(b) PAYMENTS IN LIEU OF TAXES.–Beginning in fiscal year

1998, the Corporation shall make annual payments, in amounts

determined by the Corporation to be fair and reasonable, to the State and

local governmental agencies having tax jurisdiction in any area where

facilities of the Corporation are located. In making these determinations,

the Corporation shall be guided by the following criteria:

(1) The Corporation shall take into account the customs and

practices prevailing in the area with respect to appraisal, assessment,

and classification of industrial property and any special considerations

extended to large-scale industrial operations.

(2) The payment made to any taxing authority for any period shall

not be less than the payments that would have been made to the taxing

authority for the same period by the Department and its cost-type

contractors on behalf of the Department with respect to property that

has been transferred to the Corporation under section 1404 and that

would have been attributable to the ownership, management,

operation, and maintenance of the Department’s uranium enrichment

facilities, applying the laws and policies prevailing immediately prior

to the transition date.

(c) TIME OF PAYMENTS.–Payments shall be made by the

Corporation at the time when payments of taxes by taxpayers to each

taxing authority are due and payable.

(d) DETERMINATION OF AMOUNT DUE.–The determination by

the Corporation of the amounts due under this section shall be final and

conclusive.
Volume 1, Page 1–176

SEC. 1311. COOPERATION WITH OTHER AGENCIES

42 USC 2297b-10. The Corporation may request to use on a reimbursable basis the

available services, equipment, personnel, and facilities of agencies of the

United States, and on a similar basis may cooperate with such agencies in

the establishment and use of services, equipment, and facilities of the

Corporation. Further, the Corporation may confer with and avail itself of

the cooperation, services, records, and facilities of State, territorial,

municipal, or other local agencies.

SEC. 1312. APPLICABILITY OF CERTAIN FEDERAL LAWS.

42 USC 2297b-11. (a) ANTITRUST LAWS.–The Corporation shall conduct its activities

in a manner consistent with the policies expressed in the following

antitrust laws:

(1) The Sherman Act (15 USC 1-7).

(2) The Clayton Act (15 USC 12-27).

(3) Sections 73 and 74 of the Wilson Tariff Act (15 USC 8 and 9).

(b) ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS.–The Corporation shall be subject to,

and comply with, all Federal and State, interstate, and local environmental

laws and requirements, both substantive and procedural, in the same

manner, and to the same extent, as any person who is subject to such laws

and requirements. For purposes of enforcing any such law or substantive

or procedural requirements (including any injunctive relief, administrative

order, or civil or administrative penalty or fine) against the Corporation,

the United States expressly waives any immunity otherwise applicable to

the Corporation. For the purposes of this subsection, the term “person”

means an individual, trust, firm, joint stock company, corporation,

partnership, association, State, municipality, or political subdivision of a

State.

(c) OSHA REQUIREMENTS.–Notwithstanding sections 3(5),

4(b)(1), and 19 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970

(29 USC 652(5), 653(b) (1), and 668)), the Corporation shall be subject

to, and comply with, such Act and all regulations and standards

promulgated thereunder in the same manner, and to the same extent, as an

employer is subject to such Act. For the purposes of enforcing such Act

(including any injunctive relief, administrative order, or civil,

administrative, or criminal penalty or fine) against the Corporation, the

United States expressly waives any immunity otherwise applicable to the

Corporation.

(d) LABOR STANDARDS.–The Act of March 3, 1931 (known as the

Davis-Bacon Act) (40 USC 276a et seq.) and the Service Contract Act of

1965 (41 USC 351 et seq.) shall apply to the Corporation. All laborers

and mechanics employed on the construction, alteration, or repair of

projects funded, in whole or in part, by the Corporation shall be paid

wages at rates not less than those prevailing on projects of a similar

character in the locality as determined by the Secretary of Labor in

accordance with such Act of March 3, 1931. The Secretary of Labor shall

have, with respect to the labor standards specified in this subsection, the

authority and functions set forth in Reorganization Plan Numbered 14 of

1950 (15 F.R. 3176, 64 Stat. 1267) and the Act of June 13, 1934 (40 USC

276c).

(e) ENERGY REORGANIZATION ACT REQUIREMENTS.– The

Corporation is subject to the provisions of section 210 of the Energy

Reorganization Act of 1974 (42 USC 5850) to the same extent as an
Volume 1, Page 1–177

employer subject to such section, and, with respect to the operation of the

facilities leased by the Corporation, section 206 of the Energy

Reorganization Act of 1974 (42 USC 5846) shall apply to the directors

and officers of the Corporation.

(f) EXEMPTION FROM FEDERAL PROPERTY

REQUIREMENTS.–The Corporation shall not be subject to the Federal

Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (41 USC 471 et seq.).

SEC. 1313. SECURITY.

42 USC 2297b-12. Any references to the term “Commission” or to the Department in

sections 161k., 221a., and 230 shall be considered to include the

Corporation.

SEC. 1314. CONTROL OF INFORMATION.

42 USC 2297b-13. (a) IN GENERAL.–Except as provided in subsection (b), the

Corporation may protect trade secrets and commercial or financial

information to the same extent as a privately owned corporation.

(b) OTHER APPLICABLE LAWS.–Section 552(d) of title 5, United

States Code, shall apply to the Corporation, and such information shall be

subject to the applicable provisions of law protecting the confidentiality

of trade secrets and business and financial information, including

section 1905 of title 18, United States Code.

SEC. 1315. TRANSITION.

42 USC 2297b-14.

President.

(a) TRANSITION MANAGER.–Within 30 days after the date of the

enactment of this title, the President shall appoint a Transition Manager,

who shall serve at the pleasure of the President until a quorum of the

Board has been appointed and confirmed in accordance with section

1304.

(b) POWERS.–

(1) IN GENERAL.–Until a quorum of the Board has qualified, the

Transition Manager shall exercise the powers and duties of the Board

and shall be responsible for taking all actions needed to effect the

transfer of the uranium enrichment enterprise from the Secretary to the

Corporation on the transition date.

(2) CONTINUATION UNTIL BOARD HAS QUORUM.–In the

event that a quorum of the Board has not qualified by the transition

date, the Transition Manager shall continue to exercise the powers and

duties of the Board until a quorum has qualified.

(c) RATIFICATION OF TRANSITION MANAGER’S

ACTIONS.–All actions taken by the Transition Manager before the

qualification of a quorum of the Board shall be subject to ratification by

the Board.

(d) RESPONSIBILITIES OF SECRETARY.–Before the transition

date, the Secretary shall–

(1) continue to be responsible for the management and operation

of the uranium enrichment plants;

(2) provide funds, to the extent provided in appropriations Acts, to

the Transition Manager to pay salaries and expenses;

(3) delegate Department employees to assist the Transition

Manager in meeting his responsibilities under this section; and

(4) assist and cooperate with the Transition Manager in preparing

for the transfer of the uranium enrichment enterprise to the

Corporation on the transition date.

(e) TRANSITION DATE.–The transition date shall be July 1, 1993.
304Added by Public Law 102-486 (106 Stat. 2934) 305Section will be repealed on privatization date. Act April 26, 1996, Public Law 104-134, Title III, Ch

1, Subch A, § 3116(a), 110 Stat. 1321-349, provides:

Chapters 22 through 26 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 USC 2297–2297e-7) are repealed as of the

privatization date.

(The “privatization date” is defined at 42 USCS § 2297h(9) as the date on which 100 percent of the

ownership of the United States Enrichment Corporation has been transferred to private investors.) 306Public Law 102-572, Title IX, §902(b)(1), 106 Stat. 4516; Oct. 29, 1992 struck “United States Claims

Court” and inserted “Court of Federal Claims.” 

Volume 1, Page 1–178

(f) DETAIL OF PERSONNEL.–For the purpose of continuity of

operations, maintenance, and authority, the Department shall detail, for up

to 18 months after the date of the enactment of this title, appropriate

Department personnel as may be required in an acting capacity, until such

time as a Board is confirmed and top officers of the Corporation are hired.

The Corporation shall reimburse the Department and its contractors for

the detail of such personnel.

SEC. 1316. WORKING CAPITAL ACCOUNT

42 USC 2297b-15. There shall be established within the Corporation a Working Capital

Account in which the Corporation may retain all revenue necessary for

legitimate business expenses, or investments, related to carrying out its

purposes.

CHAPTER 24–RIGHTS, PRIVILEGES, AND ASSETS OF

THE CORPORATION

SEC. 1401. MARKETING AND CONTRACTING AUTHORITY.

42 USC 2297c. (a)304 305 EXCLUSIVE MARKETING AGENT.–The Corporation

shall act as the exclusive marketing agent on behalf of the United States

Government for entering into contracts for providing enriched uranium

(including low-enriched uranium derived from highly enriched uranium)

and uranium enrichment and related services. The Department may not

market enriched uranium (including low-enriched uranium derived from

highly enriched uranium), or uranium enrichment and related services,

after the transition date.

(b) TRANSFER OF CONTRACTS.

(1) IN GENERAL.–Except as provided in paragraph (2), all

contracts, agreements, and leases with the Department, including all

uranium enrichment contracts and power purchase contracts, that have

been executed by the Department before the transition date and that

relate to uranium enrichment and related services shall transfer to the

Corporation.

(2) EXCEPTIONS.

(A) TVA SETTLEMENT.–The rights and responsibilities of

the Department under the settlement agreement with the Tennessee

Valley Authority, filed on December 18, 1987, with the United

States Court of Federal Claims,306 shall not transfer to the

Corporation.

(B) NONTRANSFERABLE POWER CONTRACTS.–If the

Secretary determines that a power purchase contract executed by

the Department prior to the transition date cannot be transferred

under its terms, the Secretary may continue to receive power under

the contract and resell such power to the Corporation at cost.
307The bracketed words “United States Court of Federal Claims” were inserted in subsec. (B)(2)(A) of this

section on the authority of § 902(b)(1) of Act Oct. 29, 1992, Public Law 102-572, which appears as 28 USCS §

171 note, and which provides that reference to the United States Claims Court in any Federal law or document

shall be deemed to refer to the United States Court of Federal Claims.

Repeal of section as of privatization date. Act April 26, 1996, Public Law 104-134, Title III, Ch 1, Subch

A, § 3116(a), 110 Stat. 1321-349, provides: “Chapters 22 through 26 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42

USC 2297–2297e-7) are repealed as of the privatization date.” (The “privatization date” is defined at 42 USCS

§ 2297h(9) as the date on which 100 percent of the ownership of the United States Enrichment Corporation has

been transferred to private investors.)

Volume 1, Page 1–179

(C) NONPOWER APPLICATIONS.–Contracts for enriched

uranium and uranium services in existence as of the date of the

enactment of this title for research and development or other

nonpower applications shall remain with the Department. At the

request of the Department, the Corporation, in consultation with

the Department, may enter into such contracts it determines to be

appropriate.307

SEC. 1402. PRICING.

42 USC 2297c-1. (a) SERVICES PROVIDED TO COMMERCIAL CUSTOMERS.

–The Corporation shall establish prices for its products, materials, and

services provided to customers other than the Department on a basis that

will allow it to attain the normal business objectives of a profitmaking

corporation.

(b) SERVICES PROVIDED TO DOE.–The Corporation shall charge

prices to the Department for uranium enrichment services provided under

section 1303(9) on a basis that will allow it to recover its costs, on a

yearly basis, for providing products, materials, and services, and provide

for a reasonable profit.

SEC. 1403. LEASING OF GASEOUS DIFFUSION FACILITIES

OF DEPARTMENT.

42 USC 2297c-2. (a) IN GENERAL.–The Corporation shall lease the Paducah Gaseous

Diffusion Plant in Paducah, Kentucky, the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion

Plant in Piketon, Ohio, and related property of the Department, for a

period of 6 years from the transition date. Thereafter, the Corporation

shall have the exclusive option to lease such facilities and related property

for additional periods.

(b) TERMS OF LEASE.–The Corporation and the Department shall

set mutually agreeable terms for a lease under subsection (a), including

specifying annual payments to the Department by the Corporation to be

made. The amount of annual payments shall be equal to the cost incurred

by the Department in administering the lease and providing services

related to the lease to the Corporation (excluding depreciation and

imputed interest on original plant investments in the Department’s

gaseous diffusion plants and costs under subsection (d)).

(c) EXCLUSION OF FACILITIES FOR PRODUCTION OF

HIGHLY ENRICHED URANIUM.–Subsection (a) shall not apply to

Department facilities necessary for the production of highly enriched

uranium. The Secretary may grant to the Corporation access to such

facilities for purposes other than the production of highly enriched

uranium.

(d) DOE RESPONSIBILITY FOR PREEXISTING

CONDITIONS.–The payment of any costs of decontamination and

decommissioning, response actions, or corrective actions with respect to

conditions existing before the transition date, in connection with property
Volume 1, Page 1–180

of the Department leased under subsection (a), shall remain the sole

responsibility of the Department.

(e) ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT.–The Secretary, in consultation with

the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, shall conduct

a comprehensive environmental audit identifying environmental

conditions that will remain the responsibility of the Department pursuant

to subsection (d) after the transition date. Such audit shall be completed

no later than the transition date.

(f) TREATMENT UNDER PRICE-ANDERSON PROVISIONS.

–Any lease executed between the Secretary and the Corporation under

this section shall be deemed to be a contract for purposes of section 170d.

(g) WAIVER OF EIS REQUIREMENT.–The execution of the lease

by the Corporation and the Department shall not be considered a major

Federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human

environment for purposes of section 102 of the National Environmental

Policy Act of 1969 (42 USC 4332).

SEC. 1404. CAPITAL STRUCTURE OF CORPORATION.

42 USC 2297c-3. (a) CAPITAL STOCK.–

(1) ISSUANCE TO SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY.– The

Corporation shall issue capital stock representing an equity investment

equal to the greater of–

(A) $3,000,000,000; or

(B) the book value of assets transferred to the Corporation, as

reported in the Uranium Enrichment Annual Report for fiscal year

1991, modified to reflect continued depreciation and other usual

changes that occur up to the transfer date.

The Secretary of the Treasury shall hold such stock for the United

States, except that all rights and duties pertaining to management of the

Corporation shall remain vested in the Board.

(2) RESTRICTION ON TRANSFERS OF STOCK BY UNITED

STATES.–The capital stock of the Corporation shall not be sold,

transferred, or conveyed by the United States, except to carry out the

privatization of the Corporation under section 1502.

(3) ANNUAL ASSESSMENT.–The Secretary of the Treasury

shall annually assess the value of the stock held by the Secretary under

paragraph (1) and submit to the Congress a report setting forth such

value. The annual assessment of the Secretary shall be subject to

review by an independent auditor.

(b) PAYMENT OF DIVIDENDS.–The Corporation shall pay into

miscellaneous receipts of the Treasury of the United States or such other

fund as is provided by law, dividends on the capital stock, out of earnings

of the Corporation, as a return on the investment represented by such

stock. Until privatization occurs under section 1502, the Corporation shall

pay as dividends to the Treasury of the United States all net revenues

remaining at the end of each fiscal year not required for operating

expenses or for deposit into the Working Capital Account established in

section 1316.

(c) PROHIBITION ON ADDITIONAL FEDERAL ASSISTANCE.

–Except as otherwise specifically provided in this title, the Corporation

shall receive no appropriations, loans, or other financial assistance from

the Federal Government.
Volume 1, Page 1–181

(d) SOLE RECOVERY OF UNRECOVERED COSTS.–Receipt by

the United States of the proceeds from the sale of stock issued by the

Corporation under subsection (a)(1), and the dividends paid under

subsection (b), shall constitute the sole recovery by the United States of

previously unrecovered costs (including depreciation and imputed interest

on original plant investments in the Department’s gaseous diffusion

plants) that have been incurred by the United States for uranium

enrichment activities prior to the transition date.

SEC. 1405. PATENTS AND INVENTIONS.

42 USC 2297c-4. The Corporation may at any time apply to the Department for a patent

license for the use of an invention or discovery useful in the production or

utilization of special nuclear material or atomic energy covered by a

patent when the patent has not been declared to be affected with the

public interest under section 153a. and when use of the patent is within

the Corporation’s authority. An application shall constitute an application

under section 153c. subject to section 153c., d., e., f., g., and h.

SEC. 1406. LIABILITIES.

42 USC 2297c-5. (a) LIABILITIES BASED ON OPERATIONS BEFORE

TRANSITION.–Except as otherwise provided in this title, all liabilities

attributable to operation of the uranium enrichment enterprise before the

transition date shall remain direct liabilities of the Department.

(b) JUDGMENTS BASED ON OPERATIONS BEFORE

TRANSITION.– Any judgment entered against the Corporation imposing

liability arising out of the operation of the uranium enrichment enterprise

before the transition date shall be considered a judgment against and shall

be payable solely by the Department.

(c) REPRESENTATION.–With regard to any claim seeking to impose

liability under subsection (a) or (b), the United States shall be represented

by the Department of Justice.

(d) JUDGMENTS BASED ON OPERATIONS AFTER

TRANSITION.–Any judgment entered against the Corporation arising

from operations of the Corporation on or after the transition date shall be

payable solely by the Corporation from its own funds. The Corporation

shall not be considered a Federal agency for purposes of chapter 171 of

title 28, United States Code.

SEC. 1407. TRANSFER OF URANIUM INVENTORIES.

42 USC 2297c-6. The Secretary shall transfer to the Corporation without charge all raw

and low-enriched uranium inventories of the Department necessary for the

fulfillment of contracts transferred under section 1401(b).

SEC. 1408. PURCHASE OF HIGHLY ENRICHED URANIUM

FROM FORMER SOVIET UNION

42 USC 2297c-7. (a) IN GENERAL.–The Corporation is authorized to negotiate the

purchase of all highly enriched uranium made available by any State of

the former Soviet Union under a government-to-government agreement or

shall assume the obligations of the Department under any contractual

agreement that has been reached with any such State or any private entity

before the transition date. The Corporation may only purchase this

material so long as the quality of the material can be made suitable for use

in commercial reactors.

(b) ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL USE.–The Corporation shall

prepare an assessment of the potential use of highly enriched uranium in

the business operations of the Corporation.
308Added by Public Law 102-486 (106 Stat. 2937) 309Section will be repealed on privatization date. Act April 26, 1996, Public Law 104-134, Title III, Ch

1, Subch A, § 3116(a), 110 Stat. 1321-349, provides:

Chapters 22 through 26 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 USC 2297–2297e-7) are repealed as of the

privatization date.

(The “privatization date” is defined at 42 USCS § 2297h(9) as the date on which 100 percent of the ownership

of the United States Enrichment Corporation has been transferred to private investors.)

Volume 1, Page 1–182

(c) PLAN FOR BLENDING AND CONVERSION.–In the event that

the agreement under subsection (a) provides for the Corporation to

provide for the blending and conversion the assessment shall include a

plan for such blending and conversion. The plan shall determine the

least-cost approach to providing blending and conversion services,

compatible with environmental, safety, security, and nonproliferation

requirements. The plan shall include a competitive process that the

Corporation shall use for selecting a provider of such services, including

the public solicitation of proposals from the private sector to allow a

determination of the least-cost approach.

(d) MINIMIZATION OF IMPACT ON DOMESTIC

INDUSTRIES.–The Corporation shall seek to minimize the impact on

domestic industries (including uranium mining) of the sale of

low-enriched uranium derived from highly enriched uranium.

CHAPTER 25–PRIVATIZATION OF THE CORPORATION

SEC. 1501. STRATEGIC PLAN FOR PRIVATIZATION.

42 USC 2297d. (a)308 309 IN GENERAL.–Within 2 years after the transition date, the

Corporation shall prepare a strategic plan for transferring ownership of

the Corporation to private investors. The Corporation shall revise the plan

as needed.

(b) CONSIDERATION OF ALTERNATIVE MEANS OF

TRANSFERRING OWNERSHIP.–The plan shall include consideration

of alternative means for transferring ownership of the Corporation to

private investors, including public stock offering, private placement, or

merger or acquisition. The plan may call for the phased transfer of

ownership or for complete transfer at a single point of time. If the plan

calls for phased transfer of ownership, then–

(1) privatization shall be deemed to occur when 100 percent of

ownership has been transferred to private investors;

(2) prior to privatization, such stock shall be nonvoting stock; and

(3) at the time of privatization, such stock shall convert to voting

stock.

(c) EVALUATION AND RECOMMENDATION.–The plan shall

evaluate the relative merits of the alternatives considered and the

estimated return on the Government’s investment in the Corporation

achievable through each alternative. The plan shall include the

Corporation’s recommendation on its preferred means of privatization.

(d) TRANSMITTAL.–The Corporation shall transmit copies of the

strategic plan for privatization to the President and Congress upon

completion.

SEC. 1502. PRIVATIZATION.

42 USC 2297d-1. (a) IMPLEMENTATION.–Subsequent to transmitting a plan for

privatization pursuant to section 1501, and subject to subsections (b) and

(c), the Corporation may implement the privatization plan if the
310Added by Public Law 102-486 (106 Stat. 2939) 311Section will be repealed on privatization date. Act April 26, 1996, Public Law 104-134, Title III, Ch

1, Subch A, § 3116(a), 110 Stat. 1321-349, provides:

Chapters 22 through 26 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 USC 2297–2297e-7) are repealed as of the

privatization date.

(The “privatization date” is defined at 42 USCS § 2297h(9) as the date on which 100 percent of the

ownership of the United States Enrichment Corporation has been transferred to private investors.)

Volume 1, Page 1–183

Corporation determines, in consultation with appropriate agencies of the

United States, that privatization will–

(1) result in a return to the United States at least equal to the net

present value of the Corporation;

(2) not result in the Corporation being owned, controlled, or

dominated by an alien, a foreign corporation, or a foreign government;

(3) not be inimical to the health and safety of the public or the

common defense and security; and

(4) provide reasonable assurance that adequate enrichment

capacity will remain available to meet the domestic electric utility

industry.

(b) REQUIREMENT OF PRESIDENTIAL APPROVAL.–The

Corporation may not implement the privatization plan without the

approval of the President.

(c) NOTIFICATION OF CONGRESS AND GAO

EVALUATION.–The Corporation shall notify the Congress of its intent

to implement the privatization plan. Within 30 days of notification, the

Comptroller General shall submit a report to Congress evaluating the

extent to which–

(1) the privatization plan would result in any ongoing obligation or

undue cost to the Federal Government; and

(2) the revenues gained by the Federal Government under the

privatization plan would represent at least the net present value of the

Corporation.

(d) PERIOD FOR CONGRESSIONAL REVIEW.–The Corporation

may not implement the privatization plan less than 60 days after

notification of the Congress.

(e) DEPOSIT OF PROCEEDS.–Proceeds from the sale of capital

stock of the Corporation under this section shall be deposited in the

general fund of the Treasury.

CHAPTER 26–AVLIS AND ALTERNATIVE

TECHNOLOGIES FOR URANIUM ENRICHMENT

SEC. 1601. ASSESSMENT BY UNITED STATES ENRICHMENT

CORPORATION.

42 USC 2297e. (a)310 311 IN GENERAL.–The Corporation shall prepare an assessment

of the economic viability of proceeding with the commercialization of

AVLIS and alternative technologies for uranium enrichment in

accordance with this chapter. The assessment shall include–

(1) an evaluation of market conditions together with a marketing

strategy;

(2) an analysis of the economic viability of competing enrichment

technologies;
Volume 1, Page 1–184

(3) an identification of predeployment and capital requirements for

the commercialization of AVLIS and alternative technologies for

uranium enrichment;

(4) an estimate of potential earnings from the licensing of AVLIS

and alternative technologies for uranium enrichment to a private

government sponsored corporation;

(5) an analysis of outstanding and potential patent and related

claims with respect to AVLIS and alternative technologies for

uranium enrichment, and a plan for resolving such claims; and

(6) a contingency plan for providing enriched uranium and related

services in the event that deployment of AVLIS and alternative

technologies for uranium enrichment is determined not to be

economically viable.

(b) DETERMINATION BY CORPORATION TO PROCEED WITH

COMMERCIALIZATION OF AVLIS OR ALTERNATIVE

TECHNOLOGIES FOR URANIUM ENRICHMENT.–The succeeding

sections of this chapter shall apply only to the extent the Corporation

determines in its business judgment, on the basis of the assessment

prepared under subsection (a), to proceed with the commercialization of

AVLIS or alternative technologies for uranium enrichment.

SEC. 1602. TRANSFER OF RIGHTS AND PROPERTY TO

UNITED STATES ENRICHMENT CORPORATION

42 USC 2297e-1. (a) EXCLUSIVE RIGHT TO COMMERCIALIZE.–The Corporation

shall have the exclusive commercial right to deploy and use any AVLIS

patents, processes, and technical information owned or controlled by the

Government, upon completion of a royalty agreement with the

Department.

(b) TRANSFER OF RELATED PROPERTY TO CORPORATION.–

(1) IN GENERAL.–TO the extent requested by the Corporation,

the President shall transfer without charge to the Corporation all of the

Department’s right, title, or interest in and to property owned by the

Department, or by the United States but under control or custody of

the Department, that is directly related to and materially useful in the

performance of the Corporation’s purposes regarding AVLIS and

alternative technologies for uranium enrichment, including–

(A) facilities, equipment, and materials for research,

development, and demonstration activities; and

(B) all other facilities, equipment, materials, processes, patents,

technical information of any kind, contracts, agreements, and

leases.

(2) EXCEPTION.–Facilities, real estate, improvements, and

equipment related to the gaseous diffusion, and gas centrifuge,

uranium enrichment programs of the Department shall not transfer

under paragraph (1)(B).

(3) EXPIRATION OF TRANSFER AUTHORITY.–The

President’s authority to transfer property under this subsection shall

expire upon privatization under section 1502.

(c) LIABILITY FOR PATENT AND RELATED CLAIMS.–With

respect to any right, title, or interest provided to the Corporation under

subsection (a) or (b), the Corporation shall have sole liability for any

payments made or awards under section 157b.(3), or any settlements or

judgments involving claims for alleged patent infringement. Any royalty
Volume 1, Page 1–185

agreement under subsection (a) shall provide for a reduction of royalty

payments to the Department to offset any payments, awards, settlements,

or judgments under this subsection.

SEC. 1603. PREDEPLOYMENT ACTIVITIES BY UNITED

STATES ENRICHMENT CORPORATION

42 USC 2297e-2. The Corporation may begin activities necessary to prepare AVLIS or

alternative technologies for uranium enrichment for commercialization

including–

(1) completion of preapplication activities with the Nuclear

Regulatory Commission;

(2) preparation of a transition plan to move AVLIS or alternative

technologies for uranium enrichment from the laboratory to the

marketplace;

(3) confirmation of technical performance;

(4) validation of economic projections;

(5) completion of feasibility and risk studies;

(6) initiation of preliminary plant design and engineering; and

(7) site selection, site characterization, and environmental

documentation activities on the basis of site evaluations and

recommendations prepared for the Department by the Argonne

National Laboratory.

SEC. 1604. UNITED STATES ENRICHMENT CORPORATION

SPONSORSHIP OF PRIVATE FOR-PROFIT CORPORATION TO

CONSTRUCT AVLIS AND ALTERNATIVE TECHNOLOGIES

FOR URANIUM ENRICHMENT.

42 USC 2297e-3. (a) ESTABLISHMENT.–

(1) IN GENERAL.–If the Corporation determines to proceed with

the commercialization of AVLIS or alternative technologies for

uranium enrichment under this chapter, the Corporation may provide

for the establishment of a private for-profit corporation, which shall

have as its initial purpose the construction of a uranium enrichment

facility using AVLIS technology or alternative technologies for

uranium enrichment.

(2) PROCESS OF ORGANIZATION.–For purposes of the

establishment of the private corporation under paragraph (1), the

Corporation shall appoint not less than 3 persons to be incorporators.

The incorporators so appointed shall each sign the articles of

incorporation and shall serve as the initial board of directors until the

members of the 1st regular board of directors shall have been

appointed and elected. Such incorporators shall take whatever actions

are necessary or appropriate to establish the private corporation,

including the filing of articles of incorporation in such jurisdiction as

the incorporators determine to be appropriate. The incorporators shall

also develop a plan for the issuance by the private corporation of

voting common stock to the public, which plan shall be subject to the

approval of the Secretary of the Treasury.

(b) LEGAL STATUS OF PRIVATE CORPORATION.–

(1) NOT FEDERAL AGENCY.–The private corporation

established under subsection (a) shall not be an agency,

instrumentality, or establishment of the United States Government and

shall not be a Government corporation or Government controlled

corporation.
Volume 1, Page 1–186

(2) NO RECOURSE AGAINST UNITED STATES.–Obligations

of the private corporation established under subsection (a) shall not be

obligations of, or guaranteed as to principal or interest by, the

Corporation or the United States, and the obligations shall so plainly

state.

(3) NO CLAIMS COURT JURISDICTION.–NO action under

section 1491 of title 28, United States Code, shall be allowable against

the United States based on the actions of the private corporation

established under subsection (a).

(c) TRANSACTIONS BETWEEN UNITED STATES

ENRICHMENT CORPORATION AND PRIVATE CORPORATION;–

(1) GRANTS FROM USEC.–The Corporation may make grants to

the private corporation established under subsection (a) from amounts

available in the AVLIS Commercialization Fund. Such grants shall be

used by the private corporation to carry out any remaining

predeployment activity assigned to the private corporation by the

Corporation. Such grants may not be used for the costs of constructing

an AVLIS, or alternative technologies for uranium enrichment,

production facility or engaging in directly related preconstruction

activities (other than such assigned predeployment activities). The

aggregate amount of such grants shall not exceed $364,000,000.

(2) LICENSING AGREEMENT.–The Corporation shall license to

the private corporation established under subsection (a) the rights,

titles, and interests provided to the Corporation under section 1602.

The licensing agreement shall require the private corporation to make

periodic payments to the Corporation in an amount that is not less than

the aggregate amounts paid by the Corporation during the period

involved under subsections (a) and (c) of section 1602.

(3) PURCHASE AGREEMENT.–The Corporation may enter into

a commitment to purchase all enriched uranium produced at an

AVLIS, or alternative technologies for uranium enrichment, facility of

the private corporation established under subsection (a) at a price

negotiated by the 2 corporations that–

(A) provides the private corporation with a reasonable return

on its investment; and

(B) is less costly than enriched uranium available from other

sources.

(4) ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE.–The Corporation may provide

to the private corporation established under subsection (a), on a

reimbursable basis, such additional personnel, services, and equipment

as the 2 corporations may determine to be appropriate.

SEC. 1605. AVLIS COMMERCIALIZATION FUND WITHIN

UNITED STATES ENRICHMENT CORPORATION.

42 USC 2297e-4. (a) ESTABLISHMENT.–The Corporation may establish within the

Corporation an AVLIS Commercialization Fund, which shall consist of

not more than $364,000,000 paid into the Fund by the Corporation from

amounts provided in appropriation Acts for such purposes and from the

retained earnings of the Corporation.

(b) EXPENDITURES FROM FUND.–Amounts in the AVLIS

Commercialization Fund shall be available for–

(1) expenses of the Corporation in preparing the assessment under

section 1601;
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(2) expenses of predeployment activities under section 1603; and

(3) grants to the private corporation under section 1604.

(c) LIMITATIONS.–

(1) EXCLUSIVE SOURCE OF FUNDS.–The Corporation may

not incur any obligation, or expend any amount, with respect to

AVLIS or alternative technologies for uranium enrichment, except

from amounts available in the AVLIS Commercialization Fund.

(2) UNAVAILABLE FOR CONSTRUCTION COSTS.–No

amount may be used from the AVLIS Commercialization Fund for the

costs of constructing an AVLIS, or alternative technologies for

uranium enrichment, production facility or engaging in directly related

preconstruction activities (other than activities specified in subsection

(b)).

(d) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.–There is

authorized to be appropriated $364,000,000 from the Uranium

Enrichment Special Fund for purposes of this section.

(e) COST REPORT.–On the basis of the assessment under

section 1601(a)(3), the Corporation shall submit to the Congress a report

on the capital requirements for commercialization of AVLIS.

SEC. 1606. DEPARTMENT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

ASSISTANCE.

42 USC 2297e-5. If requested by the Corporation, the Secretary shall provide, on a

reimbursable basis, research and development of AVLIS and alternative

technologies for uranium enrichment.

SEC. 1607. SITE SELECTION.

42 USC 2297e-6. This chapter shall not prejudice consideration of the site of an existing

uranium enrichment facility as a candidate site for future expansion or

replacement of uranium enrichment capacity through AVLIS or

alternative technologies for uranium enrichment. Selection of a site for the

AVLIS, or alternative technologies for uranium enrichment, facility shall

be made on a competitive basis, taking into consideration economic

performance, environmental compatibility, and use of any existing

uranium enrichment facilities.

SEC. 1608. EXCLUSION FROM PRICE-ANDERSON

COVERAGE.

42 USC 2297e-7. Section 170 shall not apply to any license under section 53, 63, or 103

for a uranium enrichment facility constructed after the date of the

enactment of this title.
312Added by Public Law 102-486 (106 Stat. 2951); October 24, 1992; as amended by Public 104–134,

Title III, Chapter 1, Subchapter A, sec. 3116(b)(3), (110 Stat. 1321–349); April 26, 1996; Public Law 105–362,

Title II, sec. 1202 (112 Stat. 3292), November 10, 1998. 313Section will be repealed on privatization date. Act April 26, 1996, Public Law 104-134, Title III, Ch

1, Subch A, § 3116(a), 110 Stat. 1321-349, provides:

Chapters 22 through 26 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 USC 2297–2297e-7) are repealed as of the

privatization date.

(The “privatization date” is defined at 42 USCS § 2297h(9) as the date on which 100 percent of the

ownership of the United States Enrichment Corporation has been transferred to private investors.) 314As amended April 26, 1996, Public Law 104-134, Title III, Ch 1, Subch A, § 3116(b)(3), 110 Stat. 1321-

349; Nov. 10, 1998, Public Law 105-362, Title XII, sec. 1202, 112 Stat. 3292.

Volume 1, Page 1–188

CHAPTER 27–LICENSING AND REGULATION OF

URANIUM ENRICHMENT FACILITIES

SEC. 1701. GASEOUS DIFFUSION FACILITIES

42 USC 2297f. (a)312 313 ISSUANCE OF STANDARDS.–Within 2 years after the date

of the enactment of this title [enacted October 24, 1992], the Nuclear

Regulatory Commission shall establish by regulation such standards as

are necessary to govern the gaseous diffusion uranium enrichment

facilities of the Department in order to protect the public health and safety

from radiological hazard and provide for the common defense and

security. Regulations promulgated pursuant to this subsection shall,

among other things, require that adequate safeguards (within the meaning

of section 147) are in place.

(b) ANNUAL REPORT.–

(1) IN GENERAL.–Not later than the date on which a certificate

of compliance is issued under subsection (c), the Nuclear Regulatory

Commission in consultation with the Department and the

Environmental Protection Agency, shall report to the Congress on the

status of health, safety, and environmental conditions at the gaseous

diffusion uranium enrichment facilities of the Department.

(2) REQUIRED DETERMINATION.–Such report shall include a

determination regarding whether the gaseous diffusion uranium

enrichment facilities of the Department are in compliance with the

standards established under subsection (a) and all applicable laws.

(c) CERTIFICATION PROCESS.–

(1) ESTABLISHMENT.–The Nuclear Regulatory Commission

shall establish a certification process to ensure that the Corporation

complies with standards established under subsection (a).

(2) PERIODIC APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF

COMPLIANCE.–The Corporation shall apply to the Nuclear

Regulatory Commission for a certificate of compliance under

paragraph (1) periodically, as determined by the Commission, but not

less than every 5 years. The Commission shall review any such

application and any determination made under subsection (b)(2) shall

be based on the results of any such review.314

(3) TREATMENT OF CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE.–The

requirement for a certificate of compliance under paragraph (1) shall

be in lieu of any requirement for a license for any gaseous diffusion

facility of the Department leased by the Corporation.

(4) NRC REVIEW.–

(A) IN GENERAL.–The Nuclear Regulatory Commission, in

consultation with the Environmental Protection Agency, shall
315Public Law 104-134, Title III, Ch 1, Subchapter A, § 3116(b)(4), (110 Stat. 1321-349), April 26, 1996.

Volume 1, Page 1–189

review the operations of the Corporation with respect to any

gaseous diffusion uranium enrichment facilities of the Department

leased by the Corporation to ensure that public health and safety

are adequately protected.

(B) ACCESS TO FACILITIES AND INFORMATION.– The

Corporation and the Department shall cooperate fully with the

Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Environmental Protection

Agency and shall provide the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and

the Environmental Protection Agency with the ready access to the

facilities, personnel, and information the Nuclear Regulatory

Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency consider

necessary to carry out their responsibilities under this subsection.

A contractor operating a Corporation facility for the Corporation

shall provide the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the

Environmental Protection Agency with ready access to the

facilities, personnel, and information of the contractor as the

Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Environmental Protection

Agency consider necessary to carry out their responsibilities under

this subsection.

(C) LIMITATION.–The Nuclear Regulatory Commission shall

limit its finding under subsection (b)(2) to a determination of

whether the facilities are in compliance with the standards

established under subsection (a).

(d) REQUIREMENT FOR OPERATION.–The gaseous diffusion

uranium enrichment facilities of the Department may not be operated by

the Corporation unless the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, in

consultation with the Environmental Protection Agency, makes a

determination of compliance under subsection (b) or approves a plan

prepared by the Department for achieving compliance required under

subsection (b).

SEC. 1702. LICENSING OF OTHER TECHNOLOGIES.

42 USC 2297f-1. (a) IN GENERAL.–Corporation facilities using alternative

technologies for uranium enrichment, including than AVLIS, shall be

licensed under sections 53, 63, and 193.315

(b) COSTS FOR DECONTAMINATION AND

DECOMMISSIONING.–The Corporation shall provide for the costs of

decontamination and decommissioning of any Corporation facilities

described in subsection (a) in accordance with the requirements of the

amendments made by section 5 of the Solar, Wind, Waste, and

Geothermal Power Production Act of 1990.

SEC. 1703. REGULATION OF RESTRICTED DATA.

42 USC 2297f-2. The Corporation shall be subject to this Act with respect to the use of,

or access to, Restricted Data to the same extent as any private corporation.
316Added by Public Law 102-486 (106 Stat. 2953) 317Section will be repealed on privatization date. Act April 26, 1996, Public Law 104-134, Title III, Ch

1, Subch A, § 3116(a), 110 Stat. 1321-349, provides:

Chapters 22 through 26 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 USC 2297–2297e-7) are repealed as of the

privatization date.

(The “privatization date” is defined at 42 USCS § 2297h(9) as the date on which 100 percent of the

ownership of the United States Enrichment Corporation has been transferred to private investors.) 318Public Law 105-388 (112 Stat. 3485), Nov. 13, 1998 struck "$488,333,333".

Volume 1, Page 1–190

CHAPTER 28–DECONTAMINATION AND

DECOMMISSIONING

SEC. 1801. URANIUM ENRICHMENT DECONTAMINATION

AND DECOMMISSIONING FUND

42 USC 2297g. (a)316 317 ESTABLISHMENT.–There is established in the Treasury of the

United States an account to be known as the Uranium Enrichment

Decontamination and Decommissioning Fund (referred to in this chapter

as the “Fund”). The Fund, and any amounts deposited in it, including any

interest earned thereon, shall be available to the Secretary subject to

appropriations for the exclusive purpose of carrying out this chapter.

(b) ADMINISTRATION.–

(1) IN GENERAL.–The Secretary of the Treasury shall hold the

Fund and, after consultation with the Secretary, annually report to the

Congress on the financial condition and operations of the Fund during

the preceding fiscal year.

(2) INVESTMENTS.–The Secretary of the Treasury shall invest

amounts contained within the Fund in obligations of the United State–

(A) having maturities determined by the Secretary of the

Treasury to be appropriate for what the Department determines to

be the needs of the Fund; and

(B) bearing interest at rates determined to be appropriate by the

Secretary of the Treasury, taking into consideration the current

average market yield on outstanding marketable obligations of the

United States with remaining periods to maturity comparable to

these obligations.

SEC. 1802. DEPOSITS.

42 USC 2297g-1. (a) AMOUNT.–The Fund shall consist of deposits in the amount of

$488,333,333318 per fiscal year (to be annually adjusted for inflation using

the Consumer Price Index for all-urban consumers published by the

Department of Labor) as provided in this section.

(b) SOURCE.–Deposits described in subsection (a) shall be from the

following sources:

(1) Sums collected pursuant to subsection (c).

(2) Appropriations made pursuant to subsection (d).

(c) SPECIAL ASSESSMENT.–The Secretary shall collect a special

assessment from domestic utilities. The total amount collected for a fiscal

year shall not exceed $160,000,000 (to be annually adjusted for inflation

using the Consumer Price Index for all-urban consumers published by the

Department of Labor). The amount collected from each utility pursuant to

this subsection on for a fiscal year shall be in the same ratio to the amount

required under subsection (a) to be deposited for such fiscal year as the

total amount of separative work units such utility has purchased from the

Department of Energy for the purpose of commercial electricity

generation, before the date of the enactment of this title, bears to the total
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amount of separative work units purchased from the Department of

Energy for all purposes (including units purchased or produced for

defense purposes) before the date of the enactment of this title. For

purposes of this subsection–

(1) a utility shall be considered to have purchased a separative

work unit from the Department if such separative work unit was

produced by the Department, but purchased by the utility from another

source; and

(2) a utility shall not be considered to have purchased a separative

work unit from the Department if such separative work unit was

purchased by the utility, but sold to another source.

(d) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.–There are

authorized to be appropriated to the Fund, for the period encompassing 15

years after the date of the enactment of this title, such sums as are

necessary to ensure that the amount required under subsection (a) is

deposited for each fiscal year.

(e) TERMINATION OF ASSESSMENTS.–The collection of

amounts under subsection (c) shall cease after the earlier of–

(1) 16 years after the date of the enactment of this title; or

(2) the collection of $2,260,000,000 (to be annually adjusted for

inflation using the Consumer Price Index for all-urban consumers

published by the Department of Labor) under such subsection.

(f) CONTINUATION OF DEPOSITS.–Except as provided in

subsection (e), deposits shall continue to be made into the Fund under

subsection (d) for the period specified in such subsection.

(g) TREATMENT OF ASSESSMENT.–Any special assessment

levied under this section on domestic utilities for the decontamination and

decommissioning of the Department’s gaseous diffusion enrichment

facilities shall be deemed a necessary and reasonable current cost of fuel

and shall be fully recoverable in rates in all jurisdictions in the same

manner as the utility’s other fuel cost.

SEC. 1803. DEPARTMENT FACILITIES

42 USC 2297g-2. (a) STUDY BY NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES.–The

National Academy of Sciences shall conduct a study and provide

recommendations for reducing costs associated with decontamination and

decommissioning, and shall report its findings to the Congress within

3 years after the date of the enactment of this title. Such report shall

include a determination of the decontamination and decommissioning

required for each facility shall identify alternative methods, using

different technologies, shall include sit-specific surveys of the actual

contamination, and shall provide estimated costs of those activities.

(b) PAYMENT OF DECONTAMINATION AND

DECOMMISSIONING COSTS.–The costs of all decontamination and

decommissioning activities of the Department shall be paid from the Fund

until such time as the Secretary certifies and the Congress concurs, by

law, that such activities are complete.

(c) PAYMENT OF REMEDIAL ACTION COSTS.–The annual cost

of remedial action at the Department’s gaseous diffusion facilities shall be

paid from the Fund to the extent the amount available in the Fund is

sufficient. To the extent the amount in the Fund is insufficient, the

Department shall be responsible for the cost of remedial action. No

provision of this title may be construed to relieve in any way the
319This section was enacted as part of the USEC Privatization Act (Public Law 104-134, Title III, Ch. 1,

Subch. A, 110 Stat. 1321-335) and not as part of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, which generally comprises

this chapter. 320Section will be repealed on privatization date. Act April 26, 1996, Public Law 104-134, Title III,

Ch. 1, Subch A, § 3116(a), 110 Stat. 1321-349, provides:

Chapters 22 through 26 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 USC 2297–2297e-7) are repealed as of the

privatization date.

(The “privatization date” is defined at 42 USCS § 2297h(9) as the date on which 100 percent of the

ownership of the United States Enrichment Corporation has been transferred to private investors.)

Volume 1, Page 1–192

responsibility or liability of the Department for remedial action under

applicable Federal and State laws and regulations.

SEC. 1804. EMPLOYEE PROVISIONS.

42 USC 2297g-3. All laborers and mechanics employed by contractors or subcontractors

in the performance of decontamination or decommissioning of uranium

enrichment facilities of the Department shall be paid wages at rates not

less than those prevailing on projects of a similar character in the locality

as determined by the Secretary of Labor in accordance with the Act of

March 3, 1931 (known as the Davis-Bacon Act) (40 USC 276a et seq.).

The Secretary of Labor shall have, with respect to the labor standards

specified in this section, the authority and functions set forth in

Reorganization Plan Numbered 14 of 1950 (15 FR 3176, 64 Stat. 1267)

and the Act of June 13, 1934 (40 USC 276c). This section may not be

construed to require the contracting out of activities associated with the

decontamination or decommissioning of uranium enrichment facilities.

SEC. 1805. REPORTS TO CONGRESS.

42 USC 2297g-4. Within 3 years after the date of the enactment of this title, and at least

once every 3 years thereafter, the Secretary shall report to the Congress on

progress under this chapter. The 5th report submitted under this section

shall contain recommendations of the Secretary for the reauthorization of

the program and Fund under this title.

TITLE III–RESCISSIONS AND OFFSETS

CHAPTER 1–ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT

URANIUM ENRICHMENT CAPACITY

SUBCHAPTER A–UNITED STATES ENRICHMENT

CORPORATION PRIVATIZATION

SEC. 3101. SHORT TITLE.

42 USC 2011 note.

USEC Privatization

Act.

42 USC 2297h.

This subchapter may be cited as the “USEC Privatization Act.”319 320

SEC. 3102. DEFINITIONS.

For purposes of this subchapter:

(1) The term “AVLIS” means atomic vapor laser isotope

separation technology.

(2) The term “Corporation” means the United States Enrichment

Corporation and, unless the context otherwise requires, includes the

private corporation and any successor thereto following privatization.

(3) The term “gaseous diffusion plants” means the Paducah

Gaseous Diffusion Plant at Paducah, Kentucky and the Portsmouth

Gaseous Diffusion Plant at Piketon, Ohio.

(4) The term “highly enriched uranium” means uranium enriched

to 20 percent or more of the uranium-235 isotope.
Volume 1, Page 1–193

(5) The term “low-enriched uranium” means uranium enriched to

less than 20 percent of the uranium-235 isotope, including that which

is derived from highly enriched uranium.

(6) The term “low-level radioactive waste” has the meaning given

such term in section 2(9) of the Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy

Act (42 USC 2021b(9)).

(7) The term “private corporation” means the corporation

established under section 3105.

(8) The term “privatization” means the transfer of ownership of the

Corporation to private investors.

(9) The term “privatization date” means the date on which 100

percent of the ownership of the Corporation has been transferred to

private investors.

(10) The term “public offering” means an underwritten offering to

the public of the common stock of the private corporation pursuant to

section 3104.

(11) The “Russian HEU Agreement” means the Agreement

Between the Government of the United States of America and the

Government of the Russian Federation Concerning the Disposition of

Highly Enriched Uranium Extracted from Nuclear Weapons, dated

February 18, 1993.

(12) The term “Secretary” means the Secretary of Energy.

(13) The “Suspension Agreement” means the Agreement to

Suspend the Antidumping Investigation on Uranium from the Russian

Federation, as amended.

(14) The term “uranium enrichment” means the separation of

uranium of a given isotopic content into 2 components, 1 having a

higher percentage of a fissile isotope and 1 having a lower percentage.

SEC. 3103. SALE OF THE CORPORATION.

42 USC 2297h-1. (a) Authorization.–The Board of Directors of the Corporation, with

the approval of the Secretary of the Treasury, shall transfer the interest of

the United States in the United States Enrichment Corporation to the

private sector in a manner that provides for the long-term viability of the

Corporation, provides for the continuation by the Corporation of the

operation of the Department of Energy’s gaseous diffusion plants,

provides for the protection of the public interest in maintaining a reliable

and economical domestic source of uranium mining, enrichment and

conversion services, and, to the extent not inconsistent with such

purposes, secures the maximum proceeds to the United States.

(b) Proceeds.–Proceeds from the sale of the United States’ interest in

the Corporation shall be deposited in the general fund of the Treasury.

SEC. 3104. METHOD OF SALE.

42 USC 2297h-2. (a) Authorization.–The Board of Directors of the Corporation, with

the approval of the Secretary of the Treasury, shall transfer ownership of

the assets and obligations of the Corporation to the private corporation

established under section 3105 (which may be consummated through a

merger or consolidation effected in accordance with, and having the

effects provided under, the law of the State of incorporation of the private

corporation, as if the Corporation were incorporated thereunder).

(b) Board Determination.–The Board, with the approval of the

Secretary of the Treasury, shall select the method of transfer and establish

terms and conditions for the transfer that will provide the maximum
Volume 1, Page 1–194

proceeds to the Treasury of the United States and will provide for the

long-term viability of the private corporation, the continued operation of

the gaseous diffusion plants, and the public interest in maintaining

reliable and economical domestic uranium mining and enrichment

industries.

(c) Adequate Proceeds.–The Secretary of the Treasury shall not allow

the privatization of the Corporation unless before the sale date the

Secretary of the Treasury determines that the method of transfer will

provide the maximum proceeds to the Treasury consistent with the

principles set forth in section 3103(a).

(d) Application of Securities Laws.–Any offering or sale of securities

by the private corporation shall be subject to the Securities Act of 1933

(15 USC 77a et seq.), the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 USC 78a

et seq.), and the provisions of the Constitution and laws of any State,

territory, or possession of the United States relating to transactions in

securities.

(e) Expenses.–Expenses of privatization shall be paid from

Corporation revenue accounts in the United States Treasury.

SEC. 3105. ESTABLISHMENT OF PRIVATE CORPORATION.

42 USC 2297h-3. (a) Incorporation.–

(1) The directors of the Corporation shall establish a private

for-profit corporation under the laws of a State for the purpose of

receiving the assets and obligations of the Corporation at privatization

and continuing the business operations of the Corporation following

privatization.

(2) The directors of the Corporation may serve as incorporators of

the private corporation and shall take all steps necessary to establish

the private corporation, including the filing of articles of incorporation

consistent with the provisions of this subchapter.

(3) Employees and officers of the Corporation (including members

of the Board of Directors) acting in accordance with this section on

behalf of the private corporation shall be deemed to be acting in their

official capacities as employees or officers of the Corporation for

purposes of section 205 of title 18, United States Code.

(b) Status of the Private Corporation.–

(1) The private corporation shall not be an agency, instrumentality,

or establishment of the United States, a Government corporation, or a

Government-controlled corporation.

(2) Except as otherwise provided by this subchapter, financial

obligations of the private corporation shall not be obligations of, or

guaranteed as to principal or interest by, the Corporation or the United

States, and the obligations shall so plainly state.

(3) No action under section 1491 of title 28, United States Code,

shall be allowable against the United States based on actions of the

private corporation.

(c) Application of Post-Government Employment Restrictions.–

Beginning on the privatization date, the restrictions stated in section

207(a), (b), (c), and (d) of title 18, United States Code, shall not apply to

the acts of an individual done in carrying out official duties as a director,

officer, or employee of the private corporation, if the individual was an

officer or employee of the Corporation (including a director) continuously

during the 45 days prior to the privatization date.
Volume 1, Page 1–195

(d) Dissolution.–In the event that the privatization does not occur, the

Corporation will provide for the dissolution of the private corporation

within 1 year of the private corporation’s incorporation unless the

Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate, upon the Corporation’s request,

agrees to delay any such dissolution for an additional year.

SEC. 3106. TRANSFERS TO THE PRIVATE CORPORATION.

42 USC 2297h-4. Concurrent with privatization, the Corporation shall transfer to the

private corporation–

(1) the lease of the gaseous diffusion plants in accordance with

section 3107,

(2) all personal property and inventories of the Corporation,

(3) all contracts, agreements, and leases under section 3108(a),

(4) the Corporation’s right to purchase power from the Secretary

under section 3108(b),

(5) such funds in accounts of the Corporation held by the Treasury

or on deposit with any bank or other financial institution as approved

by the Secretary of the Treasury, and

Records. (6) all of the Corporation’s records, including all of the papers and

other documentary materials, regardless of physical form or

characteristics, made or received by the Corporation.

SEC. 3107. LEASING OF GASEOUS DIFFUSION FACILITIES.

42 USC 2297h-5. (a) Transfer of Lease.–Concurrent with privatization, the Corporation

shall transfer to the private corporation the lease of the gaseous diffusion

plants and related property for the remainder of the term of such lease in

accordance with the terms of such lease.

(b) Renewal.–The private corporation shall have the exclusive option

to lease the gaseous diffusion plants and related property for additional

periods following the expiration of the initial term of the lease.

(c) Exclusion of Facilities for Production of Highly Enriched

Uranium.–The Secretary shall not lease to the private corporation any

facilities necessary for the production of highly enriched uranium but

may, subject to the requirements of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42

USC 2011 et seq.), grant the Corporation access to such facilities for

purposes other than the production of highly enriched uranium.

(d) DOE Responsibility for Preexisting Conditions.–The payment of

any costs of decontamination and decommissioning, response actions, or

corrective actions with respect to conditions existing before July 1, 1993,

at the gaseous diffusion plants shall remain the sole responsibility of the

Secretary.

(e) Environmental Audit.–For purposes of subsection (d), the

conditions existing before July 1, 1993, at the gaseous diffusion plants

shall be determined from the environmental audit conducted pursuant to

section 1403(e) of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 USC 2297c-2(e)).

(f) Treatment Under Price-Anderson Provisions.–Any lease executed

between the Secretary and the Corporation or the private corporation, and

any extension or renewal thereof, under this section shall be deemed to be

a contract for purposes of section 170d. of the Atomic Energy Act of

1954 (42 USC 2210(d)).

(g) Waiver of EIS Requirement.–The execution or transfer of the lease

between the Secretary and the Corporation or the private corporation, and

any extension or renewal thereof, shall not be considered to be a major

Federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human
Volume 1, Page 1–196

environment for purposes of section 102 of the National Environmental

Policy Act of 1969 (42 USC 4332).

(h) Maintenance of Security

(1) In General–With respect to the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion

Plant, Kentucky, and the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant,

Ohio, the guidelines relating to the authority of the Department of

Energy's contractors (including any Federal agency, or private

entity operating a gaseous diffusion plant under a contract or lease

with the Department of Energy) and any subcontractor (at any tier)

to carry firearms and make arrests in providing security at Federal

installations, issued under section 161k. of the Atomic Energy Act

of 1954 (42 USC 2201k.) shall require, at a minimum, the

presence of all security police officers carrying sidearms at all

times to ensure maintenance of security at the gaseous diffusion

plants (whether a gaseous diffusion plant is operated directly by a

Federal agency or by a private entity under a contract or lease with

a Federal agency).

(2) Funding

(A) The costs of arming and providing arrest authority

to the security policy officers required under paragraph (1)

shall be paid as follows:

(i) the Department of Energy (the “Department”)

shall pay the percentage of the costs equal to the

percentage of the total number of employees at the

gaseous diffusion plant who are: (I) employees of the

Department or the contractor or subcontractors of the

Department; or (II) employees of the private entity

leasing the gaseous diffusion plant who perform work

on behalf of the Department (including employees of a

contractor or subcontractor of the private entity); and

(ii) the private entity leasing the gaseous diffusion

plant shall pay the percentage of the costs equal to the

percentage of the total number of employees at the

gaseous diffusion plant who are employees of the

private entity (including employees of a contractor or

subcontractor) other than those employees who perform

work for the Department.

(B) Neither the private entity leasing the gaseous

diffusion plant nor the Department shall reduce its

payments under any contract or lease or take other action to

offset its share of the costs referred to in subparagraph (A),

and the Department shall not reimburse the private entity

for the entity's share of these costs.

(C) Nothing in this subsection shall alter the

Department's responsibilities to pay the safety, safeguards
321Public Law 104-134, Title III, Ch. 1, Subch. A, § 3107, (110 Stat. 1321-338); Apr. 26, 1996; Public

Law 105-62, Title V, § 511, (111 Stat. 1341); Oct. 13, 1997; Public Law 105-245, Title III, § 310, (112

Stat. 1853), Oct. 7, 1998.

Volume 1, Page 1–197

and security costs associated with the Department's highly

enriched uranium activities.321

SEC. 3108. TRANSFER OF CONTRACTS.

42 USC 2297h-6. (a) Transfer of Contracts.–Concurrent with privatization, the

Corporation shall transfer to the private corporation all contracts,

agreements, and leases, including all uranium enrichment contracts, that

were–

(1) transferred by the Secretary to the Corporation pursuant to

section 1401(b) of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 USC

2297c(b)), or

(2) entered into by the Corporation before the privatization date.

(b) Nontransferable Power Contracts.–The Corporation shall transfer

to the private corporation the right to purchase power from the Secretary

under the power purchase contracts for the gaseous diffusion plants

executed by the Secretary before July 1, 1993. The Secretary shall

continue to receive power for the gaseous diffusion plants under such

contracts and shall continue to resell such power to the private

corporation at cost during the term of such contracts.

(c) Effect of Transfer.–(1) Notwithstanding subsection (a), the United

States shall remain obligated to the parties to the contracts, agreements,

and leases transferred under subsection (a) for the performance of its

obligations under such contracts, agreements, or leases during their terms.

Performance of such obligations by the private corporation shall be

considered performance by the United States.

(2) If a contract, agreement, or lease transferred under subsection

(a) is terminated, extended, or materially amended after the

privatization date–

(A) the private corporation shall be responsible for any

obligation arising under such contract, agreement, or lease after

any extension or material amendment, and

(B) the United States shall be responsible for any obligation

arising under the contract, agreement, or lease before the

termination, extension, or material amendment.

(3) The private corporation shall reimburse the United States for

any amount paid by the United States under a settlement agreement

entered into with the consent of the private corporation or under a

judgment, if the settlement or judgment–

(A) arises out of an obligation under a contract, agreement, or

lease transferred under subsection (a), and

(B) arises out of actions of the private corporation between the

privatization date and the date of a termination, extension, or

material amendment of such contract, agreement, or lease.

(d) Pricing.–The Corporation may establish prices for its products,

materials, and services provided to customers on a basis that will allow it

to attain the normal business objectives of a profit making corporation.
Volume 1, Page 1–198

SEC. 3109. LIABILITIES.

42 USC 2297h-7. (a) Liability of the United States.–

(1) Except as otherwise provided in this subchapter, all liabilities

arising out of the operation of the uranium enrichment enterprise

before July 1, 1993, shall remain the direct liabilities of the Secretary.

(2) Except as provided in subsection (a)(3) or otherwise provided

in a memorandum of agreement entered into by the Corporation and

the Office of Management and Budget prior to the privatization date,

all liabilities arising out of the operation of the Corporation between

July 1, 1993, and the privatization date shall remain the direct

liabilities of the United States.

(3) All liabilities arising out of the disposal of depleted uranium

generated by the Corporation between July 1, 1993, and the

privatization date shall become the direct liabilities of the Secretary.

(4) Any stated or implied consent for the United States, or any

agent or officer of the United States, to be sued by any person for any

legal, equitable, or other relief with respect to any claim arising from

any action taken by any agent or officer of the United States in

connection with the privatization of the Corporation is hereby

withdrawn.

(5) To the extent that any claim against the United States under

this section is of the type otherwise required by Federal statute or

regulation to be presented to a Federal agency or official for

adjudication or review, such claim shall be presented to the

Department of Energy in accordance with procedures to be established

by the Secretary. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to

impose on the Department of Energy liability to pay any claim

presented pursuant to this paragraph.

(6) The Attorney General shall represent the United States in any

action seeking to impose liability under this subsection.

(b) Liability of the Corporation.–Notwithstanding any provision of

any agreement to which the Corporation is a party, the Corporation shall

not be considered in breach, default, or violation of any agreement

because of the transfer of such agreement to the private corporation under

section 3108 or any other action the Corporation is required to take under

this subchapter.

(c) Liability of the Private Corporation.–Except as provided in this

subchapter, the private corporation shall be liable for any liabilities arising

out of its operations after the privatization date.

(d) Liability of Officers and Directors.–

(1) No officer, director, employee, or agent of the Corporation

shall be liable in any civil proceeding to any party in connection with

any action taken in connection with the privatization if, with respect to

the subject matter of the action, suit, or proceeding, such person was

acting within the scope of his employment.

(2) This subsection shall not apply to claims arising under the

Securities Act of 1933 (15 USC 77a. et seq.), the Securities Exchange

Act of 1934 (15 USC 78a. et seq.), or under the Constitution or laws

of any State, territory, or possession of the United States relating to

transactions in securities.
Volume 1, Page 1–199

SEC. 3110. EMPLOYEE PROTECTIONS.

42 USC 2297h-8. (a) Contractor Employees.–

(1) Privatization shall not diminish the accrued, vested pension

benefits of employees of the Corporation’s operating contractor at the

two gaseous diffusion plants.

(2) In the event that the private corporation terminates or changes

the contractor at either or both of the gaseous diffusion plants, the

plan sponsor or other appropriate fiduciary of the pension plan

covering employees of the prior operating contractor shall arrange for

the transfer of all plan assets and liabilities relating to accrued pension

benefits of such plan’s participants and beneficiaries from such plant

to a pension plan sponsored by the new contractor or the private

corporation or a joint labor-management plan, as the case may be.

(3) In addition to any obligations arising under the National Labor

Relations Act (29 USC 151 et seq.), any employer (including the

private corporation if it operates a gaseous diffusion plant without a

contractor or any contractor of the private corporation) at a gaseous

diffusion plant shall–

(A) abide by the terms of any unexpired collective bargaining

agreement covering employees in bargaining units at the plant and

in effect on the privatization date until the stated expiration or

termination date of the agreement; or

(B) in the event a collective bargaining agreement is not in

effect upon the privatization date, have the same bargaining

obligations under section 8(d) of the National Labor Relations Act

(29 USC 158(d)) as it had immediately before the privatization

date.

(4) If the private corporation replaces its operating contractor at a

gaseous diffusion plant, the new employer (including the new

contractor or the private corporation if it operates a gaseous diffusion

plant without a contractor) shall–

(A) offer employment to non-management employees of the

predecessor contractor to the extent that their jobs still exist or

they are qualified for new jobs, and

(B) abide by the terms of the predecessor contractor’s

collective bargaining agreement until the agreement expires or a

new agreement is signed.

(5) In the event of a plant closing or mass layoff (as such terms are

defined in section 2101(a) (2) and (3) of title 29, United States Code)

at either of the gaseous diffusion plants, the Secretary of Energy shall

treat any adversely affected employee of an operating contractor at

either plant who was an employee at such plant on July 1, 1993, as a

Department of Energy employee for purposes of sections 3161 and

3162 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993

(42 USC 7274h-7274i).

(6)(A) The Secretary and the private corporation shall cause the

post-retirement health benefits plan provider (or its successor) to

continue to provide benefits for eligible persons, as described under

subparagraph (B), employed by an operating contractor at either of the

gaseous diffusion plants in an economically efficient manner and at

substantially the same level of coverage as eligible retirees are entitled

to receive on the privatization date.
Volume 1, Page 1–200

(B) Persons eligible for coverage under subparagraph (A) shall

be limited to:

(i) persons who retired from active employment at one of

the gaseous diffusion plants on or before the privatization date

as vested participants in a pension plan maintained either by

the Corporation’s operating contractor or by a contractor

employed prior to July 1, 1993, by the Department of Energy to

operate a gaseous diffusion plant; and

(ii) persons who are employed by the Corporation’s

operating contractor on or before the privatization date and are

vested participants in a pension plan maintained either by the

Corporation’s operating contractor or by a contractor employed

prior to July 1, 1993, by the Department of Energy to operate a

gaseous diffusion plant.

(C) The Secretary shall fund the entire cost of post-retirement

health benefits for persons who retired from employment with an

operating contractor prior to July 1, 1993.

(D) The Secretary and the Corporation shall fund the cost of

post-retirement health benefits for persons who retire from

employment with an operating contractor on or after July 1, 1993,

in proportion to the retired person’s years and months of service at

a gaseous diffusion plant under their respective management.

(7)(A) Any suit under this subsection alleging a violation of an

agreement between an employer and a labor organization shall be

brought in accordance with section 301 of the Labor Management

Relations Act (29 USC 185).

(B) Any charge under this subsection alleging an unfair labor

practice violative of section 8 of the National Labor Relations Act

(29 USC 158) shall be pursued in accordance with section 10 of

the National Labor Relations Act (29 USC 160).

(C) Any suit alleging a violation of any provision of this

subsection, to the extent it does not allege a violation of the

National Labor Relations Act, may be brought in any district court

of the United States having jurisdiction over the parties, without

regard to the amount in controversy or the citizenship of the

parties.

(b) Former Federal Employees.–

(1)(A) An employee of the Corporation that was subject to either

the Civil Service Retirement System (referred to in this section as

“CSRS”) or the Federal Employees’ Retirement System (referred to in

this section as “FERS”) on the day immediately preceding the

privatization date shall elect–

(i) to retain the employee’s coverage under either CSRS or

FERS, as applicable, in lieu of coverage by the Corporation’s

retirement system, or

(ii) to receive a deferred annuity or lump-sum benefit

payable to a terminated employee under CSRS or FERS, as

applicable.

(B) An employee that makes the election under subparagraph

(A)(ii) shall have the option to transfer the balance in the

employee’s Thrift Savings Plan account to a defined contribution

plan under the Corporation’s retirement system, consistent with
Volume 1, Page 1–201

applicable law and the terms of the Corporation’s defined

contribution plan.

(2) The Corporation shall pay to the Civil Service Retirement and

Disability Fund–

(A) such employee deductions and agency contributions as are

required by sections 8334, 8422, and 8423 of title 5, United States

Code, for those employees who elect to retain their coverage under

either CSRS or FERS pursuant to paragraph (1);

(B) such additional agency contributions as are determined

necessary by the Office of Personnel Management to pay, in

combination with the sums under subparagraph (A), the “normal

cost” (determined using dynamic assumptions) of retirement

benefits for those employees who elect to retain their coverage

under CSRS pursuant to paragraph (1), with the concept of

“normal cost” being used consistent with generally accepted

actuarial standards and principles; and

(C) such additional amounts, not to exceed two percent of the

amounts under subparagraphs (A) and (B), as are determined

necessary by the Office of Personnel Management to pay the cost

of administering retirement benefits for employees who retire from

the Corporation after the privatization date under either CSRS or

FERS, for their survivors, and for survivors of employees of the

Corporation who die after the privatization date (which amounts

shall be available to the Office of Personnel Management as

provided in section 8348(a)(1)(B) of title 5, United States Code).

(3) The Corporation shall pay to the Thrift Savings Fund such

employee and agency contributions as are required by section 8432 of

title 5, United States Code, for those employees who elect to retain

their coverage under FERS pursuant to paragraph (1).

(4) Any employee of the Corporation who was subject to the

Federal Employee Health Benefits Program (referred to in this section

as “FEHBP”) on the day immediately preceding the privatization date

and who elects to retain coverage under either CSRS or FERS

pursuant to paragraph (1) shall have the option to receive health

benefits from a health benefit plan established by the Corporation or

to continue without interruption coverage under the FEHBP, in lieu of

coverage by the Corporation’s health benefit system.

(5) The Corporation shall pay to the Employees Health Benefits

Fund–

(A) such employee deductions and agency contributions as are

required by section 8906(a)-(f) of title 5, United States Code, for

those employees who elect to retain their coverage under FEHBP

pursuant to paragraph (4); and

(B) such amounts as are determined necessary by the Office of

Personnel Management under paragraph (6) to reimburse the

Office of Personnel Management for contributions under

section 8906(g)(1) of title 5, United States Code, for those

employees who elect to retain their coverage under FEHBP

pursuant to paragraph (4).

(6) The amounts required under paragraph (5)(B) shall pay the

Government contributions for retired employees who retire from the

Corporation after the privatization date under either CSRS or FERS,
Volume 1, Page 1–202

for survivors of such retired employees, and for survivors of

employees of the Corporation who die after the privatization date,

with said amounts prorated to reflect only that portion of the total

service of such employees and retired persons that was performed for

the Corporation after the privatization date.

SEC. 3111. OWNERSHIP LIMITATIONS.

42 USC 2297h-9. (a) Securities Limitations.–No director, officer, or employee of the

Corporation may acquire any securities, or any rights to acquire any

securities of the private corporation on terms more favorable than those

offered to the general public–

(1) in a public offering designed to transfer ownership of the

Corporation to private investors,

(2) pursuant to any agreement, arrangement, or understanding

entered into before the privatization date, or

(3) before the election of the directors of the private corporation.

(b) Ownership Limitation.–Immediately following the consummation

of the transaction or series of transactions pursuant to which 100 percent

of the ownership of the Corporation is transferred to private investors,

and for a period of three years thereafter, no person may acquire, directly

or indirectly, beneficial ownership of securities representing more than

10 percent of the total votes of all outstanding voting securities of the

Corporation. The foregoing limitation shall not apply to–

(1) any employee stock ownership plan of the Corporation,

(2) members of the underwriting syndicate purchasing shares in

stabilization transactions in connection with the privatization, or

(3) in the case of shares beneficially held in the ordinary course of

business for others, any commercial bank, broker-dealer, or clearing

agency.

SEC. 3112. URANIUM TRANSFERS AND SALES.

42 USC 2297h-10. (a) Transfers and Sales by the Secretary.–The Secretary shall not

provide enrichment services or transfer or sell any uranium (including

natural uranium concentrates, natural uranium hexafluoride, or enriched

uranium in any form) to any person except as consistent with this section.

(b) Russian HEU.

(1) On or before December 31, 1996, the United States Executive

Agent under the Russian HEU Agreement shall transfer to the

Secretary without charge title to an amount of uranium hexafluoride

equivalent to the natural uranium component of low-enriched uranium

derived from at least 18 metric tons of highly enriched uranium

purchased from the Russian Executive Agent under the Russian HEU

Agreement. The quantity of such uranium hexafluoride delivered to

the Secretary shall be based on a tails assay of 0.30 U235. Uranium

hexafluoride transferred to the Secretary pursuant to this paragraph

shall be deemed under United States law for all purposes to be of

Russian origin.

(2) Within 7 years of the date of enactment of this Act, the

Secretary shall sell, and receive payment for, the uranium hexafluoride

transferred to the Secretary pursuant to paragraph (1). Such uranium

hexafluoride shall be sold–

(A) at any time for use in the United States for the purpose of

overfeeding;

(B) at any time for end use outside the United States;
Volume 1, Page 1–203

(C) in 1995 and 1996 to the Russian Executive Agent at the

purchase price for use in matched sales pursuant to the Suspension

Agreement; or,

(D) in calendar year 2001 for consumption by end users in the

United States not prior to January 1, 2002, in volumes not to

exceed 3,000,000 pounds U3O8 equivalent per year.

(3) With respect to all enriched uranium delivered to the United

States Executive Agent under the Russian HEU Agreement on or after

January 1, 1997, the United States Executive Agent shall, upon

request of the Russian Executive Agent, enter into an agreement to

deliver concurrently to the Russian Executive Agent an amount of

uranium hexafluoride equivalent to the natural uranium component of

such uranium. An agreement executed pursuant to a request of the

Russian Executive Agent, as contemplated in this paragraph, may

pertain to any deliveries due during any period remaining under the

Russian HEU Agreement. The quantity of such uranium hexafluoride

delivered to the Russian Executive Agent shall be based on a tails

assay of 0.30 U235. Title to uranium hexafluoride delivered to the

Russian Executive Agent pursuant to this paragraph shall transfer to

the Russian Executive Agent upon delivery of such material to the

Russian Executive Agent, with such delivery to take place at a North

American facility designated by the Russian Executive Agent.

Uranium hexafluoride delivered to the Russian Executive Agent

pursuant to this paragraph shall be deemed under U.S. law for all

purposes to be of Russian origin. Such uranium hexafluoride may be

sold to any person or entity for delivery and use in the United States

only as permitted in subsections (b)(5), (b)(6) and (b)(7) of this

section.

(4) In the event that the Russian Executive Agent does not exercise

its right to enter into an agreement to take delivery of the natural

uranium component of any low-enriched uranium, as contemplated in

paragraph (3), within 90 days of the date such low-enriched uranium

is delivered to the United States Executive Agent, or upon request of

the Russian Executive Agent, then the United States Executive Agent

shall engage an independent entity through a competitive selection

process to auction an amount of uranium hexafluoride or U3O 8 (in the

event that the conversion component of such hexafluoride has

previously been sold) equivalent to the natural uranium component of

such low-enriched uranium. An agreement executed pursuant to a

request of the Russian Executive Agent, as contemplated in this

paragraph, may pertain to any deliveries due during any period

remaining under the Russian HEU Agreement. Such independent

entity shall sell such uranium hexafluoride in one or more lots to any

person or entity to maximize the proceeds from such sales, for

disposition consistent with the limitations set forth in this subsection.

The independent entity shall pay to the Russian Executive Agent the

proceeds of any such auction less all reasonable transaction and other

administrative costs. The quantity of such uranium hexafluoride

auctioned shall be based on a tails assay of 0.30 U235. Title to uranium

hexafluoride auctioned pursuant to this paragraph shall transfer to the

buyer of such material upon delivery of such material to the buyer.

Uranium hexafluoride auctioned pursuant to this paragraph shall be
Volume 1, Page 1–204

deemed under United States law for all purposes to be of Russian

origin.

(5) Except as provided in paragraphs (6) and (7), uranium

hexafluoride delivered to the Russian Executive Agent under

paragraph (3) or auctioned pursuant to paragraph (4), may not be

delivered for consumption by end users in the United States either

directly or indirectly prior to January 1, 1998, and thereafter only in

accordance with the following schedule:

Annual Maximum Deliveries to End Users

Year:

(millions lbs. U3O8

equivalent)

1998 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

1999 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 

2000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 

2001 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 

2002 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 

2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 

2004 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 

2005 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 

2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 

2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 

2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 

2009 and each year thereafter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20.

(6) Uranium hexafluoride delivered to the Russian Executive

Agent under paragraph (3) or auctioned pursuant to paragraph (4) may

be sold at any time as Russian-origin natural uranium in a matched

sale pursuant to the Suspension Agreement, and in such case shall not

be counted against the annual maximum deliveries set forth in

paragraph (5).

(7) Uranium hexafluoride delivered to the Russian Executive

Agent under paragraph (3) or auctioned pursuant to paragraph (4) may

be sold at any time for use in the United States for the purpose of

overfeeding in the operations of enrichment facilities.

(8) Nothing in this subsection (b) shall restrict the sale of the

conversion component of such uranium hexafluoride.

(9) The Secretary of Commerce shall have responsibility for the

administration and enforcement of the limitations set forth in this

subsection. The Secretary of Commerce may require any person to

provide any certifications, information, or take any action that may be

necessary to enforce these limitations. The United States Customs

Service shall maintain and provide any information required by the

Secretary of Commerce and shall take any action requested by the

Secretary of Commerce which is necessary for the administration and

enforcement of the uranium delivery limitations set forth in this

section.

President.

Reports.

(10) The President shall monitor the actions of the United States

Executive Agent under the Russian HEU Agreement and shall report

to the Congress not later than December 31 of each year on the effect

the low-enriched uranium delivered under the Russian HEU
Volume 1, Page 1–205

Agreement is having on the domestic uranium mining, conversion, and

enrichment industries, and the operation of the gaseous diffusion

plants. Such report shall include a description of actions taken or

proposed to be taken by the President to prevent or mitigate any

material adverse impact on such industries or any loss of employment

at the gaseous diffusion plants as a result of the Russian HEU

Agreement.

(c) Transfers to the Corporation.–(1) The Secretary shall transfer to

the Corporation without charge up to 50 metric tons of enriched uranium

and up to 7,000 metric tons of natural uranium from the Department of

Energy’s stockpile, subject to the restrictions in subsection (c)(2).

(2) The Corporation shall not deliver for commercial end use in the

United States–

(A) any of the uranium transferred under this subsection before

January 1, 1998;

(B) more than 10 percent of the uranium (by uranium

hexafluoride equivalent content) transferred under this subsection

or more than 4,000,000 pounds, whichever is less, in any calendar

year after 1997; or

(C) more than 800,000 separative work units contained in

low-enriched uranium transferred under this subsection in any

calendar year.

(d) Inventory Sales.–(1) In addition to the transfers authorized under

subsections (c) and (e), the Secretary may, from time to time, sell natural

and low-enriched uranium (including low-enriched uranium derived from

highly enriched uranium) from the Department of Energy’s stockpile.

(2) Except as provided in subsections (b), (c), and (e), no sale or

transfer of natural or low-enriched uranium shall be made unless–

President. (A) the President determines that the material is not necessary

for national security needs,

(B) the Secretary determines that the sale of the material will

not have an adverse material impact on the domestic uranium

mining, conversion, or enrichment industry, taking into account the

sales of uranium under the Russian HEU Agreement and the

Suspension Agreement, and

(C) the price paid to the Secretary will not be less than the fair

market value of the material.

(e) Government Transfers.–Notwithstanding subsection (d)(2), the

Secretary may transfer or sell enriched uranium–

(1) to a Federal agency if the material is transferred for the use of

the receiving agency without any resale or transfer to another entity

and the material does not meet commercial specifications;

(2) to any person for national security purposes, as determined by

the Secretary; or

(3) to any State or local agency or nonprofit, charitable, or

educational institution for use other than the generation of electricity

for commercial use.

(f) Savings Provision.–Nothing in this subchapter shall be read to

modify the terms of the Russian HEU Agreement.
Volume 1, Page 1–206

SEC. 3113. LOW-LEVEL WASTE.

42 USC 2297h-11. (a) Responsibility of DOE.–

(1) The Secretary, at the request of the generator, shall accept for

disposal low-level radioactive waste, including depleted uranium if it

were ultimately determined to be low-level radioactive waste,

generated by–

(A) the Corporation as a result of the operations of the gaseous

diffusion plants or as a result of the treatment of such wastes at a

location other than the gaseous diffusion plants, or

(B) any person licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory

Commission to operate a uranium enrichment facility under

sections 53, 63, and 193 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42

USC 2073, 2093, and 2243).

(2) Except as provided in paragraph (3), the generator shall

reimburse the Secretary for the disposal of low-level radioactive waste

pursuant to paragraph (1) in an amount equal to the Secretary’s costs,

including a pro rata share of any capital costs, but in no event more

than an amount equal to that which would be charged by commercial,

State, regional, or interstate compact entities for disposal of such

waste.

(3) In the event depleted uranium were ultimately determined to be

low-level radioactive waste, the generator shall reimburse the

Secretary for the disposal of depleted uranium pursuant to paragraph

(1) in an amount equal to the Secretary’s costs, including a pro rata

share of any capital costs.

(b) Agreements With Other Persons.–The generator may also enter

into agreements for the disposal of low-level radioactive waste subject to

subsection (a) with any person other than the Secretary that is authorized

by applicable laws and regulations to dispose of such wastes.

(c) State or Interstate Compacts.–Notwithstanding any other provision

of law, no State or interstate compact shall be liable for the treatment,

storage, or disposal of any low-level radioactive waste (including mixed

waste) attributable to the operation, decontamination, and

decommissioning of any uranium enrichment facility.

SEC. 3114. AVLIS.

42 USC 2297h-12. (a) Exclusive Right to Commercialize.–The Corporation shall have the

exclusive commercial right to deploy and use any AVLIS patents,

processes, and technical information owned or controlled by the

Government, upon completion of a royalty agreement with the Secretary.

(b) Transfer of Related Property to Corporation.–

President. (1) In general.–To the extent requested by the Corporation and

subject to the requirements of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42

USC 2011, et seq.), the President shall transfer without charge to the

Corporation all of the right, title, or interest in and to property owned

by the United States under control or custody of the Secretary that is

directly related to and materially useful in the performance of the

Corporation’s purposes regarding AVLIS and alternative 

technologies for uranium enrichment, including–

(A) facilities, equipment, and materials for research,

development, and demonstration activities; and
Volume 1, Page 1–207

(B) all other facilities, equipment, materials, processes, patents,

technical information of any kind, contracts, agreements, and

leases.

(2) Exception.–Facilities, real estate, improvements, and

equipment related to the gaseous diffusion, and gas centrifuge,

uranium enrichment programs of the Secretary shall not transfer under

paragraph (1)(B).

(3) Expiration of transfer authority.–The President’s authority to

transfer property under this subsection shall expire upon the

privatization date.

(c) Liability for Patent and Related Claims.–With respect to any right,

title, or interest provided to the Corporation under subsection (a) or (b),

the Corporation shall have sole liability for any payments made or awards

under section 157b.(3) of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 USC

2187(b)(3)), or any settlements or judgments involving claims for alleged

patent infringement. Any royalty agreement under subsection (a) of this

section shall provide for a reduction of royalty payments to the Secretary

to offset any payments, awards, settlements, or judgments under this

subsection.

SEC. 3115. APPLICATION OF CERTAIN LAWS.

42 USC 2297h-13. (a) OSHA.–

(1) As of the privatization date, the private corporation shall be

subject to and comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Act of

1970 (29 USC 651 et seq.).

Contracts. (2) The Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Occupational

Safety and Health Administration shall, within 90 days after the date

of enactment of this Act, enter into a memorandum of agreement to

govern the exercise of their authority over occupational safety and

health hazards at the gaseous diffusion plants, including inspection,

investigation, enforcement, and rulemaking relating to such hazards.

(b) Antitrust Laws.–For purposes of the antitrust laws, the

performance by the private corporation of a “matched import” contract

under the Suspension Agreement shall be considered to have occurred

prior to the privatization date, if at the time of privatization, such contract

had been agreed to by the parties in all material terms and confirmed by

the Secretary of Commerce under the Suspension Agreement.

(c) Energy Reorganization Act Requirements.–

(1) The private corporation and its contractors and subcontractors

shall be subject to the provisions of section 211 of the Energy

Reorganization Act of 1974 (42 USC 5851) to the same extent as an

employer subject to such section.

(2) With respect to the operation of the facilities leased by the

private corporation, section 206 of the Energy Reorganization Act of

1974 (42 USC 5846) shall apply to the directors and officers of the

private corporation.
Volume 1, Page 2–1

ENERGY REORGANIZATION ACT OF 1974

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE 42 USC

Sec.

Sec. 1. Short Title . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–3 5801

Sec. 2. Declaration of Purpose 2–3 5801

TITLE I

ENERGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION

Sec. 101. Establishment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–4 5811

Sec. 102. Officers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–4 5812

Sec. 103. Responsibilities of the Administrator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–5 5813

Sec. 104. Abolition and Transfers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–6 5814

Sec. 105. Administrative Provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–8 5815

Sec. 106. Personnel and Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–9 5816

Sec. 107. Powers ......................................... 2–10 5817

Sec. 108. Repealed ....................................... 2–11

Sec. 109. Future Reorganization ............................. 2–13 5819

Sec. 110. Coordination With Environmental Efforts ............. 2–13 5820

Sec. 111. Provisions Applicable to Annual Authorization Acts ..... 2–13 5821

TITLE II

NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION:

NUCLEAR WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION

Sec. 201. Establishment and Transfers ........................ 2–16 5841

Sec. 202. Licensing and Related Regulatory Functions Respecting

Selected Administration Facilities ................ 2–18 5842

Sec. 203. Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation ................. 2–19 5843

Sec. 204. Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards ....... 2–20 5845

Sec. 205. Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research ............... 2–20 5845

Sec. 206. Noncompliance .................................. 2–21 5846

Sec. 207. Nuclear Energy Center Site Survey ................... 2–22 5847

Sec. 208. Abnormal Occurrence Reports ...................... 2–23 5848

Sec. 209. Other Officers ................................... 2–23 5849

Sec. 210. Unresolved Safety Issues Plan....................... 2–24 5850

Sec. 211. Employee Protection .............................. 2–24 5851

TITLE III

MISCELLANEOUS AND TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS

Sec. 301. Transitional Provisions ............................ 2–27 5871

Sec. 302. Transfer of Personnel and Other Matters .............. 2–29 5872

Sec. 303. Incidental Dispositions ............................ 2–29 5873

Sec. 304. Definitions ...................................... 2–29 5874

Sec. 305. Authorizations of Appropriations .................... 2–30 5875

Sec. 306. Comptroller General Audit ......................... 2–30 2206

Sec. 307. Reports ......................................... 2–30 5877

Sec. 308. Information to Committees ......................... 2–31 5878

Sec. 309. Transfer of Funds ................................ 2–31 5879
PAGE 42 USC

Sec.

Volume 1, Page 2–2

TITLE III (continued)

MISCELLANEOUS AND TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS

Sec. 310. Conforming Amendments to Certain Other Laws ........ 2–31 5801

Sec. 311. Separability ..................................... 2–32 5801

Sec. 312. Effective Date and Interim Appointments .............. 2–32 5801

TITLE IV

SEX DISCRIMINATION

Sec. 401. Sex Discrimination Prohibited....................... 2–32 2000d

PRESIDENTIAL DOCUMENTS

PAGE 5 USC

Sec.

REORGANIZATION PLAN NO. 3 OF 1970

Environmental Protection Agency

Sec. 1. Establishment of Agency .......................... 2–33

Sec. 2. Transfers to Environmental Protection Agency ........ 2–33

Sec. 3. Performance of Transferred Functions ............... 2–35

Sec. 4. Incidental Transfers ............................. 2–35

Sec. 5. Interim Officers ................................. 2–36

Sec. 6. Abolitions ...................................... 2–36

Sec. 7. Effective Date .................................. 2–36

REORGANIZATION PLAN NO. 1 OF 1980 ........ 2–37 App. I

Nuclear Regulatory Commission

EXECUTIVE ORDER 11834 ..................... 2–40

Activation of the Energy Research and

Development

Administration and the Nuclear Regulatory

Commission

OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET ..... 2–41

Memorandum Re: Responsibility for Setting

Radiation Protection Standards (12/7/73)
Volume 1, Page 2–3

ENERGY REORGANIZATION ACT OF 1974

Public Law 93-438 88 STAT. 1233

October 11, 1974

An Act

Energy

Reorganization Act

of 1974.

To reorganize and consolidate certain functions of the Federal

Government in a new Energy Research and Development

Administration and in a new Nuclear Regulatory Commission in order

to promote more efficient management of such functions.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the

United States of America in Congress assembled,

That the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, as amended, is amended

to read as follows:

Sec. 1. Short Title

42 USC 5801 note. The Act may be cited as the “Energy Reorganization Act of 1974.

Sec. 2. Declaration of Purpose

42 USC 5801. (a) The Congress hereby declares that the general welfare and the

common defense and security require effective action to develop, and

increase the efficiency and reliability of use of, all energy sources to meet

the needs of present and future generations, to increase the productivity of

the national economy and strengthen its position in regard to international

trade, to make the Nation self-sufficient in energy, to advance the goals of

restoring, protecting, and enhancing environmental quality, and to assure

public health and safety.

Energy Research

and Development

Administration,

establishment.

(b) The Congress finds that, to best achieve these objectives, improve

Government operations, and assure the coordinated and effective

development of all energy sources, it is necessary to establish an Energy

Research and Development Administration to bring together and direct

Federal activities relating to research and development on the various

sources of energy, to increase the efficiency and reliability in the use of

energy, and to carry out the performance of other functions, including but

not limited to the Atomic Energy Commission”s military and production

88 Stat. 1233. activities and its general basic research activities.

88 Stat. 1234.

 In establishing an

Energy Research and Development Administration to achieve these

objectives, the Congress intends that all possible sources of energy be

developed consistent with warranted priorities.

Separation of AEC

licensing and

regulatory

functions.

(c) The Congress finds that it is in the public interest that the licensing

and related regulatory functions of the Atomic Energy Commission be

separated from the performance of the other functions of the Commission,

and that this separation be effected in an orderly manner, pursuant to this

Act, assuring adequacy of technical and other resources necessary for the

performance of each.

Small business

participation.

(d) The Congress declares that it is in the public interest and the policy

of Congress that small business concerns be given a reasonable

opportunity to participate, insofar as is possible, fairly and equitably in

grants, contracts, purchases, and other Federal activities relating to

research, development, and demonstration of sources of energy efficiency,
1

This title established the Energy Research and Development Administration. The Administration was

terminated, and its functions were transferred to the Department of Energy, by the Department of Energy

Organization Act, Public Law 95-91 (91 Stat. 565; 42 USC 7101), enacted August 4, 1977.

Volume 1, Page 2–4

and utilization and conservation of energy. In carrying out this policy, to

the extent practicable, the Administrator shall consult with the

Administrator of the Small Business Administration.

Priorities. (e) Determination of priorities which are warranted should be based

on such considerations as power-related values of an energy source,

preservation of material resources, reduction of pollutants, export market

potential (including reduction of imports), among others. On such a basis, 

energy sources warranting priority might include, but not be limited to,

the various methods of utilizing solar energy.

TITLE I–ENERGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

ADMINISTRATION

Sec. 101. Establishment

42 USC 5811. There is hereby established an independent executive agency to be

1

 known as the Energy Research and Development Administration

(hereinafter in this Act referred to as the “Administration”).

Sec. 102. Officers

42 USC 5812

Administrator

(a) There shall be at the head of the Administration an Administrator

of Energy Research and Development (hereinafter in this Act referred to

as the “Administrator”), who shall be appointed from civilian life by the

President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. A person may

not be appointed as Administrator within two years after release from

active duty as a commissioned officer of a regular component of an

Armed Force. The Administration shall be administered under the

supervision and direction of the Administrator, who shall be responsible

for the efficient and coordinated management of the Administration.

Deputy

Administrator.

(b) There shall be in the Administration a Deputy Administrator, who

shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of

the Senate.

88 Stat. 1234.

88 Stat. 1235.

(c) The President shall appoint the Administrator and Deputy

Administrator from among individuals who, by reason of their general

background and experience are specially qualified to manage a full range

of energy research and development programs.

Assistant

Administrators.

(d) There shall be in the Administration six Assistant Administrators,

one of whom shall be responsible for fossil energy, another for nuclear

energy, another for environment and safety, another for conservation,

another for solar, geothermal, and advanced energy systems, and another

for national security. The Assistant Administrators shall be appointed by

the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. The

President shall appoint each Assistant Administrator from among

individuals who, by reason of general background and experience, are

specially qualified to manage the energy technology area assigned to such

Assistant Administrator.

General Counsel. (e) There shall be in the Administration a General Counsel who shall

be appointed by the Administrator and who shall serve at the please of

and be removable by the Administrator.
Volume 1, Page 2–5

Additional officers. (f) There shall be in the Administration not more than eight additional

officers appointed by the Administrator. The positions of such officers

shall be considered career positions and be subject to subsection 161 d. of

the Atomic Energy Act.

Director of Military

Application.

(g) The Division of Military Application transferred to and established

in the Administration by section 104(d) of this Act shall be under the

direction of a Director of Military Application, who shall be appointed by

the Administrator and who shall serve at the pleasure of and be removable

by the Administrator and shall be an active commissioned officer of the

42 USC 2011 note. Armed Forces serving in general or flag officer rank or grade. The

functions, qualifications, and compensation of the Director of Military

Application shall be the same as those provided under the Atomic Energy

Act of 1954, as amended, for the Assistant General Manager for Military

Application.

International

cooperation.

(h) Officers appointed pursuant to this section shall perform such

functions as the Administrator shall delegate to one such officer the

special responsibility for international cooperation in all energy and

related environmental research and development.

Order of

succession.

(i) The Deputy Administrator (or in the absence or disability of the

Deputy Administrator, or in the event of a vacancy in the office of the

Deputy Administrator, an Assistant Administrator, the General Counsel or

such other official, determined according to such order as the

Administrator shall prescribe) shall act for and perform the functions of

the Administrator during any absence or disability of the Administrator or

in the event of a vacancy in the office of the Administrator.

Sec. 103. Responsibilities of the Administrator

42 USC 5813. The responsibilities of the Administrator shall include, but not be

limited to–

88 Stat. 1235.

88 Stat. 1236.

(l) exercising central responsibility for policy planning, coord nation,

support, and management of research and development programs

respecting all energy sources, including assessing the requirements for

research and development in regard to various energy sources in relation

to near-term and long-range needs, policy planning in regard to meeting

those requirements, undertaking programs for the optimal development of

the various forms of energy sources, managing such programs, and

disseminating information resulting therefrom;

(2) encouraging and conducting research and development, including

demonstration of commercial feasibility and practical applications of the

extraction, conversion , storage, transmission, and utilization phases

related to the development and use of energy from fossil, nuclear, solar,

geothermal, and other energy sources;

(3) engaging in and supporting environmental, biomedical, physical,

and safety research related to the development of energy sources and

utilization technologies;

(4) taking into account the existence, progress, and results of other

public and private research and development activities, including those

activities of the Federal Energy Administration relating to the

development of energy resources using currently available technology in

promoting increased utilization of energy resources, relevant to the

Administration’s mission in formulating its own research and

development programs;
2

Public Law 95-39 (91 Stat. 200) (1977), sec. 510(a), amended sec. 103 by redesignating paragraphs (7)

through (11) as paragraphs (8) through (12), respectively, and inserted a new paragraph (7).

Volume 1, Page 2–6

(5) participating in and supporting cooperative research and

development projects which may involve contributions by public or

private persons or agencies, of financial or other resources to the

performance of the work;

(6) developing, collecting, distributing, and making available for

distribution, scientific and technical information concerning the

manufacture or development of energy and its efficient extraction,

conversion, transmission, and utilization;

(7) establishing, in accordance with the National Energy Extension

Service Act, an Energy Extension Service to provide technical assistance,

instruction, and practical demonstration on energy conservation measures

and alternative energy systems to individuals, businesses, and State and

local government officials;2

(8) creating and encouraging the development of general information

to the public on all energy conservation technologies and energy sources

as they become available for general use, and the Administrator, in

conjunction with the Administrator of the Federal Energy Administration

shall, to the extent practicable, disseminate such information through the

use of mass communications;

(9) encouraging and conducting research and development in energy

conservation, which shall be directed toward the goals of reducing total

energy consumption to the maximum extent practicable, and toward

maximum possible improvement in the efficiency of energy use. 

Development of new and improved conservation measures shall be

conducted with the goal of the most expeditious possible application of

these measures;

(10) encouraging and participating in international cooperation in

energy and related environmental research and development;

88 Stat. 1236.

88 Stat. 1237.

(11) helping to assure an adequate supply of manpower for the

accomplishment of energy research and development programs, by

sponsoring and assisting in education and training activities in institutions

of higher education, vocational schools, and other institutions, and by

assuring the collection, analysis, and dissemination of necessary

manpower supply and demand data;

(12) encouraging and conducting research and development in clean

and renewable energy sources.

Sec. 104. Abolition and Transfers

42 USC 5814.

Atomic Energy

Commission.

(a) The Atomic Energy Commission is hereby abolished. Sections 21

and 22 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended (42 USC 2031 and

2032) are repealed.

(b) All other functions of the Commission, the Chairman and members

of the Commission, and the officers and components of the Commission

are hereby transferred or allowed to lapse pursuant to the provisions of

this Act.

(c) There are hereby transferred to and vested in the Administrator all

functions of the Atomic Energy Commission, the Chairman and members

of the Commission, and the officers and components of the Commission,

except as otherwise provided in this Act.

(d) The General Advisory Committee established pursuant to section

26 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended (42 USC 2036), the
3

74 Stat. 336; 30 USC 661-668.

Volume 1, Page 2–7

Patent Compensation Board established pursuant to section 157 of the

Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended (42 USC 2187) and the

Divisions of Military Application and Naval Research established

pursuant to section 25 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended (42

USC 2035), are transferred to the Energy Research and Development

Administration and the functions of the Commission with respect thereto,

and with respect to relations with the Military Liaison Committee

established by section 27 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended

(42 USC 2037), are transferred to the Administrator.

Interior Department

functions.

(e) There are hereby transferred to and vested in the Administrator

such functions of the Secretary of the Interior, the Department of the

Interior, and officers and components of such department–

(l) as relate to or are utilized by the Office of Coal Research

established pursuant to the Act of July 1, 19603

;

(2) as relate to or are utilized in connection with fossil fuel energy

research and development programs and related activities conducted

by the Bureau of Mines “energy centers” and synthane plant to

provide greater efficiency in the extraction, processing, and utilization

of energy resources for the purpose of conserving those resources,

developing alternative energy resources such as oil and gas secondary

and tertiary recovery, oil shale and synthetic fuels, improving methods

of managing energy-related wastes and pollutants, and providing

technical guidance needed to establish and administer national energy

policies; and

(3) as relate to or are utilized for underground electric power

transmission research.

88 Stat. 1238.

Helium

applications study.

Report to President

and Congress.

The Administrator shall conduct a study of the potential energy

applications of helium and, within six months from the date of the

enactment of this Act, report to the President and Congress his

recommendations concerning the management of the Federal helium

programs, as they relate to energy.

National Science

Foundation

functions.

(f) There are hereby transferred to and vested in the Administrator

such functions of the National Science Foundation as relate to or are

utilized in connection with–

(1) solar heating and cooling development; and

(2) geothermal power development.

Environmental

Protection Agency

functions.

(g) There are hereby transferred to and vested in the Administrator

such functions of the Environmental Protection Agency and the officers

and components thereof as relate to or are utilized in connection with

research, development, and demonstration, but not assessment or

monitoring for regulatory purposes, of alternative automotive power

systems.

(h) To the extent necessary or appropriate to perform functions and

carry out programs transferred by this Act, the Administrator and

Commissions may exercise, in relation to the functions so transferred, any

authority or part thereof available by law, including appropriation Acts, to

the official or agency from which such functions were transferred.

Use of other

agencies’

capabilities.

(i) In the exercise of his responsibilities under section 103, the

Administrator shall utilize, with their consent, to the fullest extent he

determines advisable the technical and management capabilities of other

executive agencies having facilities, personnel, or other resources which
Volume 1, Page 2–8

can assist or advantageously be expanded to assist in carrying out such

responsibilities. The Administrator shall consult with the head of each

agency with respect to such facilities, personnel, or other resources, and

may assign, with their consent, specific programs or projects in energy

research and development as appropriate. In making such assignments

under this subsection, the head of each such agency shall insure that–

(1) such assignments shall be in addition to and not detract from

the basic mission responsibilities of the agency, and

(2) such assignments shall be carried out under such guidance as

the Administrator deems appropriate.

Sec. 105. Administrative Provisions

42 USC 5815.

Regulations.

(a) The Administrator is authorized to prescribe such policies,

standards, criteria, procedures, rules, and regulations as he may deem to

be necessary or appropriate to perform functions now or hereafter vested

in him. 

Policy planning

and evalustion.

(b) The Administrator shall engage in such policy planning, and

perform, such program evaluation analyses and other studies, as may be

necessary to promote the efficient and coordinated administration of the

Administration and properly assess progress toward the achievement of its

missions.

Delegation of

functions.

(c) Except as otherwise expressly provided by law, the Administrator

may delegate any of his functions to such officers and employees of the

Administration as he may designate, and may authorize such successive

redelegations of such functions as he may deem to be necessary or

appropriate.

Organization. (d) Except as provided in section 102 and in section 104(d), the

Administrator may organize the Administration as he may deem to be

necessary or appropriate.

Field offices. (e) The Administrator is authorized to establish, maintain, alter, or

discontinue such State, regional, district, local, or other field offices as he

may deem to be necessary or appropriate to perform functions now or

hereafter vested in him.

88 Stat. 1239.

Seal.

(f) The Administrator shall cause a seal of office to be made for the

Administration of such device as he shall approve, and judicial notice

shall be taken of such seal.

Working capital

fund.

(g) The Administrator is authorized to establish a working capital

fund, to be available without fiscal year limitation, for expenses necessary

for the maintenance and operation of such common administrative

services as he shall find to be desirable in the interests of economy and

efficiency. There shall be transferred to the fund the stocks of supplies,

equipment, assets other than real property, liabilities, and unpaid

obligations relating to the services which he determines will be performed

through the fund. Appropriations to the fund, in such amounts as may be

necessary to provide additional working capital, are authorized. The

working capital fund shall recover from the appropriations and funds for

which services are performed, either in advance or by way of

reimbursement, amounts which will approximate the costs incurred,

including the accrual of annual leave and the depreciation of equipment. 

The fund shall also be credited with receipts from the sale or exchange of

its property, and receipts in payment for loss or damage to property

owned by the fund.
4

Sec. 5816a. [Repealed]. This section (Act June 3, 1977, Public Law 95-39, Title III, sec. 308, 91 Stat.

189; October 19, 1980, Public Law 96-470, Title II, sec. 203(d), 94 Stat. 2243) was repealed by Act

February 10, 1996, Public Law 104-106, Div. D, Title XLIII, Subtitle A, sec. 4304(b)(7), 110 Stat. 664

(effective and applicable as provided by sec. 4401 of such Act, which appears as 41 USCS sec. 251 note). It

provided for financial statements of Department officers and employees.

Volume 1, Page 2–9

Information from

other agencies.

(h) Each department, agency, and instrumentality of the executive

branch of the Government is authorized to furnish to the Administrator,

upon his request, any information or other data which the Administrator

deems necessary to carry out his duties under this title.

Sec. 106. Personnel and Services

42 USC 5816.

Appointment and

pay.

(a) The Administrator is authorized to select, appoint, employ, and fix

the compensation of such officers and employees, including attorneys,

pursuant to section 161d. of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended

(42 USC 2201(d)) as are necessary to perform the functions now or

hereafter vested in him and to prescribe their functions.4

Experts and

consultants.

(b) The Administrator is authorized to obtain services as provided by

section 3109 of title 5 of the United States Code.

Military personnel. (c) The Administrator is authorized to provide for participation of

military personnel in the performance of his functions. Members of the

Army, the Navy, the Air Force, or the Marine Corps may be detailed for

service in the Administration by the appropriate military Secretary,

pursuant to cooperative agreements with the Secretary, for service in the

Administration in positions other than a position the occupant of which

must be approved by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.

(d) Appointment, detail, or assignment to, acceptance of, and service

in, any appointive or other position in the Administration under this

section shall in no way affect the status, office, rank, or grade which such

officers or enlisted men may occupy or hold, or any emolument,

prerequisite, right, privilege, or benefit incident to or arising out of any

such status, office, rank, or grade. A member so appointed, detailed, or

assigned shall not be subject to direction or control by his Armed Force,

or any officer thereof, directly or indirectly, with respect to the

responsibilities exercised in the position to which appointed, detailed, or

assigned.

Transportation and

per diem.

(e) The Administrator is authorized to pay transportation expenses,

and per diem in lieu of subsistence expenses, in accordance with

chapter 57 of title 5 of the United States Code for travel between places of

recruitment and duty, and while at places of duty, of persons appointed

for emergency, temporary, or seasonal services in the field service of the

Administration.

88 Stat. 1240.

Personnel of other

agencies.

(f) The Administrator is authorized to utilize, on a reimbursable basis,

the services of any personnel made available by any department, agency,

or instrumentality, including any independent agency of the Government.

5 USC App. I.

Advisory boards.

(g) The Administrator is authorized to establish advisory boards, in

accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act

(Public Law 92-463), to advise with and make recommendations to the

Administrator on legislation, policies, administration, research, and other

matters.

Noncitizens. (h) The Administrator is authorized to employ persons who are not

citizens of the United States in expert, scientific, technical, or

professional capacities whenever he deems it in the public interest.
Volume 1, Page 2–10

Sec. 107. Powers

42 USC 5817.

Research and

development.

(a) The Administrator is authorized to exercise his powers in such

manner as to insure the continued conduct of research and development

and related activities in areas or fields deemed by the Administrator to be

pertinent to the acquisition of an expanded fund of scientific, technical,

Contracts, etc. and practical knowledge in energy matters. To this end, the

Administrator is authorized to make arrangements (including contracts,

agreements, and loans) for the conduct of research and development

activities with private or public institutions or persons, including

participation in joint or cooperative projects of a research, development,

or experimental nature; to make payments (in lump sum or installments,

and in advance or by way of reimbursement, with necessary adjustments

on account of overpayments or underpayments); and generally to take

such steps as he may deem necessary or appropriate to perform functions

42 USC 2011 note. now or hereafter vested in him. Such functions of the Administrator

under this Act as are applicable to the nuclear activities transferred

pursuant to this title shall be subject to the provisions of the Atomic

Energy Act of 1954, as amended, and to other authority applicable to such

nuclear activities. The non-nuclear responsibilities and functions of the

Administrator referred to in sections 103 and 104 of this Act shall be

carried out pursuant to the provisions of this Act, applicable authority

existing immediately before the effective date of this Act, or in

accordance with the provisions of Chapter 4 of the Atomic Energy Act of

1954, as amended (42 USC 2051-2053).

5 USC App. II.

40 USC 601 note.

Facilities and real

property.

(b) Except for public buildings as defined in the Public Buildings Act

of 1959, as amended, and with respect to leased space subject to the

provisions of Reorganization Plan Numbered 18 of 1950, the

Administrator is authorized to acquire (by purchase, lease, condemnation,

or otherwise), construct, improve, repair, operate, and maintain facilities

and real property as the Administrator deems to be necessary in and

outside of the District of Columbia. Such authority shall apply only to

facilities required for the maintenance and operation of laboratories,

research and testing sites and facilities, quarters, and related

accommodations for employees and dependents of employees of the

Administration, and such other special-purpose real property as the

Administrator deems to be necessary in and outside the District of

Columbia. Title to any property or interest therein, real, personal, or

mixed, acquired pursuant to this section, shall be in the United States.

Services for

employees at

remote locations.

(c)(1) The Administrator is authorized to provide, construct, or

maintain, as necessary and when not otherwise available, the following

for employees and their dependents stationed at remote locations:

(A) Emergency medical services and supplies.

(B) Food and other subsistence supplies.

88 Stat. 1241. (C) Messing facilities.

(D) Audiovisual equipment, accessories, and supplies for

recreation and training.

(E) Reimbursement for food, clothing, medicine, and other

supplies furnished by such employees in emergencies for the

temporary relief of distressed persons.

(F) Living and working quarters and facilities.

(G) Transportation for school-age dependents of employees to

the nearest appropriate education facilities.
5

Public Law 95-91 (91 Stat. 608) (1977), repealed sec. 108, which read as follows:

(a) There is established in the Executive Office of the President an Energy Resources Council. The

Council shall be composed of the Secretary of the Interior, the Administrator of the Federal Energy

Administration, the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration, the Secretary of

State, the Director, Office of Management and Budget, and such other officials of the Federal Government as

the President may designate. The President shall designate one of the members of the Council to serve as

Chairman.

(b) It shall be the duty and function of the Council to--

(1) insure communication and coordination among the agencies of the Federal Government which have

responsibilities for the development and implementation of energy policy or for the management of energy

resources:

(2) make recommendations to the President and to the Congress for measures to improve the

implementation of Federal energy policies or the management of energy resources with particular emphasis

(continued...)

Volume 1, Page 2–11

(2) The furnishing of medical treatment under sub-paragraph (A)

of paragraph (1) and the furnishing of services and supplies under

paragraphs (B) and (C) of paragraph (1) shall be at prices reflecting

reasonable value as determined by the Administrator.

(3) Proceeds from reimbursements under this section shall be

deposited in the Treasury and may be withdrawn by the Administrator

to pay directly the cost of such work or services, to repay or make

advances to appropriations or funds which do or will bear all or a part

of such cost, or to refund excess sums when necessary; except that

such payments may be credited to a service or working capital fund

otherwise established by law, and used under the law governing such

funds, if the fund is available for use by the Administrator for

performing the work or services for which payment is received.

Acquisition of

copyrights, patents,

etc.

(d) The Administrator is authorized to acquire any of the following

described rights if the property acquired thereby is for use in, or is useful

to, the performance of functions vested in him;

(1) Copyrights, patents, and applications for patents, designs,

processes, specifications, and data.

(2) Licenses under copyrights, patents, and applicants for patents.

(3) Releases, before suit is brought, for past infringement of

patents or copyrights.

Dissemination of

information.

(e) Subject to the provisions of chapter 12 of the Atomic Energy Act

of 1954, as amended (42 USC 2161-2166), and other applicable law, the

Administrator shall disseminate scientific, technical, and practical

information acquired pursuant to this title through information programs

and other appropriate means, and shall encourage the dissemination of

scientific, technical, and practical information relating to energy so as to

enlarge the fund of such information and to provide that free interchange

of ideas and criticism which is essential to scientific and industrial

progress and public understanding.

Gifts and bequests. (f) The Administrator is authorized to accept, hold, administer, and

utilize gifts, and bequests of property, both real and personal, for the

purpose of aiding or facilitating the work of the Administration. Gifts and

bequests of money and proceeds from sales of other property received as

gifts or bequests shall be deposited in the Treasury and shall be disbursed

upon the order of the Administrator. For the purposes of Federal income,

estate, and gift taxes, property accepted under this section shall be

considered as a gift or bequest to the United States.

Sec. 108. (Repealed)

(Repealed5

)
5

(...continued)

upon policies and activities involving two or more Departments or independent agencies;(See I)

(3) advise the President in the preparation of the reorganization recommendations required by section 110

of this Act; and (See II) 

(4) insure that Federal agencies fully discharge their responsibilities under sections 507 and 508 of the

National Energy Extension Service Act for coordinating and planning of their related activities under such Act

and any other law, including but not limited to the Energy Policy and Conservation Act.(See III)

(5) prepare a report on national energy conservation activities which shall be submitted to the President

and the Congress annually, beginning on July 1, 1977, and which shall include-- 

(A) a review of all Federal energy conservation expenditures and activities, the purpose of each such

activity, the relation of the activity to national conservation targets and plans, and the success of the activity

and the plans for the activity in future years;

(B) an analysis of all conservation targets established for industry, residential, transportation, and public

sectors of the economy, whether the targets can be achieved or whether they can be further improved, and the

progress toward their achievement in the past year;

(C) a review of the progress made pursuant to the State energy conservation plans under sections 361

through 366 of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act and other similar efforts at the State and local level,

and whether further conservation can be carried on by the States or by local governments, and whether further

Federal assistance is required;

(D) a review of the principal conservation efforts in the private sector, the potential for more widespread

implementation of such efforts and the Federal Government’s efforts to promote more widespread use of

private energy conservation initiatives; and

(E) an assessment of whether existing conservation targets and goals are sufficient to bridge the gap

between domestic energy production capacity and domestic energy needs, whether additional incentives or

programs are necessary or useful to close that gap further, and a discussion of what mandatory measures might

be useful to further bring domestic demand into harmony with domestic supply.

The Chairman of the Energy Resources Council shall coordinate the preparation of the report required

under paragraph (5).(See IV) 

(c) The President through the Energy Resources Council shall--

(1) prepare a plan for the reorganization of the Federal Government’s activities in energy and natural

resources, including, but not limited to, a study of--

(A) the principal laws and directives that constitute the energy and natural resource policy of the United

States;

(B) prospects of developing a consolidated national energy policy;

(C) the major problems and issues of existing energy and natural resource organizations;

(D) the options for Federal energy and natural resource organizations;

(E) an overview of available resources pertinent to energy and natural resource organization;

(F) recent proposals for a national energy and natural resource policy for the United States; and

(G) the relationship between energy policy goals and other national objectives;

(2) submit to Congress --

(A) no later than December 31, 1976, the plan prepared pursuant to subsection (c)(1) and a report

containing his recommendations for the reorganization of the Federal Government’s responsibility for energy

and natural resource matters together with such proposed legislation as he deems necessary or appropriate for

the implementation of such plans or recommendations; and

(B) not later than April 15, 1977, such revisions to the plan and report described in subparagraph (A) of

this paragraph as he may consider appropriate; and

(3) provide interim and transitional policy planning for energy and natural resource matters in the Federal

Government.(See V)

(d) The Chairman of the Council may not refuse to testify before the Congress or any duly authorized

committee thereof regarding the duties of the Council or other matters concerning interagency coordination of

energy policy and activities.

(e) There is hereby established an Energy Conservation Subcommittee within the Council which shall be

chaired by the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to discharge the

responsibilities specified in subsection (b)(4) of this section and other related functions associated with the

coordination and management of Federal efforts in the areas of energy conservation and energy conservation

research, development and demonstration.(See VI)

(f) This section shall be effective no later than sixty days after the enactment of this Act or such earlier

date as the President shall prescribe and publish in the Federal Register, and shall terminate upon enactment of

a permanent department responsible for energy and natural resources or not later than September 30, 1977, 

(continued...)

Volume 1, Page 2–12
5

(...continued)

whichever shall occur first.(See VII)

(I) P.L. 94-385 (90 Stat. 1140) (1976) sec. 162(a)(1) amended sec. 108(b)(2) by striking out “and” at the

end of the paragraph.

(II) Public Law 94-385 (90 Stat. 1140) (1976) sec. 162 (a)(2) amended sec. 108(b)(3) by striking out the

period at the end of paragraph and inserting “;and.”

(III) Public Law 95-39 (91 Stat. 200) (1977) sec. 510(b) inadvertently duplicated the paragraph number

(4). (See IV) [This sec. also duplicated instructions in I and II].

(IV) Public Law 94-385 (90 Stat. 1140) (1976) sec. 162(a)(3) amended sec. 108(b) by adding a new

paragraph (4). [There is no paragraph (5) in the original subsection (b)].

(V) Public Law 94-385 (90 Stat. 1141) (1976) sec. 162(b) amended sec. 108 by redesignating subsections

(c) and (d) as subsections (d) and (e), respectively; and added a new subsection (c).

(VI) Public Law 95-39 (91 Stat. 200) (1977) sec. 510(c) inadvertently duplicated the subsection letter (e).

(See V)

(VII) Public Law 94-385 (90 Stat. 1142)(1976) sec. 163 amended sec. 108(e) by striking out “two years

after such effective date,” and inserting “not later than September 30, 1977.

Volume 1, Page 2–13

Sec. 109. Future Reorganization

42 USC 5819.

Report to Congress.

(a) The President shall transmit to the Congress as promptly as

possible, but not later than June 30, 1975, such additional

recommendations as he deems advisable for organization of energy and

related functions in the Federal Government, including, but not limited to,

whether or not there shall be established (1) a Department of Energy and

Natural Resources, (2) an Energy Policy Council, and (3) a consolidation

in whole or in part of regulatory functions concerning energy.

Ante, p. 109. (b) This report shall replace and serve the purposes of the report

required by section 15(a)(4) of the Federal Energy Administration Act.

Sec. 110. Coordination with Environmental Efforts

42 USC 5820. The Administrator is authorized to establish programs to utilize

research and development performed by other Federal agencies to

minimize the adverse environmental effects of energy projects. The

Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, as well as other

affected agencies and departments, shall cooperate fully with the

Administrator in establishing and maintaining such programs, and in

establishing appropriate interagency agreements to develop cooperative

programs and to avoid unnecessary duplication.

Sec. 111. Provisions Applicable to Annual Authorization Acts

42 USC 2017.

42 USC 5821.

(a) All appropriations made to the Energy research and Development

Administration or the Administrator shall, except as otherwise provided

by law, be subject to annual authorization in accordance with section 261

of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, section 16 of the Federal Nonnuclear

Energy Research and Development Act of 1974, and section 305 of this

42 USC 5915. Act.

Post, p.81.

 The provisions of this section shall apply with respect to

appropriations made pursuant to the Act providing such authorization

(hereinafter in this section referred to as “annual authorization Acts”).

Operating

expenses,

appropriations.

(b)(1) Funds appropriated pursuant to an annual authorization Act for

“Operating expenses” may be used for–

(A) the construction or acquisition of any facilities, or major

items of equipment, which may be required at locations other than

installations of the Administration, for the performance of

research, development, and demonstration activities, and

(B) grants to any organization for purchase or construction of

research facilities.
Volume 1, Page 2–14

Report to

congressional

committees.

No such funds shall be used under this subsection for the acquisition

of land. Fee title to all such facilities and items of equipment shall be

vested in the United States, unless the Administrator or his designee

determines in writing that the research, development, and demonstration

authorized by such Act would best be implemented by permitting fee title

or any other property interest to be vested in an entity other than the

United States; but before approving the vesting of such title or interest in

such entity, the Administrator shall (i) transmit such determination,

together with all pertinent data, to the Committee on Science and

Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on

Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and (ii) wait a period of

thirty calendar days (not including any day in which either House of

Congress is not in session because of adjournment of more than three

calendar days to a day certain), unless prior to the expiration of such

period each such committee has transmitted to the Administrator written

notice to the effect that such committee has no objection to the proposed

action.

Expenditure

limitations.

Report to

congressional

committees.

(2) No funds shall be used under paragraph (1) for any facility or

major item of equipment, including collateral equipment, if the

estimated cost to the Federal Government exceeds $5,000,000 in the

case of such a facility or $2,000,000 in the case of such an item of

equipment, unless such facility or item has been previously authorized

by the appropriate committees of the House of representatives and the

Senate, or the Administrator–

(A) transmit to the appropriate committees of the House of

Representatives and the Senate a report on such facility or item

showing its nature, purpose, and estimated cost, and

Limitation. (B) waits a period of thirty calendar days (not including any

day in which either House of Congress is not in session because of

adjournment of more than three calendar days to a day certain),

unless prior to the expiration of such period each such committee

has transmitted to the Administrator written notice to the effect

that such committee has no objection to the proposed action.

Report, transmittal

to congressional

committees.

(c)(1) Not to exceed 1 per centum of all funds appropriated pursuant

to any annual authorization Act for “Operating expenses” may be used by

the Administrator to construct, expand, or modify laboratories and other

facilities, including the acquisition of land, at any location under the

control of the Administrator, if the Administrator determines that

(A) such action would be necessary because of changes in the national

programs authorized to be funded by such Act or because the new

scientific or engineering developments, and (B) deferral of such action

until the enactment of the next authorization Act would be inconsistent

with the policies established by Congress for the Administration.

Notice. (2) No funds may be obligated for expenditure or expended under

paragraph (1) for activities described in such paragraph unless–

(A) a period of thirty calendar days (not including any day in

which either House of Congress is not in session because of

adjournment of more than three calendar days to a day certain) has

passed after the Administrator has transmitted to the appropriate

committees of the House of Representatives and the Senate a

written report containing a full and complete statement concerning

(i) the nature of the construction, expansion, or modification
Volume 1, Page 2–15

involved, (ii) the cost thereof, including the cost of any real estate

action pertaining thereto, and (iii) the reason why such

construction, expansion, or modification is necessary and in the

national interest, or

(B) each such committee before the expiration of such period

has transmitted to the Administrator a written notice to the effect

that such committee has no objection to the proposed action;

except that this paragraph shall not apply to any project the estimated

total cost of which does not exceed $50,000.

Report, transmittal

to congressional

committees. Notice.

(d)(1) Except as otherwise provided in the authorization Act

involved–

(A) no amount appropriated pursuant to any annual

authorization Act may be used for any program in excess of the

amount actually authorized for that particular program by such

Act, and

(B) no amount appropriated pursuant to any annual

authorization Act may be used for any program which has not been

presented to, or requested of the Congress, unless (i) a period of

thirty calendar days (not including any day in which either House

of Congress is not in session because of adjournment of more than

three calendar days to a day certain) has passed after the receipt by

the appropriate committees of the House of Representatives and

the Senate of notice given by the Administrator containing a full

and complete statement of the action proposed to be taken and the

facts and circumstances relied upon in support of such proposed

action, or (ii) each such committee before the expiration of such

period has transmitted to the Administrator written notice to the

effect that such committee has no objection to the proposed action.

(2) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section or the

authorization Act involved, the aggregate amount available for use

within the categories of coal, petroleum and natural gas, oil shale,

solar, geothermal nuclear energy (non-weapons), environment and

safety, and conservation from sums appropriated pursuant to an annual

authorization Act may not, as a result of reprogramming, be decreased

by more than 10 per centum of the total of the sums appropriated

pursuant to such Act for those categories.

Funds merger,

limitations.

(e) Subject to the applicable requirements and limitations of this

section and the authorization Act involved, when so specified in an

appropriation Act, amounts appropriated pursuant to any annual

authorization Act for “Operating expenses” or for “Plant and capital

equipment” may be merged with any other amounts appropriated for like

purposes pursuant to any other Act authorizing appropriations for the

Administration: Provided, That no such amounts appropriated for “Plant

and capital equipment” may be merged with amounts appropriated for

“Operating expenses.”

(f) When so specified in an appropriation Act, amounts appropriated

pursuant to any annual authorization Act for “Operating expenses” or for

“Plant and capital equipment” may remain available until expended.

Construction

design services.

(g) The Administrator is authorized to perform construction design

services for any administration construction project whenever (1) such

construction project has been included in a proposed authorization bill

transmitted to the Congress by the Administration, and (2) the
6

Public Law 95-238 (92 Stat. 56)(1978), sec. 201 added sec. 111; as amended, Public Law 103-437,

sec. 15(c)(7), (108 Stat. 4592), November 2, 1994. 7

New Title II; P.L. 102-486 (106 Stat. 3124); October 24, 1992.

8

Public Law 94-79 (89 Stat. 413)(1975), sec. 201 added “(1)” immediately after Sec. 201. (a).

Volume 1, Page 2–16

Administration determines that the project is of such urgency in order to

meet the needs of national defense or protection of life and property or

health and safety that construction of the project should be initiated

promptly upon enactment of legislation appropriating funds for its

construction.

(h) When so specified in appropriation Acts, any moneys received by

the Administration may be retained and used for operating expenses, and

may remain available until expended, notwithstanding the provisions of

section 3617 of the Revised Statutes (31 USC 484); except that–

(1) this subsection shall not apply with respect to sums received

from disposal of property under the Atomic Energy Community Act of

1955 or the Strategic and Critical Materials Stockpiling Act, as

amended, or with respect to fees received for tests or investigations

under the Act of May 16, 1910, as amended (42 USC 2301; 50 USC

98h; 30 USC 7); and

(2) revenues received by the Administration from the enrichment

of uranium shall (when so specified) be retained and used for the

specific purpose of offsetting costs incurred by the Administration in

providing uranium enrichment service activities.

Funds transfer. (i) When so specified in an appropriation Act, transfers of sums from

the “Operating expenses” appropriation made pursuant to an annual

authorization Act may be made to other agencies of the Government for

the performance of the work for which the appropriation is made, and in

such cases the sums so transferred may be merged with the appropriations

to which they are transferred.6

TITLE II – NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION; 

NUCLEAR WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION

Sec. 201. Establishment and Transfers

42 USC 5841.

Members and

Chairman.

(a)(1)7 8 There is established an independent regulatory commission to

be known as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission which shall be

composed of five members, each of whom shall be a citizen of the United

States. 

88 Stat. 1243. The President shall designate one member of the Commission as

Chairman thereof to serve as such during the pleasure of the President. 

The Chairman may from time to time designate any other member of the

Commission as Acting Chairman to act in the place and stead of the

Chairman during his absence. The Chairman (or the Acting Chairman in

the absence of the Chairman) shall preside at all meetings of the

Commission and a quorum for the transaction of business shall consist of

at least three members present. Each member of the Commission,

including the Chairman, shall have equal responsibility and authority in

all decisions and actions of the Commission, shall have full access to all

information relating to the performance of his duties or responsibilities,

and shall have one vote. Action of the Commission shall be determined

by a majority vote of the members present. The Chairman (or Acting

Chairman in the absence of the Chairman) shall be the official spokesman
9

Public Law 94-79 (89 Stat. 413)(1975). Sec. 201 amended subsec. 201 (a) by adding new subparagraphs

(2) through (5).

Volume 1, Page 2–17

of the Commission in its relations with the Congress, Government

agencies, persons, or the public, and on behalf of the Commission, shall

see to the faithful execution of the policies and decisions of the

Commission, and shall report thereon to the Commission from time to

Seal. time or as the Commission may direct. The Commission shall have an

official seal which shall be judicially noticed.

Commission

Chairman,

functions.

(2) The Chairman of the Commission shall be the principal

executive officer of the Commission, and he shall exercise all of the

executive and administrative functions of the Commission, including

functions of the commission with respect to (a) the appointment and

supervision of personnel employed under the Commission (other than

personnel employed regularly and full time in the immediate offices of

Commissioners other than the Chairman, and except as otherwise

42 USC 5801 note. provided in the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974), (b) the

distribution of business among such personnel and among

administrative units of the Commission, and (c) the use and

expenditure of funds.

(3) In carrying out any of his functions under the provisions of this

section the Chairman shall be governed by general policies of the

Commission and by such regulatory decisions, findings, and

determinations as the Commission may by law be authorized to make.

(4) The appointment by the Chairman of the heads of major

administrative units under the Commission shall be subject to the

approval of the Commission.

(5) There are hereby reserved to the Commission its functions with

respect to revising budget estimates and with respect to determining

upon the distribution of appropriated funds according to major

programs and purposes.

42 USC 5841 note.

Plutonium

shipments,

restrictions.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission shall not license any shipments

by air transport of plutonium in any form, whether exports, imports or

domestic shipments: Provided, however, That any plutonium in any form

contained in a medical device designed for individual human application

is not subject to this restriction. This restriction shall be in force until the

Nuclear Regulatory Commission has certified to the Joint Committee on

Atomic Energy of the Congress that a safe container has been developed

and tested which will not rupture under crash and blast-testing equivalent

to the crash and explosion of a high-flying aircraft.9

(b) (1) Members of the Commission shall be appointed by the

President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.

(2) Appointments of members pursuant to this subsection shall be

made in such a manner that not more than three members of the

Commission shall be members of the same political party.

42 USC 5841.

Term of Office.

(c) Each member shall serve for a term of five years, each such term to

commence on July 1, except that of the five members first appointed to

the Commission, one shall serve for one year, one for two years, one for

three years, one for four years, and one for five years, to be designated by

the President at the time of appointment; and except that any member

appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term for

which his predecessor was appointed, shall be appointed for the

remainder of such term. For the purpose of determining the expiration
10Public Law 94-79 (89 Stat. 413)(1975), secs. 202 and 203, amended subsec. 201 (c). Prior to

amendment this subsection read as follows: 

(c) Each member shall serve for a term of five years, each such term to commence on July 1, except that of

the five members first appointed to the Commission, one shall serve for one year, one for two years, one for

three years, one for four years, and one for five years, to be designated by the President at the time of

appointment. 11Public Law 95-209 (91 Stat. 1482) (1977), sec. 2, added a new subsec. h, which was subsequently

deleted by Public Law 99-386 (100 Stat. 822)(1986).

Volume 1, Page 2–18

date of the terms of office of the five members first appointed to the

Nuclear Regulatory Commission, each such term “shall” be deemed to

have begun July 1, 1975.10

Submission of

appointments to

Senate.

(d) Such initial appointments shall be submitted to the Senate within

sixty days of the signing of this Act. Any individual who is serving as a

member of the Atomic Energy commission at the time of the enactment of

this Act, and who may be appointed by the President to the Commission,

shall be appointed for a term designated by the President, but which term

shall terminate not later than the end of his present term as a member of

the Atomic Energy Commission, without regard to the requirements of

subsection (b)(2) of this section. Any subsequent appointment of such

individuals shall be subject to the provisions of this section.

(e) Any member of the Commission may be removed by the President

for inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office. No member of

the Commission shall engage in any business, vocation, or employment

other than that of serving as member of the Commission.

Transfer of AEC

functions and

personnel

Additional

transfers.

(f) There are hereby transferred to the Commission all the licensing

and related regulatory functions of the Atomic Energy Commission, the

Chairman and member of the Commission, the General Counsel, and

other officers and components of the Commission–which functions,

officers, components, and personnel are excepted from the transfer to the

Administrator by section 104(c) of this Act.

(g) In addition to other functions and personnel transferred to the

Commission, there are also transferred to the Commission–

(1) the functions of the Atomic Safety and Licensing Board Panel

and the Atomic Safety and Licensing Appeal Board;

88 Stat. 1244. (2) such personnel as the Director of the Office of Management

and Budget determines are necessary for exercising responsibilities

under section 205, relating to, research, for the purpose of

confirmatory assessment relating to licensing and other regulation

under the provisions of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended,

and of this Act.11

Sec. 202. Licensing and Related Regulatory Functions Respecting

Selected Administration Facilities

42 USC

2071-2112.

42 USC

2131-2140.

42 USC 5842.

Notwithstanding the exclusions provided for in section 110 a. or any

other provisions of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended (42 USC

2140(a)), the Nuclear Regulatory Commission shall, except as otherwise

specifically provided by section 110 b. of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954,

as amended (42 USC 2140(b)), or other law, have licensing and related

regulatory authority pursuant to chapters 6, 7, 8, and 10 of the Atomic

Energy Act of 1954, as amended, as to the following facilities of the

Administration:

(1) Demonstration Liquid Metal Fast Breeder reactors when

operated as part of the power generation facilities of an electric utility

system, or when operated in any other manner for the purpose of
12As amended Public Law 105-261, Div. C, Title XXXI, Subtitle C, sec. 3134(a), Oct. 17, 1998, 112 Stat.

2247.)

Volume 1, Page 2–19

demonstrating the suitability for commercial application of such a

reactor.

(2) Other demonstration nuclear reactors–except those in

existence on the effective date of this Act–when operated as part of

the power generation facilities of an electric utility system, or when

operated in any other manner for the purpose of demonstrating the

suitability for commercial application of such a reactor.

(3) Facilities used primarily for the receipt and storage of

high-level radioactive wastes resulting from activities licensed under

such Act.

(4) Retrievable Surface Storage Facilities and other facilities

authorized for the express purpose of subsequent long-term storage of

high-level radioactive waste generated by the Administration, which

are not used for, or are part of, research and development activities.

(5) Any facility under a contract with and for the account of the

Department of Energy that is utilized for the express purpose of

fabricating mixed plutonium-uranium oxide nuclear reactor fuel for

use in a commercial nuclear reactor licensed under such Act other than

any such facility that is utilized for research, development,

demonstration, testing, or analysis purposes.12

Sec. 203. Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation

42 USC 5843.

Director.

Establishment.

(a) There is hereby established in the Commission an Office of

Nuclear Reactor Regulation under the direction of a Director of Nuclear

Reactor Regulation, who shall be appointed by the Commission, who may

report directly to the Commission, as provided in section 209, and who

shall serve at the pleasure of and be removable by the Commission.

Functions. (b) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Director of Nuclear

Reactor Regulation shall perform such functions as the Commission shall

delegate including:

42 USC 2011 note. (1) Principal licensing and regulation involving all facilities, and

materials licensed under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended,

associated with the construction and operation of nuclear reactors

licensed under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended;

(2) Review the safety and safeguards of all such facilities,

materials, and activities, and such review functions shall include, but

not be limited to–

88 Stat. 1245. (A) monitoring, testing and recommending upgrading of

systems designed to prevent substantial health or safety hazards;

and

(B) evaluating methods of transporting special nuclear and

other nuclear materials and of transporting and storing high-level

radioactive wastes to prevent radiation hazards to employees and

the general public.

(3) Recommend research necessary for the discharge of the

functions of the Commission.

(c) Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit in any way the

functions of the Administration relating to the safe operation of all

facilities resulting from all activities within the jurisdiction of the

Administration pursuant to this Act.
Volume 1, Page 2–20

Sec. 204. Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards

42 USC 5845.

Director.

Establishment.

(a) There is hereby established in the Commission an Office of

Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards under the direction of a Director

of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards, who shall be appointed by the

Commission, who may report directly to the Commission as provided in

section 209, and who shall serve at the pleasure of and be removable by

the Commission.

Functions. (b) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Director of Nuclear

Material Safety and Safeguards shall perform such functions as the

Commission shall delegate including: 

42 USC 2011 note. (1) Principal licensing and regulation involving all facilities and

materials, licensed under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended,

associated with the processing, transport, and handling of nuclear

materials, including the provision and maintenance of safeguards

against threats, thefts, and sabotage of such licensed facilities, and

materials.

(2) Review safety and safeguards of all such facilities and

materials licensed under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended,

and such review shall include, but not be limited to–

(A) monitoring, testing, and recommending upgrading of

internal accounting systems for special nuclear and other nuclear

materials licensed under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as

amended:

(B) developing, in consultation and coordination with the

Administration, contingency plans for dealing with threats, thefts,

and sabotage relating to special nuclear materials, high-level

radioactive wastes and nuclear facilities resulting from all

activities licensed under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as

amended;

Report to Congress. (C) assessing the need for, and the feasibility of, establishing a

security agency within the office for the performance of the

safeguards functions, and a report with recommendations on this

matter shall be prepared within one year of the effective date of

this Act and promptly transmitted to the Congress by the

Commission.

(3) Recommending research to enable the Commission to more

effectively perform its functions.

88 Stat. 1246. (c) Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit in any way the

functions of the Administration relating to the safeguarding of special

nuclear materials, high-level radioactive wastes and nuclear facilities

resulting from all activities within the jurisdiction of the Administration

pursuant to this Act.

Sec. 205. Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research

42 USC 5845.

Director.

Establishment.

(a) There is hereby established in the Commission an Office of

Nuclear Regulatory Research under the direction of a Director of Nuclear

Regulatory research, who shall be appointed by the Commission, who

may report directly to the Commission as provided in section 209, and

who shall serve at the pleasure of and be removable by the Commission.

Functions. (b) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Director of Nuclear

Regulatory Research shall perform such functions as the Commission

shall delegate including:
13Public Law 95-209 (91 Stat. 1482)(1977), sec. 4, added a new subsec. f.

Volume 1, Page 2–21

(1) Developing recommendations for research deemed necessary

for performance by the Commission of its licensing and related

regulatory functions.

(2) Engaging in or contracting for research which the Commission

deems necessary for the performance of its licensing and related

regulatory functions.

Cooperation of

Federal agencies.

(c) The Administrator of the Administration and the head of every

other Federal agency shall–

(1) cooperate with respect to the establishment of priorities for the

furnishing of such research services as requested by the Commission

for the conduct of its functions;

(2) furnish to the Commission, on a reimbursable basis, through

their own facilities or by contract or other arrangement, such research

services as the Commission deems necessary and requests for the

performance of its functions; and

(3) consult and cooperate with the Commission on research and

development matters of mutual interest and provide such information

and physical access to its facilities as will assist the Commission in

acquiring the expertise necessary to perform its licensing and related

regulatory functions.

(d) Nothing in subsections (a) and (b) of this section or section 201 of

this Act shall be construed to limit in any way the functions of the

Administration relating to the safety of activities within the jurisdiction of

the Administration.

Information and

research services.

(e) Each Federal agency, subject to the provisions of existing law,

shall cooperate with the Commission and provide such information and

research services, on a reimbursable basis, as it may have or be reasonably

able to acquire.

42 USC 5845.

Improved Safety

Systems Research

Long-term plan

development.

(f) The Commission shall develop a long-term plan for projects for the

development of new or improved safety systems for nuclear power

plants.13

Sec. 206. Noncompliance

42 USC 2011 note.

42 USC 5846.

(a) Any individual director, or responsible officer of a firm

constructing, owning, operating, or supplying the components of any

facility or activity which is licensed or otherwise regulated pursuant to the

Atomic Energy Act of 1954 as amended, or pursuant to this Act, who

obtains information reasonably indicating that such facility or activity or

basic components supplied to such facility or activity–

(1) fails to comply with the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as

amended, or any applicable rule, regulation, order, or license of the

Commission relating to substantial safety hazards, or

88 Stat. 1247. (2) contains a defect which could create a substantial safety

hazard, as defined by regulations which the Commission shall

promulgate, shall immediately notify the Commission of such failure

to comply, or of such defect, unless such person has actual knowledge

that the Commission has been adequately informed of such defect or

failure to comply.

42 USC 2282.

Penalty.

(b) Any person who knowingly and consciously fails to provide the

notice required by subsection (a) of this section shall be subject to a civil
Volume 1, Page 2–22

penalty in an amount equal to the amount provided by section 234 of the

Atomic energy Act of 1954, as amended.

42 USC 2011 note.

Posting of

requirements.

(c) The requirements of this section shall be prominently posted on

the premises of any facility licensed or otherwise regulated pursuant to the

Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended.

Enforcement. (d) The Commission is authorized to conduct such reasonable

inspections and other enforcement activities as needed to insure

compliance with the provisions of this section.

Sec. 207. Nuclear Energy Center Site Survey

42 USC 5847.

Federal-State-local

cooperation 

(a)(1) The Commission is authorized and directed to make or cause to

be made under its direction, a national survey, which shall include

consideration of each of the existing or future electric reliability regions,

or other appropriate regional areas, to locate and identify possible nuclear

Solicitation of energy center sites.

views.

 This survey shall be conducted in cooperation with

other interested Federal, State, and local agencies, and the views of

interested persons, including electric utilities, citizens’ groups, and others,

shall be solicited and considered.

Definition. (2) For purposes of this section, the term “nuclear energy center

site” means any site, including a site not restricted to land, large

enough to support utility operations or other elements of the total

nuclear fuel cycle, or both including, if appropriate, nuclear fuel

reprocessing facilities, nuclear fuel fabrication plants, retrievable

nuclear waste storage facilities, and uranium enrichment facilities.

(3) The survey shall include–

(a) a regional evaluation of natural resources, including land, air, and

water resources, available for use in connection with nuclear energy

center sites; estimates of future electric power requirements that can be

served by each nuclear energy center site; an assessment of the economic

impact of each nuclear energy site; and consideration of any other

relevant factors, including but not limited to population distribution,

proximity to electric load centers and to other elements of the fuel cycle,

transmission line rights-of-way, and the availability of other fuel

resources;

(b) an evaluation of the environmental impact likely to result from

construction and operation of such nuclear energy centers, including an

evaluation whether such nuclear energy centers will result in greater or

lesser environmental impact than separate siting of the reactors and/or

fuel cycle facilities; and

(c) consideration of the use of federally owned property and other

property designated for public use, but excluding national parks, national

forests, national wilderness areas, and national historic monuments.

Report to Congress

and Council on

Environmental

Quality; public

availability.

(4) A report of the results of the survey shall be published and

transmitted to the Congress and the Council on Environmental Quality

not later than one year from the date of the enactment of this Act and

shall be made available to the public, and shall be updated from time

to time thereafter as the Commission, in its discretion, deems

advisable. The report shall include the Commission’s evaluation of the

results of the survey and any conclusions and recommendations,

including recommendations for legislation, which the Commission

may have concerning the feasibility and practicality of locating

nuclear power reactors and/or other elements of the nuclear fuel cycle

or nuclear energy center sites. The Commission is authorized to adopt
14Public Law 104-66, Title II, Subtitle Q, § 2171, (109 Stat. 731); December 21, 1995.

15Public Law 95-601 (92 Stat. 2949) (1978), sec. 4(a) amended subsec. 209(b) by adding the last sentence.

16Public Law 95-601 (92 Stat. 2949)(1978), sec. 4(b) amended subsec. 209(c) by adding a new subsec. (c)

and redesignated existing subsec. (c) accordingly. Existing subsec. (c) was redesignated as subsec. (e) because

this law also added a new subsec.(d).

Volume 1, Page 2–23

88 Stat. 1248. policies which will encourage the location of nuclear power reactors

and related fuel cycle facilities on nuclear energy center sites insofar

as practicable.

Sec. 208. Abnormal Occurrence Reports

42 USC 5848.

Reports to

Congress.

The Commission shall submit to the Congress an annual report listing

for the previous fiscal year any abnormal occurrences at or associated

with any facility which is licensed or otherwise regulated pursuant to the

42 USC 2011 note. Atomic Energy Act of 1954 as amended, or pursuant to this Act. For the

purposes of this section an abnormal occurrence is an unscheduled

incident or event which the Commission determines is significant from

the standpoint of public health or safety. Nothing in the preceding

sentence shall limit the authority of a court to review the determination of

the Commission. Each such report shall contain–

(1) the date and place of each occurrence;

(2) the nature and probable consequence of each occurrence;

(3) the cause or causes of each; and

(4) any action taken to prevent reoccurrence; 

Public

dissemination of

information.

the Commission shall also provide as wide dissemination to the public of

the information specified in clauses (1) and (2) of this section as

reasonably possible within fifteen days of its receiving information of

each abnormal occurrence and shall provide as wide dissemination to the

public as reasonably possible of the information specified in clauses (3)

and (4) as soon as such information becomes available to it.14

Sec. 209. Other Officers

42 USC 5849.

Executive Director.

(a). The Commission shall appoint an Executive Director for

Operations, who shall serve at the pleasure of and be removable by the

Commission.

Functions. (b) The Executive Director shall perform such functions as the

Commission may direct, except that the Executive Director shall not limit

the authority of the director of any component organization provided in

this Act to communicate with or report directly to the Commission when

such director of a component organization deems it necessary to carry out

his responsibilities. Not withstanding the preceding sentence, each such

director shall keep the Executive Director fully and currently informed

concerning the content of all such direct communications with the

Commission.15

Equal employment

opportunity, report.

(c) The Executive Director shall report to the Commission at

semiannual public meetings on the problems, progress, and status of the

Commission’s equal employment opportunity efforts.16

Annual status

report.

(d) The Executive Director shall prepare and forward to the

Commission an annual report (for the fiscal year 1978 and each

succeeding fiscal year) on the status of the Commission’s programs

concerning domestic safeguards matters including an assessment of the

effectiveness and adequacy of safeguards at facilities and activities

Report to Congress. licensed by the Commission. The Commission shall forward to the

Congress a report under this section prior to February 1, 1979, as a

separate document, and prior to February 1 of each succeeding year as a

separate chapter of the Commission’s annual report (required under
17Public Law 95-601 (92 Stat. 2949)(1978), sec.6 added subsec. 209(d). Note: As a result of Public

Law 104–66, sec. 3003, (109 Stat. 734), December 21, 1995, “ceased to be effective” on December 21, 1999. 18Public Law 95-601 (92 Stat. 2949)(1978), sec. 4(b) amended subsec. 209(c) by adding a new subsec. (c)

and redesignated existing subsec. (c) accordingly. Existing subsec. (c) was redesignated as subsec. (e) because

this law also added a new subsec.(d). 19Public Law 95-209 (91 Stat. 1482)(1977), sec.3, added sec. 210.

20New Sec. 211 added by P.L. 102-486 (106 Stat 3123); October 24, 1992.

Volume 1, Page 2–24

section 307(c) of the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974) following the

fiscal year to which such report applies.17

42 USC 5877.

Other officers.

(e)18 There shall be in the Commission not more than five additional

officers appointed y the Commission. The positions of such officers shall

be considered career positions and be subject to subsection 161 d. of the

Atomic energy Act.

Sec. 210. Unresolved Safety Issues Plan

42 USC 5850.

Progress reports.

Submittal to

Congress.

The Commission shall develop a plan providing for the specification

and analysis of unresolved safety issues relating to nuclear reactors and

shall take such action as may be necessary to implement corrective

measures with respect to such issues. Such plans shall be submitted to the

Congress on or before January 1, 1978, and progress reports shall be

included in the annual report of the Commission thereafter.19

Sec. 211. Employee Protection

42 USC 5851. (a)(1)20 No employer may discharge any employee or otherwise

discriminate against any employee with respect to his compensation,

terms, conditions, or privileges of employment because the employee (or

any person acting pursuant to a request of the employee)–

(A) notified his employer of an alleged violation of this Act or

the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 USC 2011 et seq.);

(B) refused to engage in any practice made unlawful by this act

or the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, if the employee has identified

the alleged illegality to the employer;

(C) testified before Congress or at any Federal or State

proceeding regarding any provision (or proposed provision) of this

Act or the Atomic Energy Act of 1954;

42 USC 2011 note. (D) commenced, caused to be commenced, or is about to

commence or cause to be commenced a proceeding under this Act

or the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, or a proceeding

for the administration or enforcement of any requirement imposed

under this Act or the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended;

(E) testified or is about to testify in any such proceeding or;

(F) assisted or participated or is about to assist or participate in

any manner in such a proceeding or in any other manner in such a

proceeding or in any other action to carry out the purposes of this

Act or the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended.

(2) For purposes of this section, the term “employer” includes–

(A) a licensee of the Commission or of an Agreement State

under section 274 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 USC

2021);

(B) an applicant for a license from the Commission or such an

Agreement State;

(C) a contractor or subcontractor of such a licensee or

applicant; and

(D) a contractor or subcontractor of the Department of Energy

that is indemnified by the Department under section 170d. of the
Volume 1, Page 2–25

Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 USC 2210(d)), but such term shall

not include any contractor or subcontractor covered by Executive

Order No. 12344.

Complaint, filing

and notification.

(b)(1) Any employee who believes that he has been discharged or

otherwise discriminated against by any person in violation of subsection

(a) may, within 180 days after such violation occurs, file (or have any

person file on his behalf) a complaint with the Secretary of Labor (in this

section referred to as the “Secretary”) alleging such discharge or

discrimination. Upon receipt of such a complaint, the Secretary shall

notify the person named in the complaint of the filing of the complaint,

the Commission and the Department of Energy.

Investigation and

notification.

(2)(A) Upon receipt of a complaint filed under paragraph (1), the

Secretary shall conduct an investigation of the violation alleged in the

complaint. Within thirty days of the receipt of such complaint, the

Secretary shall complete such investigation and shall notify in writing

the complainant (and any person acting in his behalf) and the person

alleged to have committed such violation of the results of the

Order. investigation conducted pursuant to this subparagraph. Within ninety

days of the receipt of such complaint the Secretary shall, unless the

proceeding on the complaint is terminated by the Secretary on the

basis of a settlement entered into by the Secretary and the person

alleged to have committed such violation, issue an order either

providing the relief prescribed by subparagraph (B) or denying the

Notice and hearing. complaint.

Settlement.

 An order of the Secretary shall be made on the record after

notice and opportunity for public hearing. Upon the conclusion of

such hearing and the issuance of a recommended decision that the

complaint has merit, the Secretary shall issue a preliminary order

providing the relief prescribed in subparagraph (B), but may not order

compensatory damages pending a final order. The Secretary may not

enter into a settlement terminating a proceeding on a complaint

without the participation and consent of the complainant.

Relief. (B) If, in response to a complaint filed under paragraph (1), the

Secretary determines that a violation of subsection (a) has

occurred, the Secretary shall order the person who committed such

violation to (i) take affirmative action to abate the violation, and

(ii) reinstate the complainant to his former position together with

the compensation (including back pay), terms, conditions, and

privileges of his employment, and the Secretary may order such

person to provide compensatory damages to the complainant. If an

order is issued under this paragraph, the Secretary, at the request

of the complainant shall assess against the person against whom

the order is issued a sum equal to the aggregate amount of all costs

and expenses (including attorneys’ and expert witness fees)

reasonably incurred, as determined by the Secretary, by the

complainant for, or in connection with, the bringing of the

complaint upon which the order was issued.

(3)(A) The Secretary shall dismiss a complaint filed under

paragraph (1), and shall not conduct the investigation required under

paragraph (2), unless the complainant has made a prima facie showing

that any behavior described in subparagraphs (A) through (F) of

subsection (a)(1) was a contributing factor in the unfavorable

personnel action alleged in the complaint.
Volume 1, Page 2–26

(B) Notwithstanding a finding by the Secretary that the

complainant has made the showing required by subparagraph (A),

no investigation required under paragraph (2) shall be conducted if

the employer demonstrates, by clear and convincing evidence, that

it would have taken the same unfavorable personnel action in the

absence of such behavior.

(C) The Secretary may determine that a violation of subsection

(a) has occurred only if the complainant has demonstrated that any

behavior described in subparagraphs (A) through (F) of subsection

(a)(1) was a contributing factor in the unfavorable personnel action

alleged in the complaint.

(D) Relief may not be ordered under paragraph (2) if the

employer demonstrates by clear and convincing evidence that it

would have taken the same unfavorable personnel action in the

absence of such behavior.

Review. (c)(1) Any person adversely affected or aggrieved by an order issued

under subsection (b) may obtain review of the order in the United States

court of appeals for the circuit in which the violation, with respect to

which the order was issued, allegedly occurred. The petition for review

must be filed within sixty days from the issuance of the Secretary’s order. 

5 USC 701 et seq. Review shall conform to chapter 7 of title 5 of the United States Code.

The commencement of proceedings under this subparagraph shall not,

unless ordered by the court, operate as a stay of the Secretary’s order.

(2) An order of the Secretary with respect to which review could

have been obtained under paragraph (1) shall not be subject to judicial

review in any criminal or other civil proceeding.

Jurisdiction. (d) Whenever a person has failed to comply with an order issued

under subsection (b) (2), the Secretary may file a civil action in the United

States district court for the district in which the violation was found to

occur to enforce such order. In actions brought under this subsection, the

district courts shall have jurisdiction to grant all appropriate relief

including, but not limited to, injunctive relief, compensatory, and

exemplary damages.

(e)(1) Any person on whose behalf an order was issued under

paragraph (2) of subsection (b) may commence a civil action against the

person to whom such order was issued to require compliance with such

order. The appropriate United States district court shall have jurisdiction,

without regard to the amount in controversy or the citizenship of the

parties, to enforce such order. 

Litigative costs. (2) The court, in issuing any final order under this subsection, may

award costs of litigation (including reasonable attorney and expert

witness fees) to any party whenever the court determines such award

is appropriate.

(f) Any nondiscretionary duty imposed by this section shall be

enforceable in a mandamus proceeding brought under section 1361 of title

28 of the United States Code.

42 USC 2011. (g) Subsection (a) shall not apply with respect to any employee who,

acting without direction from his or her employer (or the employer’s
21Public Law 95-601 (92 Stat. 2951) (1978), sec. 10, duplicated the section number 210.

Volume 1, Page 2–27

agent), deliberately causes a violation of any requirement of this Act or of

the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended.21

(h) This section may not be construed to expand, diminish, or

otherwise affect any right otherwise available to an employee under

Federal or State law to redress the employee’s discharge or other

discriminatory action taken by the employer against the employee.

(i) The provisions of this section shall be prominently posted in any

place of employment to which this section applies.

(j)(1) The Commission or the Department of Energy shall not delay

taking appropriate action with respect to an allegation of a substantial

safety hazard on the basis of–

(A) the filing of a complaint under subsection (b)(1) arising

from such allegation; or

(B) any investigation by the Secretary, or other action, under

this section in response to such complaint.

(2) A determination by the Secretary under this section that a

violation of subsection (a) has not occurred shall not be considered by

the Commission or the Department of Energy in its determination of

whether a substantial safety hazard exists.

TITLE III–MISCELLANEOUS AND TRANSITIONAL

PROVISIONS

Sec. 301. Transitional Provisions

42 USC 5871.

Lapses of agencies

and positions.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this Act, whenever all of the

functions or programs of an agency, or other body, or any component

thereof, affected by this Act, have been transferred from that agency, or

other body, or any component thereof by this Act, the agency, or other

88 Stat. 1249. body, or component thereof shall lapse. If an agency, or other body, or

any component thereof, lapses pursuant to the preceding sentence, each

position and office therein which was expressly authorized by law, or the

incumbent of which was authorized to receive compensation at the rate

prescribed for an officer or position at level II, III, IV, or V of the

Executive Schedule (5 USC 5313–5316), shall lapse.

Savings clauses. (b) All orders, determinations, rules, regulations, permits, contracts,

certificates, licenses, and privileges–

(1) which have been issued, made, granted, or allowed to be come

effective by the President, any Federal department or agency or

official thereof, or by a court of competent jurisdiction, in the

performance of functions which are transferred under this Act, and

(2) which are in effect at the time this Act takes effect, shall

continue in effect according to their terms until modified, terminated,

superseded, set aside, or revoked by the President, the Administrator,

the Commission, or other authorized officials, a court of competent

jurisdiction, or by operation of law.

(c) The provisions of this Act shall not affect any proceeding

pending, at the time this section takes effect, before the Atomic Energy

Commission or any department or agency (or component thereof)

functions of which are transferred by this Act; but such proceedings, to

the extent that they relate to functions so transferred, shall be continued.

Orders shall be issued in such proceedings, appeals shall be taken
Volume 1, Page 2–28

therefrom, and payments shall be made pursuant to such orders, as if this

Act had not been enacted; and orders issued in any such proceedings shall

continue in effect until ;modified, terminated, superseded, or revoked by a

duly authorized official, by a court of competent jurisdiction, or by

operation of law. Nothing in this subsection shall be deemed to prohibit

the discontinuance or modification of any such proceeding under the same

terms and conditions and to the same extent that such proceeding could

have been disconnected if this Act had not been enacted.

(d) Except as provided in subsection (f)–

(1) the provisions of this Act shall not affect suits commenced

prior to the date this Act takes effect, and

(2) in all such suits proceedings shall be had, appeals taken, and

judgements rendered, in the same manner and effect as if this Act had

not been enacted.

(e) No suit, action, or other proceeding commenced by or against any

officer in his official capacity as an officer of any department or agency,

functions of which are transferred by this Act, shall abate by reason of the

enactment of this Act. No cause of action by or against any department or

agency, functions of which are transferred by this Act, or by or against

any officer thereof in his official capacity shall abate by reason of the

enactment of this Act. Causes of actions, suits, actions, or other

proceedings may be asserted by or against the United States or such

official as may be appropriate and, in any litigation pending when this

section takes effect, the court may at any time, on its own motion or that

of any party, enter any order which will give effect to the provisions of

this section.

(f) If, before the date on which this Act takes effect, any department

or agency, or officer thereof in his official capacity, is a party to a suit,

and under this Act any function of such department, agency, or officer is

transferred to the Administrator or Commission, or any other official, then

such suit shall be continued as if this Act had not been enacted, with the

Administrator of Commission, or other official, as the case may be,

substituted.

(g) Final orders and actions of any official or component in the

performance of functions transferred by this Act shall be subject to

judicial review to the same extent and in the same manner as if such

orders or actions had been make or taken by the officer, department,

agency, or instrumentality in the performance of such functions

immediately preceding the effective date of the Act. Any statutory

requirements relating to notices, hearings, action upon the record, or

administrative review that apply to any function transferred by this Act

shall apply to the performance of those functions by the Administrator or

Commission, or any officer or component.

88 Stat. 1250. (h) With respect to any function transferred by this Act and performed

after the effective date of this Act, reference in any other law to any

department or agency, or any officer or office, the functions of which are

so transferred, shall be deemed to refer to the Administration, the

Administrator or Commission, or other office or official in which this Act

vests such functions.

(i) Nothing contained in this Act shall be construed to limit, curtail,

abolish, or terminate any function of the President which he had

immediately before the effective date of this Act; or to limit, curtail,
Volume 1, Page 2–29

abolish, or terminate his authority to perform such function; or to limit,

curtail, abolish, or terminate his authority to delegate, redelegate, or

terminate any delegation of functions.

(j) Any reference in this Act to any provision if law shall be deemed

to include, as appropriate, references thereto as now or hereafter amended

or supplemented.

(k) Except as may be otherwise expressly provided in this Act, all

functions expressly conferred by this Act shall be in addition to and not in

substitution for functions existing immediately before the effective date of

this Act and transferred by this Act.

Sec. 302. Transfer of Personnel and Other Matters

42 USC 5872. (a) Except as provided in the next sentence, the personnel employed

in connection with, and the personnel positions, assets, liabilities,

contracts, property, records, and unexpended balances of appropriations,

authorizations, allocations, and other funds employed, held, used, arising

from, available to or to be made available in connection with the functions

and programs transferred by this Act, are, subject to section 202 of the

Budget and Accounting Procedures Act of 1950 (31 USC 581c),

correspondingly transferred for appropriate allocation. Personnel

positions expressly created by law, personnel occupying those positions

on the effective date of this Act, and personnel authorized to receive

compensation at the rate prescribed for offices and positions at levels II,

III, IV, or V of the Executive Schedule (5 USC 5313-5316) on the

effective date of this Act shall be subject to the provisions of

subsection (c) of this section and section 301 of this Act.

(b) Except as provided in subsection (c), transfer of nontemporary

personnel pursuant to this Act shall not cause any such employee to be

separated or reduced in grade or compensation for one year after such

transfer.

(c) Any person who, on the effective date of this Act, held a position

compensated in accordance with the Executive Schedule prescribed in

chapter 52 of title 5 of the United States Code, and who, without a break

in service, is appointed in the Administration to a position having duties

comparable to those performed immediately preceding his appointment

shall continue to be compensated in his new position at not less than the

rate provided for his previous position.

Sec. 303. Incidental Dispositions

42 USC 5873.

88 Stat. 1251.

The Director of the Office of Management and Budget is authorized to

make such additional incidental dispositions of personnel, personnel

positions, assets, liabilities, contracts, property, records, and unexpended

balances of appropriations, authorizations, allocations, and other funds

held, used, arising from, available to or to be made available in

connection with functions transferred by this Act, as he may deem

necessary or appropriate to accomplish the intent and purpose of this Act.

Sec. 304. Definitions

As used in this Act–

42 USC 5874. (1) any reference to “function” or “functions” shall be deemed

to include references to duty, obligation, power, authority,

responsibility, right, privilege, and activity, or the plural thereof, as the

case may be; and
22The requirements of this section are included in the reporting provisions under sec. 657 of the

Department of Energy Reorganization Act. (Public Law 95-91) (42 USC 7267).

Volume 1, Page 2–30

(2) any reference to “perform” or “performance”, when used in

relation to functions, shall be deemed to include the exercise of power,

authority, rights, and privileges.

Sec. 305. Authorizations of Appropriations

42 USC 5875. (a) Except as otherwise provided by law, appropriations made under

this Act shall be subject to an annual authorization.

(b) Authorization of appropriations to the Commission shall reflect the

need for effective licensing and other regulation of the nuclear power

industry in relation to the growth of such industry.

Sec. 306. Comptroller General Audit

42 USC 2206.

42 USC 5876.

Ante, pp. 1234,

1242.

(a) Section 166. “Comptroller General Audit” of the Atomic Energy

Act of 1954, as amended, shall be deemed to be applicable, respectively,

to the nuclear and nonnuclear activities under title I and to the activities

under title II.

Report to Congress. (b) The Comptroller General of the United States shall audit, review,

and evaluate the implementation of the provisions of title II of this Act by

the Nuclear Safety and Licensing Commission not later than sixty months

after the effective date of this Act, the Comptroller General shall prepare

and submit to the Congress a report on his audit, which shall contain, but

not be limited to–

(1) an evaluation of the effectiveness of the licensing and related

regulatory activities of the Commission and the operations of the

Office of Nuclear Safety Research and the Bureau of Nuclear

Materials Security;

(2) an evaluation of the effect of such Commission activities on

the efficiency, effectiveness, and safety with which the activities

licensed under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, are

carried out;

(3) recommendations concerning any legislation he deems

necessary, and the reasons therefor, for improving the implementation

of title II.

Sec. 307. Reports22

42 USC 5877.

Administration

activities and

progress.

Reports to the

President and

Congress.

(a) The Administrator shall, as soon as practicable after the end of

each fiscal year, make a report to the President for submission to the

Congress on the activities of the Administration during the preceding

fiscal year. Such report shall include a statement of the short-range and

long-range goals, priorities, and plans of the Administration together with

an assessment of the progress made toward the attainment of objectives

and toward the more effective and efficient management of the

Administration and the coordination of its functions.

88 Stat. 1252.

Feasibility of

transferring

military application

functions.

(b) During the first year of operation of the Administration, the

Administrator, in collaboration with the Secretary of Defense, shall

conduct a thorough review of the desirability and feasibility of

transferring to the Department of Defense or other Federal agencies the

functions of the Administrator respecting military application and

restricted data, and within one year after the Administrator first takes

office, the Administrator shall make a report to the President, for

submission to the Congress, setting forth his comprehensive analysis, the

principal alternatives, and the specific recommendations of the

Administrator and the Secretary of Defense.
Volume 1, Page 2–31

Commission

activities and

findings.

(c) The Commission shall, as soon as practicable after the end of each

fiscal year, make a report to the President for submission to the Congress

on the activities of the Commission during the preceding fiscal year. 

Such report shall include a clear statement of the short-range and

long-range goals, priorities, and plans of the Commission as they relate to

the benefits, costs, and risks of commercial nuclear power. Such report

shall also include a clear description of the Commission’s activities and

findings in the following areas–

(1) insuring the safe design of nuclear power plants and other

licensed facilities;

(2) investigating abnormal occurrences and defects in nuclear

powerplants and other licensed facilities;

(3) safeguarding special nuclear materials at all stages of the

nuclear fuel cycle;

(4) investigating suspected, attempted, or actual thefts of special

nuclear materials in the licensed sector and developing contingency

plans for dealing with such incidents;

(5) insuring the safe, permanent disposal of high-level radioactive

wastes through the licensing of nuclear activities and facilities;

(6) protecting the public against the hazards of low-level

radioactive emissions from licensed nuclear activities and facilities.

Sec. 308. Information to Committees

42 USC 5878. The Administrator shall keep the appropriate congressional

committees fully and currently informed with respect to all of the

Administration’s activities.

Sec. 309. Transfer of Funds

42 USC 5879. The Administrator, when authorized in an appropriation Act, may, in

any fiscal year, transfer funds from one appropriation to another within

the Administration; except, that no appropriation shall be either increased

or decreased pursuant to this section by more than 5 per centum of the

appropriation for such fiscal year.

Sec. 310. Conforming Amendments to Certain Other Laws

Subchapter II (relating to Executive Schedule pay rates) of chapter 53

of title 5, United States Code, is amended as follows:

(1) Section 5313 is amended by striking out “(8) Chairman,

Atomic Energy Commission,” and inserting in lieu thereof “(8)

Chairman, Nuclear Regulatory Commission,” and by adding at the end

thereof the following:

(22) Administrator of Energy Research and Development

Administration.

(2) Section 5314 is amended by striking out “(42) Members,

Atomic Energy Commission.” and inserting in lieu thereof “(42)

Members, Nuclear Regulatory Commission.”, and by adding at the

end thereof the following:

(60) Deputy Administrator, Energy Research and Development

Administration.

88 Stat. 1253. (3) Section 5315 is amended by striking out paragraph (50), and

by adding at the end thereof the following:

(100) Assistant Administrator, Energy Research and Development

Administration (6).

(101) Director of Nuclear Reactor Regulation, Nuclear Regulatory

Commission.
Volume 1, Page 2–32

(102) Director of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards, Nuclear

Regulatory Commission.

(103) Director of Nuclear Regulatory Research, Nuclear Regulatory

Commission.

(104) Executive Director for Operations, Nuclear Regulatory 

Commission.

(4) Section 5316 is amended by striking out paragraphs (29), (62),

(69), and (102), by striking out “(81), General Counsel of the Atomic

Energy Commission,” and inserting in lieu thereof “(81) General Counsel

of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.”, and by adding at the end thereof

the following:

(134) General Counsel, Energy Research and Development

Administration.

(135) Additional officers, Energy Research and Development

Administration (8).

(136) Additional officers, Nuclear Regulatory Commission (5).

Sec. 311. Separability

42 USC 5801 note. If any provision of this Act, or the application thereof to any person or

circumstance, is held invalid, the remainder of this Act, and the

application of such provision to other persons or circumstances, shall not

be affected thereby.

Sec. 312. Effective Date and Interim Appointments

42 USC 5801 note.

Publication in

Federal Register.

(a) This Act shall take effect one hundred and twenty days after the

date of its enactment, or on such earlier date the President may prescribe

and publish in the Federal Register; except that any of the officers

provided for in title I of this Act may be nominated and appointed, as

provided by this Act, at any time after the date of enactment of this Act.

Funds available to any department or agency (or any official or

component thereof), any functions of which are transferred to the

Administrator and the Commission by this Act, may, with the approval of

the President, be used to pay the compensation and expenses of any

officer appointed pursuant to this subsection until such time as funds for

that purpose are otherwise available.

(b) In the event that any officer required by this Act to be appointed

by and with the advice and consent of the Senate shall not have entered

upon office on the effective date of this Act, the President may designate

any officer, whose appointment was required to be made by and with the

advice and consent of the Senate and who was such an officer

immediately prior to the effective date of this Act, to act in such office

until the office is filled as provided in this Act. While so acting, such

persons shall receive compensation at the rates provided by this Act for

the respective offices in which they act.

TITLE IV – SEX DISCRIMINATION

Sec. 401. Sex Discrimination Prohibited

42 USC 2000d.

42 USC 5891.

88 Stat. 1254.

No person shall on the ground of sex be excluded from participation

in, be denied a license under, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to

discrimination under any program or activity carried on or receiving

Federal assistance under any title of this Act. This provision will be

enforced through agency provisions and rules similar to those already

established, with respect to racial and other discrimination, under title VI
23Effective December 2, 1970, under the provisions of section 7 of the plan.

24This Reorganization Plan was originally approved under special Congressional procedures; the Supreme

Court decision in Immigration & Naturalization Service vs. Chadha (462 US 919 (1983)) called into question

the legality of this plan. Congress responded by enating this Reorganization Plan in Public Law 98-614. 

Volume 1, Page 2–33

of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. However, this remedy is not exclusive

and will not prejudice or cut off any other legal remedies available to a

discriminatee.

PRESIDENTIAL DOCUMENTS

REORGANIZATION PLAN NO. 3 OF 1970

TITLE III – THE PRESIDENT

5 USC App. I. Prepared by the President and transmitted to the Senate and the House of

Representatives in Congress assembled July 9, 1970, pursuant to the

provisions of chapter 9 of title 5 of the United States Code.2324

Environmental Protection Agency

Sec. 1. Establishment of Agency

(a) There is hereby established the Environmental Protection Agency,

hereinafter referred to as the “Agency.”

(b) There shall be at the head of the Agency the Administrator of the

Environmental Protection Agency, hereinafter referred to as the

“Administrator.” The Administrator shall be appointed by the President,

by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and shall be

compensated at the rate now or hereafter provided for Level II of the

Executive Schedule Pay rates (5 USC 5313).

(c) There shall be in the Agency a Deputy Administrator of the

Environmental Protection Agency who shall be appointed by the

President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and shall be

compensated at the rate now or hereafter provided for Level III of the

Executive Schedule Pay Rates (5 USC 5314). The Deputy Administrator

shall perform such functions as the Administrator shall from time to time

assign or delegate, and shall act as Administrator during the absence or

disability of the Administrator or in the event of a vacancy in the office of

Administrator.

(d) There shall be in the Agency not to exceed five Assistant

Administrators of the Environmental Protection Agency who shall be

appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the

Senate, and shall be compensated at the rate now or hereafter provided for

Level IV of the Executive Schedule Pay Rates (5 USC 5315). Each

Assistant Administrator shall perform such functions as the Administrator

shall from time to time assign or delegate.

Sec. 2. Transfers to Environmental Protection Agency

(a) There are hereby transferred to the Administrator:

(1) All functions vested by law in the Secretary of the Interior and

the Department of the Interior which are administered through the

Federal Water Quality Administration, all functions which were

transferred to the Secretary of the Interior by Reorganization Plan No.

2 of 1966 (80 Stat. 1608), and all functions vested in the Secretary of

the Interior or the Department of the Interior by the Federal Water
Volume 1, Page 2–34

Pollution Control Act or by provisions of law amendatory or

supplementary thereof.

(2)(i) The functions vested in the Secretary of the Interior by the

Act of August 1, 1958, 72 Stat. 479, 16 USC 742d-1 (being an Act

relating to studies on the effects of insecticides, herbicides, fungicides,

and pesticides upon the fish and wildlife resources of the United

States), and (ii) the functions vested by law in the Secretary of the

Interior and the Department of the Interior which are administered by

the Gulf Breeze Biological Laboratory of the Bureau of Commercial

Fisheries at Gulf Breeze, Florida.

(3) The functions vested by law to the Secretary of Health,

Education, and Welfare or in the Department of Health, Education,

and Welfare which are administered through the Environmental

Health Service, including the functions exercised by the following

components thereof:

(i) The National Air Pollution Control Administration,

(ii) The Environmental Control Administration

(A) Bureau of Solid Waste Management,

(B) Bureau of Water Hygiene,

(C) Bureau of Radiological Health,

except that functions carried out by the following components of the

Environmental Control Administration of the Environmental Health

Service are not transferred: (i) Bureau of Community Environmental

Management, (ii) Bureau of Occupational Safety and Health, and (iii) 

Bureau of Radiological Health, insofar as the functions carried out by the

latter Bureau pertain to (A) regulation of radiation from consumer

products, including electronic product radiation, (B) radiation as used in

the healing arts, (C) occupational exposures to radiation, and (D) 

research, technical assistance, and training related to clauses (A), (B),

and (C).

(4) The functions vested in the Secretary of Health, Education,

and Welfare of establishing tolerances for pesticide chemicals under

the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act as amended, 21 USC 346,

346a, and 348, together with authority, in connection with the

functions transferred, (i) to monitor compliance with the tolerances

and the effectiveness of surveillance and enforcement, and (ii) to

provide technical assistance to the States and conduct research under

the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, as amended, and the

Public Health Service Act, as amended.

(5) So much of the functions of the Council on Environmental

Quality under section 204(5) of the National Environmental Policy

Act of 1969 (Public Law 91-190, approved January 1, 1970, 83 Stat.

855), as pertains to ecological systems.

(6) The functions of the Atomic Energy Commission under the

Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, administered through its

Division of Radiation Protection Standards, to the extent that such

functions of the Commission consist of establishing generally

applicable environmental standards for the protection of the general

environment from radioactive material. As used herein, standards

mean limits on radiation exposures or levels, or concentrations or

quantities of radioactive material, in the general environment outside
Volume 1, Page 2–35

the boundaries of locations under the control of persons possessing or

using radioactive material.

(7) All functions of the Federal Radiation Council (42 USC

2021(h)).

(8)(i) The functions of the Secretary of Agriculture and the

Department of Agriculture under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide,

and the Rodenticide Act, as amended (7 USC 135-135k), (ii) the

functions of the Secretary of Agriculture and the Department of

Agriculture under section 408 (1) of the Federal Food, Drug, and

Cosmetic Act, as amended (21 USC 346a (1)), and (iii) the functions

vested by law in the Secretary of Agriculture and the Department of

Agriculture which are administered through the Environmental

Quality Branch of the Plant Protection Division of the Agricultural

Research Service.

(9) So much of the functions of the transferor officers and

agencies referred to in or affected by the foregoing provisions of this

section as is incidental to or necessary for the performance by or under

the Administrator of the functions transferred by those provisions or

relates primarily to those functions. The transfers to the Administrator

made by this section shall be deemed to include the transfer of (1)

authority, provided by law, to prescribe regulations relating primarily

to the transferred functions, and (2) the functions vested in the

Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Health, Education, and

Welfare by section 169(d)(1)(b) and (3) of the Internal Revenue Code

of 1954 (as enacted by section 704 of the Tax Reform Act of 1969, 83

Stat. 668); but shall be deemed to exclude the transfer of the functions

of the Bureau of Reclamation under section 3(b)(1) of the Water

Pollution Control Act (33 USC 466a(b)(1)).

(b) There are hereby transferred to the Agency:

(1) From the Department of the Interior, (i) the Water Pollution

Control Advisory Board (33 USC 466f), together with its functions,

and (ii) the hearing boards provided for in sections 10(c)(4) and 10(f)

of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended (33 USC

466g(c)(4): 466g(f)). The functions of the Secretary of the Interior

with respect to being or designating the Chairman of the Water

Pollution Control Advisory Board are hereby transferred to the

Administrator.

(2) From the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, the

Air Quality Advisory Board (42 USC 1857e), together with its

functions. The functions of the Secretary of Health, Education, and

Welfare with respect to being a member and the Chairman of that

Board are hereby transferred to the Administrator.

Sec. 3. Performance of transferred functions

The Administrator may from time to time make such provisions as he

shall deem appropriate authorizing the performance of any of the

functions transferred to him by the provisions of this reorganization plan

by any other officer or by any organizational entity or employee, of the

Agency.

Sec. 4. Incidental transfers

(a) So much of the personnel, property, records, and unexpended

balances of appropriations, allocations, and other funds employed, used,

held, available, or to be made available in connection with the functions
Volume 1, Page 2–36

transferred to the Administrator or the Agency by this reorganization plan

as the Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall determine

shall be transferred to the Agency at such time or times as the Director

shall direct.

(b) Such further measures and dispositions as the Director of Office

of Management and Budget shall deem to be necessary in order to

effectuate the transfers referred to in subsection (a) of this section shall be

carried out in such manner as he shall direct and by such agencies as he

shall designate.

Sec. 5. Interim officers

(a) The President may authorize any person who immediately prior to

the effective date of this reorganization plan held a position in the

executive branch of the Government to act as Administrator until the

office of Administrator is for the first time filled pursuant to the

provisions of this reorganization plan or by recess appointment, as the

case may be.

(b) The President may similarly authorize any such person to act as

Deputy Administrator, authorize any such person to act as Assistant

Administrator, and authorize any such person to act as the head of any

principal constituent organizational entity of the Administration.

(c) The President may authorize any person who serves in an acting

capacity under the foregoing provisions of this section to receive the

compensation attached to the office in respect of which he so serves. 

Such compensation, if authorized, shall be in lieu of, but not in addition

to, other compensation from the United States to which such person may

be entitled.

Sec. 6. Abolitions

(a) Subject to the provisions of this reorganization plan, the

following, exclusive of any functions, are hereby abolished:

(1) The Federal Water Quality Administration in the Department

of the Interior (33 USC 466-1).

(2) The Federal Radiation Council (73 Stat. 690; 42 USC

2021(h)).

(b) Such provisions as may be necessary with respect to terminating

any outstanding affairs shall be made by the Secretary of the Interior in

the case of the Federal Water Quality Administration and by the

Administrator of General Services in the case of the Federal Radiation

Council.

Sec. 7. Effective date

The provisions of this reorganization plan shall take effect sixty days

after the date they would take effect under 5 USC 906(a) in the absence of

this section.

(F.R. Doc. 70-13374; Filed, Oct. 5, 1970; 8:45 a.m.)
25As amended May 5, 1980.

26This Reorganization Plan was originally approved under special Congressional procedures; the Supreme

Court decision in Immigration & Naturalization Service vs. Chadha (462 US 919 (1983)) called into question

the legality of this plan. Congress responded by enacting this Reorganization Plan in Public Law 98-614. 

Volume 1, Page 2–37

REORGANIZATION PLAN NO. 1 OF 1980

5 USC App. I Prepared by the President and submitted to the Senate and the House

of Representatives in Congress assembled March 27, 1980,25 pursuant to

the provisions of Chapter 9 of Title 5 of the United States Code.26

Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Sec. 1. (a) Those functions of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission,

hereinafter referred to as the “Commission”, concerned with:

(1) policy formulation;

(2) rulemaking, as defined in section 553 of Title 5 of the United

States Code, except that those matters set forth in 553(a)(2) and (b)

which do not pertain to policy formulation orders or adjudications

shall be reserved to the Chairman of the Commission;

(3) orders and adjudications, as defined in section 551 (6) and (7)

of Title 5 of the United States Code;

shall remain vested in the Commission. The Commission may

determine by majority vote, in an area of doubt, whether any matter,

action, question or area of inquiry pertains to one of these functions. The

performance of any portion of these functions may be delegated by the

Commission to a member of the Commission, including the Chairman of

the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, hereinafter referred to as the

“Chairman”, and to the staff through the Chairman.

(b)(1) With respect to the following officers or successor officers

duly established by statute or by the Commission, the Chairman shall

initiate the appointment, subject to the approval of the Commission; and

the Chairman or a member of the Commission may initiate an action for

removal, subject to the approval of the Commission:

(i) Executive Director for Operations,

(ii) General Counsel,

(iii) Secretary of the Commission,

(iv) Director of the Office of Policy Evaluation,

(v) Director of the Office of Inspector and Auditor,

(vi) Chairman, Vice Chairman, Executive Secretary, and

Members of the Atomic Safety and Licensing Board Panel,

(vii) Chairman, Vice Chairman and Members of the

Atomic Safety and Licensing Appeal Panel.

(2) With respect to the following officers or successor officers

duly established by statute or by the Commission, the Chairman, after

consultation with the Executive Director for Operations, shall initiate

the appointment, subject to the approval of the Commission, and the

Chairman, or a member of the Commission may initiate an action for

removal, subject to the approval of the Commission:

(i) Director of Nuclear Reactor Regulation,

(ii) Director of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards,

(iii) Director of Nuclear Regulatory Research,

(iv) Director of Inspection and Enforcement.
Volume 1, Page 2–38

(v) Director of Standards Development.

(3) The Chairman or a member of the Commission shall initiate the

appointment of the Members of the Advisory Committee on Reactor

Safeguards, subject to the approval of the Commission. The

provisions for appointment of the Chairman of the Advisory

Committee on Reactor Safeguards and the term of the members shall

not be affected by the provisions of this Reorganization Plan.

(4) The Commission shall delegate the function of appointing,

removing and supervising the staff of the following offices or

successor offices to the respective heads of such offices: General

Counsel, Secretary of the Commission, Office of Public Evaluation,

Office of Inspector and Auditor. The Commission shall delegate the

functions of appointing, removing and supervising the staff of the

following panels and committee to the respective Chairman thereof:

Atomic Safety and Licensing Board Panel, Atomic Safety and

Licensing Appeal Panel and Advisory Committee on Reactor

Safeguards.

(c) Each member of the Commission shall continue to appoint, remove

and supervise the personnel employed in his or her immediate office.

(d) The Commission shall act as provided by subsection 201(a)(1) of

the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, as amended (42 USC 5841 (a)(1),

as amended) in the performance of its functions as described in

subsections (a) and (b) of this section.

Sec. 2. (a) All other functions of the Commission, not specified by

Section 1 of this Reorganization Plan, are hereby transferred to the

Chairman. The Chairman shall be the official spokesman for the

Commission, and shall appoint, supervise, and remove, without further

action by the Commission, the Directors and staff of the Office of Public

Affairs and the Office of Congressional Relations. The Chairman may

consult with the Commission as he deems appropriate in exercising this

appointment function.

(b) The Chairman shall also be the principal executive officer of the

Commission, and shall be responsible to the Commission for developing

policy planning and guidance for consideration by the Commission; shall

be responsible for the Commission for assuring that the Executive

Director for Operations and the staff of the Commission (other than the

officers and staff referred to in sections (1)(b)(4), (1)(c) and (2)(a) of this

Reorganization Plan) are responsive to the requirements of the

Commission in the performance of its functions; shall determine the use

and expenditure of funds of the Commission, in accordance with the

distribution of appropriated funds according to major programs and

purposes approved by the Commission; shall present to the Commission

for its consideration the proposals and estimates set forth in subsection (3)

of this paragraph; and shall be responsible for the following functions,

which he shall delegate, subject to his direction and supervision, to the

Executive Director for Operations unless otherwise provided by this

Reorganization Plan:

(1) administrative functions of the Commission;

(2) distribution of business among such personnel and among

administrative units and offices of the Commission;

(3) preparation of
Volume 1, Page 2–39

(i) proposals for the reorganization of the major offices

within the Commission;

(ii) the budget estimate for the Commission; and

(iii) the proposed distribution of appropriated funds

according to major programs and purposes.

(4) appointing and removing without any further action by the

Commission, all officers and employees under the Commission other

than those whose appointment and removal are specifically provided

for by subsections 1 (b), (c) and 2(a) of this Reorganization Plan.

(c) The Chairman as principal executive officer and the Executive

Director for Operations shall be governed by the general policies of the

Commission and by such regulatory decisions, findings, and

determinations, including those for reorganization proposals, budget

revisions and distribution of appropriated funds, as the Commission may

by law, including this Plan, be authorized to make. The Chairman and the

Executive Director for Operations, through the Chairman, shall be

responsible for insuring that the Commission is fully and currently

informed about matters within its functions.

Sec. 3. (a) Notwithstanding sections 1 and 2 of this Reorganization

Plan, there are hereby transferred to the Chairman all the functions vested

in the Commission pertaining to an emergency concerning a particular

facility or materials licensed or regulated by the Commission, including

the functions of declaring, responding, issuing orders, determining

specific policies, advising the civil authorities, and the public, directing,

and coordinating actions relative to such emergency incident.

(b) The Chairman may delegate the authority to perform such

emergency functions, in whole or in part, to any of the other members of

the Commission. Such authority may also be delegated or redelegated, in

whole or in part to the staff of the Commission.

(c) In acting under this section, the Chairman, or other member of the

Commission delegated authority under subsection (b), shall conform to

the policy guidelines of the Commission. To the maximum extent possible

under the emergency conditions, the Chairman or other member of the

Commission delegated authority under subsection (b), shall inform the

Commission of actions taken relative to the emergency.

(d) Following the conclusion of the emergency, the Chairman, or the

member of the Commission delegated the emergency functions under

subsection (b), shall render a complete and timely report to the

Commission on the actions taken during the emergency.

Sec. 4. (a) The Chairman may make such delegations and provide for

such reporting as the Chairman deems necessary, subject to provisions of

law and this Reorganization Plan. Any officer or employee under the

Commission may communicate directly to the Commission, or to any

member of the Commission, whenever in the view of such officer or

employee a critical problem or public health and safety or common

defense and security is not being properly addressed.

(b) The Executive Director for Operations shall report for all matters

to the Chairman.

(c) The function of the Director of Nuclear Reactor Regulation,

Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards, and Nuclear Regulatory

Research of reporting directly to the Commission is hereby transferred so

that such officers report to the Executive Director for Operations. The
2745 FR 40561.

Volume 1, Page 2–40

function of receiving such reports is hereby transferred from the

Commission to the Executive Director for Operations.

(d) The heads of the Commission level offices or successor offices, of

General Counsel, Secretary to the Commission, Office of Policy

Evaluation, Office of Inspector and Auditor, the Atomic Safety and

Licensing Board Panel and Appeal Panel, and Advisory Committee on

Reactor Safeguards shall continue to report directly to the Commission

and the Commission shall continue to receive such reports.

Sec. 5. The provisions of this Reorganization Plan shall take effect

October 1, 1980, or at such earlier time or times as the President shall

specify, but no sooner than the earliest time allowable under Section 906

of Title 5 of the United States Code.27

EXECUTIVE ORDER 11834

THE WHITE HOUSE

Activation of the Energy Research and Development Administration

and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission

By virtue of the authority vested in my by the Energy Reorganization

Act of 1974 (Public Law 93-438; 88 Stat. 1233), section 301 of title 3 of

the United States Code, and as President of the United States of America,

it is hereby ordered:

Sec. 1. Pursuant to section 312(a) of the Energy Reorganization Act

of 1974, I hereby prescribe January 19, 1975, as the effective date of that

Act. This action shall not impair in any way the activation of the Energy

Resources Council by Executive Order No. 11814 of October 11, 1974.

Sec 2. The Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall

take all steps necessary or appropriate to ensure or effectuate the transfers

provided for in the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, the Solar Heating

and Cooling Demonstration Act of 1974 (Public Law 93-409; 88 Stat.

1069), the Geothermal Energy Research, Development, and

Demonstration Act of 1974 (Public Law 93-410; 88 Stat. 1079), the Solar

Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1974 (Public

Law 93-473; 88 Stat. 1431), to the extent required or permitted by law,

including transfers of funds, personnel and positions, assets liabilities,

contracts, property, records, and other items related to the transfer of

functions, programs, or authorities.

Sec. 3. As required by the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, this

Order shall be published in the Federal Register.

GERALD R. FORD

THE WHITE HOUSE, January 15, 1975.
Volume 1, Page 2–41

OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET

Washington, D.C. 20503

December 7, 1973

MEMORANDUM FOR: ADMINISTRATOR TRAIN

 CHAIRMAN RAY

SUBJECT: Responsibility for setting radiation protection standards

FROM: Roy L. Ash

Thank you for providing position papers which outline the background

and the current difference of views between your two agencies as to

which should have the responsibility for issuing standards to define

permissible limits on radioactivity that may be emitted from facilities in

the nuclear power industry.

It is clear, as your paper indicated, that a decision is needed on this matter

so that the nuclear power industry and the general public will know where

the responsibility lies for developing (including public participation in

development), promulgating and enforcing radiation protection standards

for various types of facilities in the nuclear power industry. We must, in

the national interest, avoid confusion in this area, particularly since

nuclear power is expected to supply a growing share of the Nation's

energy requirements; and it must be clear that we are assuring continued

full protection of the public health and the environment from radiation

hazards.

It is also clear from the information which you provided that:

the area of responsibility now in controversy is intimately related to

the direct regulatory responsibilities and capabilities of the Atomic

Energy Commission, responsibilities about which there is no dispute.

EPA has construed too broadly its responsibilities, as set forth in

Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, to set “generally applicable

environmental standards for the protection of the general environment

from radioactive material.”

On behalf of the President, this memorandum is to advise you that the

decision is that AEC should proceed with its plans for issuing uranium

fuel cycle standards, taking into account the comments received from all

sources, including EPA; that EPA should discontinue its preparations for

issuing, now or in the future, any standards for types of facilities; and that

EPA should continue, under its current authority, to have responsibility

for setting standards for the total amount of radiation in the general

environment from all facilities combined in the uranium fuel cycle, i.e., an

ambient standard which would have to reflect AEC's findings as to the

practicability of emission controls.
Volume 1, Page 2–42

EPA can continue to have a major impact upon standards for facilities set

by AEC through EPA's review of proposed standards, during which EPA

can bring to bear its knowledge and perspective derived from its

responsibility for setting ambient radiation standards.

The President expects that AEC and EPA continue to work together to

carry out the responsibilities as outlined above.
Volume 1, Page 3–1

LOW-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTE POLICY ACT,

AMENDED

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE 42 USC

Sec.

TITLE I

LOW-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTE POLICY

AMENDMENTS ACT OF 1985

Sec. 101. Short Title. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–2 2021b

Sec. 102. Amendment to the Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy

Act. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–2 2021b-d

Sec. 1. Short Title. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–2 2021b

Sec. 2. Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–2 2021b

Sec. 3. Responsibilities for Disposal of Low-Level Radioactive 

Waste. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–3 2021c

Sec. 4. Regional Compacts for Disposal of Low-Level

Radioactive Waste. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–5 2021d

Sec. 5. Limited Availability of Certain Regional Disposal

Facilities During Transition and Licensing Periods. . . . 3–6 2021e

Sec. 6. Emergency Access. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–16 2021f

Sec. 7. Responsibilities of the Department of Energy. .......... 3–18 2021g

Sec. 8. Alternative Disposal Methods. ...................... 3–18 2021h

Sec. 9. Licensing Review and Approval. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–19 2021i

Sec. 10. Radioactive Waste Below Regulatory Concern. . . . . . . . . . 3–19

LOW-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTE POLICY ACT [1980]

Sec. 1. Short Title. ...................................... 3–20 2021b

Sec. 2. Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–20 2021b

Sec. 3. General Provisions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–21 2021c

Sec. 4. Low-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–21 2021d
1

NOTE: Public Law 96-573, “Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Act,” (94 Stat. 3347); Dec. 22, 1980

was amended by Pulic Law 99-240. The text of Public Law 96-573 is printed at the end of Public Law 99-240.

Volume 1, Page 3–2

LOW-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTE POLICY ACT,

AMENDED

Public Law 99-240 99 Stat. 1842

January 15, 1986

An Act

Low-Level

Radioactive Waste

Policy

Amendments Act

of 1985.

 To amend the Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Act to improve

procedures for the implementation of compacts providing for the

establishment and operation of regional disposal facilities for

low-level radioactive waste; to grant the consent of the Congress to

certain interstate compacts on low-level radioactive waste; and for

other purposes.1

State and local

governments.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the

United States of America in Congress assembled,

TITLE I–LOW-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTE POLICY

AMENDMENTS ACT OF 1985

Sec. 101. Short Title.

42 USC 2021b

note.

This Title may be cited as the “Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy

Amendments Act of 1985.”

Sec. 102. Amendment To The Low-level Radioactive Waste Policy

Act.

42 USC

2021b-2021d.

42 USC 2021b

note.

The Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Act (42 USC 2021b et seq.)

is amended by striking out sections 1, 2, 3, and 4 and inserting in lieu

thereof the following:

Sec. 1. Short Title.

42 USC 2021b

note.

This Act may be cited as the “Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy

Act.”

Sec. 2. Definitions.

42 USC 2021b. For purposes of this Act:

(1) Agreement State.–The term “agreement State” means a State

that–

(A) has entered into an agreement with the Nuclear Regulatory

Commission under section 274 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954

(42 USC 2021); and

(B) has authority to regulate the disposal of low-level

radioactive waste under such agreement.

(2) Allocation.–The term “allocation” means the assignment of a

specific amount of low-level radioactive waste disposal capacity to a

commercial nuclear power reactor for which access is required to be

provided by sited States subject to the conditions specified under this

Act.

(3) Commercial Nuclear Power Reactor.–The term “commercial

nuclear power reactor” means any unit of a civilian light-water

moderated utilization facility required to be licensed under section 103

or 104b. of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 USC 2133 or

2134(b)).
Volume 1, Page 3–3

(4) Compact.–The term “compact” means a compact entered into

by two or more States pursuant to this Act.

(5) Compact Commission.–The term “compact commission”

means the regional commission, committee, or board established in a

compact to administer such compact.

(6) Compact Region.–The term “compact region” means the area

consisting of all States that are members of a compact.

(7) Disposal.–The term “disposal” means the permanent isolation

of low-level radioactive waste pursuant to the requirements

established by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission under applicable

laws, or by an agreement State if such isolation occurs in such

agreement State.

(8) Generate.–The term “generate”, when used in relation to

low-level radioactive waste, means to produce low-level radioactive

waste.

(9) Low-level Radioactive Waste.–The term “low-level radioactive

waste” means radioactive material that–

(A) is not high-level radioactive waste, spent nuclear fuel, or

byproduct material (as defined in section 11e.(2) of the Atomic

Energy Act of 1954 (42 USC 2014(e)(2))); and

(B) the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, consistent with

existing law and in accordance with paragraph (A), classifies as

low-level radioactive waste.

(10) Non-sited Compact Region.–The term “non-sited compact

region” means any compact region that is not a sited compact region.

(11) Regional Disposal Facility.–The term “regional disposal

facility” means a non-Federal low-level radioactive waste disposal

facility in operation on January 1, 1985, or subsequently established

and operated under a compact.

(12) Secretary.–The term “Secretary” means the Secretary of

Energy.

Nevada.

South Carolina.

Washington.

(13) Sited Compact Region.–

The term “sited compact region” means a compact region in which

there is located one of the regional disposal facilities at Barnwell, in the

State of South Carolina; Richland, in the State of Washington; or Beatty,

in the State of Nevada.

(14) State.–The term “State” means any State of the United States,

the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

Sec. 3. Responsibilities For Disposal Of Low-level Radioactive

Waste.

42 USC 2021c. Section 3(a)(1) State Responsibilities.–Each State shall be responsible

for providing, either by itself or in cooperation with other States, for the

disposal of–

(A) low-level radioactive waste generated within the State

(other than by the Federal Government) that consists of or contains

class A, B, or C radioactive waste as defined by section 61.55 of

title 10, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on January 26,

1983;

Vessels. (B) low-level radioactive waste described in subparagraph (A)

that is generated by the Federal Government except such waste

that is–

(i) owned or generated by the Department of Energy;
Volume 1, Page 3–4

(ii) owned or generated by the United States Navy as a

result of the decommissioning of vessels of the United States

Navy; or

Research and

development.

(iii) owned or generated as a result of any research,

development, testing, or production of any atomic weapon; and

Post, pp. 1846,

1855.

(C) low-level radioactive waste described in subparagraphs (A)

and (B) that is generated outside of the State and accepted for

disposal in accordance with sections 5 or 6.

(2) No regional disposal facility may be required to accept for

disposal any material–

(A) that is not low-level radioactive waste as defined by section

61.55 of title 10, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on

January 26, 1983, or

(B) identified under the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial

Action Program.

Nothing in this paragraph shall be deemed to prohibit a State, subject

to the provisions of its compact, or a compact region from accepting for

disposal any material identified in subparagraph (A) or (B).

(b)(1) The Federal Government shall be responsible for the disposal

of–

(A) low-level radioactive waste owned or generated by the

Department of Energy;

Vessels. (B) low-level radioactive waste owned or generated by the

United States Navy as a result of the decommissioning of vessels

of the United States Navy;

Health.

Research and

development.

(C) low-level radioactive waste owned or generated by the

Federal Government as a result of any research, development,

testing, or production of any atomic weapon; and

(D) any other low-level radioactive waste with concentrations

of radionuclides that exceed the limits established by the

Commission for class C radioactive waste, as defined by

section 61.55 of title 10, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect

on January 26, 1983.

42 USC 2011 note.

Safety.

(2) All radioactive waste designated a Federal responsibility

pursuant to subparagraph (b)(1)(D) that results from activities licensed

by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission under the Atomic Energy Act

of 1954, as amended, shall be disposed of in a facility licensed by the

Nuclear Regulatory Commission that the Commission determines is

adequate to protect the public health and safety.

Report. (3) Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of this

Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Congress a comprehensive

report setting forth the recommendations of the Secretary for ensuring

the safe disposal of all radioactive waste designated a Federal

responsibility pursuant to subparagraph (b)(1)(D). Such report shall

include–

(A) an identification of the radioactive waste involved,

including the source of such waste, and the volume, concentration,

and other relevant characteristics of such waste;

(B) an identification of the Federal and non-Federal options for

disposal of such radioactive waste;

(C) a description of the actions proposed to ensure the safe

disposal of such radioactive waste;
Volume 1, Page 3–5

(D) a description of the projected costs of undertaking such

actions;

(E) an identification of the options for ensuring that the

beneficiaries of the activities resulting in the generation of such

radioactive wastes bear all reasonable costs of disposing of such

wastes; and

(F) an identification of any statutory authority required for

disposal of such waste.

Prohibition.

Report.

(4) The Secretary may not dispose of any radioactive waste

designated a Federal responsibility pursuant to paragraph (b)(1)(D)

that becomes a Federal responsibility for the first time pursuant to

such paragraph until ninety days after the report prepared pursuant to

paragraph (3) has been submitted to the Congress.

Sec. 4. Regional Compacts For Disposal Of Low-level Radioactive

Waste.

42 USC 2021d. (a) In General–

Ante, p. 1843. (1) Federal Policy.–It is the policy of the Federal Government that

the responsibilities of the States under section 3 for the disposal of

low-level radioactive waste can be most safely and effectively

managed on a regional basis.

(2) Interstate Compacts.–To carry out the policy set forth in

paragraph (1), the States may enter into such compacts as may be

necessary to provide for the establishment and operation of regional

disposal facilities for low-level radioactive waste.

(b) Applicability To Federal Activities.–

(1) In General.–

Prohibition. (A) Activities Of The Secretary.–Except as provided in

subparagraph (B), no compact or act taken under a compact shall

be applicable to the transportation, management, or disposal of any

low-level radioactive waste designated in section 3(a)(1)(B)

(i)-(iii).

(B) Federal Low-level Radioactive Waste Disposed Of At

Non-federal Facilities.–Low-level radioactive waste owned or

generated by the Federal Government that is disposed of at a

regional disposal facility or non-Federal disposal facility within a

State that is not a member of a compact shall be subject to the

same conditions, regulations, requirements, fees, taxes, and

surcharges imposed by the compact commission, and by the State

in which such facility is located, in the same manner and to the

same extent as any low-level radioactive waste not generated by

the Federal Government.

Prohibition. (2) Federal Low-level Radioactive Waste Disposal Facilities.–Any

low-level radioactive waste disposal facility established or operated

exclusively for the disposal of low-level radioactive waste owned or

generated by the Federal Government shall not be subject to any

compact or any action taken under a compact.

Prohibition. (3) Effect Of Compacts On Federal Law.–Nothing contained in

this Act or any compact may be construed to confer any new authority

on any compact commission or State–

Regulations.

Transportation.

(A) to regulate the packaging, generation, treatment, storage,

disposal, or transportation of low-level radioactive waste in a

manner incompatible with the regulations of the Nuclear
Volume 1, Page 3–6

Regulatory Commission or inconsistent with the regulations of the

Department of Transportation;

Health.

Pollution.

Safety.

(B) to regulate health, safety, or environmental hazards from

source material, byproduct material, or special nuclear material;

(C) to inspect the facilities of licensees of the Nuclear

Regulatory Commission;

Government

organization and

employees.

(D) to inspect security areas or operations at the site of the

generation of any low-level radioactive waste by the Federal

Government, or to inspect classified information related to such

areas or operations; or

28 USC 267 et seq. (E) to require indemnification pursuant to the provisions of

chapter 171 of title 28, United States Code (commonly referred to

as the Federal Tort Claims Act), or section 170 of the Atomic

Energy Act of 1954 (42 USC 2210) (commonly referred to as the

Price-Anderson Act), whichever is applicable.

Prohibition. (4) Federal Authority.–Except as expressly provided in this Act,

nothing contained in this Act or any compact may be construed to

limit the applicability of any Federal law or to diminish or otherwise

impair the jurisdiction of any Federal agency, or to alter, amend, or

otherwise affect any Federal law governing the judicial review of any

action taken pursuant to any compact.

Prohibition. (5) State Authority Preserved.–

Except as expressly provided in this Act, nothing contained in this Act

expands, diminishes, or otherwise affects State law.

Prohibition. (c) Restricted Use Of Regional Disposal Facilities.–Any authority in a

compact to restrict the use of the regional disposal facilities under the

compact to the disposal of low-level radioactive waste generated within

the compact region shall not take effect before each of the following

occurs:

(1) January 1, 1986; and

(2) the Congress by law consents to the compact.

(d) Congressional Review.–Each compact shall provide that every 5

years after the compact has taken effect the Congress may by law

withdraw its consent.

Sec. 5. Limited Availability Of Certain Regional Disposal Facilities

During Transition And Licensing Periods.

42 USC 2021e. (a) Availability Of Disposal Capacity.–

(1) Pressurized Water And Boiling Water Reactors.–During the

seven-year period beginning January 1, 1986, and ending December

31, 1992, subject to the provisions of subsections (b) through (g), each

State in which there is located a regional disposal facility referred to in

paragraphs (1) through (3) of subsection (b) shall make disposal

capacity available for low-level radioactive waste generated by

pressurized water and boiling water commercial nuclear power

reactors in accordance with the allocations established in

subsection (c).

(2) Other Sources Of Low-level Radioactive Waste.–During the

seven-year period beginning January 1, 1986 and ending December

31, 1992, subject to the provisions of subsections (b) through (g), each

State in which there is located a regional disposal facility referred to in

paragraphs (1) through (3) of subsection (b) shall make disposal
Volume 1, Page 3–7

capacity available for low-level radioactive waste generated by any

source not referred to in paragraph (1).

(3) Allocation Of Disposal Capacity.–

(A) During the seven-year period beginning January 1, 1986

and ending December 31, 1992, low-level radioactive waste

generated within a sited compact region shall be accorded priority

under this section in the allocation of available disposal capacity at

a regional disposal facility referred to in paragraphs (1) through (3)

of subsection (b) and located in the sited compact region in which

such waste is generated.

(B) Any State in which a regional disposal facility referred to

in paragraphs (1) through (3) of subsection (b) is located may,

subject to the provisions of its compact, prohibit the disposal at

such facility of low-level radioactive waste generated outside of

the compact region if the disposal of such waste in any given

calendar year, together with all other low-level radioactive waste

would result in that facility disposing of a total annual volume of

low-level radioactive waste in excess of 100 per centum of the

average annual volume for such facility designated in subsection

(b): Provided, however, That in the event that all three States in

which regional disposal facilities referred to in paragraphs (1)

through (3) of subsection (b) act to prohibit the disposal of

low-level radioactive waste pursuant to this subparagraph, each

such State shall, in accordance with any applicable procedures of

its compact, permit, as necessary, the disposal of additional

quantities of such waste in increments of 10 per centum of the

average annual volume for each such facility designated in

subsection (b).

Prohibition. (C) Nothing in this paragraph shall require any disposal facility

or State referred to in paragraphs (1) through (3) of subsection (b)

to accept for disposal low-level radioactive waste in excess of the

total amounts designated in subsection (b).

Prohibition. (4) Cessation Of Operation Of Low-level Radioactive Waste

Disposal Facility.–No provision of this section shall be construed to

obligate any State referred to in paragraphs (1) through (3) of

subsection (b) to accept low-level radioactive waste from any source

in the event that the regional disposal facility located in such State

ceases operations.

(b) Limitations.–The availability of disposal capacity for low-level

radioactive waste from any source shall be subject to the following

limitations:

(1) Barnwell, South Carolina.–The State of South Carolina, in

accordance with the provisions of its compact, may limit the volume

of low-level radioactive waste accepted for disposal at the regional

disposal facility located in Barnwell, South Carolina to a total of

8,400,000 cubic feet of low-level radioactive waste during the 7-year

period beginning January 1, 1986 and ending December 31, 1992 (as

based on an average annual volume of 1,200,000 cubic feet of

low-level radioactive waste).

(2) Richland, Washington.–The State of Washington, in

accordance with the provisions of its compact, may limit the volume

of low-level radioactive waste accepted for disposal at the regional
Volume 1, Page 3–8

disposal facility located at Richland, Washington to a total of

9,800,000 cubic feet of low-level radioactive waste during the 7-year

period beginning January 1, 1986, and ending December 31, 1992 (as

based on an average annual volume of 1,400,000 cubic feet of

low-level radioactive waste).

(3) Beatty, Nevada.–The State of Nevada, in accordance with the

provisions of its compact, may limit the volume of low-level

radioactive waste accepted for disposal a the regional disposal facility

located at Beatty, Nevada to a total of 1,400,000 cubic feet of

low-level radioactive waste during the 7-year period beginning

January 1, 1986, and ending December 31, 1992 (as based on an

average annual volume of 200,000 cubic feet of low-level radioactive

waste).

(c) Commercial Nuclear Power Reactor Allocations.–

(1) Amount.–Subject to the provisions of subsections (a) through

(g) each commercial nuclear power reactor shall upon request receive

an allocation of low-level radioactive waste disposal capacity (in cubic

feet) at the facilities referred to in subsection (b) during the 4-year

transition period beginning January 1, 1986 and ending December 31,

1989, and during the 3-year licensing period beginning January 1,

1990, and ending December 31, 1992, in an amount calculated by

multiplying the appropriate number from the following table by the

number of months remaining in the applicable period as determined

under paragraph (2).

Reactor

Type

4-year Licensing Period 3-year Licensing Period

In Sited

Region

All Other

Locations

In Sited

Region

All Other

Locations

PWR 1027 871 934 685

BWR 2300 1951 2091 1533

(2) Method Of Calculation.–For purposes of calculating the

aggregate amount of disposal capacity available to a commercial

nuclear power reactor under this subsection, the number of months

shall be computed beginning with the first month of the applicable

period, or the sixteenth month after receipt of a full power operating

license, whichever occurs later.

(3) Unused Allocations.–Any unused allocation under paragraph

(1) received by a reactor during the transition period or the licensing

period may be used at any time after such reactor receives its full

power license or after the beginning of the pertinent period, whichever

is later, but not in any event after December 31, 1992, or after

commencement of operation of a regional disposal facility in the

compact region or State in which such reactor is located, whichever

occurs first.

(4) Transferability.–Any commercial nuclear power reactor in a

State or compact region that is in compliance with the requirements of

subsection (e) may assign any disposal capacity allocated to it under

this subsection to any other person in each State or compact region. 
Volume 1, Page 3–9

Such assignment may be for valuable consideration and shall be in

writing, copies of which shall be filed at the affected compact

commissions and States, along with the assignor’s unconditional

written waiver of the disposal capacity being assigned.

(5) Unusual Volumes.–

(A) The Secretary may, upon petition by the owner or operator

of any commercial nuclear power reactor, allocate to such reactor

disposal capacity in excess of the amount calculated under

paragraph (1) if the Secretary finds and states in writing his

reasons for so finding that making additional capacity available for

such reactor through this paragraph is required to permit unusual

or unexpected operating, maintenance, repair or safety activities.

Prohibition. (B) The Secretary may not make allocations pursuant to

subparagraph (A) that would result in the acceptance for disposal

of more than 800,000 cubic feet of low-level radioactive waste or

would result in the total of the allocations made pursuant to this

subsection exceeding 11,900,000 cubic feet over the entire

seven-year interim access period.

Prohibition. (6) Limitation.–During the seven-year interim access period

referred to in subsection (a), the disposal facilities referred to in

subsection (b) shall not be required to accept more than 11,900,000

cubic feet of low-level radioactive waste generated by commercial

nuclear power reactors.

Prohibition. (d)(1) Surcharges.–The disposal of any low-level radioactive waste

under this section (other than low-level radioactive waste generated in a

sited compact region) may be charged a surcharge by the State in which

the applicable regional disposal facility is located, addition to to the fees

and surcharges generally applicable for disposal of low-level radioactive

waste in the regional disposal facility involved. Except as provided in

subsection (e)(2), such surcharges shall not exceed–

(A) in 1986 and 1987, $10 per cubic foot of low-level

radioactive waste;

(B) in 1988 and 1989, $20 per cubic foot of low-level

radioactive waste; and

(C) in 1990, 1991, and 1992, $40 per cubic foot of low-level

radioactive waste.

(2) Milestone Incentives.–

(A) Escrow Account.–Twenty-five per centum of all surcharge

fees received by a State pursuant to paragraph (1) during the

seven-year period referred to in subsection (a) shall be transferred

on a monthly basis to an escrow account held by the Secretary. The

Secretary shall deposit all funds received in a special escrow

account. The funds so deposited shall not be the property of the

United States. The Secretary shall act as trustee for such funds and

shall invest them in interest-bearing United States Government

Securities with the highest available yield. Such funds shall be

held by the Secretary until–

(i) paid or repaid in accordance with subparagraph (B) or

(C); or

(ii) paid to the State collecting such fees in accordance with

subparagraph (F).

(B) Payments.–
Volume 1, Page 3–10

Ante, p. 1842. (i) July 1, 1986.–The twenty-five per centum of any amount

collected by a State under paragraph (1) for low-level

radioactive waste disposed of under this section during the

period beginning on the date of enactment of the Low-Level

Radioactive Waste Policy Amendments Act of 1985 and

ending June 30, 1986, and transferred to the Secretary under

subparagraph (A), shall be paid by the Secretary in accordance

with subparagraph (D) if the milestone described in subsection

(e)(1)(A) is met by the State in which such waste originated.

(ii) January 1, 1988.–The twenty-five per centum of any

amount collected by a State under paragraph (1) for low-level

radioactive waste disposed of under this section during the

period beginning July 1, 1986 and ending December 31, 1987,

and transferred to the Secretary under subparagraph (A), shall

be paid by the Secretary in accordance with subparagraph (D)

if the milestone described in subsection (e)(1)(B) is met by the

state in which such waste originated (or its compact region,

where applicable). 

(iii) January 1, 1990.–The twenty-five per centum of any

amount collected by a State under paragraph (1) for low-level

radioactive waste disposed of under this section during the

period beginning January 1, 1988 and ending December 31,

1989, and transferred to the Secretary under subparagraph (A),

shall be paid by the Secretary in accordance with subparagraph

(D) if the milestone described in subsection (e)(1)(C) is met by

the State in which such waste originated (or its compact region,

where applicable).

(iv) The twenty-five per centum of any amount collected by

a State under paragraph (1) for low-level radioactive waste

disposed of under this section during the period beginning

January 1, 1990 and ending December 31, 1992, and

transferred to the Secretary under subparagraph (A), shall be

paid by the Secretary in accordance with subparagraph (D) if,

by January 1, 1993, the State in which such waste originated

(or its compact region, where applicable) is able to provide for

the disposal of all low-level radioactive waste generated within

such State or compact region.

(C) Failure To Meet January 1, 1993 Deadline.–If, by January

1, 1993, a State (or, where applicable, a compact region) in which

low-level radioactive waste is generated is unable to provide for

the disposal of all such waste generated within such State or

compact region–

(i) each State in which such waste is generated, upon the

request of the generator or owner of the waste, shall take title

to the waste, shall be obligated to take possession of the waste,

and shall be liable for all damages directly or indirectly

incurred by such generator or owner as a consequence of the

failure of the State to take possession of the waste as soon after
2

The United States Supreme Court struck down this provision because it was unconditional. (N.Y. vs.

United States 112 S. Ct. 2408 (June 19, 1992)).

Volume 1, Page 3–11

January 1, 1993 as the generator or owner notifies the State

that the waste is available for shipment; or2

(ii) if such State elects not to take title to, take possession

of, and assume liability for such waste, pursuant to clause (i),

twenty-five per centum of any amount collected by a State

under paragraph (1) for low-level radioactive waste disposed of

under this section during the period beginning January 1, 1990

and ending December 31, 1992 shall be repaid, with interest, to

each generator from whom such surcharge was collected.

Repayments made pursuant to this clause shall be made on a

monthly basis, with the first such repayment beginning on

February 1, 1993, in an amount equal to one thirty-sixth of the

total amount required to be repaid pursuant to this clause, and

shall continue until the State (or, where applicable, compact

region) in which such low-level radioactive waste in generated

is able to provide for the disposal of all such waste generated

within such State or compact region or until January 1, 1996,

whichever is earlier.

If a State in which low-level radioactive waste is generated elects to take

title to, take possession of, and assume liability for such waste pursuant to

clause (i), such State shall be paid such amounts as are designated in

subparagraph (B)(iv). If a State (or, where applicable, a compact region)

in which low-level radioactive waste is generated provides for the

disposal of such waste at any time after January 1, 1993 and prior to

January 1, 1996, such State (or, where applicable, compact region) shall

be paid in accordance with subparagraph (D) a lump sum amount equal to

twenty-five per centum of any amount collected by a State under

paragraph (1): Provided, however, That such payment shall be adjusted to

reflect the remaining number of months between January 1, 1993 and

January 1, 1996 for which such State (or, where applicable, compact

region) provides for the disposal of such waste. If a State (or, where

applicable, a compact region) in which low-level radioactive waste is

generated is unable to provide for the disposal of all such waste generated

within such State or compact region by January 1, 1996, each State in

which such waste is generated, upon the request of the generator or owner

of the waste shall take title to the waste, be obligated to take possession of

the waste, and shall be liable for all damages directly or indirectly

incurred by such generator or owner as a consequence of the failure of the

State to take possession of the waste as soon after January 1, 1996, as the

generator or owner notifies the State that the waste is available for

shipment.

(D) Recipients Of Payments.–The payments described in

subparagraphs (B) and (C) shall be paid within thirty days after the

applicable date–

(i) if the State in which such waste originated is not a

member of a compact region, to such State;

(ii) if the State in which such waste originated is a member

of the compact region, to the compact commission serving such

State.

(E) Uses Of Payments.–
Volume 1, Page 3–12

(i) Limitations.–Any amount paid under subparagraphs (B)

or (C) may only be used to–

(I) establish low-level radioactive waste disposal

facilities;

(II) mitigate the impact of low-level radioactive waste

disposal facilities on the host State;

(III) regulate low-level radioactive waste disposal

facilities; or

(IV) ensure the decommissioning, closure, and care

during the period of institutional control of low-level

radioactive waste disposal facilities.

(ii) Reports.–

(I) Recipient.–Any State or compact commission

receiving a payment under subparagraphs (B) or (C) shall,

on December 31 of each year in which any such funds are

expended, submit a report to the Department of Energy

itemizing any such expenditures.

Reports. (II) Department Of Energy.–Not later than six months

after receiving the reports under subclause (I), the Secretary

shall submit to the Congress a summary of all such reports

that shall include an assessment of the compliance of each

such State or compact commission with the requirements of

clause (i).

(F) Payment To States.–Any amount collected by a State under

paragraph (1) that is placed in escrow under subparagraph (A) and

not paid to a State or compact commission under subparagraphs

(B) and (C) or not repaid to a generator under subparagraph (C)

shall be paid from such escrow account to such State collecting

such payment under paragraph (1). Such payment shall be made

not later than 30 days after a determination of ineligibility for a

refund is made.

Prohibition. (G) Penalty Surcharges.–No rebate shall be made under this

subsection of any surcharge or penalty surcharge paid during a

period of noncompliance with subsection (e)(1).

(e) Requirements For Access To Regional Disposal Facilities.–

(1) Requirements For Non-sited Compact Regions And

Non-member States.–Each non-sited compact region, or State that is

not a member of a compact region that does not have an operating

disposal facility, shall comply with the following requirements:

(A) By July 1, 1986, each such non-member State shall ratify

compact legislation or, by the enactment of legislation or the

certification of the Governor, indicate its intent to develop a site

for the location of a low-level radioactive waste disposal facility

within such State.

(B) By January 1, 1988.–

(i) each non-sited compact region shall identify the State in

which its low-level radioactive waste disposal facility is to be

located, or shall have selected the developer for such facility

and the site to be developed, and each compact region or the

State in which its low-level radioactive waste disposal facility

is to be located shall develop a siting plan for such facility

providing detailed procedures and a schedule for establishing a
Volume 1, Page 3–13

facility location and preparing a facility license application and

shall delegate authority to implement such plan;

(ii) each non-member State shall develop a siting plan

providing detailed procedures and a schedule for establishing a

facility location and preparing a facility license application for

a low-level radioactive waste disposal facility and shall

delegate authority to implement such plan; and

(iii) The siting plan required pursuant to this paragraph

shall include a description of the optimum way to attain

operation of the low-level radioactive waste disposal facility

involved, within the time period specified in this Act. Such

plan shall include a description of the objectives and a

sequence of deadlines for all entities required to take action to

implement such plan, including, to the extent practicable, an

identification of the activities in which a delay in the start, or

completion, of such activities will cause a delay in beginning

facility operation. Such plan shall also identify, to the extent

practicable, the process for (1) screening for broad siting areas;

(2) identifying and evaluating specific candidate sites; and (3)

characterizing the preferred site(s), completing all necessary

environmental assessments, and preparing a license application

for submission to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission or an

Agreement State.

(C) By January 1, 1990.–

(i) a complete application (as determined by the Nuclear

Regulatory Commission or the appropriate agency of an

agreement State) shall be filed for a license to operate a

low-level radioactive waste disposal facility within each

non-sited compact region or within each non-member State; or

(ii) the Governor (or, for any State without a Governor, the

chief executive officer) of any State that is not a member of a

compact region in compliance with clause (i), or has not

complied with such clause by its own actions, shall provide a

written certification to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission,

that such State will be capable of providing for, and will

provide for, the storage, disposal, or management of any

low-level radioactive waste generated within such State and

requiring disposal after December 31, 1992, and include a

description of the actions that will be taken to ensure that such

capacity exists.

(D) By January 1, 1992, a complete application (as determined

by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission or the appropriate agency

of an agreement State) shall be filed for a license to operate a

low-level radioactive waste disposal facility within each non-sited

compact region or within each non-member State.

Federal Register,

publication.

(E) The Nuclear Regulatory Commission shall transmit any

certification received under subparagraph (C) to the Congress and

publish any such certification in the Federal Register.

Contracts. (F) Any State may, subject to all applicable provisions, if any,

of any applicable compact, enter into an agreement with the

compact commission of a region in which a regional disposal

facility is located to provide for the disposal of all low-level
Volume 1, Page 3–14

radioactive waste generated within such State, and, by virtue of

such agreement, may, with the approval of the State in which the

regional disposal facility is located, be deemed to be in compliance

with subparagraphs (A), (B), (C), and (D).

(2) Penalties For Failure To Comply.–

(A) By July 1, 1986.–If any State fails to comply with

subparagraph (1)(A)–

(i) any generator of low-level radioactive waste within such

region or non-member State shall, for the period beginning July

1, 1986, and ending December 31, 1986, be charged 2 times

the surcharge otherwise applicable under subsection (d); and

(ii) on or after January 1, 1987, any low-level radioactive

waste generated within such region or non-member State may

be denied access to the regional disposal facilities referred to in

paragraphs (1) through (3) of subsection (b).

(B) By January 1, 1988.–If any non-sited compact region or

non-member State fails to comply with paragraph (1)(B)–

(i) any generator of low-level radioactive waste within such

region or non-member State shall–

(I) for the period beginning January 1, 1988, and ending

June 30, 1988, be charged 2 times the surcharge otherwise

applicable under subsection (d); and

(II) for the period beginning July 1, 1988, and ending

December 31, 1988, be charged 4 times the surcharge

otherwise applicable under subsection (d); and

(ii) on or after January 1, 1989, any low-level radioactive

waste generated within such region or non-member State may

be denied access to the regional disposal facilities referred to in

paragraphs (1) through (3) of subsection (b).

(C) By January 1, 1990.–If any non-sited compact region or

non-member State fails to comply with paragraph (1)(C), any

low-level radioactive waste generated within such region or

non-member State may be denied access to the regional disposal

facilities referred to in paragraphs (1) through (3) of subsection

(b).

(D) By January 1, 1992.–If any non-sited compact region or

non-member State fails to comply with paragraph (1)(D), any

generator of low-level radioactive waste within such region or

non-member State shall, for the period beginning January 1, 1992

and ending upon the filing of the application described in

paragraph (1)(D), be charged 3 times the surcharge otherwise

applicable under subsection (d).

Prohibition. (3) Denial Of Access.–No denial or suspension of access to a

regional disposal facility under paragraph (2) may be based on the

source, class, or type of low-level radioactive waste.

Termination. (4) Restoration Of Suspended Access; Penalties For Failure To

Comply.–Any access to a regional disposal facility that is suspended

under paragraph (2) shall be restored after the non-sited compact

region or non-member State involved complies with such requirement.

Any payment of surcharge penalties pursuant to paragraph (2) for

failure to comply with the requirements of subsection (e) shall be
Volume 1, Page 3–15

terminated after the non-sited compact region or non-member State

involved complies with such requirements.

(f)(1) Administration.–Each State and compact commission in which a

regional disposal facility referred to in paragraphs (1) through (3) of

subsection (b) is located shall have authority–

(A) to monitor compliance with the limitations, allocations, and

requirements established in this section; and

(B) to deny access to any non-Federal low-level radioactive

waste disposal facilities within its borders to any low-level

radioactive waste that–

(i) is in excess of the limitations or allocations established

in this section; or

(ii) is not required to be accepted due to the failure of a

compact region or State to comply with the requirements of

subsection (e)(1).

(2) Availability Of Information During Interim Access Period.–

Nevada.

South Carolina.

Washington.

(A) The States of South Carolina, Washington, and Nevada

may require information from disposal facility operators,

generators, intermediate handlers, and the Department of Energy

that is reasonably necessary to monitor the availability of disposal

capacity, the use and assignment of allocations and the

applicability of surcharges.

Nevada.

South Carolina.

Washington.

(B) The States of South Carolina, Washington, and Nevada

may, after written notice followed by a period of at least 30 days,

deny access to disposal capacity to any generator or intermediate

handler who fails to provide information under subparagraph (A).

(C) Proprietary Information.–

(i) Trade secrets, proprietary and other confidential

information shall be made available to a State under this

subsection upon request only if such State–

(I) consents in writing to restrict the dissemination of

the information to those who are directly involved in

monitoring under subparagraph (A) and who have a need to

know;

(II) accepts liability for wrongful disclosure; and

(III) demonstrates that such information is essential to

such monitoring.

(ii) The United States shall not be liable for the wrongful

disclosure by any individual or State of any information

provided to such individual or State under this subsection.

Commerce and

trade.

Government

organization and

employees.

Prohibition.

(iii) Whenever any individual or State has obtained

possession of information under this subsection, the individual

shall be subject to the same provisions of law with respect to

the disclosure of such information as would apply to an officer

or employee of the United States or of any department or

agency thereof and the State shall be subject to the same

provisions of law with respect to the disclosure of such

information as would apply to the United States or any

department or agency thereof. No State or State officer or

employee who receives trade secrets, proprietary information,

or other confidential information under this Act may be

required to disclose such information under State law.
Volume 1, Page 3–16

(g) Nondiscrimination.–Except as provided in subsections (b) through

(e), low-level radioactive waste disposed of under this section shall be

subject without discrimination to all applicable legal requirements of the

compact region and State in which the disposal facility is located as if

such low-level radioactive waste were generated within such compact

region.

Sec. 6. Emergency Access.

42 USC 2021f.

Defense and

national security.

Health.

Safety.

(a) In General.–The Nuclear Regulatory Commission may grant

emergency access to any regional disposal facility or non-Federal disposal

facility within a State that is not a member of a compact for specific

low-level radioactive waste, if necessary to eliminate an immediate and

serious threat to the public health and safety or the common defense and

security. The procedure for granting emergency access shall be as

provided in this section.

(b) Request For Emergency Access.–Any generator of low-level

radioactive waste, or any Governor (or, for any State without a Governor,

the chief executive officer of the State) on behalf of any generator or

generators located in his or her State, may request that the Nuclear

Regulatory Commission grant emergency access to a regional disposal

facility or a non-Federal disposal facility within a State that is not a

member of a compact for specific low-level radioactive waste. Any such

request shall contain any information and certifications the Nuclear

Regulatory Commission may require. 

Health. (c) Determination Of Nuclear Regulatory Commission.–

Defense and

national security.

Safety.

(1) Required Determination.–Not later than 45 days after receiving

a request under subsection (b), the Nuclear Regulatory Commission

shall determine whether–“(A) emergency access is necessary because

of an immediate and serious threat to the public health and safety or

the common defense and security; and

Ante, p. 1846. (B) The threat cannot be mitigated by any alternative consistent

with the public health and safety, including storage of low-level

radioactive waste at the site of generation or in a storage facility

obtaining access to a disposal facility by voluntary agreement,

purchasing disposal capacity available for assignment pursuant to

section 5(c) or ceasing activities that general low-level radioactive

waste.

(2) Required Notification.–If the Nuclear Regulatory Commission

makes the determinations required in paragraph (1) in the affirmative,

it shall designate an appropriate non-Federal disposal facility or

facilities, and notify the Governor (or chief executive officer) of the

State in which such facility is located and the appropriate compact

commission that emergency access is required. Such notification shall

specifically describe the low-level radioactive waste as to source,

physical and radiological characteristics, and the minimum volume

and duration, not exceeding 180 days, necessary to alleviate the

immediate threat to public health and safety or the common defense

Prohibition. and security. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission shall also notify

the Governor (or chief executive officer) of the State in which the

low-level radioactive waste requiring emergency access was generated

that emergency access has been granted and that, pursuant to

subsection (e), no extension of emergency access may be granted

absent diligent State action during the period of the initial grant.
Volume 1, Page 3–17

Defense and

national security.

Health.

Safety.

(d) Temporary Emergency Access.–Upon determining that emergency

access is necessary because of an immediate and serious threat to the

public health and safety or the common defense and security, the Nuclear

Regulatory Commission may at its discretion grant temporary emergency

access, pending its determination whether the threat could be mitigated by

any alternative consistent with the public health and safety. In granting

access under this subsection, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission shall

provide the same notification and information required under subsection

(c). Absent a determination that no alternative consistent with the public

health and safety would mitigate the threat, access granted under this

subsection shall expire 45 days after the granting of temporary emergency

access under this subsection.

Defense and

national security.

Health.

Safety.

(e) Extension Of Emergency Access.–

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission may grant one extension of

emergency access beyond the period provided in subsection (c), if it

determines that emergency access continues to be necessary because of an

immediate and serious threat to the public health and safety or the

common defense and security that cannot be mitigated by any alternative

consistent with the public health and safety, and that the generator of

low-level radioactive waste granted emergency access and the State in

which such low-level radioactive waste was generated have diligently

though unsuccessfully acted during the period of the initial grant to

eliminate the need for emergency access. Any extension granted under

this subsection shall be for the minimum volume and duration the Nuclear

Regulatory Commission finds necessary to eliminate the immediate threat

to public health and safety or the common defense and security, and shall

not in any event exceed 180 days.

(f) Reciprocal Access.–Any compact region or State not a member of

a compact that provides emergency access to non-Federal disposal

facilities within its borders shall be entitled to reciprocal access to any

subsequently operating non-Federal disposal facility that serves the State

or compact region in which low-level radioactive waste granted

emergency access was generated. The compact commission or State

having authority to approve importation of low-level radioactive waste to

the disposal facility to which emergency access was granted shall

designate for reciprocal access an equal volume of low-level radioactive

waste having similar characteristics to that provided emergency access.

(g) Approval By Compact Commission.–Any grant of access under

this section shall be submitted to the compact commission for the region

in which the designated disposal facility is located for such approval as

may be required under the terms of its compact. Any such compact

commission shall act to approve emergency access not later than 15 days

after receiving notification from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, or

reciprocal access not later than 15 days after receiving notification from

the appropriate authority under subsection (f).

Prohibitions. (h) Limitations.–No State shall be required to provide emergency or

reciprocal access to any regional disposal facility within its borders for

low-level radioactive waste not meeting criteria established by the license

or license agreement of such facility, or in excess of the approved

capacity of such facility, or to delay the closing of any such facility

pursuant to plans established before receiving a request for emergency or

reciprocal access. No State shall, during any 12-month period, be
Volume 1, Page 3–18

required to provide emergency or reciprocal access to any regional

disposal facility within its borders for more than 20 percent of the total

volume of low-level radioactive waste accepted for disposal at such

facility during the previous calendar year. 

(i) Volume Reduction And Surcharges.–Any low-level

radioactive waste delivered for disposal under this section shall

be reduced in volume to the maximum extent practicable and

shall be subject to surcharges established in this Act.

Ante, p. 1846. (j) Deduction From Allocation.–Any volume of low-level radioactive

waste granted emergency or reciprocal access under this section, if

generated by any commercial nuclear power reactor, shall be deducted

from the low-level radioactive waste volume allocable under section 5(c).

Prohibition. (k) Agreement States.–Any agreement under section 274 of the

Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 USC 2021) shall not be applicable to the

determinations of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission under this section. 

Sec. 7. Responsibilities Of The Department Of Energy.

42 USC 2021g. (a) Financial And Technical Assistance.–The Secretary shall, to the

extent provided in appropriations Act, provide to those compact regions,

host States, and nonmember States determined by the Secretary to require

assistance for purposes of carrying out this Act–

Health.

Safety.

Science and

technology.

Transportation.

(1) continuing technical assistance to assist them in fulfilling their

responsibilities under this Act. Such technical assistance shall include,

but not be limited to, technical guidelines for site selection, alternative

technologies for low-level radioactive waste disposal, volume

reduction options, management techniques to reduce low-level waste

generation, transportation practices for shipment of low-level wastes,

health and safety considerations in the storage, shipment and disposal

of low-level radioactive wastes, and establishment of a computerized

database to monitor the management of low-level radioactive wastes;

and

(2) through the end of fiscal year 1993, financial assistance to

assist them in fulfilling their responsibilities under this Act.

Science and

technology.

Transportation.

(b) Reports.–The Secretary shall prepare and submit to the Congress

on an annual basis a report which (1) summarizes the progress of

low-level waste disposal siting and licensing activities within each

compact region, (2) reviews the available volume reduction technologies,

their applications, effectiveness, and costs on a per unit volume basis,

(3) reviews interim storage facility requirements, costs, and usage,

(4) summarizes transportation requirements for such wastes on an interand intra-regional basis, (5) summarizes the data on the total amount of

low-level waste shipped for disposal on a yearly basis, the proportion of

such wastes subjected to volume reduction, the average volume reduction

attained, and the proportion of wastes stored on an interim basis, and

(6) projects the interim storage and final disposal volume requirements

anticipated for the following year, on a regional basis.

Sec. 8. Alternative Disposal Methods.

42 USC 2021h.

Ante, p. 1842.

(a) Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of the

Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Amendments Act of 1985, the

Nuclear Regulatory Commission shall, in consultation with the States and

other interested persons, identify methods for the disposal of low-level

radioactive waste other than shallow land burial, and establish and publish

technical guidance regarding licensing of facilities that use such methods.
Volume 1, Page 3–19

(b) Not later than 24 months after the date of enactment of the

Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Amendments Act of 1985, the

Commission shall, in consultation with the States and other interested

persons, identify and publish all relevant technical information regarding

the methods identified pursuant to subsection (a) that a State or compact

must provide to the Commission in order to pursue such methods,

together with the technical requirements that such facilities must meet, in

the judgment of the Commission, if pursued as an alternative to shallow

land burial. Such technical information and requirements shall include,

but need not be limited to, site suitability, site design, facility operation,

disposal site closure, and environmental monitoring, as necessary to meet

the performance objectives established by the Commission for a licensed

low-level radioactive waste disposal facility. The Commission shall

specify and publish such requirements in a manner and form deemed

appropriate by the Commission.

Sec. 9. Licensing Review And Approval.

42 USC 2021i. In order to ensure the timely development of new low-level

radioactive waste disposal facilities, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission

or, as appropriate, agreement States, shall consider an application for a

disposal facility license in accordance with the laws applicable to such

application, except that the Commission and the agreement state shall–

Ante, p. 1842. (1) not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of the

Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Amendments Act of 1985,

establish procedures and develop the technical capability for

processing applications for such licenses;

(2) to the extent practicable, complete all activities associated with

the review and processing of any application for such a license (except

for public hearings) no later than 15 months after the date of receipt of

such application; and

(3) to the extent practicable, consolidate all required technical and

environmental reviews and public hearings.

Sec. 10. Radioactive Waste Below Regulatory Concern.

(a) Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of the

Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Amendments Act of 1985, the

Commission shall establish standards and procedures, pursuant to existing

authority, and develop the technical capability for considering and acting

upon petitions to exempt specific radioactive waste streams from

regulation by the Commission due to the presence of radionuclides in

such waste streams in sufficiently low concentrations or quantities as to

be below regulatory concern. 

(b) The standards and procedures established by the Commission

pursuant to subsection (a) shall set forth all information required to be

submitted to the Commission by licensees in support of such petitions,

including, but not limited to–

(1) a detailed description of the waste materials, including their

origin, chemical composition, physical state, volume, and mass; and

Health.

Safety.

(2) The concentration or contamination levels, half-lives, and

identities of the radionuclides present.

Regulation. Such standards and procedures shall provide that, upon receipt of a

petition to exempt a specific radioactive waste stream from regulation by

the Commission, the Commission shall determine in an expeditious

manner whether the concentration or quantity of radionuclides present in
Volume 1, Page 3–20

such waste stream requires regulation by the Commission in order to

protect the public health and safety. Where the Commission determines

that regulation of a radioactive waste stream is not necessary to protect the

public health and safety, the Commission shall take such steps as may be

necessary, in an expeditious manner, to exempt the disposal of such

radioactive waste from regulation by the Commission.

NOTE: TITLE II OF THIS LAW WHICH CONSISTS OF THE

TEXT OF SIX COMPACTS IS FOUND IN VOLUME II

OF THIS NUREG.

LOW-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTE POLICY ACT

Public Law 96-573 [S. 2189] 94 Stat. 3347

Dec. 22, 1980

An Act

To set forth a Federal policy for the disposal of low-level radioactive

wastes, and for other purposes.

42 USC 2021b

note.

Low-Level

Radioactive Waste

Policy Act.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United

States of America in Congress assembled,

Sec. 1. Short Title.

This Act may be cited as the “Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy

Act.”

42 USC 2021b. Sec. 2. Definitions.

As used in this Act:

(1) The term “disposal” means the isolation of low-level

radioactive waste pursuant to requirements established by the Nuclear

Regulatory Commission under applicable laws.

(2) The term “low-level radioactive waste” means radioactive

waste not classified as high-level radioactive waste, transuranic waste,

spent nuclear fuel, or byproduct material as defined in section 11e.(2)

of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954.

(3) The term “State” means any State of the United States, the

District of Columbia, and, subject to the provisions of Public Law

96-205, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam,

the Northern Mariana Islands, the Trust Territory of the Pacific

Islands, and any other territory or possession of the United States.

(4) For purposes of this Act the term “atomic energy defense

activities of the Secretary” includes those activities and facilities of

the Department of Energy carrying out the function of–

(i) Naval reactors development and propulsion,

(ii) weapons activities, verification and control technology,

(iii) defense materials production,

(iv) inertial confinement fusion,

(v) defense waste management, and

(vi) defense nuclear materials security and safeguards (all as included

in the Department of Energy appropriations account in any fiscal year for

atomic energy defense activities).
Volume 1, Page 3–21

42 USC 2021c.

State compacts

regarding regional

facilities.

Sec. 3. General Provisions.

(a) Compacts established under this Act or actions taken under such

compacts shall not be applicable to the transportation, management, or

disposal of low-level radioactive waste from atomic energy defense

activities of the Secretary or Federal research and development activities.

(b) Any facility established or operated exclusively for the disposal of

low-level radioactive waste produced by atomic energy defense activities

of the Secretary or Federal research and development activities shall not

be subject to compacts established under this Act or actions taken under

such compacts.

Sec. 4. Low-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal.

(a)(1) It is the policy of the Federal Government that–

42 USC 2021d. (A) each State is responsible for providing for the availability

of capacity either within or outside the State for the disposal of

low-level radioactive waste generated within its borders except for

waste generated as a result of defense activities of the Secretary or

Federal research and development activities; and

(B) low-level radioactive waste can be most safely and

efficiently managed on a regional basis.

(2)(A) To carry out the policy set forth in paragraph (1), the States

may enter into such compacts as may be necessary to provide for the

establishment and operation of regional disposal facilities for

low-level radioactive waste.

Congressional

consent.

(B) A compact entered into under subparagraph (A) shall not

take effect until the Congress has by law consented to the compact.

Each such compact shall provide that every 5 years after the

compact has taken effect the Congress may by law withdraw its

consent. After January 1, 1986, any such compact may restrict the

use of the regional disposal facilities under the compact to the

disposal of low-level radioactive waste generated within the

region.

Report to Congress

and States.

(b)(1) In order to assist the States in carrying out the policy set forth in

subsection (a)(1), the Secretary shall prepare and submit to Congress and

to each of the States within 120 days after the date of the enactment of

this Act a report which–

(A) defines the disposal capacity needed for present and future

low-level radioactive waste on a regional basis;

(B) defines the status of all commercial low-level radioactive

waste disposal sites and includes an evaluation of the license status

of each such site, the state of operation of each site, including

operating history, an analysis of the adequacy of disposal

technology employed at each site to contain low-level radioactive

wastes for their hazardous lifetimes, and such recommendations as

the Secretary considers appropriate to assure protection of the

public health and safety from wastes transported to such sites;

(C) evaluates the transportation requirements on a regional

basis and in comparison with performance of present

transportation practices for the shipment of low-level radioactive

wastes, including an inventory of types and quantities of low-level

wastes, and evaluation of shipment requirements for each type of

waste and an evaluation of the ability of generators, shippers, and

carriers to meet such requirements; and
Volume 1, Page 3–22

(D) evaluates the capability of the low-level radioactive waste

disposal facilities owned and operated by the Department of

Energy to provide interim storage for commercially generated

low-level waste and estimates the costs associated with such

interim storage.

(2) In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary shall consult with

the Governors of the States, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the

Environmental Protection Agency, the United States Geological

Survey, and the Secretary of Transportation, and such other agencies

and departments as he finds appropriate.
1

This act consists of Public Law 97–425 (96 Stat. 2201) enacted on January 7, 1983, and subsequent

amendments. The Act was extensively amended in identical form by Public Law 100–202 (101 Stat.

1329–121) and Public Law 100–203 (101 Stat. 1330–243) on December 22, 1987.

Volume 1, Page 4–1

1

A. NUCLEAR WASTE POLICY ACT OF 1982, AS AMENDED

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE 42 USC

Sec.

Sec. 1. Short Title and Table of Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–5

Sec. 2. Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–5 10101

Sec. 3. Separability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–8 10102

Sec. 4. Territories and Possessions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–8 10103

Sec. 5. Ocean Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–8 10104

Sec. 6. Limitation on Spending Authority . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–8 10105

Sec. 7. Protection of Classified National Security Information . . . . 4–8 10106

Sec. 8. Applicability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–8 10107

Sec. 9. Applicability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–9 10108

TITLE I

DISPOSAL AND STORAGE OF HIGH-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTE,

SPENT NUCLEAR FUEL, AND LOW-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTE

Sec. 101. State and Affected Indian Tribe Participation in Development 

of Proposed Repositories for Defense Waste . . . . . . . . . 4–9 10121

SUBTITLE A

REPOSITORIES FOR DISPOSAL OF HIGH-LEVEL

RADIOACTIVE WASTE AND SPENT NUCLEAR FUEL

Sec. 111. Findings and Purposes ............................. 4–10 10131

Sec. 112. Recommendation of Candidate Sites for Site 

Characterization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–11 10132

Sec. 113. Site Characterization .............................. 4–13 10133

Sec. 114. Site Approval and Construction Authorization .......... 4–15 10134

Sec. 115. Review of Repository Site Selection .................. 4–19 10135

Sec. 116. Participation of States ............................. 4–22 10136

Sec. 117. Consultation With States and Affected Indian Tribes ..... 4–25 10137

Sec. 118. Participation of Indian Tribes ....................... 4–27 10138

Sec. 119. Judicial Review of Agency Actions .................. 4–30 10139

Sec. 120. Expedited Authorizations .......................... 4–30 10140

Sec. 121. Certain Standards and Criteria ....................... 4–31 10141

Sec. 122. Disposal of Spent Nuclear Fuel ...................... 4–31 10142

Sec. 123. Title to Material .................................. 4–32 10143

Sec. 124. Consideration of Effect of Acquisition of Water Rights . . . 4–32 10144

Sec. 125. Termination of Certain Provisions ................... 4–32 10145

SUBTITLE B

INTERIM STORAGE PROGRAM

Sec. 131. Findings and Purposes ............................. 4–32 10151

Sec. 132. Available Capacity for Interim Storage of Spent Nuclear 

Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–33 10152

Sec. 133. Interim at Reactor Storage .......................... 4–33 10153

Sec. 134. Licensing of Facility Expansions and Transshipments .... 4–33 10154
PAGE 42 USC

Sec.

Volume 1, Page 4–2

Sec. 135. Storage of Spent Nuclear Fuel ...................... 4–34 10155

Sec. 136. Interim Storage Fund .............................. 4–40 10156

Sec. 137. Transportation ................................... 4–44 10157

SUBTITLE C

MONITORED RETRIEVABLE STORAGE

Sec. 141. Monitored Retrievable Storage ...................... 4–44 10161

Sec. 142. Authorization of Monitored Retrievable Storage ........ 4–47 10162

Sec. 143. Monitored Retrievable Storage Commission ............ 4–47 10163

Sec. 144. Survey ......................................... 4–49 10164

Sec. 145. Site Selection .................................... 4–50 10165

Sec. 146. Notice of Disapproval ............................. 4–51 10166

Sec. 147. Benefits Agreement ............................... 4–51 10167

Sec. 148. Construction Authorization ......................... 4–51 10168

Sec. 149. Financial Assistance .............................. 4–52 10169

SUBTITLE D

LOW-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTE

Sec. 151. Financial Arrangements for Low-level

Radioactive Waste Site Closure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–52 10171

SUBTITLE E

REDIRECTION OF THE NUCLEAR WASTE PROGRAM

Sec. 160. Selection of Yucca Mountain Site .................... 4–53 10172

Sec. 161. Siting a Second Repository ......................... 4–53 10172a

SUBTITLE F

BENEFITS

Sec. 170. Benefits Agreements .............................. 4–54 10173

Sec. 171. Content of Agreements ............................ 4–55 10173a

Sec. 172. Review Panel .................................... 4–56 10173b

Sec. 173. Termination ..................................... 4–57 10173c

SUBTITLE G

OTHER BENEFITS

Sec. 174. Consideration in Siting Facilities .................... 4–57 10174

Sec. 175. Report ......................................... 4–57 10174a

SUBTITLE H

TRANSPORTATION

Sec. 180 Transportation .................................... 4–58 10175

TITLE II

RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, AND DEMONSTRATION REGARDING

DISPOSAL OF HIGH-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTE AND

SPENT NUCLEAR FUEL

Sec. 211. Purpose ........................................ 4–59 10191

Sec. 212. Applicability .................................... 4–59 10192

Sec. 213. Identification of Sites ............................. 4–59 10193
PAGE 42 USC

Sec.

Volume 1, Page 4–3

Sec. 214. Siting Research and Related Activities ................ 4–61 10194

Sec. 215. Test and Evaluation Facility Siting Review and Reports . . 4–61 10195

Sec. 216. Federal Agency Actions ........................... 4–62 10196

Sec. 217. Research and Development on Disposal of High-Level

Radioactive Waste . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–62 10197

Sec. 218. Research and Development on Spent Nuclear Fuel ...... 4–63 10198

Sec. 219. Payments to States and Indian Tribes ................. 4–67 10199

Sec. 220. Study of Research and Development Needs for Monitored 

Retrievable Storage Proposal .................... 4–68 10200

Sec. 221. Judicial Review .................................. 4–68 10201

Sec. 222. Research on Alternatives for the Permanent Disposal of 

High-Level Radioactive Waste . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–68 10202

Sec. 223. Technical Assistance to Non-nuclear Weapon States in the 

Field of Spent Fuel Storage and Disposal . . . . . . . . . . 4–68 10203

Sec. 224. Subseabed Disposal ............................... 4–69 10204

TITLE III

OTHER PROVISIONS RELATING TO RADIOACTIVE WASTE

Sec. 301. Mission Plan .................................... 4–70 10221

Sec. 302. Nuclear Waste Fund .............................. 4–72 10222

Sec. 303. Alternative Means of Financing ..................... 4–76 10223

Sec. 304. Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management ...... 4–77 10224

Sec. 305. Location of Test and Evaluation Facility............... 4–77 10225

Sec. 306. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Training Authorization . . 4–78 10226

TITLE IV

NUCLEAR WASTE NEGOTIATOR

Sec. 401. Definition....................................... 4–78 10241

Sec. 402. The Office of the Nuclear Waste Negotiator ............ 4–78 10242

Sec. 403. Duties of the Negotiator ........................... 4–79 10243

Sec. 404. Environmental Assessment of Sites .................. 4–80 10244

Sec. 405. Site Characterization; Licensing ..................... 4–80 10245

Sec. 406. Monitored Retrievable Storage ...................... 4–81 10246

Sec. 407. Environmental Impact Statement ..................... 4–81 10247

Sec. 408. Administrative Powers of the Negotiator .............. 4–82 10248

Sec. 409. Cooperation of Other Departments and Agencies ........ 4–82 10249

Sec. 410 Termination of the Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–83 10250

Sec. 411. Authorization of Appropriations ..................... 4–83 10251

TITLE V

NUCLEAR WASTE TECHNICAL REVIEW BOARD

Sec. 501. Definitions ...................................... 4–83 10261

Sec. 502. Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board ............... 4–83 10262

Sec. 503. Functions ....................................... 4–84 10263

Sec. 504. Investigatory Powers .............................. 4–84 10264

Sec. 505. Compensation of Members ......................... 4–84 10265

Sec. 506. Staff ........................................... 4–84 10266

Sec. 507. Support Services ................................. 4–85 10267

Sec. 508. Report ......................................... 4–85 10268
PAGE 42 USC

Sec.

2

Note: This Act consists of Public Law 102–486 (106 Stat. 2776) enacted on October 24, 1992, and

generally appears in Title 42, United States Code.

Volume 1, Page 4–4

Sec. 509. Authorization of Appropriations ..................... 4–85 10269

Sec. 510. Termination of the Board .......................... 4–86 10270

B. ENERGY POLICY ACT OF 1992

TITLE VIII

HIGH–LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTE

2

Sec. 801. Nuclear Waste Disposal ........................... 4–86 

Sec. 803. Nuclear Waste Management Plan .................... 4–87
Volume 1, Page 4–5

A. NUCLEAR WASTE POLICY ACT OF 1982, AS

AMENDED

Public Law 97-425 96 Stat. 2201

January 7, 1983

Sec. 1. Short Title and Table of Contents

This Act may be cited as the “Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982.” 

(TOC not duplicated here.)

Sec. 2. Definitions

42 USC 10101. For purposes of this Act:

(1) The term “Administrator” means the Administrator of the

Environmental Protection Agency.

(2) The term “affected Indian tribe” means any Indian tribe–

(A) within whose reservation boundaries a monitored

retrievable storage facility, test and evaluation facility, or a

repository for high-level radioactive waste or spent fuel is

proposed to be located;

(B) whose federally defined possessory or usage rights to other

lands outside of the reservation’s boundaries arising out of

congressionally ratified treaties may be substantially and adversely

affected by the locating of such a facility: Provided, That the

Secretary of the Interior finds, upon the petition of the appropriate

governmental officials of the tribe, that such effects are both

substantial and adverse to the tribe;

(3) the term “atomic energy defense activity” means any activity of

the Secretary performed in whole or in part in carrying out any of the

following functions:

(A) naval reactors development;

(B) weapons activities including defense inertial confinement

fusion;

(C) verification and control technology;

(D) defense nuclear materials production;

(E) defense nuclear waste and materials by-products

management;

(F) defense nuclear materials security and safeguards and

security investigations; and

(G) defense research and development.

(4) The term “candidate site” means an area, within a geologic and

hydrologic system, that is recommended by the Secretary under

section 112 for site characterization, approved by the President under

section 112 for site characterization, or undergoing site

characterization under section 113.

(5) The term “civilian nuclear activity” means any atomic energy

activity other than an atomic energy defense activity.

(6) The term “civilian nuclear power reactor” means a civilian

nuclear power plant required to be licensed under section 103 or 104

b. of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 USC 2133, 2134(b)).

(7) The term “Commission” means the Nuclear Regulatory

Commission.

(8) The term “Department” means the Department of Energy.
Volume 1, Page 4–6

(9) The term “disposal” means the emplacement in a repository of

high-level radioactive waste, spent nuclear fuel, or other highly

radioactive material with no foreseeable intent of recovery, whether or

not such emplacement permits the recovery of such waste.

(10) The terms “disposal package” and “package”mean the

primary container that holds, and is in contact with, solidified

high-level radioactive waste, spent nuclear fuel, or other radioactive

materials, and any overpacks that are emplaced at a repository.

(11) The term “engineered barriers” means manmade components

of a disposal system designed to prevent the release of radionuclides

into the geologic medium involved. Such term includes the high-level

radioactive waste form, high-level radioactive waste canisters, and

other materials placed over and around such canisters.

(12) The term “high-level radioactive waste” means–

(A) the highly radioactive material resulting from the

reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel, including liquid waste produced

directly in reprocessing and any solid material derived from such

liquid waste that contains fission products in sufficient

concentrations; and

(B) other highly radioactive material that the Commission,

consistent with existing law, determines by rule requires

permanent isolation.

(13) The term “Federal agency” means any Executive agency, as

defined in section 105 of title 5, United States Code.

(14) The term “Governor” means the chief executive officer of a

State.

(15) The term “Indian tribe” means any Indian tribe, band, nation,

or other organized group or community of Indians recognized as

eligible for the services provided to Indians by the Secretary of the

Interior because of their status as Indians, including any Alaska Native

village, as defined in section 3(c) of the Alaska Native Claims

Settlement Act (43 USC 1602(c)).

(16) The term “low-level radioactive waste” means radioactive

material that–

(A) is not high-level radioactive waste, spent nuclear fuel,

transuranic waste, or by-product material as defined in section

11e(2) of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 USC 2014(e)(2));

and

(B) the Commission, consistent with existing law, classifies as

low level radioactive waste.

(17) The term “Office” means the Office of Civilian Radioactive

Waste Management established in section 305.

(18) The term “repository” means any system licensed by the

Commission that is intended to be used for, or may be used for, the

permanent deep geologic disposal of high-level radioactive waste and

spent nuclear fuel, whether or not, such system is designed to permit

the recovery, for a limited period during initial operation, of any

materials placed in such system. Such term includes both surface and

subsurface areas at which high-level radioactive waste and spent

nuclear fuel handling activities are conducted.

(19) The term “reservation” means–
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(A) any Indian reservation or dependent Indian community

referred to in clause 9a) or (b) of section 1151 of title 18, United

States Code; or

(B) any land selected by an Alaska Native village or regional

corporation under the provisions of the Alaska Native Claims

Settlement Act (43 USC 1601 et seq.).

(20) The term “Secretary” means the Secretary of Energy.

(21) The term “site characterization” means–

(A) siting research activities with respect to a test and

evaluation facility at a candidate site; and

(B) activities, whether in the laboratory or in the field,

undertaken to establish the geologic condition and the ranges of

the parameters of a candidate site relevant to the location of a

repository, including borings, surface excavations, excavations of

exploratory shafts, limited subsurface lateral excavations and

borings, and in situ testing needed to evaluate the suitability of a

candidate site for the location of a repository, but not including

preliminary borings and geophysical testing needed to assess

whether site characterization should be undertaken.

(22) The term “siting research” means activities, including borings,

surface excavations, shaft excavations, subsurface lateral excavations

and borings, and in situ testing, to determine the suitability of a site for

a test and evaluation facility. 

(23) The term “spent nuclear fuel” means fuel that has been

withdrawn from a nuclear reactor following irradiation, the constituent

elements of which have not been separated by reprocessing.

(24) The term “State” means each of the several States, the

District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin

Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, the

Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, and any other territory or

possession of the United States.

(25) The term “storage” means retention of high-level radioactive

waste, spent nuclear fuel, or transuranic waste with the intent to

recover such waste or fuel for subsequent use, processing, or disposal.

(26) The term “Storage Fund” means the Interim Storage Fund

established in section 137(c).

(27) The term “test and evaluation facility” means an at-depth,

prototypic, underground cavity with subsurface lateral excavations

extending from a central shaft that is used for research and

development purposes, including the development of data and

experience for the safe handling and disposal of solidified high-level

radioactive waste, transuranic waste, or spent nuclear fuel.

(28) The term “unit of general local government” means any

borough, city, county, parish, town, township, village, or other general

purpose political subdivision of a State.

(29) The term “Waste Fund” means the Nuclear Waste Fund

established in section 302(c).

(30) The term “Yucca Mountain site” means the candidate site in

the State of Nevada recommended by the Secretary to the President

under section 112(b)(1)(B) on May 27, 1986.

(31) The term “affected unit of local government” means the unit

of local government with jurisdiction over the site of a repository or a
3

Public Law 100-203 (101 Stat. 1330) (1987) sec. 5002, added subsecs. 30-34.

Volume 1, Page 4–8

monitored retrievable storage facility. Such term may, at the

discretion of the Secretary, include units of local government that are

contiguous with such unit.

(32) The term “Negotiator” means the Nuclear Waste Negotiator.

(33) As used in title IV, the term “Office” means the Office of the

Nuclear Waste Negotiator established under title IV of this Act.

(34) The term “monitored retrievable storage facility” means the

storage facility described in section 141(b)(1).3

OTHER PROVISIONS

Sec. 3. Separability

42 USC 10102. If an provision of this Act, or the application of such provision to any

person or circumstance, is held invalid, the remainder of this Act, or the

application of such provisions to persons or circumstances other than

those as to which it is held invalid, shall not be affected thereby.

Sec. 4. Territories and Possessions

42 USC 10103. Nothing in this Act shall be deemed to repeal, modify, or amend the

provisions of section 605 of the Act of March 12, 1980.

Sec. 5. Ocean Disposal

42 USC 10104. Nothing in this Act shall be deemed to affect the Marine Protection,

Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972.

Sec. 6. Limitation on Spending Authority

42 USC 10105. The authority under this Act to incur indebtedness, or enter into

contracts, obligating amounts to be expended by the Federal Government

shall be effective for any fiscal year only to such extent or in such

amounts as are provided in advance by appropriation Acts.

Sec. 7. Protection of Classified National Security Information

42 USC 10106. Nothing in this Act shall require the release or disclosure to any

person or to the Commission of any classified national security

information.

Sec. 8. Applicability

42 USC 10107. (a) ATOMIC ENERGY DEFENSE ACTIVITIES–Subject to the

provisions of subsection (c), the provisions of this Act shall not apply

with respect to any atomic energy defense activity or to any facility used

in conjunction with any such activity.

(b) EVALUATION BY PRESIDENT–(1) Not later than 2 years after

the date of the enactment of this Act, the President shall evaluate the use

of disposal capacity at one or more repositories to be developed under

subtitle A of title I for the disposal of high-level radioactive waste

Post, p. 2207. resulting from atomic energy defense activities. Such evaluation shall

take into consideration factors relating to cost efficiency, health and

safety, regulation, transportation, public acceptability, and national

security.

Post, p. 2256. (2) Unless the President finds, after conducting the evaluation

required in paragraph (1), that the development of a repository for the

disposal of high-level radioactive waste resulting from atomic energy

defense activities only is required, taking into account all of the

factors described in such subsection, the Secretary shall proceed

promptly with arrangement for the use of one or more of the

repositories to be developed under subtitle A of title I for the disposal

of such waste. Such arrangements shall include the allocation of costs
Volume 1, Page 4–9

of developing, constructing, and operating this repository or

Post, p. 2257. repositories. The costs resulting from permanent disposal of

high-level radioactive waste from atomic energy defense activities

shall be paid by the Federal Government, into the special account

established under section 302.

(3) Any repository for the disposal of high-level radioactive waste

resulting from atomic energy defense activities only shall (A) be

subject to licensing under section 202 of the Energy Reorganization

Act of 1973 (42 USC 5842); and (B) comply with all requirements of

the Commission for the siting, development, construction, and

operation of a repository.

(c) APPLICABILITY TO CERTAIN REPOSITORIES–The

provisions of this Act shall apply with respect to any repository not used

exclusively for the disposal of high-level radioactive waste or spent

nuclear fuel resulting from atomic energy defense activities, research and

development activities of the Secretary, or both.

Sec. 9. Applicability

42 USC 10108. TRANSPORTATION–NOTHING in this Act shall be construed to

affect Federal, State, or local laws pertaining to the transportation of spent

nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive waste.

TITLE I–DISPOSAL AND STORAGE OF HIGH-LEVEL

RADIOACTIVE WASTE, SPENT NUCLEAR FUEL, AND

LOW-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTE

Sec. 101. State and Affected Indian Tribe Participation in

Development of Proposed Repositories for Defense Waste

42 USC 10121. (a) NOTIFICATION TO STATES AND AFFECTED INDIAN

TRIBES–Notwithstanding the provisions of section 8, upon any decision

by the Secretary or the President to develop a repository for the disposal

of high-level radioactive waste or spent nuclear fuel resulting exclusively

from atomic energy defense activities, research and development activities

of the Secretary, or both, and before proceeding with any site-specific

investigations with respect to such repository, the Secretary shall notify

the Governor and legislature of the State in which such repository is

proposed to be located, or the governing body of the affected Indian tribe

on whose reservation such repository is proposed to be located, as the

case may be, of such decision.

(b) PARTICIPATION OF STATES AND AFFECTED INDIAN

TRIBES–Following the receipt of any notification under subsection (a),

the State or Indian tribe involved shall be entitled, with respect to the

proposed repository involved, to rights of participation and consultation

identical to those provided in section 115 through 118, except that any

financial assistance authorized to be provided to such State or affected

Indian tribe under section 116(c) or 118(b) shall be made from amounts

appropriated to the Secretary for purposes of carrying out this section.
Volume 1, Page 4–10

SUBTITLE A–REPOSITORIES FOR DISPOSAL OF

HIGH-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTE AND SPENT NUCLEAR

FUEL

Sec. 111. Findings and Purposes

42 USC 10131. (a) FINDINGS–THE Congress finds that–

(1) radioactive waste creates potential risks and requires safe and

environmentally acceptable methods of disposal;

(2) a national problem has been created by the accumulation of (A)

spent nuclear fuel from nuclear reactors; and (B) radioactive waste

from (i) reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel; (ii) activities related to

medical research, diagnosis, and treatment; and (iii) other sources;

(3) Federal efforts during the past 30 years to devise a permanent

solution to the problems of civilian radioactive waste disposal have

not been adequate;

(4) while the Federal Government has the responsibility to provide

for the permanent disposal of high-level radioactive waste and such

spent nuclear fuel as may be disposed of in order to protect the public

health and safety and the environment, the costs of such disposal

should be the responsibility of the generators and owners of such

waste and spent fuel;

(5) the generators and owners of high-level radioactive waste and

spent nuclear fuel have the primary responsibility to provide for, and

the responsibility to pay the costs of, the interim storage of such waste

and spent fuel until such waste and spent fuel is accepted by the

Secretary of Energy in accordance with the provisions of this Act;

(6) 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 such waste and spent fuel; and

(7) high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel have

become major subjects of public concern, and appropriate precautions

may be taken to ensure that such waste and spent fuel do not adversely

affect the public health and safety and the environment for this or

future generations.

(b) PURPOSES–The purposes of this subtitle are–

(1) to establish a schedule for the siting, construction, and

operation of repositories that will provide a reasonable assurance that

the public and the environment will be adequately protected from the

hazards posed by high-level radioactive waste and such spent nuclear

fuel as may be disposed of in a repository;

(2) to establish the Federal responsibility, and a definite Federal

policy, for the disposal of such waste and spent fuel;

(3) to define the relationship between the Federal Government and

the State government with respect to the disposal of such waste and

spent fuel; and

(4) to establish a Nuclear Waste Fund, composed of payments

made by the generators and owners of such waste and spent fuel, that

will ensure that the costs of carrying out activities relating to the

disposal of such waste and spent fuel will be borne by the persons

responsible for generating such waste and spent fuel.
Volume 1, Page 4–11

Sec. 112. Recommendation 0f Candidate Sites for Site

Characterization

42 USC 10132. (a) GUIDELINES–Not later than 180 days after the date of the

enactment of this Act, the Secretary, following consultation with the

Council on Environmental Quality, the Administrator of the

Environmental Protection Agency, the Director of the Geological Survey,

and interested Governors, and the concurrence of the Commission shall

issue general guidelines for the recommendation of sites for repositories. 

Such guidelines shall specify detailed geologic considerations that shall

be primary criteria for the selection of sites in various geologic media. 

Such guidelines shall specify factors that qualify or disqualify any site

from development as a repository, including factors pertaining to the

location of valuable natural resources, hydrology, geophysics, seismic

activity, and atomic energy defense activities, proximity to water supplies,

proximity to populations, the effect upon the rights of users of water, and

proximity to components of the National Park System, the National

Wildlife Refuge System, the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, the

National Wilderness Preservation System, or National Forest Lands. Such

guidelines shall take into consideration the proximity to sites where

high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel is generated or

temporarily stored and the transportation and safety factors involved in

moving such waste to a repository. Such guidelines shall specify

population factors that will disqualify any site from development as a

repository if any surface facility of such repository would be located (1)

in a highly populated area; or (2) adjacent to an area 1 mile by 1 mile

having a population of not less than 1,000 individuals. Such guidelines

also shall require the Secretary to consider the cost and impact of

transporting to the repository site the solidified high-level radioactive

waste and spent fuel to be disposed of in the repository and the

advantages of regional distribution in the siting of repositories. Such

guidelines shall require the Secretary to consider the various geologic

media in which sites for repositories may be located and, to the extent

practicable, to recommend sites in different geologic media. The Secretary

shall use guidelines established under this subsection in considering

candidate sites for recommendation under subsection (b). The Secretary

may revise such guidelines from time to time, consistent with the

provisions of this subsection.

(b) RECOMMENDATION BY SECRETARY TO THE

PRESIDENT–(1)(A) Following the issuance of guidelines under

subsection (a) and consultation with the Governors of affected States, the

Secretary shall nominate at least 5 sites that he determines suitable for site

characterization for selection of the first repository site.

Recommendation

date.

(B) Subsequent to such nomination, the Secretary shall

recommend to the President 3 of the nominated sites not later than

January 1, 1985 for characterization as candidate sites.

(C) Such recommendations under subparagraph (B) shall be

consistent with the provisions of section 305.

Environmental

assessment.

(D) Each nomination of a site under this subsection shall be

accompanied by an environmental assessment, which shall include

a detail statement of the basis for such recommendation and of the

probable impacts of the site characterization activities planned for

such site, and a discussion of alternative activities relating to site
Volume 1, Page 4–12

characterization that may be undertaken to avoid such impacts.

Such environmental assessment shall include–

(i) an evaluation by the Secretary as to whether such site is

suitable for site characterization under the guidelines

established under subsection (a);

(ii) an evaluation by the Secretary as to whether such site is

suitable for development as a repository under each such

guideline that does not require site characterization as a

prerequisite for application of such guidelines;

(iii) an evaluation by the Secretary of the effects of the site

characterization activities at such site on the public health and

safety and the environment;

(iv) a reasonable comparative evaluation by the Secretary of

such site with other sites and locations that have been

considered:

(v) a description of the decision process by which such site

was recommended; and

(vi) an assessment of the regional and local impacts of

locating the proposed repository at such site.

(E)(i) The issuance of any environmental assessment under this

paragraph shall be considered to be a final agency action subject to

judicial review in accordance with the provisions of chapter 7 of

title 5, United States Code, and section 119. Such judicial review

shall be limited to the sufficiency of such environmental

assessment with respect to the items described in clauses (i)

through (vi) of subparagraph (D).

(F) Each environmental assessment prepared under this

paragraph shall be made available to the public.

(G) Before nominating a site, the Secretary shall notify the

Governor and legislature of the State in which such site is located,

or the governing body of the affected Indian tribe where such site

is located, as the case may be, of such nomination and the basis for

such nomination.

(2) Before nominating any site the Secretary shall hold public

hearings in the vicinity of such site to inform the residents of the area

in which such site is located of the proposed nomination of such site

and to receive their comments. At such hearings, the Secretary shall

also solicit and receive any recommendations of such residents with

respect to issues that should be addressed in the environmental

assessment described in paragraph (1) and the site characterization

plan described in section 113(b)(l).

(3) In evaluating the sites nominated under this section prior to any

decision to recommend a site as a candidate site, the Secretary shall

use available geophysical, geologic, geochemical and hydrologic, and

other information and shall not conduct any preliminary borings or

excavations at a site unless (i) such preliminary boring or excavation

activities were in progress upon the date of enactment of this Act or

(ii) the Secretary certifies that such available information from other

sources, in the absence of preliminary borings or excavations, will not

be adequate to satisfy applicable requirements of this Act or any other

law: Provided, That preliminary borings or excavations under this

section shall not exceed a diameter of 6 inches.
4

Public Law 100-203 (101 Stat. 1330) (1987) sec. 5011, amended Sec. 112.

Volume 1, Page 4–13

(c) PRESIDENTIAL REVIEW OF RECOMMENDED

CANDIDATE SITES–

Decision

transmittal or

notification.

(1) The President shall review each candidate site recommendation

made by the Secretary under subsection (b). Not later than 60 days

after the submission by the Secretary of a recommendation of a

candidate site, the President, in his discretion, may either approve or

disapprove such candidate site, and shall transmit any such decision to

the Secretary and to either the Governor and legislature of the State in

which such candidate site is located, or the governing body of the

affected Indian tribe where such candidate site is located, as the case

may be. If, during such 60-day period, the President fails to approve or

disapprove such candidate site, or fails to invoke his authority under

paragraph (2) to delay his decision, such candidate site shall be

considered to be approved, and the Secretary shall notify such

Governor and legislature, or governing body of the affected Indian

tribe, of the approval of such candidate site by reason of the inaction

of the President.

(2) The President may delay for not more than 6 months his

decision under paragraph (1) to approve or disapprove a candidate

site, upon determining that the information provided with the

recommendation of the Secretary is insufficient to permit a decision

within the 60-day period referred to in paragraph (1). The President

may invoke his authority under this paragraph by submitting written

notice to the Congress, within such 60-day period of his intent to

invoke such authority. If the President invokes such authority, but

fails to approve or disapprove the candidate site involved by the end

of such 6-month period, such candidate site shall be considered to be

approved, and the Secretary shall notify such Governor and

legislature, or governing body of the affected Indian tribe of the

approval of such candidate site by reason of the inaction of the

President.

(d) PRELIMINARY ACTIVITIES–Except as otherwise provided in

this section , each activity of the President or the Secretary under this

section shall be considered to be a preliminary decision making activity. 

No such activity shall require the preparation of an environmental impact

statement under section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy

Act of 1969 (42 USC 4332(2)(C)), or to require any environmental

review under subparagraph (E) or (F) of section 102(2) of such Act.4

Sec. 113. Site Characterization

42 USC 10133. (a) IN GENERAL–The Secretary shall carry out, in accordance with

the provisions of this section, appropriate site characterization activities at

the Yucca Mountain site. The Secretary shall consider fully the

comments received under subsection (b)(2) and section 112(b)(2) and

shall, to the maximum extent practicable and in consultation with the

Governor of the State of Nevada conduct site characterization activities in

a manner that minimizes any significant adverse environmental impacts

identified in such comments or in the environmental assessment submitted

under subsection (b)(1).

Plan submittal,

review and

comment.

(b) COMMISSION AND STATES–(1) Before proceeding to sink

shafts at the Yucca Mountain site, the Secretary shall submit for such
Volume 1, Page 4–14

candidate site to the Commission and to the Governor or legislature of the

State of Nevada for their review and comment–

(A) a general plan for site characterization activities to be

conducted at such candidate site, which plan shall include–

(i) a description of such candidate site;

(ii) a description of such site characterization activities,

including the following: the extent of planned excavations,

plans for any onsite testing with radioactive or nonradioactive

material, plan for any investigation activities that may affect

the capabilities of such candidate site to isolate high-level

radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel, and plans to control

any adverse, safety-related impacts from such site

characterization activities;

(iii) plan for the decontamination and decommissioning of

such candidate site, and for the mitigation of any significant

adverse environmental impacts caused by the site

characterization activities if it is determined unsuitable for

application for a construction authorization for a repository;

(iv) criteria to be used to determine the suitability of such

candidate site for the location of a repository, developed

pursuant to section 112(a); and

(v) any other information required by the Commission;

(B) a description of the possible form or packaging for the

high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel to be emplaced

in such repository, a description, to the extent practicable, of the

relationship between such waste form or packaging and the

geologic medium of such site, and a description of the activities

being conducted by the Secretary with respect to such possible

waste form or packaging or such relationship; and

(C) a conceptual repository design that takes into account likely

site-specific requirements.

Public availability;

hearings.

(2) Before proceeding to sink shafts at the Yucca Mountain site,

the Secretary shall (A) make available to the public the site

characterization plan described in paragraph (1); and (B) hold public

hearings in the vicinity of such candidate site to inform the residents

of the area in which such candidate site is located of such plan, and to

receive their comments.

Report. (3) During the conduct of site characterization activities at the

Yucca Mountain site, the Secretary shall report not less than once

every 6 months to the Commission and to the Governor and legislature

of the State of Nevada on the nature and extent of such activities and

the information developed from such activities.

(c) RESTRICTIONS–(1) The Secretary may conduct at the Yucca

Mountain site only such site characterization activities as the Secretary

considers necessary to provide the data required for evaluation of the

suitability of such site for an application to be submitted to the

Commission for a construction authorization for a repository at such site,

and for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969

(42 USC 4321 et seq.).

(2) In conducting site characterization activities–

(A) the Secretary may not use any radioactive material at a site

unless the Commission concurs that such use is necessary to
5

Public Law 100-203 (101 Stat. 1330) (1987), sec. 5011, amended Sec. 113.

Volume 1, Page 4–15

provide data for the preparation of the required environmental

reports and an application for a construction authorization for a

repository at such site; and

(B) if any radioactive material is used at a site–

(i) the Secretary shall use the minimum quantity necessary

to determine the suitability of such sites for a repository, but in

no event more than the curie equivalent of 10 metric tons of

spent nuclear fuel; and

(ii) such radioactive material shall be fully retrievable.

(3) If the Secretary at any time determines the Yucca Mountain site

to be unsuitable for development as a repository, the Secretary shall–

(A) terminate all site characterization activities at such site;

(B) notify the Congress, the Governor and legislature of

Nevada of such termination and the reasons for such termination;

(C) remove any high-level radioactive waste, spent nuclear

fuel, or other radioactive materials at or in such site as promptly as

practicable;

(D) take reasonable and necessary steps to reclaim the site and

to mitigate any significant adverse environmental impacts caused

by site characterization activities at such site;

(E) suspend all future benefits payments under subtitle F with

respect to such site; and

Reports. (F) report to Congress not later than 6 months after such

determination the Secretary’s recommendations for further action

to assure the safe, permanent disposal of spent nuclear fuel and

high-level radioactive waste, including the need for new legislative

authority.

(d) PRELIMINARY ACTIVITIES–Each activity of the Secretary

under this section that is in compliance with the provisions of subsection

(c) shall be considered a preliminary decision making activity. No such

activity shall require the preparation of an environmental impact statement

under section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of

1969 (42 USC 4332(2)(C)), or to require any environmental review under

subparagraph (E) or (F) of section 102(2) of such Act.5

Sec. 114. Site Approval and Construction Authorization

42 USC 10134. (a) HEARINGS AND PRESIDENTIAL RECOMMENDATION–The

Secretary shall hold public hearings in the vicinity of the Yucca Mountain

site for the purposes of informing the residents of the area of such

consideration and receiving their comments regarding the possible

recommendation of such site.

Notification of

decision.

 If, upon completion of such hearings and

completion of site characterization activities at the Yucca Mountain site

under section 113, the Secretary decides to recommend approval of such

site to the President, the Secretary shall notify the Governor and

legislature of the State of Nevada of such decision. No sooner than the

expiration of the 30-day period following such notification, the Secretary

shall submit to the President a recommendation that the President approve

such site for the development of a repository. Any such recommendation

by the Secretary shall be based on the record of information developed by

the Secretary under section 113 and this section, including the

information described in subparagraph (A) through subparagraph (G).

Public availability.
Volume 1, Page 4–16

Together with any recommendation of a site under this paragraph, the

Secretary shall make available to the public, and submit to the President, a

comprehensive statement of the basis of such recommendation, including

the following:

(A) a description of the proposed repository, including

preliminary engineering specifications for the facility;

(B) a description of the waste form or packaging proposed for

use at such repository, and an explanation of the relationship

between such waste form or packaging and the geologic medium

of such site;

(C) a discussion of data, obtained in site characterization

activities, relating to the safety of such site;

(D) a final environmental impact statement prepared for the

Yucca Mountain site pursuant to subsection (f) and the National

Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 USC 4321 et seq.), together

with comments made concerning such environmental impact

statement by the Secretary of the Interior, the Council on

Environmental Quality, the Administrator, and the Commission,

except that the Secretary shall not be required in any such

environmental impact statement to consider the need for a

repository, the alternatives to geological disposal, or alternative

sites to the Yucca Mountain site;

(E) preliminary comments of the Commission concerning the

extent to which the at-depth site characterization analysis and the

waste form proposal for such site seem to be sufficient for

inclusion in any application to be submitted by the Secretary for

licensing of such site as a repository;

(F) the views and comments of the Governor and legislature of

any State, or the governing body of any affected Indian tribe, as

determined by the Secretary, together with the response of the

Secretary to such views;

(G) such other information as the Secretary considers

appropriate; and

(H) any impact report submitted under section 116(c)(2)(B) by

the State of Nevada.

(2)(A) If, after recommendation by the Secretary, the President

considers the Yucca Mountain site qualified for application for a

construction authorization for a repository, the President shall submit

a recommendation of such site to Congress. 

(B) The President shall submit with such recommendation a

copy of the statement for such site prepared by the Secretary under

paragraph (1).

(3)(A) The President may not recommend the approval of Yucca

Mountain site unless the Secretary has recommended to the President

under paragraph (1) approval of such site and has submitted to the

President a statement for such site as required under such paragraph.

(B) No recommendation of a site by the President under this

subsection shall require the preparation of an environmental

impact statement under section 102(2)(C) of the National

Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 USC 4332(2)(C), or to

require any environmental review under subparagraph (E) or (F) of

section 102(2) of such Act.
Volume 1, Page 4–17

(b) SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION–If the President recommends

to the Congress the Yucca Mountain site under subsection (a) and the site

designation is permitted to take effect under section 115, the Secretary

shall submit to the Commission an application for a construction

authorization for a repository at such site not later than 90 days after the

date on which the recommendation of the site designation is effective

under such section and shall provide to the Governor and legislature of

the State of Nevada a copy of such application.

(c) STATUS REPORT ON APPLICATION–Not later than 1 year

after the date on which an application for a construction authorization is

submitted under subsection (b), and annually thereafter until the date on

which such authorization is granted, the Commission shall submit a report

to the Congress describing the proceeding undertaken through the date of

such report with regard to such application, including a description of–

(1) any major unresolved safety issues, and the explanation of the

Secretary with respect to design and operation plans for resolving such

issues;

(2) any matters of contention regarding such application; and

(3) any Commission actions regarding the granting of denial of

such authorization.

Construction

authorization

applications.

(d) COMMISSION ACTION–The Commission shall consider an

application for a construction authorization for all or part of a repository

in accordance with the laws applicable to such applications, except that

the Commission shall issue a final decision approving or disapproving the

issuance of a construction authorization not later that the expiration of 3

years after the date of the submission of such application, except that the

Commission may extend such deadlines by not more than 12 months if,

not less than 30 days before such deadlines, the Commission complies

with the reporting requirements established in subsection (e)(2). The

Commission decision approving the first such application shall prohibit

the emplacement in the first repository of a quantity of spent fuel

containing in excess of 70,000 metric tons of heavy metal or a quantity of

solidified high-level radioactive waste resulting from the reprocessing of

such a quantity of spent fuel until such time as a second repository is in

operation. In the event that a monitored retrievable storage facility,

approved pursuant to subtitle C of this Act, shall be located, or is planned

to be located, within 50 miles of the first repository, then the Commission

decision approving the first such application shall prohibit the 

emplacement of a quality of spent fuel containing in excess of 70,000

metric tons of heavy metal or a quantity of solidified high-level

radioactive waste resulting from the reprocessing of spent fuel in both the

repository and monitored retrievable storage facility until such time as a

second repository is in operation.

(e) PROTECT DECISION SCHEDULE–(1) The Secretary shall

prepare and update, as appropriate, in cooperation with all affected

Federal agencies, a project decision schedule that portrays the optimum

way to attain the operation of the repository within the time periods

specified in this subtitle. Such schedule shall include a description of

objectives and a sequence of deadlines for all Federal agencies required to

take action, including an identification of the activities in which a delay in

the start, or completion, of such activities will cause a delay in beginning

repository operation.
Volume 1, Page 4–18

Report submittal to

Secretary and

Congress.

(2) Any Federal agency that determines that it cannot comply with

any deadline in the project decision schedule, or fails to so comply,

shall submit to the Secretary and to the Congress a written report

explaining the reason for its failure or expected failure to meet such

deadlines, the reason why such agency could not reach an agreement

with the Secretary, the estimated time for completion of the activity or

activities involved, the associated effect on its other deadlines in the

project decision schedule, and any recommendations it may have or

actions it intends to take regarding any improvements in its operation

or organization, or changes to its statutory directives or authority, so

Report response, that it will be able to mitigate the delay involved.

filing with

Congress.

 The Secretary,

within 30 days after receiving any such report, shall file with the

Congress his response to such report, including the reasons why the

Secretary could not amend the project decision schedule to

accommodate the Federal agency involved.

(f) ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT–

(1) Any recommendation made by the Secretary under this section

shall be considered a major Federal action significantly affecting the

quality of the human environment for purposes of the National

Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 USC 4321 et seq.). A final

environmental impact statement prepared by the Secretary under such

Act shall accompany any recommendation to the President to approve

a site for a repository.

(2) With respect to the requirements imposed by the National

Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 USC 4321 et seq.), compliance

with the procedures and requirements of this Act shall be deemed

adequate consideration of the need for a repository, the time of the

initial availability of a repository, and all alternatives to the isolation

of high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel in a repository.

(3) For purposes of complying with the requirements of the

National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 USC 4321 et seq.)

and this section, the Secretary need not consider alternative sites to the

Yucca Mountain site for the repository to be developed under this

subtitle.

(4) Any environmental impact statement prepared in connection

with a repository proposed to be constructed by the Secretary under

this subtitle shall, to the ex tent practicable, be adopted by the

Commission in connection with the issuance by the Commission of a

construction authorization and license for such repository. To the

extent such statement is adopted by the Commission, such adoption

shall be deemed to also satisfy the responsibilities of the Commission

under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 USC 4321

et seq.) and no further consideration shall be required, except that

nothing in this subsection shall affect any independent responsibilities

of the Commission to protect the public health under the Atomic

Energy Act of 1954 (42 USC 2011 et seq.).

(5) Nothing in this Act shall be construed to amend or otherwise

detract from the licensing requirements of the Nuclear Regulatory

Commission established in title II of the Energy Reorganization Act of

1974 (42 USC 5841 et seq.).

(6) In any such statement prepared with respect to the repository to

be constructed under this subtitle, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission
6

Public Law 100-203 (101 Stat. 1330) (1987) sec. 5011, amended Sec. 114.

Volume 1, Page 4–19

need not consider the need for a repository, the time of initial

availability of a repository, alternate sites to the Yucca Mountain site,

or nongeologic alternatives to such site.6

Sec. 115. Review of Repository Site Selection

42 USC 10135. (a) DEFINITION–For purposes of this section, the term “resolution of

repository siting approval” means a joint resolution of the Congress, the

matter after the resolving clause of which is as follows: That there hereby

is approved the site at . for a repository, with respect to which a notice of

disapproval was submitted by ___ on ___. The first blank space in such

resolution shall be filled with the name of the geographic location of the

proposed site of the repository to which such resolution pertains; the

second blank space in such resolution shall be filled with the designation

of the State Governor and legislature or Indian tribe governing body

submitting the notice of disapproval to which such resolution pertains;

and the last blank space in such resolution shall be filled with the date of

such submission.

(b) STATE OR INDIAN TRIBE PETITIONS–The designation of a

site as suitable for application for a construction authorization for a

repository shall be effective at the end of the 60-day period beginning on

the date that the President recommend such site to the Congress under

section 114, unless the Government and legislature of the State in which

such site is located, or the governing body of an Indian tribe on whose

reservation such site is located, as the case may be, has submitted to the

Congress a notice of disapproval under section 116 or 118.

Notice of

disapproval,

submittal to

Congress.

 If any such

notice of disapproval has been submitted, the designation of such site

shall not be effective except as provided under subsection (c).

(c) CONGRESSIONAL REVIEW OF PETITIONS–If any notice of

disapproval of a repository site designation has been submitted to the

Congress under section 116 or 118 after a recommendation for approval

of such site is made by the President under section 114, such site shall be

disapproved unless, during the first period of 90 calendar days of

continuous session of the Congress after the date of the receipt by the

Congress of such notice of disapproval, the Congress passes a resolution

of repository siting approval in accordance with this subsection approving

such site, and such resolution thereafter becomes law.

(d) PROCEDURES APPLICABLE TO THE SENATE–(1) The

provisions of this subsection are enacted by the Congress–

(A) as an exercise of the rulemaking power of the Senate, and

as such they are deemed a part of the rules of the Senate, but

applicable only with respect to the procedure to be followed in the

Senate in the case of resolutions of repository siting approval, and

such provisions supersede other rules of the Senate only to the

extent that they are inconsistent with such other rules; and

(B) with full recognition of the constitutional right of the

Senate to change the rules (so far as relating to the procedure of

the Senate) at any time, in the same, manner and to the same extent

as in the case of any other rule of the Senate.

Introduction of

resolution.

(2)(A) Not later than the first day of session following the day on

which any notice of disapproval of a repository site selection is

submitted to the Congress under section 116 or 118, a resolution of

repository siting approval shall be introduced (by request) in the
Volume 1, Page 4–20

Senate by the chairman of the committee to which such notice of

disapproval is referred, or by a Member of Members of the Senate

designated by such chairman.

Committee

recommendations.

(B) Upon introduction, a resolution of repository siting

approval shall be referred to the appropriate committee or

committees of the Senate by the President of the Senate, and all

such resolutions with respect to the same repository site shall be

referred to the same committee or committees. Upon the expiration

of 60 calendar days of continuous session after the introduction of

the first resolution of repository siting approval with respect to any

site, each committee to which such resolution was referred shall

make its recommendations to the Senate.

Discharge of

committee.

(3) If any committee to which is referred a resolution of siting

approval introduced under paragraph (2)(A), or, in the absence of such

a resolution, any other resolution of siting approval introduced with

respect to the site involved, has not reported such resolution at the end

of 60 days of continuous session of Congress after introduction of

such resolution, such committee shall be deemed to be discharged

from further consideration of such resolution, and such resolution

shall be placed on the appropriate calendar of the Senate.

(4)(A) When each committee to which a resolution of siting

approval has been referred has reported, or has been deemed to be

discharged from further consideration of, a resolution described in

paragraph (3), it shall at any time thereafter be in order (even though a

previous motion to the same effect has been disagreed to) for any

Member of the Senate to move to proceed to the consideration of such

resolution. Such motion shall be highly privilege and shall not be

debatable. Such motion shall not be subject to amendment, to a motion

to postpone, or to a motion to proceed to the consideration of other

business. A motion to reconsider the vote by which such motion is

agreed to or disagreed to shall not be in order. If a motion to proceed

to the consideration of such resolution is agreed to, such resolution

shall remain the unfurnished business of the Senate until disposed of.

Debate. (B) Debate on a resolution of siting approval, and on all

debatable motions and appeals in connection with such resolution,

shall be limited to not more than 10 hours, which shall be divided

equally between Members favoring and Members opposing such

resolution. A motion further to limit debate shall be in order and

shall not be debatable. Such motion shall not be subject to

amendment, to a motion to postpone, or to a motion to proceed to

the consideration of other business, and a motion to recommit such

resolution shall not be in order. A motion to reconsider the vote by

which such resolution is agreed to or disagreed to shall not be in

order.

(C) Immediately following the conclusion of the debate on a

resolution of siting approval, and a single quorum call at the

conclusion of such debate if requested in accordance with rules of

the Senate, the vote on final approval of such resolution shall

occur.

Appeals. (D) Appeals from the decisions of the Chair relating to the

application of the rules of the Senate to the procedure relating to a

resolution of siting approval shall be decided without debate.
Volume 1, Page 4–21

(5) If the Senate receives from the House a resolution of repository

siting approval with respect to any site, then the following procedure

shall apply:

(A) The resolution of the House with respect to such site shall

not be referred to a committee.

(B) With respect to the resolution of the Senate with respect to

such site–

(i) the procedure with respect to that or other resolutions of

the Senate with respect to such site shall be the same as if no

resolution from the House with respect to such site had been

received; but

(ii) on any vote on final passage of a resolution of the

Senate with respect to such site, a resolution from the House

with respect to such site where the text is identical shall be

automatically substituted for the resolution of the Senate.

(e) PROCEDURES APPLICABLE TO THE HOUSE OF

REPRESENTATIVES–

(1) The provisions of this section are enacted by the Congress–

(A) as an exercise of the rulemaking power of the House of

Representatives, and as such they are deemed a part of the rules of

the House, but applicable only with respect to the procedure to be

followed in the House in the case of resolutions of repository

siting approval, and such provisions supersede other rules of the

House only to the extent that they are inconsistent with such other

rules; and

(B) with full recognition of the constitutional right of the

House to change the rules (so far as relating to the procedure of the

House) at any time, in the same manner and to the same extent as

in the case of any other rule of the House.

(2) Resolutions of repository siting approval shall upon

introduction be immediately referred by the Speaker of the House to

the appropriate committee or committees of the House. Any such

resolution received from the Senate shall be held at the Speaker’s

table.

Discharge of

committee.

(3) Upon the expiration of 60 days of continuous session after the

introduction of the first resolution of repository siting approval with

respect to any site, each committee to which such resolution was

referred shall be discharged from further consideration of such

resolution, and such resolution shall be referred to the appropriate

calendar, unless such resolution or an identical resolution was

previously reported by each committee to which it was referred.

Resolution,

consideration and

debate.

(4) It shall be in order for the Speaker to recognize a Member

favoring a resolution to call up a resolution of repository siting

approval after it has been on the appropriate calendar for 5 legislative

days. When any such resolution is called up, the House shall proceed

to its immediate consideration and the Speaker shall recognize the

Member calling up such resolution and a Member opposed to such

resolution for 2 hours of debate in the House, to be equally divided

and controlled by such Members. When such time has expired, the

previous question shall be considered as ordered on the resolution to

adoption without intervening motion. No amendment to any such

resolution shall be in order, nor shall it be in order to move to
Volume 1, Page 4–22

reconsider the vote by which such resolution is agreed to or disagreed

to.

(5) If the House receives from the Senate a resolution of repository

siting approval with respect to any site, then the following procedure

shall apply:

(A) The resolution of the Senate with respect to such site shall

not be referred to a committee.

(B) With respect to the resolution of the House with respect to

such site–

(i) the procedure with respect to that or other resolutions of

the House with respect to such site shall be the same as if no

resolution from the Senate with respect to such site had been

received; but

(ii) on any vote on final passage of a resolution of the

House with respect to such site, a resolution from the Senate

with respect to such site where the text is identical shall be

automatically substituted for the resolution of the House.

(f) COMPUTATION OF DAYS–For purposes of this section–

(1) continuity of session of Congress is broken only by an

adjournment sine die; and

(2) the days on which either House is not in session because of an

adjournment of more than 3 days to a day certain are excluded in the

computation of the 90-day period referred to in subsection (c) and the

60-day period referred to in subsections (d) and (e).

(g) INFORMATION PROVIDED TO CONGRESS–In considering

any notice of disapproval submitted to the Congress under section 116 or

118, the Congress may obtain any comments of the Commission with

respect to such notice of disapproval. The provision of such comments by

the Commission shall not be construed as binding the Commission with

respect to any licensing or authorization action concerning the repository

involved.

Sec. 116. Participation of States

42 USC 10136. (a) NOTIFICATION OF STATES AND AFFECTED TRIBES–The

Secretary shall identify the States with one or more potentially acceptable

sites for a repository within 90 days after the date of enactment of this

Act.

Potentially

acceptable site.

 Within 90 days of such identification, the Secretary shall notify the

Governor, the State legislature, and the tribal council of any affected

Indian tribe in any State of the potentially acceptable sites within such

State. For the purposes of this title, the term “potentially acceptable site”

means any site at which, after geologic studies and field mapping but

before detailed geologic data gathering, the Department undertakes

preliminary drilling and geophysical testing for the definition of site

location.

(b) STATE PARTICIPATION IN REPOSITORY SITING

DECISIONS–(1) Unless otherwise provided by State law, the Governor

or legislature of each State shall have authority to submit a notice of

disapproval to the Congress under paragraph (2). In any case in which

State law provides for submission of any such notice of disapproval by

any other person or entity, any reference in this subtitle to the Governor or

legislature of such State shall be considered to refer instead to such other

person or entity.
Volume 1, Page 4–23

Notice of

disapproval,

submittal to

Congress.

(2) Upon the submission by the President to the Congress of a

recommendation of a site for a repository, the Governor or legislature

of the State in which such site is located may disapprove the site

designation and submit to the Congress a notice of disapproval. Such

Governor or legislature may submit such a notice of disapproval to the

Congress not later than the 60 days after the date that the President

recommends such site to the Congress under section 114. A notice of

disapproval shall be considered to be submitted to the Congress on the

date of the transmittal of such notice of disapproval to the Speaker of

the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate. Such notice of

disapproval shall be accompanied by a statement of reasons explaining

why such Governor or legislature disapproved the recommended

repository site involved.

(3) The authority of the Governor or legislature of each State

under this subsection shall not be applicable with respect to any site

located on a reservation.

(c) FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE–(1)(A) The Secretary shall make

grants to the State of Nevada and any affected unit of local government

for the purpose of participating in activities required by this section and

section 117 or authorized by written agreement entered into pursuant to

section 117(c). Any salary or travel expense that would ordinarily be

incurred by such State or affected unit of local government, may not be

considered eligible for funding under this paragraph.

Grants. (B) The Secretary shall make grants to the State of Nevada and

any affected unit of local government for purposes of enabling

such State or affected unit of local government–

(i) to review activities taken under this subtitle with respect

to the Yucca Mountain site for purposes of determining any

potential economic, social, public health and safety, and

environmental impacts of a repository on such State, or

affected unit of local government and its residents;

(ii) to develop a request for impact assistance under

paragraph (2);

(iii) to engage in any monitoring, test, or evaluation

activities with respect to site characterization programs with

regard to such site;

(iv) to provide information to Nevada residents regarding

any activities of such State , the Secretary, or the Commission

with respect to such site; and

(v) to request information from, and make comments and

recommendations to, the Secretary regarding any activities

taken under this subtitle with respect to such site.

(C) Any salary or travel expense that would ordinarily be

incurred by the State of Nevada or any affected unit of local

government may not be considered eligible for funding under this

paragraph.

(2)(A)(i) The Secretary shall provide financial and technical

assistance to the State of Nevada, and any affected unit of local

government requesting such assistance.

(ii) Such assistance shall be designed to mitigate the impact

on such State or affected unit of local government of the
Volume 1, Page 4–24

development of such repository and the characterization of

such site.

(iii) Such assistance to such State or affected unit of local

government of such State shall commence upon the initiation

of site characterization activities.

(B) The State of Nevada and any affected unit of local

government may request assistance under this subsection by

preparing and submitting to the Secretary a report on the

economic, social, public health and safety, and environmental

impacts that are likely to result from site characterization activities

at the Yucca Mountain site. Such report shall be submitted to the

Secretary after the Secretary has submitted to the State a general

plan for site characterization activities under section 113(b).

(C) As soon as practicable after the Secretary has submitted

such site characterization plan, the Secretary shall seek to enter

into a binding agreement with the State of Nevada setting forth–

(i) the amount of assistance to be provided under this

subsection to such State or affected unit of local government;

and

(ii) the procedures to be followed in providing such

assistance.

(3)(A) In addition to financial assistance provided under

paragraphs (1) and (2), the Secretary shall grant to the State of Nevada

and any affected unit of local government an amount each fiscal year

equal to the amount such State or affected unit of local government,

respectively, would receive if authorized to tax site characterization

activities at such site, and the development and operation of such

repository, as such State or affected unit of local government taxes the

non-Federal real property and industrial activities occurring within

such State or affected unit of local government.

(B) Such grants shall continue until such time as all such

activities, development, and operation are terminated at each such

site.

(4)(A) The State of Nevada or any affected unit of local

government may not receive any grant under paragraph (1) after the

expiration of the 1 year period following–

(i) the date on which the Secretary notifies the Governor

and legislature of the State of Nevada of the termination of site

characterization activities at the site in such State;

(ii) the date on which the Yucca Mountain site is

disapproved under section 115; or

(iii) the date on which the Commission disapproves an

application for a construction authorization for a repository at

such site; whichever occurs first.

(B) The State of Nevada or any affected unit of local

government may not receive any further assistance under

paragraph (2) with respect to a site if repository construction

activities or site characterization activities at such site are

terminated by the Secretary or if such activities are permanently

enjoined by any court.

(C) At the end of the 2-year period beginning on the effective

date of any license to receive and possess for a repository in a
7

Public Law 100-203 (101 Stat. 1330) (1987) Sec. 5032, amended Sec. 116(c).

Volume 1, Page 4–25

State, no Federal funds, shall be made available to such State or

affected unit of local government under paragraph (1) or (2),

except for–

(i) such funds as may be necessary to support activities

related to any other repository located in, or proposed to be

located in, such State, and for which a license to receive and

possess has not been in effect for more than 1 year;

(ii) such funds as may be necessary to support State

activities pursuant to agreements or contracts for impact

assistance entered into, under paragraph (2), by such State with

the Secretary during such 2-year period; and

(iii) such funds as may be provided under an agreement

entered into under title IV.

(5) Financial assistance authorized in this subsection shall be made

out of amounts held in the Waste Fund.

(6) No State, other than the State of Nevada, may receive financial

assistance under this subsection after the date of the enactment of the

Nuclear Waste Policy Amendments Act 1987.7

(d) ADDITIONAL NOTIFICATION AND CONSULTATION–

Whenever the Secretary is required under any provision of this Act to

notify or consult with the governing body of an affected Indian tribe

where a site is located, the Secretary shall also notify or consult with, as

the case may be, the Governor of the State in which such reservation is

located.

Sec. 117. Consultation with States and Affected Indian Tribes

42 USC 10137. (a) PROVISION OF INFORMATION–(1) The Secretary, the

Commission, and other agencies involved in the construction, operation,

or regulation of any aspect of a repository in a State shall provide to the

Governor and legislature of such State, and to the governing body of any

affected Indian tribe, timely and complete information regarding

determinations or plans made with respect to the site characterization

siting, development, design, licensing, construction, operation, regulation,

or decommissioning of such repository.

Information

request, response.

(2) Upon written request for such information by the Governor or

legislature of such State, or by the governing body of any affected

Indian tribe, as the case may be, the Secretary shall provide a written

response to such request within 30 days of the receipt of such request.

Such response shall provide the information requested or, in the

alternative, the reasons why the information cannot be so provided. If

the Secretary fails to so respond within such 30 days, the Governor or

legislature of such State, or the governing body of any affected Indian

tribe, as the case may be, may transmit a formal written objection to

such failure to respond to the President. If the President or Secretary

fails to respond to such written request within 30 days of the receipt

by the President of such formal written objection, the Secretary shall

immediately suspend all activities in such State authorized by this

subtitle, and shall not renew such activities until the Governor or

legislature of such State, or the governing body of any affected Indian

tribe, as the case may be, has received the written response to such

written request required by this subsection.
Volume 1, Page 4–26

(b) CONSULTATION AND COOPERATION–In performing any

study of an area within a State for the purpose of determining the

suitability of such area for a repository pursuant to section 112(c), and in

subsequently developing and loading any repository within such State, the

Secretary shall consult and cooperate with the Governor and legislature of

such State and the governing body of any affected Indian tribe in an effort

to resolve the concerns of such State and any affected Indian tribe

regarding the public health and safety, environmental, and economic

impacts of any such repository. In carrying out his duties under this

subtitle, the Secretary shall take such concerns into account to the

maximum extent feasible and as specified in written agreements entered

into under subsection (c).

(c) WRITTEN AGREEMENT–Not later than 60 days after (1) the

approval of a site for site characterization for such a repository under

section 112(c), or (2) the written request of the State or Indian tribe in any

affected State notified under section 116(a) to the Secretary, whichever,

first occurs, the Secretary shall seek to enter into a binding written

agreement, and shall begin negotiations, with such State and, where

appropriate, to enter into a separate binding agreement with the governing

body of any affected Indian tribe, setting forth (but not limited to) the

procedures under which the requirements of subsections (a) and (b), and 

the provisions of such written agreement, shall be carried out. Any such

written agreement shall not affect the authority of the Commission under

existing law. Each such written agreement shall, to the maximum extent

Report to Congress. feasible, to completed no later than 6 months after such notification. If

such written agreement is not completed within such period, the Secretary

shall report to the Congress in writing within 30 days on the status of

negotiation to develop such agreement and the reasons why such

Report, review and agreement has not been completed.

comments.

 Prior to submission of such report to

the Congress, the Secretary shall transmit such report to the Governor of

such State or the governing body of such affected Indian tribe, as the case

may be, for their review and comments. Such comments shall be included

in such report prior to submission to the Congress. Such written

agreement shall specify procedures–

(1) by which such State or governing body of an affected Indian

tribe, as the case may be, may study, determine, comment on, and

make recommendations with regard to the possible public health and

safety, environmental, social, and economic impacts of any such

repository;

(2) by which the Secretary shall consider and respond to comments

and recommendations made by such State or governing body of an

affected Indian tribe, including the period in which the Secretary shall

so respond;

(3) by which the Secretary and such State or governing body of an

affected Indian tribe may review or modify the agreement periodically;

(4) by which such State or governing body of an affected Indian

tribe is to submit an impact report and request for impact assistance

under section 116(c) or section 118(b), as the case may be;

(5) by which the Secretary shall assist such State, and the units of

general local government in the vicinity of the repository site, in

resolving the offsite concerns of such State and units of general local

government, including, but not limited to, questions of State liability
8

Public Law 100-203 (101 Stat. 1330) (1987) Sec. 5011, added Sec. 117(d).

Volume 1, Page 4–27

arising from accidents, necessary road upgrading and access to the

site, ongoing emergency preparedness and emergency response,

monitoring of transportation of high-level radioactive waste and spent

nuclear fuel through such State, conduct of baseline health studies of

inhabitants in neighboring communities near the repository site and

reasonable periodic monitoring thereafter, and monitoring of the

repository site upon any decommissioning and decontamination;

(6) by which the Secretary shall consult and cooperate with such

State on a regular, ongoing basis and provide for an orderly process

and timely schedule for State review and evaluation, including

identification in the agreement of key events, milestones, and decision

points in the activities of the Secretary at the potential repository site;

State notification.

Transportation of

radioactive waste

and spent nuclear

fuel

(7) by which the Secretary shall notify such State prior to the

transportation of any high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear

fuel into such State for disposal at the repository site;

Monitoring and

testing.

(8) by which such State may conduct reasonable independent

monitoring and testing of activities on the repository site, except that

such monitoring and testing shall not unreasonably interfere with or

delay onsite activities;

(9) for sharing, in accordance with applicable law, of all technical

and licensing information, the utilization of available expertise, the

facilitating of permit procedures, joint project review, and the

formation of joint surveillance and monitoring arrangements to carry

out applicable Federal and State laws;

(10) for public notification of the procedures specified under the

preceding paragraphs; and

(11) for resolving objections of a State and affected Indian tribes

at any stage of the planning, siting, development, construction,

operation, or closure of such a facility within such State through

negotiation, arbitration, or other appropriate mechanisms.

(d) ON-SITE REPRESENTATIVE–The Secretary shall offer to any

State, Indian tribe or unit of local government within whose jurisdiction a

site for a repository or monitored retrievable storage facility is located

under this title an opportunity to designate a representative to conduct

on-site oversight activities at such site. Reasonable expenses of such

representatives shall be paid out of the Waste Fund.8

Sec. 118. Participation of Indian Tribes

42 USC 10138.

Notice of

disapproval,

submittal to

Congress.

(a) PARTICIPATION OF INDIAN TRIBES IN REPOSITORY

SITING DECISIONS–Upon the submission by the President to the

Congress of a recommendation of a site for a repository located on the

reservation of an affected Indian tribe, the governing body of such Indian

tribe may disapprove the site designation and submit to the Congress a

notice of disapproval. The governing body of such Indian tribe may

submit such a notice of disapproval to the Congress not later than the 60

days after the date that the President recommends such site to the

Congress under section 114. A notice of disapproval shall be considered

to be submitted to the Congress on the date of the transmittal of such

notice of disapproval to the Speaker of the House and the President pro

tempore of the Senate. Such notice of disapproval shall be accompanied
Volume 1, Page 4–28

by a statement of reasons explaining why the governing body of such

Indian tribe disapproved the recommended repository site involved.

Grants. (b) FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE–(1) The Secretary shall make grants

to each affected tribe notified under section 116(a) for the purpose of

participating in activities required by section 117 or authorized by written

agreement entered into pursuant to section 117(c). Any salary or travel

expense that would ordinarily be incurred by such tribe, may not be

considered eligible for funding under this paragraph.

(2) (A) The Secretary shall make grants to each affected Indian

tribe where a candidate site for a repository is approved under section

112(c). Such grants may be made to each such Indian tribe only for

purposes of enabling such Indian tribe–

(i) to review activities taken under this subtitle with respect

to such site for purposes of determining any potential

economic, social, public health and safety, and environmental

impacts of such repository on the reservation and its residents;

(ii) to develop a request for impact assistance under

paragraph (2);

(iii) to engage in any monitoring, testing, or evaluation

activities with respect to site characterization programs with

regard to such site;

(iv) to provide information to the residents of its reservation

regarding any activities of such Indian tribe, the Secretary, or

the Commission with respect to such site; and

(v) to request information from, and make comments and

recommendations to, the Secretary regarding any activities

taken under this subtitle with respect to such site.

(B) The amount of funds provided to any affected Indian tribe

under this paragraph in any fiscal year may not exceed 100 percent

of the costs incurred by such Indian tribe with respect to the

activities described in clauses (i) through (v) of subparagraph (A).

Any salary or travel expense that would ordinarily be incurred by

such Indian tribe may not be considered eligible for funding under

this paragraph.

(3) (A) The Secretary shall provide financial and technical

assistance to any affected Indian tribe requesting such assistance and

where there is a site with respect to which the Commission has

authorized construction of a repository. Such assistance shall be

designed to mitigate the impact on such Indian tribe of the

development of such repository. Such assistance to such Indian tribe

shall commence within 6 months following the granting by the

Commission of a construction authorization for such repository and

following the initiation of construction activities at such site.

Report submittal. (B) Any affected Indian tribe desiring assistance under this

paragraph shall prepare and submit to the Secretary a report on any

economic, social, public health and safety, and environmental

impacts that are likely as a result of the development of a

repository at a site on the reservation of such Indian tribe. Such

report shall be submitted to the Secretary following the completion

of site characterization activities at such site and before the

recommendation of such site to the President by the Secretary for

application for a construction authorization for a repository. As
9

Public Law 100-203 (101 Stat. 1330) (1987) Sec. 5033, amended Sec. 118(b)(5)(ii) and (iv).

Volume 1, Page 4–29

soon as practicable following the granting of a construction

authorization for such repository, the Secretary shall seek to enter

into a binding agreement with the Indian tribe involved setting

forth the amount of assistance to be provided to such Indian tribe

under this paragraph and the procedures to be followed in

providing such assistance.

(4) The Secretary shall grant to each affected Indian tribe where a

site for a repository is approved under section 112(c) an amount each

fiscal year equal to the amount such Indian tribe would receive were it

authorized to tax site characterization activities at such site, and the

development and operation of such repository, as such Indian tribe

taxes the other commercial activities occurring on such reservation.

Such grants shall continue until such time as all such activities,

development, and operation are terminated at such site.

Grants, limitation. (5) An affected Indian tribe may not receive any grant under

paragraph (1) after the expiration of the 1-year period following–

(i) the date on which the Secretary notifies such Indian tribe

of the termination of site characterization activities at the

candidate site involved on the reservation of such Indian tribe;

(ii) the date on which such site is disapproved under section

115;

(iii) the date on which the Commission disapproves an

application for a construction authorization for a repository at

such site;

(iv) the date of the enactment of the Nuclear Waste Policy

Amendments Acts of 1987;9 whichever occurs first, unless

there is another candidate site on the reservation of such Indian

tribe that is approved under section 112(c) and with respect to

which the actions described in clauses (i), (ii), and (iii) have

not been taken.

(B) An affected Indian tribe may not receive any further

assistance under paragraph (2) with respect to a site if repository

construction activities at such site are terminated by the Secretary

or if such activities are permanently enjoined by any court.

Funding. (C) At the end of the 2-year period beginning on the effective

date of any license to receive and possess for a repository at a site

on the reservation of an affected Indian tribe, no Federal funds

shall be made available under paragraph (1) or (2) to such Indian

tribe, except for–

(i) such funds as may be necessary to support activities of

such Indian tribe related to any other repository where a license

to receive and possess has not been in effect for more than 1

year; and

(ii) such funds as may be necessary to support activities of

such Indian tribe pursuant to agreements or contracts for

impact assistance entered into, under paragraph (2), by such

Indian tribe with the Secretary during such 2-year period.

Post, p. 2257. (6) Financial assistance authorized in this subsection shall be made

out of amounts held in the Nuclear Waste Fund established in section

302.
Volume 1, Page 4–30

Sec. 119. Judicial Review of Agency Actions

42 USC 10139. (a) JURISDICTION OF UNITED STATES COURTS OF

APPEALS–

(1) Except for review in the Supreme Court of the United States

courts of appeals shall have original and exclusive jurisdiction over

any civil action–

(A) for review of any final decision or action of the Secretary,

the President , or the Commission under this subtitle;

(B) alleging the failure of the Secretary, the President, or the

Commission to make any decision, or take any action, required

under this subtitle;

(C) challenging the constitutionality of any decision made, or

action taken, under any provision of this subtitle; 

(D) for review of any environmental impact statement prepared

pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42

USC 4321 et seq.) with respect to any action under this subtitle, or

as required under section 135(c) (1), or alleging a failure to

prepare such statement with respect to any such action;

(E) for review of any environmental assessment prepared under

section 112(b) (1) or 135(c)(2); or

(F) for review of any research and development activity under

title II.

Post, p. 2245. (2) The venue of any proceeding under this section shall be in the

judicial circuit in which the petitioner involved resided or has its

principle office, or in the United States Court of Appeals for the

District of Columbia.

(c) Deadline For Commencing Action–A civil action for judicial

review described under subsection (a)(1) may be brought not later than

the 180th day after the date of the decision or action or failure to act

involved, as the case may be, except that if a party shows that he did not

know of the decision or action complained of (or of the failure to act), and

that a reasonable person acting under the circumstances would not have

known, such party may bring a civil action not later than the 180th day

after the date such party acquired actual or constructive knowledge of

such decision, action, or failure to act.

Sec. 120. Expedited Authorizations

42 USC 10140. (a) ISSUANCE OF AUTHORIZATION–(1) To the extent that the

taking of any action related to the site characterization of a site or the

construction or initial operation of a repository under this subtitle requires

a certificate, right-of-way, permit, lease, or other authorization from a

Federal agency or officer, such agency or officer shall issue or grant any

such authorization at the earliest practicable date, to the extent permitted

by the applicable provisions of law administered by such agency or

officer. All actions of a Federal agency or officer with respect to

consideration of applications or requests for the issuance or grant of any

such authorization shall be expedited, and any such application or request

shall take precedence over any similar applications or requests not related

to such repositories.

(2) The provisions of paragraph (1) shall not apply to any

certificate, right-of-way, permit, lease, or other authorization issued or

granted by, or requested from, the Commission.
Volume 1, Page 4–31

(b) Terms Of Authorizations.–Any authorization issued or granted

pursuant to subsection (a) shall include such terms and conditions as may

be required by law, and may include terms and conditions permitted by

law.

Sec. 121. Certain Standards and Criteria

42 USC 10141. (a) ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY STANDARDS–

Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the

Administrator, pursuant to authority under other provisions of law, shall,

by rule, promulgate generally applicable standards for protection of the

general environment from offsite releases from radioactive material in

repositories.

(b) Commission Requirements And Criteria–(1) (A) Not later than

January 1, 1984, the Commission, pursuant to authority under other

provisions of law, shall, by rule promulgate technical requirements and

criteria that it will apply, under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 USC

2011 et seq.) and the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 (42 USC 5801

et seq.), in approving or disapproving.–

(i) applications for authorization to construct repositories;

(ii) applications for licenses to receive and possess spent

nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste in such

repositories; and

(iii) applications for authorization for closure and

decommissioning of such repositories.

(B) Such criteria shall provide for the use of a system of

multiple barriers in the design of the repository and shall include

such restrictions on the retrievability of the solidified high-level

radioactive waste and spent fuel emplaced in the repository as the

Commission deems appropriate.

(C) Such requirements and criteria shall not be inconsistent

with any comparable standards promulgated by the Administrator

under subsection (a).

(2) For purposes of this Act, nothing in this section shall be

constructed to prohibit the Commission from promulgating

requirements and criteria under paragraph (1) before the Administrator

promulgates standards under subsection (a). If the Administrator

promulgates standards under subsection (a) after requirements and

criteria are promulgated by the Commission under paragraph (1), such

requirements and criteria shall be revised by the Commission if

necessary to comply with paragraph (1) (C).

(c) Environmental Impact Statements–The promulgation of standards

or criteria in accordance with the provisions of this section shall not

require the preparation of an environmental impact statement under

section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42

USC 4332(2)(C)), or to require any environmental review under

subparagraph (E) or (F) of section 102(2) of such Act.

Sec. 122. Disposal of Spent Nuclear Fuel

42 USC 10142. Notwithstanding any other provision of this subtitle, any repository

constructed on a site approved under this subtitle shall be designed and

constructed to permit the retrieval of any spent nuclear fuel placed in such

repository, during an appropriate period of operation of the facility, for

any reason pertaining to the public health and safety, or the environment,

or for the purpose of permitting the recovery of the economically valuable
Volume 1, Page 4–32

contents of such spent fuel. The Secretary shall specify the appropriate

period of retrievability with respect to any repository at the time of design

of such repository, and such aspect of such repository shall be subject to

approval or disapproval by the Commission as part of the construction

authorization process under subsections(b) through (d) of section 114.

Sec. 123. Title to Material

42 USC 10143. Delivery, and acceptance by the Secretary, of any high-level

radioactive waste or spent nuclear fuel for a repository constructed under

this subtitle shall constitute a transfer to the Secretary of title to such

waste or spent fuel.

Sec. 124. Consideration of Effect of Acquisition of Water Rights

42 USC 10144. The Secretary shall give full consideration to whether the

development, construction, and operation of a repository may require any

purchase or other acquisition of water rights that will have a significant

adverse effect on the present or future development of the area in which

such repository is located. The Secretary shall mitigate any such adverse

effects to the maximum extent practicable.

Sec. 125. Termination of Certain Provisions

42 USC 10145. Sections 119 and 120 shall cease to have effect at such time as a

repository developed under this subtitle is licensed to receive and possess

high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel.

SUBTITLE B–INTERIM STORAGE PROGRAM

Sec. 131. Findings and Purposes

42 USC 10151. (a) FINDINGS–The congress finds that–

(1) the persons owning and operating civilian nuclear power

reactors have the primary responsibility for providing interim storage

of spent nuclear fuel from such reactors by maximizing, to the extent

practical, the effective use of existing storage facilities at the site of

each civilian nuclear power reactor, and by adding new onsite storage

capacity in a timely manner where practical;

(2) the Federal Government has the responsibility to encourage

and expedite the effective use of existing storage facilities and the

addition of needed new storage capacity at the site of each civilian

nuclear power reactor; and

(3) the Federal Government has the responsibility to provide, in

accordance with the provisions of this subtitle, not more than 1,900

metric tons of capacity for interim storage of spent nuclear fuel for

civilian nuclear power reactors that cannot reasonably provide

adequate storage capacity at the sites of such reactors when needed to

assure the continued, orderly operation of such reactors.

(b) Purposes.–The purposes of this subtitle are–

(1) to provide for the utilization of available spent nuclear fuel

pools at the site of each civilian nuclear power reactor to the extent

practical and the addition of new spent nuclear fuel storage capacity

where practical at the site of such reactor; and

(2) to provide, in accordance with the provisions of this subtitle,

for the establishment of a federally owned and operated system for the

interim storage of spent nuclear fuel at one or more facilities owned

by the Federal Government with not more than 1,900 metric tons of

capacity to prevent disruptions in the orderly operation of any civilian
Volume 1, Page 4–33

nuclear power reactor that cannot reasonably provide adequate spent

nuclear fuel storage capacity at the site of such reactor when needed.

Sec. 132. Available Capacity for Interim Storage of Spent Nuclear

Fuel

42 USC 10152. The Secretary, the Commission, and other authorized Federal officials

shall each take such actions as such official considers necessary to

encourage and expedite the effective use of available storage and

necessary additional storage, at the site of each civilian nuclear power

reactor consistent with–

(1) the protection of the public health and safety, and the

environment;

(2) economic considerations;

(3) continued operation of such reactor;

(4) any applicable provisions of law; and

(5) the views of the population surrounding such reactor.

Sec. 133. Interim at Reactor Storage

42 USC 10153.

Licensing

procedures.

The Commission shall, by rule, establish procedures for the licensing

of any technology approved by the Commission under section 219(a) for

use at the site of any civilian nuclear power reactor. The establishment of

such procedures shall not preclude the licensing, under any applicable

procedures or rules of the Commission in effect prior to such

establishments, of any technology for the storage of civilian spent nuclear

fuel at the site of any civilian nuclear power reactor.

Sec. 134. Licensing of Facility Expansions and Transshipments

42 USC 10154. (a) ORAL ARGUMENT–In any Commission hearing under section

189 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 USC 2239) on an application

for a license, or for an amendment to an existing license, filed after the

date of the enactment of this Act, to expand the spent nuclear fuel storage

capacity at the site of a civilian nuclear power reactor, through the use of

high-density fuel storage racks, fuel rod compaction, the transshipment of

spent nuclear fuel to another civilian nuclear power reactor within the

same utility system, the construction of additional spent nuclear fuel pool

capacity or dry storage capacity, or by other means, the Commission shall,

at the request of any party, provide an opportunity for oral argument with

respect to any matter which the Commission determines to be in

controversy among the parties. The oral arguments shall preceded by such

Summary submittal discovery procedures as the rules of the Commission shall provide.

of facts, data and

arguments.

 The

Commission shall require each party, including the Commission staff, to

submit in written form, at the time of the oral argument, a summary of the

facts, data, and arguments upon which such party proposes to rely that are

known at such time to such party. Only facts and data in the form of

sworn testimony or written submission may be relied upon by the parties

during oral arguments. Of the material that may be submitted by the

parties during oral arguments, the Commission shall only consider those

facts and data that are submitted in the form of sworn testimony or written

submission.

(b) ADJUDICATORY HEARING–(1) At the conclusion of any oral

argument under subsection (a), the Commission shall designate any

disputed questions of fact, together with any remaining questions of law,

for resolution in an adjudicatory hearing only if it determines that–
Volume 1, Page 4–34

(A) there is a genuine and substantial dispute of fact which can

only be resolved with sufficient accuracy by the introduction of

evidence in an adjudicatory hearing; and

(B) the decision of the Commission is likely to depend in

whole or in part on the resolution of such dispute.

(2) In making a determination under this subsection, the

Commission–

(A) shall designate in writing the specific facts that are in

genuine and substantial dispute, the reason why the decision of the

agency is likely to depend on the resolution of such facts, and the

reason why an adjudicatory hearing is likely to resolve the dispute;

and

(B) shall not consider–

(i) any issue relating to the design, construction, or

operation of any civilian nuclear power reactor already licensed

to operate at such site, or any civilian nuclear power reactor for

which a construction permit has been granted at such site,

unless the Commission determines that any such issue

substantially affects the design, construction, or operation of

the facility or activity for which such license application,

authorization, or amendment is being considered; or

(ii) any siting or design issue fully considered and decided

by the Commission in connection with the issuance of a

construction permit or operating license for a civilian nuclear

power reactor at such site, unless (I) such issue results from

any revision of siting or design criteria by the Commission

following such decision; and (II) the Commission determines

that such issue substantially affects the design, construction, or

operation of the facility or activity for which such license

application, authorization, or amendment is being considered.

(3) The provisions of paragraph (2)(B) shall apply only with

respect to licenses, authorizations, or amendments to licenses or

authorizations, applied for under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954

(42 USC 2011 et seq.) before December 31, 2005.

(4) The provisions of this section shall not apply to the first

application for a license or license amendment received by the

Commission to expand onsite spent fuel storage capacity by the use of

a new technology not previously approved for use at any nuclear

power plant by the Commission.

(c) Judicial Review.–No court shall hold unlawful or set aside a

decision of the Commission in any proceeding described in subsection

(a) because of a failure by the Commission to use a particular procedure

pursuant to this section unless–

(1) an objection to the procedure used was presented to the

Commission in a timely fashion or there are extraordinary

circumstances that excuse the failure to present a timely objection; and

(2) the court finds that such failure has precluded a fair

consideration and informed resolution of a significant issue of the

proceeding taken as a whole.

Sec. 135. Storage of Spent Nuclear Fuel

42 USC 10155.

Ante, p. 2205.

(a) STORAGE CAPACITY–(1) Subject to section 8, the Secretary

shall provide, in accordance with paragraph (5), not more than 1,900
Volume 1, Page 4–35

metric tons of capacity for the storage of spent nuclear fuel from civilian

nuclear power reactors. Such storage capacity shall be provided through

any one or more of the following methods, used in any combination

determined by the Secretary to be appropriate:

(A) use of available capacity at one or more facilities owned by

the Federal Government on the date of the enactment of this Act,

including the modification and expansion of any such facilities, if

the Commission determines that such use will adequately protect

the public health and safety, except that such use shall not–

(i) render such facilities subject to licensing under the

Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 USC 2011 et seq.) or the

Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 (42 USC 5801 et. seq.); or

(ii) except as provided in subsection (c) require the

preparation of an environmental impact statement under section

102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969

(42 USC 4332(2)(C)), such facility is already being used, or

has previously been used, for such storage or for any similar

purpose.

(B) acquisition of any modular or mobile spent nuclear fuel

storage equipment, including spent nuclear fuel storage casks, and

provision of such equipment, to any person generating or holding

title to spent nuclear fuel, at the site of any civilian nuclear power

reactor operated by such person or at any site owned by the

Federal Government on the date of enactment of this Act;

(C) construction of storage capacity at any site of a civilian

nuclear power reactor.

(2) Storage capacity authorized by paragraph (1) shall not be

provided at any Federal or non-Federal site within which there is a

candidate site for a repository. The restriction in the preceding

sentence shall only apply until such time as the Secretary decides that

such candidate site is no longer a candidate site under consideration

for development as a repository.

(3) In selecting methods of providing storage capacity under

paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consider the timeliness of the

availability of each such method and shall seek to minimize the

transportation of spent nuclear fuel, the public health and safety

impacts, and the costs of providing such storage capacity.

(4) In providing storage capacity through any method described in

paragraph (1), the Secretary shall comply with any applicable

requirements for licensing or authorization of such method, except as

provided in paragraph (1)(A)(i).

(5) The Secretary shall ensure that storage capacity is made

available under paragraph (1) when needed, as determined on the basis

of the storage needs specified in contracts entered into under

section 136(a), and shall accept upon request any spent nuclear fuel as

covered under such contracts.

Facility. (6) For purposes of paragraph (1)(A), the term “facility” means

any building of structure.

(b) CONTRACTS–(1) Subject to the capacity limitation established in

subsections (a)(1) and (d), the Secretary shall offer to enter into, and may

enter into contracts under section 136(a) with any person generating or

owning spent nuclear fuel for purposes of providing storage capacity for
Volume 1, Page 4–36

such spent fuel under this section only if the Commission determines

that–

(A) adequate storage capacity to ensure the continued orderly

operation of the civilian nuclear power reactor at which such spent

nuclear fuel is generated cannot reasonably be provided by the

person owning and operating such reactor at such site, or at the

site, of any other civilian nuclear power reactor operated by such

person, and such capacity cannot be made available in a timely

manner through any method described in subparagraph (B); and

(B) such person is diligently pursuing licensed alternatives to

the use of Federal storage capacity for the storage of spent nuclear

fuel expected to be generated by such person in the future,

including-

(i) expansion of storage facilities at the site of any civilian

nuclear power reactor operated by such person;

(ii) construction of new or additional storage facilities at the

site of any civilian nuclear power reactor operated by such

person;

(iii) acquisition of modular or mobile spent nuclear fuel

storage equipment, including spent nuclear fuel storage casks,

for use at the site of any civilian nuclear power reactor

operated by such person; and

(iv) transshipment to another civilian nuclear power reactor

owned by such person.

(2) In making the determination described in paragraph (1)(A), the

Commission shall ensure maintenance of a full core reserve storage

capability at the site of the civilian nuclear power reactor involved

unless the Commission determines that maintenance of such capability

is not necessary for the continued orderly operation of such reactor.

(3) The Commission shall complete the determinations required in

paragraph (1) with respect to any request for storage capacity not later

than 6 months after receipt of such request by the Commission.

(c) ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW–(1) The provision of 300 or more

metric tons of storage capacity at any one Federal site under

subsection (a)(1)(A) shall be considered to be a major Federal action

requiring preparation of an environmental impact statement under

section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42

USC 4332(2)(C)).

Public availability. (2) (A) The Secretary shall prepare, and make available to the

public, an environmental assessment of the probable impacts of any

provision of less than 300 metric tons of storage capacity at any one

Federal site under subsection (a)(1)(A) that requires the modification

or expansion of any facility at the site, and a discussion of alternative

activities that may be undertaken to avoid such impacts. Such

environmental assessment shall include–

(i) an estimate of the amount of storage capacity to be made

available at such site;

(ii) an evaluation as to whether the facilities to be used at

such site are suitable for the provision of such storage capacity;

(iii) a description of activities planned by the Secretary with

respect to the modification or expansion of the facilities to be

used at such site;
Volume 1, Page 4–37

(iv) an evaluation of the effects of the provision of such

storage capacity at such site on the public health and safety,

and the environment;

(v) a reasonable comparative evaluation of current

information with respect to such site and facilities and other

sites and facilities available for the provision of such storage

capacity;

(vi) a description of any other sites and facilities that have

been considered by the Secretary for the provision of such

storage capacity; and

(vii) an assessment of the regional and local impacts of

providing such storage capacity at such site, including the

impacts on transportation.

5 USC 701 et. seq.

Judicial review.

(B) The issuance of any environmental assessment under this

paragraph shall be considered to be final agency action subject to

judicial review in accordance with the provisions of chapter 7 of

title 5, United States Code. Such judicial review shall be limited to

the sufficiency of such assessment with respect to the items

described in clauses (i) through (vii) of subparagraph (A).

(3) Judicial review of any environmental impact statement or

environmental assessment prepared pursuant to this subsection shall

be conducted in accordance with the provisions of section 119.

(d) REVIEW OF SITES AND STATE PARTICIPATION–(1) In

carrying out the provisions of this subtitle with regard to any interim

storage of spent fuel from civilian nuclear power reactors which the

Secretary is authorized by section 135 to provide, the Secretary shall, as

soon as practicable, notify, in writing, the Governor and the State

legislature of any State and the Tribal Council of any affected Indian tribe

in such State in which is located a potentially acceptable site or facility for

such interim storage of spent fuel of his intention to investigate that site or

facility.

Investigation. (2) During the course of investigation of such site or facility, the

Secretary shall keep the Governor, State legislature, and affected

Tribal Council currently informed of the progress of the work, and

results of the investigation. At the time of selection by the Secretary of

any site or existing facility, but prior to undertaking any site-specific

work or alterations, the Secretary shall promptly notify the Governor,

the legislature, and any affected Tribal Council in writing of such

selection and subject to the provisions of paragraph (6) of this

subsection, shall promptly enter into negotiations with such State and

affected Tribal Council to establish a cooperative agreement under

which such State and Council shall have the right to participate in a

process of consultation and cooperation, based on public health and

safety and environmental concerns, in all stages of the planning,

development, modification, expansion, operation, and closure of

storage capacity at a site or facility within such State for the interim

storage of spent fuel from civilian nuclear power reactors. Public

participation in the negotiation of such an agreement shall be provided

for and encouraged by the Secretary, the State, and the affected Tribal

Guidelines. Council. The Secretary, in cooperation with the State and Indian

tribes, shall develop and publish minimum guidelines for public

participation in such negotiations, but the adequacy of such guidelines
Volume 1, Page 4–38

or any failure to comply with such guidelines shall not be a basis for

judicial review.

Cooperative

agreement.

(3) The cooperative agreement shall include, but need not be

limited to, the sharing in accordance with applicable law of all

technical and licensing information, the utilization of available

expertise, the facilitating of permitting procedures, joint project

review, and the formulation of joint surveillance and monitoring

arrangements to carry out applicable Federal and State laws. The

cooperative agreement also shall include a detailed plan or schedule of

milestones, decision points and opportunities for State or eligible

Tribal Council review and objection. Such cooperative agreement

shall provide procedures for negotiating and resolving objections of

the State and affected Tribal Council in any stage of planning,

development, modification, expansion, operation, or closure of storage

capacity at a site or facility within such State. The terms of any

cooperative agreement shall not affect the authority of the Nuclear

Regulatory Commission under existing law.

Process of

consultation and

cooperation.

(4) For the purpose of this subsection, “process of consultation

and cooperation” means a methodology by which the Secretary (A)

keeps the State and eligible Tribal Council fully and currently

informed about the aspects of the project related to any potential

impact on the public health and safety and environment; (B) solicits,

receives, and evaluates concerns and objections of such State and

Council with regard to such aspects of the project on an ongoing

basis; and (C) works diligently and cooperatively to resolve, through

arbitration or other appropriate mechanisms, such concerns and

objections. The process of consultation and cooperation shall not

include the grant of a right to any State or Tribal Council to exercise

an absolute veto of any aspect of the planning, development,

modification, expansion, or operation of the project.

(5) The Secretary and the State and affected Tribal Council shall

seek to conclude the agreement required by paragraph (2) as soon as

practicable, but not later than 180 days following the date of

Report to Congress. notification of the selection under paragraph (2). The Secretary shall

periodically report to the Congress thereafter on the status of the

agreements approved under paragraph (3). Any report to the Congress

on the status of negotiations of such agreement by the Secretary shall

be accompanied by comments solicited by the Secretary from the State

and eligible Tribal Council.

(6) (A) Upon deciding to provide an aggregate of 300 or more

metric tons of storage capacity under subsection (a)(1) at any one site,

the Secretary shall notify the Governor and legislature of the State

where such site is located, or the governing body of the Indian tribe in

whose reservation such site is located, as the case may be, of such

decision. During the 60-day period following receipt of notification by

the Secretary of his decision to provide an aggregate of 300 or more

metric tons of storage capacity at any one site, the Governor or

legislature of the State in which such site is located, or the governing

body of the affected Indian tribe where such site is located, as the case

may be, may disapprove the provision of 300 or more metric tons of

storage capacity at the site involved and submit to the Congress a

notice of such disapproval. A notice of disapproval shall be
Volume 1, Page 4–39

Notice of

disapproval,

submittal to

Congress.

 considered to be submitted to the Congress on the date of the

 transmittal of such notice of disapproval to the Speaker of the House

and

(B) Unless otherwise provided by State law, the Governor or

legislature of each State shall have authority to submit a notice of

disapproval to the Congress under subparagraph (A). In any case

in which State law provides for submission of any such notice of

disapproval by any other person or entity, any reference in this

subtitle to the Governor or legislature of such State shall be

considered to refer instead to such other person or entity.

(C) The authority of the Governor and legislature of each State

under this paragraph shall not be applicable with respect to any site

located on a reservation.

(D) If any notice of disapproval is submitted to the Congress

under subparagraph (A), the proposed provision of 300 or more

metric tons of storage capacity at the site involved shall be

disapproved unless, during the first period of 90 calendar days of

continuous session of the Congress following the date of the

receipt by the Congress of such notice of disapproval, the

Congress passes a resolution approving such proposed provision

of storage capacity in accordance with the procedures established

in this paragraph and subsections (d) through (f) of section 115

Ante, p. 2217. and such resolution thereafter becomes law.

Resolution.

 For purposes of this

paragraph, the term “resolution” means a joint resolution of either

House of the Congress, the matter after the resolving clause of

which is as follows: That there hereby is approved the provision of

300 or more metric tons of spent nuclear fuel storage capacity at

the site located at _________ __________, with respect to which

a notice of disapproval was submitted by ______________ on

_________________. The first blank space in such resolution

shall be filled with the geographic location of the site involved; the

second blank space in such resolution shall be filled with the

designation of the State Governor and legislature or affected

Indian tribe governing body submitting the notice of disapproval

involved; and the last blank space in such resolution shall be filled

with the date of submission of such notice of disapproval.

(E) For purposes of the consideration of any resolution

described in subparagraph (D), each reference in subsections (d)

and (e) of section 115 to a resolution of repository siting approval

shall be considered to refer to the resolution described in such

subparagraph.

Affected Tribal

Council.

(7) As used in this section, the term “affected Tribal Council”

means the governing body of any Indian tribe within whose

reservation boundaries there is located a potentially acceptable site for

interim storage capacity of spent nuclear fuel from civilian nuclear

power reactors, or within whose boundaries a site for such capacity is

selected by the Secretary, or whose federally defined possessory or

usage rights to other lands outside of the reservation’s boundaries

arising out of congressionally ratified treaties, as determined by the

Secretary of the Interior pursuant to a petition filed with him by the

appropriate governmental officials of such tribe, may be substantially

and adversely affected by the establishment of any such storage

capacity.
Volume 1, Page 4–40

(e) LIMITATIONS–Any spent nuclear fuel stored under this section

shall be removed from the storage site or facility involved as soon as

practicable, but in any event not later than 3 years following the date on

which a repository or monitored retrievable storage facility developed

under this Act is available for disposal of such spent nuclear fuel.

(f) REPORT.–The Secretary shall annually prepare and submit to the

Congress a report on any plans of the Secretary for providing storage

capacity under this section. Such report shall include a description of the

specific manner of providing such storage selected by the Secretary, if

any. The Secretary shall prepare and submit the first such report not later

than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act.

5 USC 533. (g) CRITERIA FOR DETERMINING ADEQUACY OF

AVAILABLE STORAGE CAPACITY–Not later than 90 days after the

date of the enactment of this Act, the Commission pursuant to section 553

of the Administrative Procedures Act, shall propose, by rule, procedures

and criteria for making the determination required by subsection (b) that a

person owning and operating a civilian nuclear power reactor cannot

reasonably provide adequate spent nuclear fuel storage capacity at the

civilian nuclear power reactor site when needed to ensure the continued

orderly operation of such reactor. Such criteria shall ensure the

maintenance of a full core reserve storage capability at the site of such

reactor unless the Commission determines that maintenance of such

capability is not necessary for the continued orderly operation of such

reactor. Such criteria shall identify the feasibility of reasonably providing

such adequate spent nuclear fuel storage capacity, taking into account

economic, technical, regulatory, and public health and safety factors,

through the use of high-density fuel storage racks, fuel rod compaction,

transshipment of spent nuclear fuel to another civilian nuclear power

reactor within the same utility system, construction of additional spent

nuclear fuel pool capacity, or such other technologies as may be approved

by the Commission.

(h) APPLICATION–Notwithstanding any other provision of law,

nothing in this Act shall be construed to encourage, authorize, or require

the private or Federal use, purchase, lease, or other acquisition of any

storage facility located away from the site of any civilian nuclear power

reactor and not owned by the Federal Government on the date of the

enactment of this Act.

(i) COORDINATION WITH RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

PROGRAM–To the extent available, and consistent with the provisions

of this section, the Secretary shall provide spent nuclear fuel for the

research and development program authorized in section 217 from spent

nuclear fuel received by the Secretary for storage under this section. Such

spent nuclear fuel shall not be subject to the provisions of subsection (e).

Sec. 136. Interim Storage Fund

42 USC 10156. (a) CONTRACTS–

(1) During the period following the date of the enactment of this

Act, but not later than January 1, 1990, the Secretary is authorized to

enter into contracts with persons who generate or own spent nuclear

fuel resulting from civilian nuclear activities for the storage of such

spent nuclear fuel in any storage capacity provided under this subtitle:

Provided, however, That the Secretary shall not enter into contracts

for spent nuclear fuel in amounts in excess of the available storage
Volume 1, Page 4–41

capacity specified in section 135(a). Those contracts shall provide that

the Federal Government will (1) take title at the civilian nuclear power

reactor site, to such amounts of spent nuclear fuel from the civilian

nuclear power reactor as the Commission determines cannot be stored

onsite, (2) transport the spent nuclear fuel to a federally owned and

operated interim away-from-reactor storage facility, and (3) store such

fuel in the facility pending further processing, storage, or disposal. 

Each such contract shall (A) provide for payment to the Secretary of

fees determined in accordance with the provisions of this section; and

(B) specify the amount of storage capacity to be provided for the

person involved.

Study; report to

Congress.

(2) The Secretary shall undertake a study and, not later than 180

days after the date of the enactment of this Act, submit to the

Congress a report, establishing payment charges that shall be

calculated on an annual basis, commencing on or before January 1,

Publication in 1984.

Federal Register.

 Such payment charges and the calculation thereof shall be

published in the Federal Register, and shall become effective not less

than 30 days after publication. Each payment charge published in the

Federal Register under this paragraph shall remain effective for a

period of 12 months from the effective date as the charge for the cost

of the interim storage of any spent nuclear fuel. The report of the

Secretary shall specify the method and manner of collection (including

the rates and manner of payment) and any legislative

recommendations determined by the Secretary to be appropriate.

Fees. (3) Fees for storage under this subtitle shall be established on a

nondiscriminatory basis. The fees to be paid by each person entering

into a contract with the Secretary under this subsection shall be based

upon an estimate of the pro rata costs of storage and related activities

under this subtitle with respect to such person, including the

acquisition, construction, operation, and maintenance of any facilities

under this subtitle.

(4) The Secretary shall establish in writing criteria setting forth the 

terms and conditions under which such storage services shall be made

available.

(5) Except as provided in section 137, nothing in this or any other

Act requires the Secretary, in carrying out the responsibilities of this

section, to obtain a license or permit to possess or own spent nuclear

fuel.

(b) LIMITATION–No spent nuclear fuel generated or owned by any

department of the United States referred to in section 101 or 102 of title 5,

United States Code, may be stored by the Secretary in any storage

capacity provided under this subtitle unless such department transfers to

the Secretary, for deposit in the Interim Storage Fund, amounts equivalent

to the fees that would be paid to the Secretary under the contracts referred

to in this section if such spent nuclear fuel were generated by any other

person.

(c) ESTABLISHMENT OF INTERIM STORAGE FUND–There

hereby is established in the Treasury of the United States a separate fund,

to be know as the Interim Storage Fund. The Storage Fund shall consist

of–
Volume 1, Page 4–42

(1) all receipts, proceeds, and recoveries realized by the Secretary

under subsections (a), (b), and (e), which shall be deposited in the

Storage Fund immediately upon their realization;

(2) any appropriations made by the Congress to the Storage Fund;

and

(3) any unexpended balances available on the date of the

enactment of this Act for functions or activities necessary or incident

to the interim storage of civilian spent nuclear fuel, which shall

automatically be transferred to the Storage Fund on such date.

(d) USE OF STORAGE FUND–The Secretary may make

expenditures from the Storage Fund, subject to subsection (e), for any

purpose necessary or appropriate to the conduct of the functions and

activities of the Secretary, or the provision or anticipated provision of

services, under this subtitle, including–

(1) the identification, development, licensing, construction,

operation, decommissioning, and post-decommissioning maintenance

and monitoring of any interim storage facility provided under this

subtitle;

(2) the administrative cost of the interim storage program;

(3) the costs associated with acquisition, design, modification,

replacement, operation, and construction of facilities at an interim

storage site, consistent with the restrictions in section 135;

(4) the cost of transportation of spent nuclear fuel; and

(5) impact assistance as described in subsection (e).

Payments. (e) IMPACT ASSISTANCE–(1) Beginning the first fiscal year which

commences after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall

make annual impact assistance payments to a State or appropriate unit of

local government, or both, in order to mitigate social or economic impacts

occasioned by the establishment and subsequent operation of any interim

storage capacity within the jurisdictional boundaries of such government

or governments and authorized under this subtitle: Provided, however,

That such impact assistance payments shall not exceed (A) ten percentum

of the costs incurred in paragraphs (1) and (2), or (B) $15 per kilogram of

spent fuel, whichever is less:

(2) Payments made available to States and units of local

government pursuant to this section shall be–

(A) allocated in a fair and equitable manner with a priority to

those States or units of local government suffering the most severe

impacts; and

(B) utilized by States or units of local governments only for

(i) planning, (ii) construction and maintenance of public services,

(iii) provision of public services related to the providing of such

interim storage authorized under this title, and (iv) compensation

for loss of taxable property equivalent to that if the storage had

been provided under private ownership.

Regulations. (3) Such payments shall be subject to such terms and conditions as

the Secretary determines necessary to ensure that the purposes of this

subsection shall be achieved. The Secretary shall issue such

regulations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this

subsection.

(4) Payments under this subsection shall be made available solely

from the fees determined under subsection (a).
Volume 1, Page 4–43

(5) The Secretary is authorized to consult with States and

appropriate units of local government in advance of commencement of

establishment of storage capacity authorized under this subtitle in an

effort to determine the level of the payment such government would

be eligible to receive pursuant to this subsection.

Unit of local

government.

(6) As used in this subsection, the term “unit of local government”

means a county, parish, township, municipality, and shall include a

borough existing in the State of Alaska on the date of the enactment of

this subsection, and any other unit of government below the State level

which is a unit of general government as determined by the Secretary.

Report to Congress. (f) ADMINISTRATION OF STORAGE FUND–(1) The Secretary of

the Treasury shall hold the Storage Fund and, after consultation with the

Secretary, annually report to the Congress on the financial condition and

operations of the Storage Fund during the preceding fiscal year.

Budget submittal. (2) The Secretary shall submit the budget of the Storage Fund to

the Office of Management and Budget triennially along with the

budget of the Department of Energy submitted at such time in

Ante, p. 907. accordance with chapter 11 of title 31, United States Code. The

budget of the Storage Fund shall consist of estimates made by the

Secretary of expenditures from the Storage Fund and other relevant

financial matters for the succeeding 3 fiscal years, and shall be

included in the Budget of the United States Government. The

Secretary may make expenditures from the Storage Fund, subject to

appropriations which shall remain available until expended.

Appropriations shall be subject to triennial authorization.

(3) If the Secretary determines that the Storage Fund contains at

any time amounts in excess of current needs, the Secretary may

request the Secretary of the Treasury to invest such amounts, or any

portion of such amounts as the Secretary determines to be appropriate,

in obligations of the United States–

(A) having maturities determined by the Secretary of the

Treasury to be appropriate to the needs of the Storage Fund; and

(B) bearing interest at rates determined to be appropriate by the

Secretary of the Treasury, taking into consideration the current

average market yield on outstanding marketable obligations of the

United States with remaining periods to maturity comparable to the

maturities of such investments, except that the interest rate on such

investments shall not exceed the average interest rate applicable to

existing borrowings.

Ante, p. 927. (4) Receipts, proceeds, and recoveries realized by the Secretary

under this section, and expenditures of amounts from the Storage

Fund, shall be exempt from annual apportionment under the

provisions of subchapter II of chapter 15 of title 31, United States

Code.

(5) If at any time the moneys available in the Storage Fund are

insufficient to enable the Secretary to discharge his responsibilities

under this subtitle, the Secretary shall issue to the Secretary of the

Treasury obligations in such forms and denominations, bearing such

maturities, and subject to such terms and conditions as may be agreed

to by the Secretary and the Secretary of the Treasury. The total of such

obligations shall not exceed amounts provided in appropriation Acts.

Redemption of such obligations shall be made by the Secretary from
Volume 1, Page 4–44

moneys available in the Storage Fund. Such obligations shall bear

interest at a rate determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, which

shall be not less than a rate determined by taking into consideration

the average market yield on outstanding marketable obligations of the

United States of comparable maturities during the month preceding

Ante, p. 927. the issuance of the obligations under this paragraph. The Secretary of

the Treasury shall purchase any issued obligations, and for such

purpose the Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to use as a public

debt transaction the proceeds from the sale of any securities issued

under chapter 31 of title 31, United States Code, and the purposes for

which securities may be issued under such Act are extended to include

any purchase of such obligations. The Secretary of the Treasury may

at any time sell any of the obligations acquired by him under this

paragraph. All redemptions, purchases, and sales by the Secretary of

the Treasury of obligations under this paragraph shall be treated as

public debt transactions of the United States.

Interest payments. (6) Any appropriations made available to the Storage Fund for any

purpose described in subsection (d) shall be repaid into the general

fund of the Treasury, together with interest from the date of

availability of the appropriations until the date of repayment. Such

interest shall be paid on the cumulative amount of appropriations

available to the Storage Fund, less the average undisbursed cash

balance in the Storage Fund account during the fiscal year involved.

The rate of such interest shall be determined by the Secretary of the

Treasury taking into consideration the average market yield during the

month preceding each fiscal year on outstanding marketable

Deferral. obligations of the United States of comparable maturity. Interest

payments may be deferred with the approval of the Secretary of the

Treasury, but any interest payments so deferred shall themselves bear

interest.

Sec. 137. Transportation

42 USC 10157. (a) TRANSPORTATION–(1) Transportation of spent nuclear fuel

under section 136(a) shall be subject to licensing and regulation by the

Commission and by the Secretary of Transportation as provided for

transportation of commercial spent nuclear fuel under existing law.

(2) The Secretary, in providing for the transportation of spent

nuclear fuel under this Act, shall utilize by contract private industry to

the fullest extent possible in each aspect of such transportation. The

Secretary shall use direct Federal services for such transportation only

upon a determination of the Secretary of Transportation, in

consultation with the Secretary, that private industry is unable or

unwilling to provide such transportation services at reasonable cost.

SUBTITLE C–MONITORED RETRIEVABLE STORAGE

Sec. 141. Monitored Retrievable Storage

42 USC 10161. (a) FINDINGS–The Congress finds that–

(1) long-term storage of high-level radioactive waste or spent

nuclear fuel in monitored retrievable storage facilities is an option for

providing safe and reliable management of such waste or spent fuel;

(2) the executive branch and the Congress should proceed as

expeditiously as possible to consider fully a proposal for construction
Volume 1, Page 4–45

of one or more monitored retrievable storage facilities to provide such

long-term storage;

(3) the Federal Government has the responsibility to ensure that

site-specific designs for such facilities are available as provided in this

section;

(4) the generators and owners of the high-level radioactive waste

and spent nuclear fuel to be stored in such facilities have the

responsibility to pay the costs of the long-term storage of such waste

and spent fuel; and

(5) disposal of high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel

in a repository developed under this Act should proceed regardless of

any construction of a monitored retrievable storage facility pursuant to

this section.

(b) SUBMISSION OF PROPOSAL BY SECRETARY–(1) On or

before June 1, 1985, the Secretary shall complete a detailed study of the

need for and feasibility of, and shall submit to the Congress a proposal

for, the construction of one or more monitored retrievable storage

facilities for high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel. Each

such facility shall be designed–

(A) to accommodate spent nuclear fuel and high-level

radioactive waste resulting from civilian nuclear activities;

(B) to permit continuous monitoring, management, and

maintenance of such spent fuel and waste for the foreseeable

future;

(C) to provide for the ready retrieval of such spent fuel and

waste for further processing or disposal; and

(D) to safely store such spent fuel and waste as long as may be

necessary by maintaining such facility through appropriate means,

including any required replacement of such facility.

(2) Such proposal shall include–

(A) the establishment of a Federal program for the siting,

development, construction, and operation of facilities capable of

safely storing high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel,

which facilities are to be licensed by the Commission;

(B) a plan for the funding of the construction and operation of

such facilities, which plan shall provide that the costs of such

activities shall be borne by the generators and owners of the

high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel to be stored in

such facilities;

(C) site-specific designs, specifications, and cost estimates

sufficient to (i) solicit bids for the construction of the first such

facility; (ii) support congressional authorization of the construction

of such facility; and (iii) enable completion and operation of such

facility as soon as practicable following congressional

authorization of such facility; and

(D) a plan for integrating facilities constructed pursuant to this

section with other storage and disposal facilities authorized in this

Act.

Consultations. (3) In formulating such proposal, the Secretary shall consult with

the Commission and the Administrator, and shall submit their

comments on such proposal to the Congress at the time such proposal

is submitted.
Volume 1, Page 4–46

(4) The proposal shall include, for the first such facility, at least 3

alternative sites and at least 5 alternative combinations of such

proposed sites and facility designs consistent with the criteria of

paragraph (b)(1). The Secretary shall recommend the combination

among the alternatives that the Secretary deems preferable. The

environmental assessment under subsection (c) shall include a full

analysis of the relative advantages and disadvantages of all 5 such

alternative combinations of proposed sites and proposed facility

designs.

Environmental

assessment.

(c) ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENTS–(1) Preparation

and submission to the Congress of the proposal required in this section

shall not require the preparation of an environmental impact statement

under section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of

1969 (42 USC 4332(2)(C)).

Submittal to

Congress.

 The Secretary shall prepare, in accordance

with regulations issued by the Secretary implementing such Act, an

environmental assessment with respect to such proposal. Such

environmental assessment shall be based upon available information

regarding alternative technologies for the storage of spent nuclear fuel and

highlevel radioactive waste. The Secretary shall submit such

environmental assessment to the Congress at the time such proposal is

submitted.

(2) If the Congress by law, after review of the proposal submitted

by the Secretary under subsection (b), specifically authorizes

construction of a monitored retrievable storage facility, the

requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969

(42 USC 4321 et seq.) shall apply with respect to construction of such

facility, except that any environmental impact statement prepared with

respect to such facility shall not be required to consider the need for

such facility or any alternative to the design criteria for such facility

set forth in subsection (b) (1).

(d) LICENSING–Any facility authorized pursuant to this section shall

be subject to licensing under section 202(3)) of the Energy

Reorganization Act of 1974 (42 USC 5842(3). In reviewing the

application filed by the Secretary for licensing of the first such facility,

the Commission may not consider the need for such facility or any

alternative to the design criteria for such facility set forth in subsection (b)

(1).

(e) CLARIFICATION–Nothing in this section limits the consideration

of alternative facility designs consistent with the criteria of

paragraph (b)(1) in any environmental impact statement, or in any

licensing procedure of the Commission, with respect to any monitored,

retrievable facility authorized pursuant to this section.

Payments. (f) IMPACT ASSISTANCE–(1) Upon receipt by the Secretary of

congressional authorization to construct a facility described in subsection

(b), the Secretary shall commence making annual impact aid payments to

appropriate units of general local government in order to migrate any

social or economic impacts resulting from the construction and

subsequent operation of any such facility within the jurisdictional

boundaries of any such unit.

(2) payments made available to units of general local government

under this subsection shall be–
Volume 1, Page 4–47

(A) allocated in a fair and equitable manner, with priority given

to units of general local government determined by the Secretary to

be most severely affected; and

(B) utilized by units of general local government only for

planning, construction, maintenance, and provision of public

services related to the siting of such facility.

Regulations. (3) Such payments shall be subject to such terms and conditions as

the Secretary determines are necessary to ensure achievement of the

purposes of this subsection. The Secretary shall issue such regulations

as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this subsection.

(4) Such payments shall be made available entirely from funds

held in the Nuclear Waste Fund established in section 302 (c) and

shall be available only to the extent provided in advance in

appropriation Acts.

Consultations. (5) The Secretary may consult with appropriate units of general

local government in advance of commencement of construction of any

such facility in an effort to determine the level of payments each such

unit is eligible to receive under this subsection.

(g) LIMITATION–No monitored retrievable storage facility

development pursuant to this section may be constructed in any State in

which there is located any site approved for site characterization under

Ante, p. 2208. section 112. The

restriction in the preceding sentence shall only apply until such time as the

Secretary decides that such candidate site is no longer a candidate site

under consideration for development as a repository. Such restriction shall

continue to apply to any site selected for construction as a repository.

(h) PARTICIPATION OF STATES AND INDIAN TRIBES–Any

facility authorized pursuant to this section shall be subject to the

provisions of sections 115, 116(a), 116(b), 116(d), 117, and 118. For

purposes of carrying out the provisions of this subsection, any reference

in sections 115 through 118 to a repository shall be considered to refer to

a monitored retrievable storage facility.

Sec. 142. Authorization of Monitored Retrievable Storage

42 USC 10162. (a) NULLIFICATION OF OAK RIDGE SITTING PROPOSAL–The

proposal the Secretary (EC-1022, 100th Congress) to locate a monitored

retrievable storage facility at a site on the Clinch River in the Roane

County portion of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, with alternative sites on the

Oak Ridge Reservation of the Department of Energy and on the former

site of a proposed nuclear power plant in Hartsville, Tennessee, is

annulled and revoked. In carrying out the provisions of sections 144 and

145, the Secretary shall make no presumption or preference to such sites

by reason of their previous selection.

(b) Authorization.–The Secretary is authorized to site, construct, and

operate one monitored retrievable storage facility subject to the conditions

described in sections 143 through 149.

Sec. 143. Monitored Retrievable Storage Commission

42 USC 10163. (a) ESTABLISHMENT–(1) (A) There is established a Monitored

Retrievable Storage Review Commission (hereinafter in this section

referred to as the “MRS Commission”), that shall consist of 3 members

who shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the President pro

tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Volume 1, Page 4–48

(B)75 Members of the MRS Commission shall be appointed not

later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of the Nuclear

Waste Policy Amendments Act of 1987 from among persons who

as a result of training, experience and attainments are exceptionally

well qualified to evaluate the need for a monitored retrievable

storage facility as a part of the Nation’s nuclear waste management

system.

Reports. (C) The MRS Commission shall prepare a report on the need

for a monitored retrievable storage facility as a part of a national

nuclear waste management system that achieves the purposes of

this Act. In preparing the report under this subparagraph, the MRS

Commission shall–

(i) review the status and adequacy of the Secretary’s

evaluation of the systems advantages and disadvantages of

bringing such a facility into the national nuclear waste disposal

system;

(ii) obtain comment and available data on monitored

retrievable storage from affected parties, including States

containing potentially acceptable sites;

(iii) evaluate the utility of a monitored retrievable storage

facility from a technical perspective; and

(iv) make a recommendation to Congress as to whether

such a facility should be included in the national nuclear waste

management system in order to achieve the purposes of this

Act, including meeting needs for packaging and handling of

spent nuclear fuel, improving the flexibility of the repository

development schedule, and providing temporary storage of

spent nuclear fuel accepted for disposal.

(2) In preparing the report and making its recommendation under

paragraph (1) the MRS Commission shall compare such a facility to

the alternative of at-reactor storage of spent nuclear fuel prior to

disposal of such fuel in a repository under this Act. Such comparison

shall take into consideration the impact on–

(A) repository design and construction;

(B) waste package design, fabrication and standardization;

(C) waste preparation;

(D) waste transportation systems;

(E) the reliability of the national system for the disposal of

radioactive waste;

(F) the ability of the Secretary to fulfill contractual

commitments of the Department under this Act to accept spent

nuclear fuel for disposal; and

(G) economic factors, including the impact on the costs likely

to be imposed on ratepayers of the Nation’s electric utilities for

temporary at-reactor storage of spent nuclear fuel prior to final

disposal in a repository, as well as the costs likely to be imposed

on ratepayers of the Nation’s electric utilities in building and

operating such a facility. 
10Public Law 100-507 (102 Stat. 2541) (1988) sec. 2, extended the report deadline from 6/1/89 to 11/1/89.

Volume 1, Page 4–49

Reports. (3) The report under this subsection, together with the

recommendation of the MRS Commission, shall be transmitted to

Congress on November 1, 1989.10

(4) (A) (i) Each member of the MRS Commission shall be paid at

the rate provided for level III of the Executive Schedule for each day

(including travel time) such member is engaged in the work of the

MRS Commission, and shall receive travel expenses, including per

diem in lieu of subsistence in the same manner as is permitted under

sections 5702 and 5703 of title 5, United States Code.

(ii) The MRS Commission may appoint and fix

compensation, not to exceed the rate of basic pay payable for

GS-18 of the General Schedule, for such staff as may be

necessary to carry out its functions.

(B) (i) The MRS Commission may hold hearings, sit and act at

such times and places, take such testimony and receive such

evidence as the MRS Commission considers appropriate. Any

member of the MRS Commission may administer oaths or

affirmations to witnesses appearing before the MRS Commission.

(ii) The MRS Commission may request any Executive

agency, including the Department, to furnish such assistance or

information, including records, data, files, or documents, as the

Commission considers necessary to carry out its functions.

Unless prohibited by law, such agency shall promptly furnish

such assistance or information.

(iii) To the extent permitted by law, the Administrator of

the General Services Administration shall, upon request of the

MRS Commission, provide the MRS Commission with

necessary administrative services, facilities, and support on a

reimbursable basis.

(iv) The MRS Commission may procure temporary and

intermittent services from experts and consultants to the same

extent as is authorized by section 3109(b) of title 5, United

States Code, at rates and under such rules as the MRS

Commission considers reasonable.

(C) The MRS Commission shall cease to exist 60 days after the

submission to Congress of the report required under this

subsection.

Sec. 144. Survey

42 USC 10164. After the MRS Commission submits its report to the Congress under

section 143, the Secretary may conduct a survey and evaluation of

potentially suitable sites for a monitored retrievable storage facility. In

conducting such survey and evaluation, the Secretary shall consider the

extent to which siting a monitored retrievable storage facility at each site

surveyed would–

(1) enhance the reliability and flexibility of the system for the

disposal of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste

established under this Act;

(2) minimize the impacts of transportation and handling of such

fuel and waste;

(3) provide for public confidence in the ability of such system to

safely dispose of the fuel and waste;
Volume 1, Page 4–50

(4) impose minimal adverse effects on the local community and the

local environment;

(5) provide a high probability that the facility will meet applicable

environmental, health, and safety requirements in a timely fashion;

(6) provide such other benefits to the system for the disposal of

spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste as the Secretary

deems appropriate; and

(7) unduly burden a State in which significant volumes of

high-level radioactive waste resulting from atomic energy defense

activities are stored.

Sec. 145. Site Selection

42 USC 10165. (a) GENERAL–The Secretary may select the site evaluated under

section 144 that the Secretary determines on the basis of available

information to be the most suitable for a monitored retrievable storage

facility that is an integral part of the system for the disposal of spent

nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste established under this Act.

(b) LIMITATION–The Secretary may not select a site under

subsection (a) until the Secretary recommends to the President the

approval of a site for development as a repository under section 114(a).

(c) SITE SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES–The Secretary may conduct such

site specific activities at each site surveyed under section 144 as he

determines may be necessary to support an application to the Commission

for a license to construct a monitored retrievable storage facility at such

site.

(d) ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT–Site specific activities and

selection of a site under this section shall not require the preparation of an

environmental impact statement under section 102(2)(C) of the National

Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 USC 4332(2)(C)). The Secretary

shall prepare an environmental assessment with respect to such selection

in accordance with regulations issued by the Secretary implementing such

Act. Such environmental assessment shall be based upon available

information regarding alternative technologies for the storage of spent

nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste. The Secretary shall submit

such environmental assessment to the Congress at the time such site is

selected.

(e) NOTIFICATION BEFORE SELECTION–(1) At least 6 months

before selecting a site under subsection (a), the Secretary shall notify the

Governor and legislature of the State in which such site is located, or the

governing body of the affected Indian tribe where such site is located, as

the case may be, of such potential selection and the basis for such

selection.

(2) Before selecting any site under subsection (a), the Secretary

shall hold at least one public hearing in the vicinity of such site to

solicit any recommendations of interested parties with respect to

issues raised by the selection of such site.

(f) NOTIFICATION OF SELECTION–The Secretary shall promptly

notify Congress and the appropriate State or Indian tribe of the selection

under subsection (a).

(g) LIMITATION–No monitored retrievable storage facility

authorized pursuant to section 142 (b) may be constructed in the State of

Nevada.
Volume 1, Page 4–51

Sec. 146. Notice of Disapproval

42 USC 10166. (a) IN GENERAL–The selection of a site under section 145 shall be

effective at the end of the period of 60 calendar days beginning on the

date of notification under such subsection, unless the governing body of

the Indian tribe on whose reservation such site is located, or, if the site is

not on a reservation, the Governor and the legislature of the State in

which the site is located, has submitted to Congress a notice of

disapproval with respect to such site. If any such notice of disapproval has

been submitted under this subsection, the selection of the site under

section 145 shall not be effective except as provided under section 115(c).

(b) REFERENCES.–For purposes of carrying out the provisions of

this subsection, references in section 115(c) to a repository shall be

considered to refer to a monitored retrievable storage facility and

references to a notice of disapproval of a repository site designation under

section 116(b) or 118(a) shall be considered to refer to a notice of

disapproval under this section.

Sec. 147. Benefits Agreement

42 USC 10167. Once selection of a site for a monitored retrievable storage facility is

made by the Secretary under section 145, the Indian tribe on whose

reservation the site is located, or, in the case that the site is not located on

a reservation, the State in which the site is located, shall be eligible to

enter into a benefits agreement with the Secretary under section 170.

Sec. 148. Construction Authorization

42 USC 10168. (a) ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT–(1) Once the

selection of a site is effective under section 146, the requirements of the

National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 USC 4321 et seq.) shall

apply with respect to construction of a monitored retrievable storage

facility, except that any environmental impact statement prepared with

respect to such facility shall not be required to consider the need for such

facility or any alternative to the design criteria for such facility set forth in

section 141 (b) (1).

(2) Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the

consideration of alternative facility designs consistent with the criteria

described in section 141(b)(1) in any environmental impact statement,

or in any licensing procedure of the Commission, with respect to any

monitored retrievable storage facility authorized under section 142(b).

(b) APPLICATION FOR CONSTRUCTION LICENSE–Once the

selection of a site for a monitored retrievable storage facility is effective

under section 146, the Secretary may submit an application to the

Commission for a license to construct such a facility as part of an

integrated nuclear waste management system and in accordance with the

provisions of this section and applicable agreements under this Act

affecting such facility.

(c) LICENSING–Any monitored retrievable storage facility

authorized pursuant to section 142(b) shall be subject to licensing under

section 202(3) of the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 (42 USC

5842(3)). In reviewing the application filed by the Secretary for licensing

of such facility, the Commission may not consider the need for such

facility or any alternative to the design criteria for such facility set forth in

section 141(b)(1).
11Public Law 100-203 (101 Stat. 1330) (1987) sec. 5021, added secs. 142-149.

Volume 1, Page 4–52

(d) LICENSING CONDITIONS–Any license issued by the

Commission for a monitored retrievable storage facility under this section 

shall provide that–

(1) construction of such facility may not begin until the

Commission has issued a license for the construction of a repository

under section 115(d);

(2) construction of such facility or acceptance of spent nuclear fuel

or high-level radioactive waste shall be prohibited during such time as

the repository license is revoked by the Commission or construction of

the repository ceases;

(3) the quantity of spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive

waste at the site of such facility at any one time may not exceed

10,000 metric tons of heavy metal until a repository under this Act

first accepts spent nuclear fuel or solidified high-level radioactive 

waste; and

(4) the quantity of spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive

waste at the site of the facility at any one time may not exceed 15,000

metric tons of heavy metal.

Sec. 149. Financial assistance

42 USC 10169. The provisions of section 116(c) or 118(b) with respect to grants,

technical assistance, and other financial assistance shall apply to the State,

to affected Indian tribes and to affected units of local government in the

case of a monitored retrievable storage facility in the same manner as for

a repository.11

SUBTITLE D–LOW-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTE

Sec. 151. Financial Arrangements for Low-level Radioactive Waste

Site Closure

42 USC 10171. (a) FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS–(1) The Commission shall

establish by rule, regulation, or order, after public notice, and in

accordance with section 181 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 USC

2231), such standards and instructions as the Commission may deem

necessary or desirable to ensure in the case of each license for the

disposal of low-level radioactive waste that an adequate bond, surety, or

other financial arrangement (as determined by the Commission) will be

provided by a licensee to permit completion of all requirements

established by the Commission for the decontamination,

decommissioning, site closure, and reclamation of sites, structures, and

equipment used in conjunction with such low-level radioactive waste.

Such financial arrangements shall be provided and approved by the

Commission, or, in the case of sites within the boundaries of any

agreement State under section 274 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954

(42 USC 2021), by the appropriate State or State entity, prior to issuance

of licenses for low-level radioactive waste disposal or, in the case of

licenses in effect on the date of the enactment of this Act, prior to

termination of such licenses.

(2) If the Commission determines that any long-term maintenance

or monitoring, or both, will be necessary at a site described in

paragraph (1), the Commission shall ensure before termination of the

license involved that the licensee has made available such bonding,

surety, or other financial arrangements as may be necessary to ensure
12Public Law 100-203 (101 Stat. 1330) (1987) sec. 5011, added new Subtitle E.

Volume 1, Page 4–53

that any necessary long-term maintenance or monitoring needed for

such site will be carried out by the person having title and custody for

such site following license termination.

(b) TITLE AND CUSTODY–(1) The Secretary shall have authority to

assume title and custody of low-level radioactive waste and the land on

which such waste is disposed of, upon request of the owner of such waste

and land and following termination of the license issued by the

Commission for such disposal, if the Commission determines that–

(A) the requirements of the Commission for site closure,

decommissioning, and decontamination have been met by the

licensee involved and that such licensee is in compliance with the

provisions of subsection (a);

(B) such title and custody will be transferred to the Secretary

without cost to the Federal Government; and

(C) Federal ownership and management of such site is

necessary or desirable in order to protect the public health and

safety, and the environment.

(2) If the Secretary assumes title and custody of any such waste

and land under this subsection, the Secretary shall maintain such waste

and land in a manner that will protect the public health and safety, and

the environment.

(c) SPECIAL SITES–If the low-level radioactive waste involved is the

result of a licensed activity to recover zirconium, hafnium, and rare earths

from source material, the Secretary, upon request of the owner of the site

involved, shall assume title and custody of such waste and the land on

which it is disposed when such site has been decontaminated and

stabilized in accordance with the requirements established by the

Commission and when such owner has made adequate financial

arrangements approved by the Commission for the long-term maintenance

and monitoring of such site.

SUBTITLE E–REDIRECTION OF THE NUCLEAR WASTE

PROGRAM

Sec. 160. Selection of Yucca Mountain Site

42 USC 10172. (a) IN GENERAL–(1) The Secretary shall provide for an orderly

phase-out of site specific activities at all candidate sites other than the

Yucca Mountain site.

(2) The Secretary shall terminate all site specific activities (other

than reclamation activities) at all candidate sites, other than the Yucca

Mountain site, within 90 days after the date of enactment of the

Nuclear Waste Policy Amendments Act of 1987.

(b) Effective on the date of the enactment of the Nuclear Waste Policy

Amendments Act of 1987, the State of Nevada shall be eligible to enter

into a benefits agreement with the Secretary under section 170.12

Sec. 161. Siting a Second Repository

42 USC 10172a (a) CONGRESSIONAL ACTION REQUIRED–The Secretary may

not conduct site-specific activities with respect to a second repository

unless Congress has specifically authorized and appropriated funds for

such activities.
13Public Law 100-203 (101 Stat. 1330) (1987) sec. 5012, amended Subtitle E by adding sec. 161.

Volume 1, Page 4–54

(b) REPORT–The Secretary shall report to the President and to

Congress on or after January 1, 2007, but not later than January 1, 2010,

on the need for a second repository.

(c) TERMINATION OF GRANITE RESEARCH–Not later than 6

months after the date of the enactment of the Nuclear Waste Policy

Amendments Act of 1987, the Secretary shall phase out in an orderly

manner funding for all research programs in existence on such date of

enactment designed to evaluate the suitability of crystalline rock as a

potential repository host medium.

(d) ADDITIONAL SITING CRITERIA–In the event that the

Secretary at any time after such date of enactment considers any sites in

crystalline rock for characterization or selection as a repository, the

Secretary shall consider (as a supplement to the siting guidelines under

section 112) such potentially disqualifying factors as–

(1) seasonal increases in population;

(2) proximity to public drinking water supplies, including those of

metropolitan areas; and

(3) the impact that characterization or siting decisions would have

on lands owned or placed in trust by the United States for Indian

tribes.13

SUBTITLE F– BENEFITS

Sec. 170. Benefits Agreements

42 USC 10173. (a) IN GENERAL–(1) The Secretary may enter into a benefits

agreement with the State of Nevada concerning a repository or with a

State or an Indian tribe concerning a monitored retrievable storage facility

for the acceptance of high-level radioactive waste or spent nuclear fuel in

that State or on the reservation of that tribe, as appropriate.

(2) The State or Indian tribe may enter into such an agreement only

if the State Attorney General or the appropriate governing authority of

the Indian tribe or the Secretary of the Interior, in the absence of an

appropriate governing authority, as appropriate, certifies to the

satisfaction of the Secretary that the laws of the State or Indian tribe

provide adequate authority for that entity to enter into the benefits

agreement.

(3) Any benefits agreement with a State under this section shall be

negotiated in consultation with affected units of local government in

such State.

(4) Benefits and payments under this subtitle may be made

available only in accordance with a benefits agreement under this

section.

(b) AMENDMENT–A benefits agreement entered into under

subsection (a) may be amended only by the mutual consent of the parties

to the agreement and terminated only in accordance with section 173.

(c) AGREEMENT WITH NEVADA–The Secretary shall offer to

enter into a benefits agreement with the Governor of Nevada. Any

benefits agreement with a State under this subsection shall be negotiated

in consultation with any affected units of local government in such State.

(d) MONITORED RETRIEVABLE STORAGE–The Secretary shall

offer to enter into a benefits agreement relating to a monitored retrievable

storage facility with the governing body of the Indian tribe on whose
Volume 1, Page 4–55

reservation the site for such facility is located, or, if the site is not located

on a reservation, with the Governor of the State in which the site is

located and in consultation with affected units of local government in

such State.

(e) LIMITATION–Only one benefits agreement for a repository and

only one benefits agreement for a monitored retrievable storage facility

may be in effect at any one time.

(f) JUDICIAL REVIEW–Decisions of the Secretary under this section

are not subject to judicial review.

Sec. 171. Content of Agreements

42 USC 10173a. (a) IN GENERAL–(1) In addition to the benefits to which a State, an

affected unit of local government or Indian tribe is entitled under title I,

the Secretary shall make payments to a State or Indian tribe that is a party

to a benefits agreement under section 170 in accordance with the

following schedule:

BENEFITS SCHEDULE

(amounts in $ millions)

Event MRS Repository

 (A) Annual payments prior to

first spent fuel receipt 5 10

 (B) Upon first spent fuel receipt 10 20

 (C) Annual payments after the

first spent fuel receipt until closure

of the facility

10 20

(2) For purposes of this section, the term–

(A) “MRS” means a monitored retrievable storage facility,

(B) “spent fuel” means high-level radioactive waste or spent

nuclear fuel, and

(C) “first spent fuel receipt” does not include receipt of spent

fuel or high-level radioactive waste for purposes of testing or

operational demonstration.

(3) Annual payments prior to first spent fuel receipt under

paragraph (1)(A) shall be made on the date of execution of the

benefits agreement and thereafter on the anniversary date of such

execution. Annual payments after the first spent fuel receipt until

closure of the facility under paragraph (1)(C) shall be made on the

anniversary date of such first spent fuel receipt.

(4) If the first spent fuel payment under paragraph (1)(B) is made

within six months after the last annual payment prior to the receipt of

spent fuel under paragraph (1)(A), such first spent fuel payment under

paragraph (1)(B) shall be reduced by an amount equal to one-twelfth

of such annual payment under paragraph (1)(A) for each full month

less than six that has not elapsed since the last annual payment under

paragraph (1)(A).

(5) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), (2), or (3), no payment under

this section may be made before January 1, 1989, and any payment

due under this title before January 1, 1989, shall be made on or after

such date.
Volume 1, Page 4–56

(6) Except as provided in paragraph (7), the Secretary may not

restrict the purposes for which the payments under this section may be

used.

(7) (A) Any State receiving a payment under this section shall

transfer an amount equal to not less than one-third of the amount of

such payment to affected units of local government of such State.

(B) A plan for this transfer and appropriate allocation of such

portion among such governments shall be included in the benefits

agreement under section 170 covering such payments.

(C) In the event of a dispute concerning such plan, the

Secretary shall resolve such dispute, consistent with this Act and

applicable State law.

(b) CONTENTS–A benefits agreement under section 170 shall

provide that–

(1) a Review Panel be established in accordance with section 172;

(2) the State or Indian tribe that is party to such agreement waive

its rights under title I to disapprove the recommendation of a site for a

repository;

(3) the parties to the agreement shall share with one another

information relevant to the licensing process for the repository of

monitored retrievable storage facility, as it becomes available;

(4) the State or Indian tribe that is party to such agreement

participate in the design of the repository or monitored retrievable

storage facility and in the preparation of documents required under

law or regulation governing the effects of the facility on the public

health and safety; and

(5) the State or Indian tribe waive its rights, if any, to impact

assistance under sections 116(c)(1)(B)(ii), 116(c)(2), 118(b)(2)(A)(ii),

and 118(b)(3).

(c) The Secretary shall make payments to the States or affected Indian

tribes under a benefits agreement under this section from the Waste Fund. 

The signature of the Secretary on a valid benefits agreement under section

170 shall constitute a commitment by the United States to make payments

in accordance with such agreement.

Sec. 172. Review Panel

42 USC 10173b. (a) IN GENERAL–The Review Panel required to be established by

section 171(b)(1) of this Act shall consist of a Chairman selected by the

Secretary in consultation with the Governor of the State or governing

body of the Indian tribe, as appropriate, that is party to such agreement

and 6 other members as follows:

(1) 2 members selected by the Governor of such State or governing

body of such Indian tribe;

(2) 2 members selected by units of local government affected by

the repository or monitored retrievable storage facility;

(3) 1 member to represent persons making payments into the

Waste Fund, to be selected by the Secretary; and

(4) 1 member to represent other public interests, to be selected by

the Secretary.

(b) TERMS–

(1) The members of the Review Panel shall serve for terms of 4

years each.
Volume 1, Page 4–57

(2) Members of the Review Panel who are not full-time employees

of the Federal Government, shall receive a per diem compensation for

each day spent conducting work of the Review Panel, including their

necessary travel or other expenses while engaged in the work of the

Review Panel.

(3) Expenses of the Panel shall be paid by the Secretary from the

Waste Fund.

(c) DUTIES–The Review Panel shall–

(1) advise the Secretary on matters relating to the proposed

repository or monitored retrievable storage facility, including issues

relating to design, construction, operation, and decommissioning of

the facility;

(2) evaluate performance of the repository or monitored retrievable

storage facility, as it considers appropriate;

(3) recommend corrective actions to the Secretary;

(4) assist in the presentation of State or affected Indian tribe and

local perspectives to the Secretary; and

(5) participate in the planning for and the review of preoperational

data on environmental, demographic, and socioeconomic conditions of

the site and the local community.

(d) INFORMATION–The Secretary shall promptly make available

promptly any information in the Secretary’s possession requested by the

Panel or its Chairman.

(e) FEDERAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ACT–The requirements

of the Federal Advisory Committee Act shall not apply to a Review Panel

established under this title.

Sec. 173. Termination

42 USC 10173c. (a) IN GENERAL–The Secretary may terminate a benefits agreement

under this title if–

(1) the site under consideration is disqualified for its failure to

comply with guidelines and technical requirements established by the

Secretary in accordance with this Act; or

(2) the Secretary determines that the Commission cannot license

the facility within a reasonable time.

(b) TERMINATION BY STATE OR INDIAN TRIBE–A State or

Indian tribe may terminate a benefits agreement under this title only if the

Secretary disqualifies the site under consideration for its failure to comply

with technical requirements established by the Secretary in accordance

with this Act or the Secretary determines that the Commission cannot

license the facility within a reasonable time.

(c) DECISIONS OF THE SECRETARY–Decisions of the Secretary

under this section shall be in writing, shall be available to Congress and

the public, and are not subject to judicial review.

SUBTITLE G–OTHER BENEFITS

Sec. 174. Consideration in Siting Facilities

42 USC 10174. The Secretary, in siting Federal research projects, shall give special

consideration to proposals from States where a repository is located.

Sec. 175. Report

42 USC 10174a. (a) IN GENERAL–Within one year of the date of the enactment of the

Nuclear Waste Policy Amendments Act of 1987, the Secretary shall

report to Congress on the potential impacts of locating a repository at the
Volume 1, Page 4–58

Yucca Mountain site, including the recommendations of the Secretary for

mitigation of such impacts and a statement of which impacts should be

dealt with by the Federal Government, which should be dealt with by the

State with State resources, including the benefits payments under

section 171, and which should be a joint Federal-State responsibility. The

report under this subsection shall include the analysis of the Secretary of

the authorities available to mitigate these impacts and the appropriate

sources of funds for such mitigation.

(b) IMPACTS TO BE CONSIDERED–Potential impacts to be

addressed in the report under this subsection (a) shall include impacts on–

(1) education, including facilities and personnel for elementary and

secondary schools, community colleges, vocational and technical

schools and universities;

(2) public health, including the facilities and personnel for

treatment and distribution of water, the treatment of sewage, the

control of pests and the disposal of solid waste;

(3) law enforcement, including facilities and personnel for the

courts, police and sheriff’s departments, district attorneys and public

defenders and prisons;

(4) fire protection, including personnel, the construction of fire

stations, and the acquisition of equipment;

(5) medical care, including emergency services and hospitals;

(6) cultural and recreational needs, including facilities and

personnel for libraries and museums and the acquisition and

expansion of parks;

(7) distribution of public lands to allow for the timely expansion of

existing, or creation of new, communities and the construction of

necessary residential and commercial facilities;

(8) vocational training and employment services;

(9) social services, including public assistance programs,

vocational and physical rehabilitation programs, mental health

services, and programs relating to the abuse of alcohol and controlled

substances;

(10) transportation, including any roads, terminals, airports,

bridges, or railways associated with the facility and the repair and

maintenance of roads, terminals, airports, bridges, or railways

damaged as a result of the construction, operation, and closure of the

facility;

(11) equipment and training for State and local personnel in the

management of accidents involving high-level radioactive waste;

(12) availability of energy;

(13) tourism and economic development, including the potential

loss of revenue and future economic growth; and

(14) other needs of the State and local governments that would not

have arisen but for the characterization of the site and the
14Public Law 100-203 (101 Stat. 1330) (1987), sec. 5031, amended Title I by adding Subtitles F and G.

15Public law 100-203 (101 Stat. 1330) (1987), sec. 5061, amended Title I by adding Subtitle H.

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construction, operation, and eventual closure of the repository

facility.14

SUBTITLE H–TRANSPORTATION

Sec. 180. Transportation

42 USC 10175. (a) No spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive waste may be

transported by or for the Secretary under subtitle A or under subtitle C

except in packages that have been certified for such purpose by the

Commission.

(b) The Secretary shall abide by regulations of the Commission

regarding advance notification of State and local governments prior to

transportation of spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive waste under

subtitle A or under subtitle C. 

(c) The Secretary shall provide technical assistance and funds to States

for training for public safety officials of appropriate units of local

government and Indian tribes through whose jurisdiction the Secretary

plans to transport spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive waste under

subtitle A or under subtitle C. Training shall cover procedures required

for safe routine transportation of these materials, as well as procedures for

dealing with emergency response situations. The Waste Fund shall be the

source of funds for work carried out under this subsection.15

TITLE II–RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, AND

DEMONSTRATION REGARDING DISPOSAL OF

HIGH-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTE AND SPENT

NUCLEAR FUEL

Sec. 211. Purpose

42 USC 10191. It is the purpose of this title–

(1) to provide direction to the Secretary with respect to the

disposal of high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel;

(2) to authorize the Secretary, pursuant to this title–

(A) to provide for the construction, operation, and maintenance

of a deep geologic test and evaluation facility; and

(B) to provide for a focused and integrated high-level

radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel research and development

program, including the development of a test and evaluation

facility to carry out research and provide an integrated

demonstration of the technology for deep geologic disposal of

high-level radioactive waste, and the development of the facilities

to demonstrate dry storage of spent nuclear fuel; and

(3) to provide for an improved cooperative role between the

Federal Government and States, affected Indian tribes, and units of

general local government in the siting of a test and evaluation facility.

Sec. 212. Applicability

42 USC 10192.

Ante, p. 2205.

The provisions of this title are subject to section 8 and shall not apply

to facilities that are used for the disposal of high-level radioactive waste,

low-level radioactive waste, transuranic waste, or spent nuclear fuel

resulting from atomic energy defense activities.
Volume 1, Page 4–60

Sec. 213. Identification of Sites

42 USC 10193. (a) GUIDELINES–Not later than 6 months after the date of the

enactment of this Act and notwithstanding the failure of other agencies to

promulgate standards pursuant to applicable law, the Secretary, in

consultation with the Commission, the Director of the Geological Survey,

the Administrator, the Council on Environmental Quality, and such other

Federal agencies as the Secretary considers appropriate, is authorized to

issue, pursuant to section 553 of title 5, United States Code, general

guidelines for the selection of a site for a test and evaluation facility.

Under such guidelines the Secretary shall specify factors that qualify or

disqualify a site for development as a test and evaluation facility,

including factors pertaining to the location of valuable natural resources,

hydrogeophysics, seismic activity, and atomic energy defense activities,

proximity to water supplies, proximity to populations, the effect upon the

rights of users of water, and proximity to components of the National

Park System, the National Wildlife Refuge System, the National Wild and

Scenic Rivers System, the National Wilderness Preservation System, or

National Forest Lands. Such guidelines shall require the Secretary to

consider the various geologic media in which the site for a test and

evaluation facility may be located and, to the extent practicable, to

identify sites in different geologic media. The Secretary shall use

guidelines established under this subsection in considering and selecting

sites under this title.

(b) SITE IDENTIFICATION BY THE SECRETARY–(1) Not later

than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and following

promulgation of guidelines under subsection (a), the Secretary is

authorized to identify 3 or more sites, at least 2 of which shall be in

different geologic media in the continental United States, and at least 1 of

which shall be in media other than salt. Subject to Commission

requirements, the Secretary shall give preference to sites for the test and

evaluation facility in media possessing geochemical characteristics that

retard aqueous transport of radionuclides in order to provide a greater

possible protection of public health and safety as operating experience is

gained at the test and operation facility, and with the exception of the

primary areas under review by the Secretary on the date of the enactment

of this Act for the location of a test and evaluation facility or repository,

all sites identified under this subsection shall be more than 15 statute

miles from towns having a population of greater than 1000 persons as

determined by the most recent census unless such sites contain high-level

radioactive waste prior to identification under this title.

Environmental

assessment.

 Each

identification of a site shall be supported by an environmental assessment,

which shall include a detailed statement of the basis for such

identification and of the probable impacts of the siting research activities

planned for such site, and a discussible impact of the siting research

activities planned for such site, and a discussion of alternative activities

relating to siting research that may be undertaken to avoid such impacts. 

Such environmental assessment shall include–

(A) an evaluation by the Secretary as to whether such site is

suitable for siting research under the guidelines established under

subsection (a);
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(B) an evaluation by the Secretary of the effects of the siting

research activities at such site on the public health and safety and

the environment;

(C) a reasonable comparative evaluation by the Secretary of

such site with other sites and locations that have been considered;

(D) a description of the decision process by which such site

was recommended; and

(E) an assessment of the regional and local impacts of locating

the proposed test and evaluation facility at such site.

(2) When the Secretary identifies a site, the Secretary shall as soon

as possible notify the Governor of the State in which such site is

located, or the governing body of the affected Indian tribe where such

site is located, of such identification and the basis of such

identification. Additional sites for the location of the test and

evaluation facility authorized in section 302(d) may be identified after

such 1 year period, following the same procedure as if such sites had

been identified within such period.

Sec. 214. Siting Research and Related Activities

42 USC 10194. (a) IN GENERAL–Not later than 30 months after the date on which

the Secretary completes the identification of sites under section 213, the

Secretary is authorized to complete sufficient evaluation of 3 sites to

select a site for expanded siting research activities and for other activities

under section 218. The Secretary is authorized to conduct such

preconstruction activities relative to such site selection for the test and

evaluation facility as he deems appropriate. Additional sites for the

location of the test and evaluation facility authorized in section 302(d)

may be evaluated after such 30-month period, following the same

procedures as if such sites were to be evaluated within such period.

(b) Public Meetings And Environmental Assessment–Not later than

6 months after the date on which the Secretary completes the

identification of sites under section 213, and before beginning siting

research activities, the Secretary shall hold at least 1 public meeting in the

vicinity of each site to inform the residents of the area of the activities to

be conducted at such site and to receive their views.

(c) Restrictions–Except as provided in section 218 with respect to a

test and evaluation facility, in conducting siting research activities

pursuant to subsection (a)–

(1) the Secretary shall use the minimum quantity of high-level

radioactive waste or other radioactive materials, if any, necessary to

achieve the test or research objectives;

(2) the Secretary shall ensure that any radioactive material used or

placed on a site shall be fully retrievable; and

(3) upon termination of siting research activities at a site for any

reason, the Secretary shall remove any radioactive material at or in the

site as promptly as practicable.

(d) Title To Material–The Secretary may take title, in the name of the

Federal Government, to the high-level radioactive waste spent nuclear

fuel, or other radioactive material emplaced in a test and evaluation

facility. If the Secretary takes title to any such material, the Secretary

shall enter into the appropriate financial arrangements described in

subsection (a) or (b) of section 302 for the disposal of such material.
Volume 1, Page 4–62

Sec. 215. Test and Evaluation Facility Siting Review and Reports

42 USC 10195. (a) CONSULTATION AND COOPERATION–The Governor of a

State, or the governing body of an affected Indian tribe, notified of a site

identification under section 213 shall have the right to participate in a

process of consultation and cooperation as soon as the site involved has

been identified pursuant to such section and throughout the life of the test

and evaluation facility. For purposes of this section, the term “process of

consultation and cooperation” means a methodology–

Process of

consultation and

cooperation.

(1) by which the Secretary–

(A) keeps the Governor or governing body involved fully and

currently informed about any potential economic or public health

and safety impacts in all stages of the siting, development,

construction, and operation of a test and evaluation facility;

(B) solicits, receives, and evaluates concerns and objections of

such Governor or governing body with regard to such test and

evaluation facility on an ongoing basis; and

(C) works diligently and cooperatively to resolve such

concerns and objections; and

(2) by which the State or affected Indian tribe involved can

exercise reasonable independent monitoring and testing of onsite

activities related to all stages of the siting, development, construction

and operation of the test and evaluation facility, except that any such

monitoring and testing shall not unreasonably interfere with onsite

activities.

(b) WRITTEN AGREEMENTS–The Secretary shall enter into written

agreements with the Governor of the State in which an identified site is

located or with the governing body of any affected Indian tribe where an

identified site is located in order to expedite the consultation and

cooperation process. Any such written agreement shall specify–

(1) procedures by which such Governor or governing body may

study, determine, comment on, and make recommendations with

regard to the possible health, safety, and economic impacts of the test

and evaluation facility;

(2) procedures by which the Secretary shall consider and respond

to comments and recommendations made by such Governor or

governing body, including the period in which the Secretary shall so

respond;

(3) the documents the Department is to submit to such Governor or

governing body, the timing for such submissions, the timing for such

Governor or governing body to identify public health and safety

concerns and the process to be followed to try to eliminate those

concerns;

(4) procedures by which the Secretary and either such Governor or

governing body may review or modify the agreement periodically; and

(5) procedures for public notification of the procedures specified

under subparagraphs (A) through (D).

(c) LIMITATION–Except as specifically provided in this section,

nothing in this title is intended to grant any State or affected Indian tribe

any authority with respect to the siting, development, or loading of the test

and evaluation facility.
Volume 1, Page 4–63

Sec. 216. Federal Agency Actions

42 USC 10196. (a) COOPERATION AND COORDINATION–Federal agencies shall

assist the Secretary by cooperating and coordinating with the Secretary in

the preparation of any necessary reports under this title and the mission

plan under section 301.

(b) ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW–(1) No action of the Secretary or

any other Federal agency required by this title or section 301 with respect

to a test and evaluation facility to be taken prior to the initiation of onsite

construction of a test and evaluation facility shall require the preparation

of an environmental impact statement under section 102(2)(C) of the

Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 USC 4332(2)(C)), or to require the

preparation of environmental reports, except as otherwise specifically

provided for in this title.

(2) The Secretary and the heads of all other Federal agencies shall,

to the maximum extent possible, avoid duplication of efforts in the

preparation of reports under the National Environmental Policy Act of

1969 (42 USC 4321 et seq.).

Sec. 217. Research And Development on Disposal of High-level

Radioactive Waste

42 USC 10197. (a) PURPOSE–Not later than 64 months after the date of the

enactment of this Act, the Secretary is authorized to, to the extent

practicable, begin at a site evaluated under section 214, as part of and as

an extension of siting research activities of such site under such section,

the mining and construction of a test and evaluation facility. Prior to the

mining and construction of such facility, the Secretary shall prepare an

environmental assessment. the purpose of such facility shall be–

Environmental

assessment.

(1) to supplement and focus the repository site characterization

process;

(2) to provide the conditions under which known technological

components can be integrated to demonstrate a functioning

repository-like system;

(3) to provide a means of identifying, evaluating, and resolving

potential repository licensing issues that could not be resolved during

the siting research program conducted under section 212;

(4) to validate, under actual conditions, the scientific models used

in the design of a repository;

(5) to refine the design and engineering of repository components

and systems and to confirm the predicted behavior of such

components and systems;

(6) to supplement the siting data, the generic and specific

geological characteristics developed under section 214 relating to

isolating disposal materials in the physical environment of a

repository;

(7) to evaluate the design concepts for packaging, handling, and

emplacement of high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel at

the design rate; and

(8) to establish operating capability without exposing workers to

excessive radiation.

(b) DESIGN–The Secretary shall design each test and evaluation

facility–

(1) to be capable of receiving not more than 100 full-sized

canisters of solidified high-level radioactive waste (which canisters
Volume 1, Page 4–64

shall not exceed an aggregate weight of 100 metric tons), except that

spent nuclear fuel may be used instead of such waste if such waste

cannot be obtained under reasonable conditions;

(2) to permit full retrieval of solidified high-level radioactive

waste, or other radioactive material used by the Secretary for testing,

upon completion of the technology demonstration activities; and

(3) based upon the principle that the high-level radioactive waste,

spent nuclear fuel, or other radioactive material involved shall be

isolated from the biosphere in such a way that the initial isolation is

provided by engineered barriers functioning as a system with the

geologic environment.

Testing. (c) OPERATION–(1) Not later than 88 months after the date of the

enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall begin an in situ testing program

at the test and evaluation facility in accordance with the mission plan

developed under section 301, for purposes of–

(A) conducting in situ tests of bore hole sealing, geologic

media fracture sealing, and room closure to establish the

techniques and performance for isolation of high-level radioactive

waste, spent nuclear fuel, or other radioactive materials from the

biosphere;

(B) conducting in situ tests with radioactive sources and

materials to evaluate and improve reliable models for radionuclide

mitigation, absorption, and containment within the engineered

barriers and geologic media involved, if the Secretary finds there is

reasonable assurance that such radioactive sources and materials

will not threaten the use of such site as a repository;

(C) conducting in situ tests to evaluate and improve models for

ground water or brine flow through fractured geologic media;

(D) conducting in situ tests under conditions representing the

real time and the accelerated time behavior of the engineered

barriers within the geologic environment involved;

(E) conducting in situ tests to evaluate the effects of heat and

pressure on the geologic media involved on the hydrology of the

surrounding area and on the integrity of the disposal packages;

(F) conducting in situ tests under both normal and abnormal

repository conditions to establish safe design limits for disposal

packages and to determine the effects of the gross release of

radionuclides into surroundings, and the effects of various credible

failure modes, including–

(i) seismic events leading to the coupling of aquifers

through the test and evaluation facility;

(ii) thermal pulses significantly greater than the maximum

calculated; and

(iii) human intrusion creating a direct pathway to the

biosphere; and

(G) conducting such other research and development activities

as the Secretary considers appropriate, including such activities

necessary, to obtain the use of high-level radioactive waste, spent

nuclear fuel, or other radioactive materials (such as any highly

radioactive material from the Three Mile Island nuclear

powerplant or from the West Valley Demonstration Project) for

test and evaluation purposes, if such other activities are reasonably
Volume 1, Page 4–65

necessary to support the repository program and if there is

reasonable assurance that the radioactive sources involved will not

threaten the use of such site as a repository.

(2) The in situ testing authorized in this subsection shall be

designed to ensure that the suitability of the site involved for licensing

by the Commission as a repository will not be adversely affected.

(d) USE OF EXISTING DEPARTMENT FACILITIES–During the

conducting of siting research activities under section 214 and for such

period thereafter as the Secretary considers appropriate, the Secretary

shall use Department facilities owned by the Federal Government on the

date of the enactment of this Act for the conducting of generically

applicable test regarding packaging, handling, and emplacement

technology for solidified high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear

fuel from civilian nuclear activities.

(e) ENGINEERED BARRIERS–The system of engineered barriers

and selected geology used in a test and evaluation facility shall have a

design life at least as long as that which the Commission requires by

regulations issued under this Act, or under the Atomic Energy Act of

1954 (42 USC 2011 et seq.), for repositories.

(f) ROLE OF COMMISSION–(1)(A) Not later than 1 year after the

date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary and the Commission shall

reach a written understanding establishing the procedures for review,

consultation, and coordination in the planning, construction, and

operation of the test and evaluation facility under this section. Such

understanding shall establish a schedule, consistent with the deadlines set

forth in this subtitle, for submission by the Secretary of, and review by the

Commission of and necessary action on–

(i) the mission plan prepared under section 301; and

(ii) such reports and other information as the Commission

may reasonably require to evaluate any health and safety

impacts of the test and evaluation facility.

(B) Such understanding shall also establish the conditions

under which the Commission may have access to the test and

evaluation facility for the purpose of assessing any public health

and safety concerns that it may have. No shafts may be excavated

for the test and evaluation until the Secretary and the Commission

enter into such understanding.

(2) Subject to section 305, the test and evaluation facility, and the

facilities authorized in section 217, shall be constructed and operated

as research, development, and demonstration facilities, and shall not

be subject to licensing under section 202 of the Energy Reorganization

Act of 1974 (42 USC 5842).

(3)(A) The Commission shall carry out a continuing analysis of the

activities undertaken under this section to evaluate the adequacy of the

consideration of public health and safety issues.

(B) The Commission shall report to the President, the

Secretary, and the Congress as the Commission considers

appropriate with respect to the conduct of activities under this

section.

(g) ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW–The Secretary shall prepare an

environmental impact statement under section 102(2)(C) of the National 

Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 USC 4332)(2)(C) prior to
Volume 1, Page 4–66

conducting tests with radioactive materials at the test and evaluation

facility. Such environmental impact statement shall incorporate, to the

extent practicable, the environmental assessment prepared under section

217(a). Nothing in this subsection may be construed to limit siting

research activities conducted under section 214. This subsection shall

apply only to activities performed exclusively for a test and evaluation

facility.

(h) LIMITATIONS–(1) If the test and evaluation facility is not

located at the site of a repository, the Secretary shall obtain the

concurrence of the Commission with respect to the decontamination and

decommissioning of such facility.

(2) If the test and evaluation facility is not located at a candidate

site or repository site, the Secretary shall conduct only the portion of

the in situ testing program required in subsection (c) determined by

the Secretary to be useful in carrying out the purposes of this act.

Terminations. (3) The operation of the test and evaluation facility shall terminate

not later than–

(A) 5 years after the date on which the initial repository begins

operation; or

(B) at such time as the Secretary determines that the continued

operation of a test and evaluation facility is not necessary for

research, development, and demonstration purposes;

whichever occurs sooner.

(4) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this subsection, as

soon as practicable following any determination by the Secretary, with

the concurrence of the Commission, that the test and evaluation

facility is unsuitable for continued operation, the Secretary shall take

such actions as are necessary to remove from such site any radioactive

material placed on such site as a result of testing and evaluation

activities conducted under this section. Such requirement may be

waived if the Secretary, with the concurrence of the Commission,

finds that short-term testing and evaluation activities using radioactive

material will not endanger the public health and safety.

Sec. 218. Research and Development on Spent Nuclear Fuel

42 USC 10198. (a) DEMONSTRATION AND COOPERATIVE PROGRAMS–The

Secretary shall establish a demonstration program, in cooperation with the

private sector, for the dry storage of spent nuclear fuel at civilian nuclear

power reactor sites, with the objective of establishing one or more

technologies that the Commission may, by rule, approve for use at the

sites of civilian nuclear power reactors without, to the maximum extent

practicable, the need for additional site-specific approvals by the

Commission. Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this

Act, the Secretary shall select at least 1, but not more than 3, sites

evaluated under section 214 at such power reactors. In selecting such site

or sites, the Secretary shall give preference to civilian nuclear power

reactors that will soon have a shortage of interim storage capacity for

spent nuclear fuel. Subject to reaching agreement as provided in

subsection (b), the Secretary shall undertake activities to assist such

power reactors with demonstration projects at such sites, which may use

one of the following types of alternate storage technologies; spent nuclear

fuel storage casks, caissons, or silos. The Secretary shall also undertake a

cooperative program with civilian nuclear power reactors to encourage the
Volume 1, Page 4–67

development of the technology for spent nuclear fuel rod consolidation in

existing power reactor water storage basins.

(b) COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS–To carry out the programs

described in subsection (a), the Secretary shall enter into a cooperative

agreement with each utility involved that specifies, at a minimum, that–

(1) such utility shall select the alternate storage technique to be

used, make the land and spent nuclear fuel available for the dry

storage demonstration, submit and provide site-specific documentation

for a license application to the Commission, obtain a license relating

to the facility involved, construct such facility, operate such facility

after licensing, pay the costs required to construct such facility, and

pay all costs associated with the operation and maintenance of such

facility;

(2) the Secretary shall provide, on a cost-sharing basis,

consultative and technical assistance, including design support and

generic licensing documentation, to assist such utility in obtaining the

construction authorization and appropriate license from the

Commission; and

(3) the Secretary shall provide generic research and development

of alternative spent nuclear fuel storage techniques to enhance

utility-provided, at-reactor storage capabilities, if authorized in any

other provision of this act or in any other provision of law.

(c) DRY STORAGE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT–(1) The

consultative and technical assistance referred to in subsection (b)(2) may

include, but shall not be limited to, the establishment of a research and

development program for the dry storage of not more than 300 metric tons

of spent nuclear fuel at facilities owned by the Federal Government on the

date of the enactment of this Act. The purpose of such program shall be to

collect necessary data to assist the utilities involved in the licensing

process.

(2) To the extent available, and consistent with the provisions of

section 135, the Secretary shall provide spent nuclear fuel for the

research and development program authorized in this subsection from

spent nuclear fuel received by the Secretary for storage under

section 135. Such spent nuclear fuel shall not be subject to the

provisions of section 135(e).

(d) FUNDING–The total contribution from the Secretary from Federal

funds and the use of Federal facilities or services shall not exceed

25 percent of the total costs of the demonstration program authorized in

subsection (a), as estimated by the Secretary. All remaining costs of such

program shall be paid by the utilities involved or shall be provided by the

Secretary from the Interim Storage Fund established in section 136.

(e) RELATION TO SPENT NUCLEAR FUEL STORAGE

PROGRAM–The spent nuclear fuel storage program authorized in section

135 shall not be construed to authorize the use of research development or

demonstration facilities owned by the Department unless–

Report to

congressional

committees.

(1) a period of 30 calendar days (not including any day in which

either House of Congress is not in session because of adjournment of

more than 3 calendar days to a day certain) has passed after the

Secretary has transmitted to the Committee on Science and

Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on

Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a written report
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containing a full and complete statement concerning (A) the facility

involved; (B) any necessary modifications; (C) the cost thereof; and

(D) the impact on the authorized research and development program;

or

(2) each such committee, before the expiration of such period, has

transmitted to the Secretary a written notice to the effect that such

committee has no objection to the proposed use of such facility.

Sec. 219. Payments to States and Indian Tribes

42 USC 10199. (a) PAYMENTS–Subject to subsection (b), the Secretary shall make

payments to each State or affected Indian tribe that has entered into an

agreement pursuant to section 215. The Secretary shall pay an amount

equal to 100 percent of the expenses incurred by such State or Indian tribe

in engaging in any monitoring, testing, evaluation, or other consultation

and cooperation activity under section 215 with respect to any site. The

amount paid by the Secretary under this paragraph shall not exceed

$3,000,000 per year from the date on which the site involved was

identified to the date on which the decontamination and decommission of

the facility is complete pursuant to section 217(h). Any such payment

may only be made to a State in which a potential site for a test and

evaluation facility has been identified under section 213, or to an affected

Indian tribe where the potential site has been identified under such

section.

(b) LIMITATION–The Secretary shall make any payment to a State

under subsection (a) only if such State agrees to provide, to each unit of

general local government within the jurisdictional boundaries of which

the potential site or effectively selected site involved is located, at least

one-tenth of the payments made by the Secretary to such State under such

subsection. A State or affected Indian tribe receiving any payment under

subsection (a) shall otherwise have discretion to use such payment for

whatever purpose it deems necessary, including the State or tribal

activities pursuant to agreements entered into in accordance with

section 215. Annual payments shall be prorated on a 365-day basis to the

specified dates.

Sec. 220. Study of Research and Development Needs for Monitored

Retrievable Storage Proposal

42 USC 10200.

Report to Congress.

Not later than 6 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the

Secretary shall submit to the Congress a report describing the research

and development activities the Secretary considers necessary to develop

the proposal required in section 141(b) with respect to a monitored

retrievable storage facility.

Sec. 221. Judicial Review

42 USC 10201.

Ante, p. 2227.

Judicial review of research and development activities under this shall

be in accordance with the provisions of section 119.

Sec. 222. Research on Alternatives for the Permanent Disposal of

High-level Radioactive Waste

42 USC 10202. Research on Alternatives for the Permanent Disposal of High-Level

Radioactive Waste–The Secretary shall continue and accelerate a program

of research, development, and investigation of alternative means and

technologies for the permanent disposal of high-level radioactive waste

from civilian nuclear activities and Federal research and development

activities except that funding shall be made from amounts appropriated to
Volume 1, Page 4–69

the Secretary for purposes of carrying out this section. Such program shall

include examinations of various waste disposal options.

Sec. 223. Technical Assistance to Non-nuclear Weapon States in the

Field of Spent Fuel Storage and Disposal

42 USC 10203. (a) It shall be the policy of the United States to cooperate with and

provide technical assistance to non-nuclear weapon states in the field of

spent fuel storage and disposal.

Joint notice,

publication in

Federal Register.

(b)(1) Within 90 days of enactment of this Act, the Secretary and the

Commission shall publish a joint notice in the Federal Register stating

that the United States is prepared to cooperate with and provide technical

assistance to non-nuclear weapon states in the fields of at-reactor spent

fuel storage; away-from-reactor spent fuel storage; monitored, retrievable

spent fuel storage; geologic disposal of spent fuel; and the health, safety,

and environmental regulation of such activities. The notice shall

summarize the resources that can be made available for international

cooperation and assistance in these fields through existing programs of

the Department and the Commission, including the availability of: (i) data

from past or ongoing research and development projects;

(ii) consultations with expert Department or Commission personnel or

contractors; and (iii) liaison with private business entities and

organizations working in these fields.

Joint notice,

reissuance.

(2) The joint notice described in the preceding subparagraph shall

be updated and reissued annually for 5 succeeding years.

(c) Following publication of the annual joint notice referred to in

paragraph (2), the Secretary of State shall inform the governments of

non-nuclear weapon states and, as feasible, the organizations operating

nuclear powerplants in such states, that the United States is prepared to

cooperate with and provide technical assistance to non-nuclear weapon

states in the fields of spent fuel storage and disposal, as set forth in the

Expressions of joint notice.

interest.

 The Secretary of State shall also solicit expressions of

interest from non-nuclear weapon state governments and non-nuclear

weapon state nuclear power reactor operators concerning their

participation in expanded United States cooperation and technical

assistance programs in these fields. The Secretary of State shall transmit

any such expressions of interest to the Department and the Commission.

(d) With his budget presentation materials for the Department and the

Commission for fiscal years 1984 through 1989, the President shall

include funding requests for an expanded program of cooperation and

technical assistance with non-nuclear weapon states in the fields of spent

fuel storage and disposal as appropriate in light of expressions of interest

in such cooperation and assistance on the part of non-nuclear weapon

state governments and non-nuclear weapon state nuclear power reactor

operators.

Non-nuclear

weapon state.

(e) For the purposes of this subsection, the term “non-nuclear weapon

state” shall have the same meaning as that set forth in article IX of the

Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (21 USC 438).

(f) Nothing in this subsection shall authorize the Department of

Commission to take any action not authorized under existing law.

Sec. 224. Subseabed Disposal

42 USC 10204.

Reports.

(a) REPEALED. Public Law 104–66, Title I, sec. 1051(d),

December 21, 1995, 109 Stat. 716.
16Public Law 97–425, Title II, sec. 224, as added Public Law 100–202, sec. 101(d), Title III, (101 Stat.

1329–104, 1329–12), December 22, 1987; Public Law 100–203, Title V, sec. 5063 (101 Stat. 1330–253),

December 22, 1987; as amended Public Law 104–66, Title I, sec. 1051(d) (109 Stat. 716), December 21, 1995;

Public Law 105–245, Title III, sec. 309(b)(2)(E) (112 Stat. 1853), October 7, 1998.

Volume 1, Page 4–70

(b) OFFICE OF SUBSEABED DISPOSAL RESEARCH–

(1) There is hereby established an Office of Subseabed Disposal

Research within the Office of Science of the Department of Energy. 

The Office shall be headed by the Director, who shall be a member of

the Senior Executive Service appointed by the Director of the Office

of Science, and compensated at a rate determined by applicable law.

(2) The Director of the Office of Subseabed Disposal Research

shall be responsible for carrying out research, development, and

demonstration activities on all aspects of subseabed disposal of

high–level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel, subject tot he

general supervision of the Secretary. The Director of the Office shall

be directly responsible to the Director of the Office of Science, and

the first such Director shall be appointed within 30 days of

December 22, 1987.

(3) In carrying out his responsibilities under this chapter, the

Secretary may make grants to, or enter into contracts with, the

Subseabed Consortium described in subsection (d) of this section, and

other persons.

(4)(A) Within 60 days of December 22, 1987, the Secretary shall

establish a university–based Subseabed Consortium involving

leading oceanographic universities and institutions, national

laboratories, and other organizations to investigate the technical

and institutional feasibility of subseabed disposal.

(B) The Subseabed Consortium shall develop a research plan

and budget to achieve the following objectives by 1995:

(i) demonstrate the capacity to identify and characterize

potential subseabed disposal sites;

(ii) develop conceptual designs for a Subseabed disposal

system, including estimated costs and institutional

requirements; and

(iii) identify and assess the potential impacts of Subseabed

disposal on the human and marine environment.

(C) In 1990, and again in 1995, the Subseabed Consortium

shall report to Congress on the progress being made in achieving

the objectives of paragraph (2).

(5) REPEALED. Public Law 104–66, Title I, section 1051(d), 109

Stat. 716, December 21, 1995.16

TITLE III–OTHER PROVISIONS RELATING TO

RADIOACTIVE WASTE

Sec. 301. Mission Plan

42 USC 10221,. (a) CONTENTS OF MISSION PLAN–The Secretary shall prepare a

comprehensive report, to be known as the mission plan, which shall

provide an informational basis sufficient to permit informed decisions to

be made in carrying out the repository program and the research,

development, and demonstration programs required under this Act. The

mission plan shall include–
Volume 1, Page 4–71

(1) an identification of the primary scientific, engineering, and

technical information, including any necessary demonstration of

engineering or systems integration, with respect to the siting and

construction of a test and evaluation facility and repositories;

(2) an identification of any information described in paragraph (1)

that is not available because of any unresolved scientific, engineering,

or technical questions, or undemonstrated engineering or systems

integration, a schedule including specific major milestones for the

research, development, and technology demonstration program

required under this Act and any additional activities to be undertaken

to provide such information, a schedule for the activities necessary to

achieve important programmatic milestones, and an estimate of the

costs required to carry out such research, development and

demonstration programs;

(3) an evaluation of financial, political, legal, or institutional

problems that may impede the implementation of this Act, the plans of

the Secretary to resolve such problems, and recommendations for any

necessary legislation to resolve such problems;

(4) any comments of the Secretary with respect to the purpose and

program of the test and evaluation facility;

(5) a discussion of the significant results of research and

development programs conducted and the implications for each of the

different geologic media under consideration for the siting of

repositories, and, on the basis of such information, a comparison of

the advantages and disadvantages associated with the use of such

media for repository sites;

(6) the guidelines issued under section 112(a);

(7) a description of known sites at which site characterization

activities should be undertaken, a description of such siting

characterization activities, including the extent of planned

excavations, plans for onsite testing with radioactive or nonradioactive

material, plans for any investigations activities which may affect the

capability of any such site to isolate high-level radioactive waste or

spent nuclear fuel, plans to control any adverse, safety-related impacts

from such site characterization activities, and plans for the

decontamination and decommissioning of such site if it is determined

unsuitable for licensing as a repository;

(8) an identification of the process for solidifying high-level

radioactive waste or packaging spent nuclear fuel, including a

summary and analysis of the data to support the selection of the

solidification process and packaging techniques, an analysis of the

requirements for the number of solidification packaging facilities

needed, a description of the state of the art for the materials proposed

to be used in packaging such waste or spent fuel and the availability of

such materials including impacts on strategic supplies and any

requirements for new or reactivated facilities to produce any such

materials needed, and a description of a plan, and the schedule for

implementing such plan, for an aggressive research and development

program to provide when needed a high-integrity disposal package at a

reasonable price;

(9) an estimate of (A) the total repository capacity required to

safely accommodate the disposal of all high-level radioactive waste
Volume 1, Page 4–72

and spent nuclear fuel expected to be generated through December 31,

2020, in the event that no commercial reprocessing of spent nuclear

fuel occurs, as well as the repository capacity that will be required if

such reprocessing does occur; (B) the number and type of repositories

required to be constructed to provide such disposal capacity; (C) a

schedule for the construction of such repositories; and (D) an estimate

of the period during which each repository listed in such schedule will

be accepting high-level radioactive waste or spent nuclear fuel for

disposal;

(10) an estimate, on an annual basis, of the costs required (A) to

construct and operate the repositories anticipated to be needed under

paragraph (9) based on each of the assumptions referred to in such

paragraph; (B) to construct and operate a test and evaluation facility,

or any other facilities, other than repositories described in

subparagraph (A), determined to be necessary; and (C) to carry out

any other activities under this Act; and

(11) an identification of the possible adverse economic and other

impacts to the State or Indian tribe involved that may arise from the

development of a test and evaluation facility or repository at a site.

(b) Submission Of Mission Plan.–(1) Not later than 15 months after

the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit a draft

mission plan to the States, the affected Indian tribes, the Commission, and

other Government agencies as the Secretary deems appropriate for their

comments.

Public inspection

and agency

comments.

Publication in

Federal Register.

(2) In preparing any comments on the mission plan, such agencies

shall specify with precision any objections that they may have. Upon

submission of the mission plan to such agencies, the Secretary shall

publish a notice in the Federal Register of the submission of the

mission plan and of its availability for public inspection, and, upon

receipt of any comments of such agencies respecting the mission plan,

the Secretary shall publish a notice in the Federal Register of the

receipt of comments and of the availability of the comments for public

inspection. If the Secretary does not revise the mission plan to meet

objections specified in such comments, the Secretary shall publish in

the Federal Register a detailed statement for not so revising the

mission plan.

Plan submittal to

congressional

committees.

(3) The Secretary, after reviewing any other comments made by

such agencies and revising the mission plan to the extent that the

Secretary may consider to be appropriate, shall submit the mission

plan to the appropriate committees of the Congress not later than

17 months after the date of the enactment of this Act. The mission

plan shall be used by the Secretary at the end of the first period of 30

calendar days (not including any day on which either House of

Congress is not in session because of adjournment of more than 3

calendar days to a day certain) following receipt of the mission plan

by the Congress.

Sec. 302. Nuclear Waste Fund

42 USC 10222. (a) CONTRACTS–(1) In the performance of his functions under this

Act, the Secretary is authorized to enter into contracts with any person

who generates or holds title to high-level radioactive waste, or spent

nuclear fuel, of domestic origin for the acceptance of title, subsequent

transportation, and disposal of such waste or spent fuel. Such contracts
Volume 1, Page 4–73

Fees. shall provide for payment to the Secretary of fees pursuant to

paragraphs (2) and (3) sufficient to offset expenditures in subsection (d).

(2) For electricity generated by a civilian nuclear power reactor

and sold on or after the date 90 days after the date of enactment of this

Act, the fee under paragraph (1) shall be equal to 1.0 mil per

kilowatt-hour.

Fees. (3) For spent nuclear fuel, or solidified high-level radioactive

waste derived from spent nuclear fuel, which fuel was used to

generate electricity in a civilian nuclear power reactor prior to the

application of the fee under paragraph (2) to such reactor, the

Secretary shall, not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of

this Act, establish a 1 time fee per kilogram of heavy metal in spent

Ante, p. 2229. nuclear fuel, or in solidified high-level radioactive waste. Such fee

shall be in amount equivalent to an average charge of 1.0 mil per

kilowatt-hour for electricity generated by such spent nuclear fuel, or

such solidified high-level waste derived therefrom, to be collected

from any person delivering such spent nuclear fuel or high-level

waste, pursuant to section 123, to the Federal Government. Such fee

shall be paid to the Treasury of the United States and shall be

deposited in the separate fund established by subsection (c)126(b). In

paying such a fee, the person delivering spent fuel, or solidified

high-level radioactive wastes derived therefrom, to the Federal

Government shall have no further financial obligation to the Federal

Government for the long-term storage and permanent disposal of such

spent fuel, or the solidified high-level radioactive waste derived

therefrom.

Collection and

payment

procedures.

Review.

(4) Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act,

the Secretary shall establish procedures for the collection and payment

of the fees established by paragraph (2) and paragraph (3). The

Secretary shall annually review the amount of the fees established by

paragraphs (2) and (3) above to evaluate whether collection of the fee

will provide sufficient revenues to offset the costs as defined in

42 USC 6421. subsection (d) herein.

Transmittal to

Congress.

 In the event the Secretary determines that either

insufficient or excess revenues are being collected, in order to recover

the costs incurred by the Federal Government that are specified in

subsection (d), the Secretary shall propose an adjustment to the fee to

insure full cost recovery. The Secretary shall immediately transmit this

proposal for such an adjustment to Congress. The adjusted fee

proposed by the Secretary shall be effective after a period of 90 days

of continuous session have elapsed following the receipt of such

transmittal unless during such 90-day period either House of Congress

adopts a resolution disapproving the Secretary’s proposed adjustment

in accordance with the procedures set forth for congressional review

of an energy action under section 551 of the Energy Policy and

Conservation Act.

(5) Contracts entered into under this section shall provide that–

(A) following commencement of operation of a repository, the

Secretary shall take title to the high-level radioactive waste or

spent nuclear fuel involved as expeditiously as practicable upon

the request of the generator or owner of such waste or spent fuel;

and
Volume 1, Page 4–74

(B) in return for the payment of fees established by this

section, the Secretary, beginning not later than January 31, 1998,

will dispose of the high-level radioactive waste or spent nuclear

fuel involved as provided in this subtitle.

Disposal services,

terms and

conditions.

(6) The Secretary shall establish in writing criteria setting forth the

terms and conditions under which such disposal services shall be

made available.

License renewal or

issuance.

(b) ADVANCE CONTRACTING REQUIREMENT–

(1) (A) The Commission shall not issue or renew a license to any

person to use a utilization or production facility under the authority of

section 103 or 104 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 USC 2133,

2134) unless–

(i) such person has entered into a contract with the

Secretary under this section; or

(ii) the Secretary affirms in writing that such person is

actively and in good faith negotiating with the Secretary for a

contract under this section.

(B) The Commission, as it deems necessary or appropriate,

may require as a precondition to the issuance or renewal of a

license under section 103 or 104 of the Atomic Energy Act of

1954 (42 USC 2133, 2134) that the applicant for such license shall

have entered into an agreement with the Secretary for the disposal

of high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel that may

result from the use of such license.

(2) Except as provided in paragraph (1), no spent nuclear fuel or

high-level radioactive waste generated or owned by any person (other

than a department of the United States referred to in section 101 or

102 of title 5, United States Code) may be disposed of by the

Secretary in any repository constructed under this Act unless the

generator or owner of such spent fuel or waste has entered into a

contract with the Secretary under this section by not later than–

(A) June 30, 1983; or

(B) the date on which such generator or owner commences

generation of, or takes title to, such spent fuel or waste; whichever

occurs later.

(3) The rights and duties of a party to a contract entered into under

this section may be assignable with transfer of title to the spent

nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive waste involved.

Disposal of

radioactive waste

or spent nuclear

fuel.

(4) No high-level radioactive waste or spent nuclear fuel generated

or owned by any department of the United States referred to in section

101 or 102 of title 5, United States Code, may be disposed of by the

Secretary in any repository constructed under this Act unless such

department transfers to the Secretary, for deposit in the Nuclear Waste

Fund, amounts equivalent to the fees that would be paid to the

Secretary under the contracts referred to in this section if such waste

or spent fuel were generated by any other person.

(c) ESTABLISHMENT OF NUCLEAR WASTE FUND–There

hereby is established in the Treasury of the United States a separate fund,

to be known as the Nuclear Waste Fund. The Waste Fund shall consist

of–
Volume 1, Page 4–75

(1) all receipts, proceeds, and recoveries realized by the Secretary

under subsections (a), (b), and (e), which shall be deposited in the

Waste Fund immediately upon their realization;

(2) any appropriations made by the Congress to the Waste Fund;

and

(3) any unexpended balances available on the date of the

enactment of this Act for functions or activities necessary or incident

to the disposal of civilian high-level radioactive waste or civilian spent

nuclear fuel, which shall automatically be transferred to the Waste

Fund on such date.

Ante, pp. 2206,

2245.

(d) USE OF WASTE FUND–The Secretary may make

expenditures from the Waste Fund, subject to subsection (e), only for

purposes of radioactive waste disposal activities under titles I and II,

including–

(1) the identification, development, licensing, construction,

operation, decommissioning, and post-decommissioning maintenance

and monitoring of any repository, monitored retrievable storage

facility or test evaluation facility constructed under this Act;

(2) the conducting of nongeneric research, development, and

demonstration activities under this Act;

(3) the administrative cost of the radioactive waste disposal

program;

(4) any costs that may be incurred by the Secretary in connection

with the transportation, treating, or packaging of spent nuclear fuel or

high-level radioactive waste to be disposed of in a repository, to be

stored in a monitored, retrievable storage site or to be used in a test

and evaluation facility;

(5) the costs associated with acquisition, design, modification,

replacement, operation and construction of facilities at a repository

site, a monitored, retrievable storage site or a test and evaluation

facility site and necessary or incident to such repository, monitored,

retrievable storage facility or test and evaluation facility; and

Ante, pp. 2220,

2225, 2253.

(6) the provision of assistance to States, units of general local

government, and Indian tribes under sections 116, 118 and 219.

No amount may be expended by the Secretary under this subtitle for

the construction or expansion of any facility unless such construction or

expansion is expressly authorized by this or subsequent legislation. The

Secretary hereby is authorized to construct one repository and one test and

evaluation facility.

Report to Congress. (e) ADMINISTRATION OF WASTE FUND–(1) The Secretary of

the Treasury shall hold the Waste Fund and, after consultation with the

Secretary, annually report to the Congress on the financial condition and

operations of the Waste Fund during the preceding fiscal year.

Ante, p. 907.

Budget submittal.

(2) The Secretary shall submit the budget of the Waste Fund to the

Office of Management and Budget triennially along with the budget of

the Department of Energy submitted at such time in accordance with

chapter II of title 31, United States Code. The budget of the Waste

Fund shall consist of the estimates made by the Secretary of

expenditures from the Waste Fund and other relevant financial matters

for the succeeding 3 fiscal years, and shall be included in the Budget

of the United States Government. The Secretary may make

expenditures from the Waste Fund, subject to appropriations which
Volume 1, Page 4–76

shall remain available until expended. Appropriations shall be subject

to triennial authorization.

(3) If the Secretary determines that the Waste Fund contains at any

time amounts in excess of current needs, the Secretary may request the

Secretary of the Treasury to invest such amounts, or any portion of

such amounts as the Secretary determines to be appropriate, in

obligations of the United States–

(A) having maturities determined by the Secretary of the

Treasury to be appropriate to the needs of the Waste Fund; and

(B) bearing interest at rates determined to be appropriate by the

Secretary of the Treasury, taking into consideration the current

average market yield on outstanding marketable obligations of the

United States with remaining periods to maturity comparable to the

maturities of such investments, except that the interest rate on such

investments shall not exceed the average interest rate applicable to

existing borrowings.

Ante, p. 927. (4) Receipts, proceeds, and recoveries realized by the Secretary

under this section, and expenditures of amounts from the Waste Fund,

shall be exempt from annual apportionment under the provisions of

subchapter II of chapter 15 of title 31, United States Code.

(5) If at any time the moneys available in the Waste Fund are

insufficient to enable the Secretary to discharge his responsibilities

under this subtitle, the Secretary shall issue to the Secretary of the

Treasury obligations in such forms and denominations, bearing such

maturities, and subject to such terms and conditions as may be agreed

to by the Secretary and the Secretary of the Treasury. A total of such

obligations shall not exceed amounts provided in appropriation Acts.

Redemption of such obligations shall be made by the Secretary from

moneys available in the Waste Fund. Such obligations shall bear

interest at a rate determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, which

shall be not less than a rate determined by taking into consideration

the average market yield on outstanding marketable obligations of the

United States of comparable maturities during the month preceding

Ante, p. 937. the issuance of the obligations under this paragraph. The Secretary of

the Treasury shall purchase any issued obligations, and for such

purpose the Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to use as a public

debt transactions the proceeds from the sale of any securities issued

under chapter 31 of title 31, United States Code, and the purposes for

which securities may be issued under such Act are extended to include

any purchase of such obligations. The Secretary of the Treasury may

at any time sell any of the obligations acquired by him under this

paragraph. All redemptions, purchases, and sales by the Secretary of

the Treasury of obligations under this paragraph shall be treated as

public debt transactions of the United States.

Interest payments. (6) Any appropriations made available to the Waste Fund for any

purpose described in subsection (d) shall be repaid into the general

fund of the Treasury, together with interest from the date of

availability of the appropriations until the date of repayment. Such

interest shall be paid on the cumulative amount of appropriations

available to the Waste Fund, less the average undisbursed cash

balance in the Waste Fund account during the fiscal year involved. 

Deferral. The rate of such interest shall be determined by the Secretary of
17Public Law 97-425, Title III, sec. 304, (96 Stat. 2661), January 7, 1983; Public Law 104-66, Title I,

Subtitle E, sec. 1052(1), (109 Stat. 719), December 21, 1995.

Volume 1, Page 4–77

Treasury taking into consideration the average market yield during the

month preceding each fiscal year on outstanding marketable

obligations of the United States of comparable maturity. Interest

payments may be deferred with the approval of the Secretary of the

Treasury, but any interest payments so deferred shall themselves bear

interest.

Sec. 303. Alternative Means of Financing

42 USC 10223.

Study.

The Secretary shall undertake a study with respect to alternative

approaches to managing the construction and operation of all civilian

radioactive waste management facilities, including the feasibility of

establishing a private corporation for such purposes. In conducting such

study, the Secretary shall consult with the Director of the Office of

Management and Budget, the Chairman of the Commission, and such

other Federal agency representatives as may be appropriate. Such study

Report to Congress. shall be completed, and a report containing the results of such study shall

be submitted to the Congress, within 1 year after the date of the enactment

of this Act.

Sec. 304. Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management

42 USC 10224. (a) ESTABLISHMENT–There hereby is established within the

Department of Energy an Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste

Management. The Office shall be headed by a Director, who shall be

appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the

Senate, and who shall be compensated at the rate payable for level IV of

the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States Code.

(b) FUNCTIONS OF DIRECTOR–The Director of the Office shall be

responsible for carrying out the functions of the Secretary under this Act,

subject to the general supervision of the Secretary. The Director of the

Office shall be directly responsible to the Secretary.

(c) ANNUAL REPORT TO CONGRESS–The Director of the Office

shall annually prepare and submit to the Congress a comprehensive report

on the activities and expenditures of the Office.

(d) AUDIT BY GAO–If requested by either House of the Congress

(or any committee thereof) or if considered necessary by the Comptroller

General, the General Accounting Office shall conduct an audit of the

Office, in accord with such regulations as the Comptroller General may

prescribe. The Comptroller General shall have access to such books,

records, accounts, and other materials of the Office as the Comptroller

General determines to be necessary for the preparation of such audit. 

Report to Congress. The Comptroller General shall submit a report on the results of each audit

conducted under this section.17

Sec. 305. Location of Test and Evaluation Facility

42 USC 10225. (a) REPORT TO CONGRESS–Not later than 1 year after the date of

the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall transmit to the Congress a

report setting forth whether the Secretary plans to locate the test and

evaluation facility at the site of a repository.

Ante, p. 2206. (b) PROCEDURES–(1) If the test and evaluation facility is to be

located at any candidate site or repository site (A) site selection and

development of such facility shall be conducted in accordance with the

procedures and requirements established in title I with respect to the site

selection and development of repositories; and (B) the Secretary may not
18Public Law 102-486 (102 Stat 2923); Oct. 24, 1992.

19Public Law 100-507 (102 Stat 2541) (1988) Sec. 1 amended Sec. 402(a).

Volume 1, Page 4–78

commence construction of any surface facility for such tests and

evaluation facility prior to issuance by the Commission of a construction

authorization for a repository at the site involved.

(2) No test and evaluation facility may be converted into a

repository unless site selection and development of such facility was

conducted in accordance with the procedures and requirements

established in title I with respect to the site selection and development

of repositories.

Ante, p. 2217. (3) The Secretary may not commence construction of a test and

evaluation facility at a candidate site or site recommended as the

location for a repository prior to the date on which the designation of

such site is effective under section 115.

Sec. 306. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Training Authorization

42 USC 10226.

Regulations or

guidance.

NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION TRAINING

AUTHORIZATION–The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is authorized

and directed to promulgate regulations, or other appropriate Commission

regulatory guidance, for the training and qualifications of civilian nuclear

power plant operators, supervisors, technicians and other appropriate

operating personnel. Such regulations or guidance shall establish

simulator training requirements for applicants for civilian nuclear power

plant operator licenses and for operator requalification programs;

requirements governing NRC administration of requalification

examinations; requirements for operating tests at civilian nuclear power

plant simulators, and instructional requirements for civilian nuclear power

plant licensee personnel training programs.

Report to Congress.

 Such regulations or other

regulatory guidance shall be promulgated by the Commission within the

12-month period following enactment of this Act, and the Commission

within the 12-month period following enactment of this Act shall submit a

report to Congress setting forth the actions the Commission has taken

with respect to fulfilling its obligations under this section.

Approved January 7, 1983.

TITLE IV–NUCLEAR WASTE NEGOTIATOR

Sec. 401. Definition

42 USC 10241. For purposes of this title, the term “State” means each of the several

States and the District of Columbia.18

Sec. 402. The Office of the Nuclear Waste Negotiator

42 USC 10242. (a) ESTABLISHMENT–There is established the Office of the

Nuclear Waste Negotiator that shall be an independent establishment in

the executive branch.19

President of U.S. (b) THE NUCLEAR WASTE NEGOTIATOR–

(1) The Office shall be headed by a Nuclear Waste Negotiator who

shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and

consent of the Senate. The Negotiator shall hold office at the pleasure

of the President, and shall be compensated at the rate provided for

level III of the Executive Schedule in section 5314 of title 5, United

States Code.
Volume 1, Page 4–79

(2) The Negotiator shall attempt to find a state or Indian tribe

willing to host a repository or monitored retrievable storage facility at

a technically qualified site on reasonable terms and shall negotiate

with any State or Indian tribe which expresses an interest in hosting a

repository or monitored retrievable storage facility.

Sec. 403. Duties of the Negotiator

42 USC 10243. (a) NEGOTIATIONS WITH POTENTIAL HOSTS–

(1) The Negotiator shall–

(A) seek to enter into negotiations on behalf of the United

States, with–

(i) the Governor of any State in which a potential site is

located; and

(ii) the governing body of any Indian tribe on whose

reservation a potential site is located; and

(B) attempt to reach a proposed agreement between the United

States and any such State or Indian tribe specifying the terms and

conditions under which such State or tribe would agree to host a

repository of monitored retrievable storage facility within such

State or reservation.

(2) In any case in which State law authorizes any person or entity

other than the Governor to negotiate a proposed agreement under this

section on behalf of the State, any reference in this title to the

Governor shall be considered to refer instead to such other person or

entity.

(b) CONSULTATION WITH AFFECTED STATES,

SUBDIVISIONS OF STATES, AND TRIBES–In addition to entering

into negotiations under subsection (a), the Negotiator shall consult with

any State, affected unit of local government, or any Indian tribe that the

Negotiator determines may be affected by the siting of a repository or

monitored retrievable storage facility and may include in any proposed

agreement such terms and conditions relating to the interest of such

States, affected units of local government, or Indian tribes as the

Negotiator determines to be reasonable and appropriate.

(c) CONSULTATION WITH OTHER FEDERAL AGENCIES–The

Negotiator may solicit and consider the comments of the Secretary, the

Nuclear Regulatory Commission, or any other Federal agency on the

suitability of any potential site for site characterization. Nothing in this

subsection shall be construed to require the Secretary, the Nuclear

Regulatory Commission, or any other Federal agency to make a finding

that any such site is suitable for site characterization.

(d) PROPOSED AGREEMENT–(1) The Negotiator shall submit to

the Congress any proposed agreement between the United States and a

State or Indian tribe negotiated under subsection (a) and an environmental

assessment prepared under section 404(a) for the site concerned.

(2) Any such proposed agreement shall contain such terms and

conditions (including such financial and institutional arrangements) as

the Negotiator and the host State or Indian tribe determine to be

reasonable and appropriate and shall contain such provisions as are

necessary to preserve any right to participation or compensation of

such State, affected unit of local government, or Indian tribe under

sections 116(c), 117, and 118(b).
Volume 1, Page 4–80

(3) (A) No proposed agreement entered into under this section

shall have legal effect unless enacted into Federal law.

(B) A State or Indian tribe shall enter into an agreement under

this Section in accordance with the laws of such State or tribe.

Nothing in this section may be construed to prohibit the

disapproval of a proposed agreement between a State and the

United States under this section by a referendum or an act of the

legislature of such State.

(4) Notwithstanding any proposed agreement under this section,

the Secretary may construct a repository or monitored retrievable

storage facility at a site agreed to under this title only if authorized by

the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in accordance with the Atomic

Energy Act of 1954 (42 USC 2012 et seq.), title II of the Energy

Reorganization Act of 1982 (42 USC 5841 et seq.) and any other law

applicable to authorization of such construction.

Sec. 404. Environmental Assessment of Sites

42 USC 10244. (a) IN GENERAL–Upon the request of the Negotiator, the Secretary

shall prepare an environmental assessment of any site that is the subject of

negotiations under section 403(a).

(b) CONTENTS–(1) Each environmental assessment prepared for a

repository site shall include a detailed statement of the probable impacts

of characterizing such site and the construction and operation of a

repository at such site.

(2) Each environmental assessment prepared for a monitored

retrievable storage facility site shall include a detailed statement of the

probable impacts of construction and operation of such a facility at

such site.

(c) JUDICIAL REVIEW–The issuance of an environmental

assessment under subsection (a) shall be considered to be a final agency

action subject to judicial review in accordance with the provisions of

chapter 7 of title 5, United States Code, section 119.

(d) PUBLIC HEARINGS–(1) In preparing an environmental

assessment for any repository or monitored retrievable storage facility

site, the Secretary shall hold public hearings in the vicinity of such site to

inform the residents of the area in which such site is located that such site

is being considered and to receive their comments.

(2) At such hearings, the Secretary shall solicit and receive any

recommendations of such residents with respect to issues that should

be addressed in the environmental assessment required under

subsection (a) and the site characterization plan described in

section 113(b)(1).

(e) PUBLIC AVAILABILITY–Each environmental assessment

prepared under subsection (a) shall be made available to the public.

(f) EVALUATION OF SITES–(1) In preparing an environmental

assessment under subsection (a), the Secretary shall use available

geophysical, geologic, geochemical and hydrologic, and other information

and shall not conduct any preliminary borings or excavations at any site

that is the subject of such assessment unless–

(A) such preliminary boring or excavation activities were in

progress on or before the date of the enactment of the Nuclear

Waste Policy Amendments Act of 1987; or
Volume 1, Page 4–81

(B) the Secretary certifies that, in the absence of preliminary

borings or excavations, adequate information will not be available

to satisfy the requirements of this Act or any other law.

(2) No preliminary boring or excavation conducted under this

section shall exceed a diameter of 40 inches.

Sec. 405. Site Characterization; Licensing

42 USC 10245. (a) SITE CHARACTERIZATION–Upon enactment of legislation to

implement an agreement to site a repository negotiated under section

403(a), the Secretary shall conduct appropriate site characterization

activities for the site that is the subject of such agreement subject to the

conditions and terms of such agreement. Any such site characterization

activities shall be conducted in accordance with section 113, except that

references in such section to the Yucca Mountain site and the State of

Nevada shall be deemed to refer to the site that is the subject of the

agreement and the State of Indian tribe entering into the agreement.

(b) LICENSING–(1) Upon completion of site characterization

activities carried out under subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to

the Nuclear Regulatory Commission an application for construction

authorization for a repository at such site.

(2) The Nuclear Regulatory Commission shall consider an

application for a construction authorization for a repository or

monitored retrievable storage facility in accordance with the laws

applicable to such applications, except that the Nuclear Regulatory

Commission shall issue a final decision approving or disapproving the

issuance of a construction authorization not later than 3 years after the

date of the submission of such application.

Sec. 406. Monitored Retrievable Storage

42 USC 10246. (a) CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION–Upon enactment of

legislation to implement an agreement negotiated under section 403(a) to

site a monitored retrievable storage facility, the Secretary shall construct

and operate such facility as part of an integrated nuclear waste

management system in accordance with the terms and conditions of such

agreement.

Grants. (b) FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE–The Secretary may make grants to

any State, Indian tribe, or affected unit of local government to assess the

feasibility of siting a monitored retrievable storage facility under this

section at a site under the jurisdiction of such State, tribe, or affected unit

of local government.

Sec. 407. Environmental Impact Statement

42 USC 10247. (a) IN GENERAL–Issuance of a construction authorization for a

repository or monitored retrievable storage facility under section 405(b)

shall be considered a major Federal action significantly affecting the

quality of the human environment for purposes of the National

Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 USC 4321 et seq.)

(b) PREPARATION–A final environmental impact statement shall be

prepared by the Secretary under such Act and shall accompany any

application to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for a construction

authorization.

(c) ADOPTION–(1) Any such environmental impact statement shall,

to the extent practicable, be adopted by the Nuclear Regulatory

Commission, in accordance with section 1506.3 of title 40, Code of

Federal Regulations, in connection with the issuance by the Nuclear
Volume 1, Page 4–82

Regulatory Commission of a construction authorization and license for

such repository or monitored retrievable storage facility.

(2) (A) In any such statement prepared with respect to a repository

to be constructed under this title at the Yucca Mountain site, the

Nuclear Regulatory Commission need not consider the need for a

repository, the time of initial availability of a repository, alternate sites

to the Yucca Mountain site, or nongeologic alternatives to such site.

(B) In any such statement prepared with respect to a repository

to be constructed under this title at a site other than the Yucca

Mountain site, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission need not

consider the need for a repository, the time of initial availability of

a repository, or nongeologic alternatives to such site but shall

consider the Yucca Mountain site as alternative to such site in the

preparation of such statement.

Sec. 408. Administrative Powers of the Negotiator

42 USC 10248. In carrying out his functions under this title, the Negotiator may–

(1) appoint such officers and employees as he determines to be

necessary and prescribe their duties;

(2) obtain services as authorized by section 3109 of title 5, United

States Code, at rates not to exceed the rate prescribed for grade GS-18

of the General Schedule by section 5332 of title 5, United States

Code;

(3) promulgate such rules and regulations as may be necessary to

carry out such functions;

(4) utilize the services, personnel, and facilities of other Federal

agencies (subject to the consent of the head of any such agency);

Contracts. (5) for purposes of performing administrative functions under this

title, and to the extent funds are appropriated, enter into and perform

such contracts, leases, cooperative agreements, or other transactions as

may be necessary and on such terms as the Negotiator determines to

be appropriate, with any agency or instrumentality of the United

States, or with any public or private person or entity;

(6) accept voluntary and uncompensated services, notwithstanding

the provisions of section 1342 of title 31, United States Code;

(7) adopt an official seal, which shall be judicially noticed;

(8) use the United States mails in the same manner and under the

same conditions as other departments and agencies of the United

States;

(9) hold such hearings as are necessary to determine the views of

interested parties and the general public; and

(10) appoint advisory committees under the Federal Advisory

Committee Act (5 USC App.)

Sec. 409. Cooperation of Other Departments and Agencies

42 USC 10249. Each department, agency, and instrumentality of the United States,

including any independent agency, may furnish the Negotiator such

information as he determines to be necessary to carry out his functions

under this title.
20Public Law 102-486 (106 Stat. 2923).

21Public Law 100-203 (101 Stat. 1330) (1987) Sec. 5041, added Title IV.

Volume 1, Page 4–83

Sec. 410. Termination of the Office

42 USC 10250. The Office shall cease to exist not later than 30 days after the date 7

years after the date of the enactment of the Nuclear Waste Policy

Amendments Act of 1987.20

Sec. 411. Authorization of Appropriations

42 USC 10251. Notwithstanding subsection (d) of section 302, and subject to

subsection (e) of such section, there are authorized to be appropriated for

expenditures from amounts in the Waste Fund established in subsection

(c) of such section, such sums as may be necessary to carry out the

provisions of this title.21

TITLE V–NUCLEAR WASTE TECHNICAL REVIEW

BOARD

Sec. 501. Definitions

2 USC 10261. As used in this title:

(1) The term “Chairman” means the Chairman of the Nuclear

Waste Technical Review Board.

(2) The term “Board” means the Nuclear Waste Technical Review

Board established under section 502.

Sec. 502. Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board

2 USC 10262. (a) ESTABLISHMENT–There is established a Nuclear Waste

Technical Review Board that shall be an independent establishment

within the executive branch.

President of U.S. (b) MEMBERS–(1) The Board shall consist of 11 members who shall

be appointed by the President not later than 90 days after the date of the

enactment of the Nuclear Waste Policy Amendments Act of 1987 from

among persons nominated by the National Academy of Sciences in

accordance with paragraph (3).

President of U.S. (2) The President shall designate a member of the Board to serve

as chairman.

(3) (A) The National Academy of Sciences shall, not later than

90 days after the date of the enactment of the Nuclear Waste Policy

Amendments Act of 1987, nominate not less than 22 persons for

appointment to the Board from among persons who meet the

qualifications described in subparagraph (C).

(B) The National Academy of Sciences shall nominate not less

than 2 persons to fill any vacancy on the Board from among

persons who meet the qualifications described in

subparagraph (C).

(C) (i) Each person nominated for appointment to the Board

shall be–

(I) eminent in a field of science or engineering,

including environmental sciences; and

(II) selected solely on the basis of established records of

distinguished service.

(ii) The membership of the Board shall be representative of

the broad range of scientific and engineering disciplines related

to activities under this title.
Volume 1, Page 4–84

(iii) No person shall be nominated for appointment to the

Board who is an employee of–

(I) the Department of Energy;

(II) a national laboratory under contract with the

Department of Energy; or

(III) an entity performing high-level radioactive waste

or spent nuclear fuel activities under contract with the

Department of Energy.

(4) Any vacancy on the Board shall be filled by the nomination

and appointment process described in paragraphs (1) and (3).

(5) Members of the Board shall be appointed for terms of 4 years,

each such term to commence 120 days after the date of enactment of

the Nuclear Waste Policy Amendments Act of 1987, except that of the

11 members first appointed to the Board, 5 shall serve for 2 years and

6 shall serve for 4 years, to be designated by the President at the time

of appointment.

Sec. 503. Functions

42 USC 10263. The Board shall evaluate the technical and scientific validity of

activities undertaken by the Secretary after the date of the enactment of

the Nuclear Waste Policy Amendments Act of 1987, including–

(1) site characterization activities; and

(2) activities relating to the packaging or transportation of

high-level radioactive waste or spent nuclear fuel.

Sec. 504. Investigatory Powers

42 USC 10264. (a) HEARINGS–Upon request of the Chairman or a majority of the

members of the Board, the Board may hold such hearings, sit and act at

such times and places, take such testimony, and receive such evidence, as

the Board considers appropriate. Any member of the Board may

administer oaths or affirmations to witnesses appearing before the Board.

(b) PRODUCTION OF DOCUMENTS–(1) Upon the request of the

Chairman or a majority of the members of the Board, and subject to

existing law, the Secretary (or any contractor of the Secretary) shall

provide the Board with such records, files, papers, data, or information as

may be necessary to respond to any inquiry of the Board under this title.

(2) Subject to existing law, information obtainable under

paragraph (1) shall not be limited to final work products of the

Secretary, but shall include drafts of such products and documentation

of work in progress.

Sec. 505. Compensation of Members

42 USC 10265. (a) IN GENERAL–Each member of the Board shall be paid at the rate

of pay payable for level III of the Executive Schedule for each day

(including travel time) such member is engaged in the work of the Board.

(b) TRAVEL EXPENSES–Each member of the Board may receive

travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in the same

manner as is permitted under sections 5702 and 5703 of title 5, United

States Code.

Sec. 506. Staff

42 USC 10266. (a) CLERICAL STAFF–(1) Subject to paragraph (2), the Chairman

may appoint and fix the compensation of such clerical staff as may be

necessary to discharge the responsibilities of the Board.

(2) Clerical staff shall be appointed subject to the provisions of

title 5, United States Code, governing appointments in the competitive
Volume 1, Page 4–85

service, and shall be paid in accordance with the provisions of chapter

51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of such title relating to

classification and General Schedule pay rates.

(b) PROFESSIONAL STAFF.–(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3),

the Chairman may appoint and fix the compensation of such professional

staff as may be necessary to discharge the responsibilities of the Board.

(2) Not more than 10 professional staff members may be appointed

under this subsection.

(3) Professional staff members may be appointed without regard to

the provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing appointments

in the competitive service, and may be paid without regard to the

provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of such title

relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates, except that

no individual so appointed may receive pay in excess of the annual

rate of basic pay payable of GS-18 of the General Schedule.

Sec. 507. Support Services

42 USC 10267. (a) GENERAL SERVICES–To the extent permitted by law and

requested by the Chairman, the Administrator of General Services shall

provide the Board with necessary administrative services facilities, and

support on a reimbursable basis.

(b) ACCOUNTING, RESEARCH, AND TECHNOLOGY

ASSESSMENT SERVICES–The Comptroller General, the Librarian of

Congress, and the Director of the Office of Technology Assessment shall,

to the extent permitted by law and subject to the availability of funds,

provide the Board with such facilities, support, funds and services,

including staff, as may be necessary for the effective performance of the

functions of the Board.

(c) ADDITIONAL SUPPORT–Upon the request of the Chairman, the

Board may secure directly from the head of any department or agency of

the United States information necessary to enable it to carry out this title.

(d) MAILS–The Board may use the United States mails in the same

manner and under the same conditions as other departments and agencies

of the United States.

(e) EXPERTS AND CONSULTANTS–Subject to such rules as may

be prescribed by the Board, the Chairman may procure temporary and

intermittent services under section 3109(b) of title 5 of the United States

Code, but at rates for individuals not to exceed the daily equivalent of the

maximum annual rate of basic pay payable for GS-18 of the General

Schedule.

Sec. 508. Report

42 USC 10268. The Board shall report not less than 2 times per year to Congress and

the Secretary its findings, conclusions, and recommendations. The first

such report shall be submitted not later than 12 months after the date of

the enactment of the Nuclear Waste Policy Amendments Act of 1987.

Sec. 509. Authorization of Appropriations

42 USC 10269. Notwithstanding subsection (d) of section 302, and subject to

subsection (e) of such section, there are authorized to be appropriated for

expenditures from amounts in the Waste Fund established in subsection

(c) of such section such sums as may be necessary to carry out the

provisions of this title.
22Public Law 100-203 (101 Stat. 1330) (1987) Sec. 5051, added Title V.

23Note: This Act consists of Public Law 102–486 (106 Stat. 2776) enacted on October 24, 1992, and

generally appears in Title 42, United States Code.

Volume 1, Page 4–86

Sec. 510. Termination of the Board

42 USC 10270. The Board shall cease to exist not later than 1 year after the date on

which the Secretary begins disposal of high-level radioactive waste or

spent nuclear fuel in a repository.22

23

B. ENERGY POLICY ACT OF 1992

TITLE VIII – HIGH–LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTE

Sec. 801. Nuclear Waste Disposal

(a) ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY STANDARDS–

(1) PROMULGATION–Notwithstanding the provisions of

section 121(a) of the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 (42 USC

10141(a)), section 161b. of the Atomic Energy Act of 1994 (42 USC

2201(b)), and any other authority of the Administrator of the

Environmental Protection Agency to set generally applicable standards

for the Yucca Mountain site, the Administrator shall, based upon and

consistent with the findings and recommendations of the National

Academy of Sciences, promulgate, by rule, public health and safety

standards for protection of the public from releases from radioactive

materials stored or disposed of in the repository at the Yucca

Mountain site. Such standards shall prescribe the maximum annual

effective dose equivalent to individual members of the public from

releases to the accessible environment from radioactive materials

stored or disposed of in the repository. The standards shall be

promulgated not later than 1 year after the Administrator receives the

findings and recommendations of the National Academy of Sciences

under paragraph (2) and shall be the only such standards applicable to

the Yucca Mountain site.

(2) STUDY BY NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES–

Within 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the

Administrator shall contract with the National Academy of Sciences to

conduct a study to provide, by not later than December 31, 1993,

findings and recommendations on reasonable standards for protection

of the public health and safety, including –

(A) whether a health-based standard based upon doses to

individual members of the public from releases to the accessible

environment (as that term is defined in the regulations contained in

subpart B of part 191 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations, as

in effect on November 18, 1985) will provide a reasonable

standard for protection of the health and safety of the general

public.

(B) whether it is reasonable to assume that a system for

post-closure oversight of the repository can be developed, based

upon active institutional controls, that will prevent an unreasonable

risk of breaching the repository's engineered or geologic barriers or

increasing the exposure of individual members of the public to

radiation beyond allowable limits; and
Volume 1, Page 4–87

(C) whether it is possible to make scientifically supportable

predictions of the probability that the repository's engineered or

geologic barriers will be breached as a result of human intrusion

over a period of 10,000 years.

(3) APPLICABILITY–The provisions of this section shall apply

to the Yucca Mountain site, rather than any other authority of the

Administrator to set generally applicable standards for radiation

protection.

(b) NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION REQUIREMENTS

AND CRITERIA.–

(1) MODIFICATIONS–Not later than 1 year after the

Administrator promulgates standards under subsection (a0, the

Nuclear Regulatory Commission shall, by rule, modify its technical

requirements and criteria under section 121(b) of the nuclear Waste

Policy Act of 1982 942 USC 10141(b)), as necessary, to be consistent

with the Administrator's standards promulgated under subsection (a).

(2) REQUIRED ASSUMPTIONS–The Commission's

requirements and criteria shall assume, to the extent consistent with

the findings and recommendations of the National Academy of

Sciences, that, following repository closure, the inclusion of

engineered barriers and the Secretary's post-closure, oversight of the

Yucca Mountain site, in accordance with the subsection (c), shall be

sufficient to–

(A) prevent any activity at the site that poses an unreasonable

risk of breaching the repository's engineered or geologic barriers;

and

(B) prevent any increase in the exposure of individual

members of the public to radiation beyond allowable limits.

(c) POST-CLOSURE OVERSIGHT–Following repository closure,

the Secretary of Energy shall continue to oversee the Yucca Mountain site

to prevent any activity at the site that poses an unreasonable risk of–

(1) breaching the repository's engineered or geologic barriers; or

(2) increasing the exposure of individual members of the public to

radiation beyond allowable limits.

Sec. 803. Nuclear Waste Management Plan

(a) PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION OF REPORT–The

Secretary of Energy, in consultation with the Nuclear Regulatory

Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency, shall prepare and

submit to the Congress a report on whether current programs and plans

for management of nuclear waste as mandated by the Nuclear Waste

Policy Act of 1982 (42 USC 10101 et seq.) are adequate for management

of any additional volumes or categories of nuclear waste that might be

generated by any new nuclear power plants that might be constructed and

licensed after the date of the enactment of this Act. The Secretary shall

prepare the report for submission to the President and the Congress within

1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act. The report shall

examine any new relevant issues related to management of spent nuclear

fuel and high-level radioactive waste that might be raised by the addition

of new nuclear-generated electric capacity, including anticipated

increased volumes of spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive waste,

any need for additional interim storage capacity prior to final disposal,
Volume 1, Page 4–88

transportation of additional volumes of waste, and any need for additional

repositories for deep geologic disposal.

(b) OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC COMMENT–In preparation of

the report required under subsection (a), the Secretary of Energy shall

offer members of the public an opportunity to provide information and

comment and shall solicit the views of the Nuclear Regulatory

Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency, and other interested

parties.

(c) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS–There are

authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out

this section.
Volume 1, Page 5–1

A. URANIUM MILL TAILINGS RADIATION CONTROL

ACT OF 1978, AS AMENDED

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE 42 USC

Sec.

Sec. 1. Short Title and Table of Contents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–3 7901

Sec. 2. Findings and Purposes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–3 7901

TITLE I

REMEDIAL ACTION PROGRAM

Sec. 101. Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–3 7911

Sec. 102. Designation of Processing Sites. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–4 7912

Sec. 103. State Cooperative Agreements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–7 7913

Sec. 104. Acquisition and Disposition of Lands and Materials. . . . . . . 5–8 7914

Sec. 105. Indian Tribe Cooperative Agreements. ................ 5–10 7915

Sec. 106. Acquisition of Lands by Secretary. ................... 5–11 7916

Sec. 107. Financial Assistance. .............................. 5–12 7917

Sec. 108. Remedial Action. ................................. 5–12 7918

Sec. 109. Rules .......................................... 5–13 7919

Sec. 110. Enforcement. .................................... 5–13 7920

Sec. 111. Public Participation. .............................. 5–14 7921

Sec. 112. Termination: authorization. ......................... 5–14 7922

Sec. 113. Limitation. ...................................... 5–14 7923

Sec. 114. Reports to Congress. .............................. 5–15 7924

Sec. 115. Active Operations: Liability For Remedial Action. ...... 5–16 2011

TITLE II

URANIUM MILL TAILINGS LICENSING AND REGULATION

Sec. 201. Definition. ...................................... 5–16 2014

Sec. 202. Custody of Disposal Site. .......................... 5–16 2111

Sec. 203. Authority to Establish Certain Requirements. ........... 5–19 2201

Sec. 204. Cooperation With States. ........................... 5–19 2021

Sec. 205. Authorities of Commission Respecting Certain Byproduct 

Material. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–22 2111

Sec. 206. Authority of Environmental Protection Agency Respecting 

Certain Byproduct Material. ..................... 5–23 2021

Sec. 207. Authorization of Appropriation For Grants. ............ 5–25 2014

Sec. 208. Effective Date. ................................... 5–25 2014

Sec. 209. Consolidation of Licenses And Procedures. ............ 5–25 2011

TITLE III

STUDY AND DESIGNATION OF TWO MILL TAILINGS SITES

IN NEW MEXICO

Sec. 301. Study. ......................................... .5–25 2021

Sec. 302. Designation by Secretary. .......................... 5–26 7942
Volume 1, Page 5–2

B. PERTINENT PROVISIONS OF THE

ENERGY POLICY ACT OF 1992

* * * * *

PAGE 42 USC

Sec.

TITLE X

REMEDIAL ACTION AND URANIUM REVITALIZATION

Subtitle A – Remedial Action at Active Processing Sites

Sec. 1001. Remedial Action Program .......................... 5–27 2296a

Sec. 1002. Regulations ..................................... 5–28 2296a-1

Sec. 1003. Authorization of Appropriations ..................... 5–28 2296a-2

Sec. 1004. Definitions ...................................... 5–29 2296a-3

Subtitle B–Uranium Revitalization

Sec. 1011. Overfeed Program ................................ 5–29 2296b

Sec. 1012. National Strategic Uranium Reserve .................. 5–30 2296b-1

Sec. 1013. Sale of Remaining Doe Inventories ................... 5–30 2296b-2

Sec. 1014. Responsibility For The Industry ..................... 5–30 2296b-3

Sec. 1015. Annual Uranium Purchase Reports ................... 5–30 2296b-4

Sec. 1016. Uranium Inventory Study .......................... 5–31 2296b-5

Sec. 1017. Regulatory Treatment of Uranium Purchases ........... 5–31 2296b-6

Sec. 1018. Definitions ...................................... 5–32 2296b-7

C. NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION FISCAL YEAR 2001

Sec. 3401 Remedial Action at MOAB Site ..................... 5–33
Volume 1, Page 5–3

A. URANIUM MILL TAILINGS RADIATION CONTROL

ACT OF 1978, AS AMENDED

Public Law 95-604 92 Stat. 3021

November 8, 1978

An Act

Sec. 1. Short Title and Table of Contents

This Act may be cited as the “Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation

Control Act of 1978.” (TOC not duplicated here.)

Sec. 2. Findings and Purposes

42 USC 7901. (a) The Congress finds that uranium mill tailings located at active and

inactive mill operations may pose a potential and significant radiation

health hazard to the public, and that the protection of the public health,

safety, and welfare and the regulation of interstate commerce require that

every reasonable effort be made to provide for the stabilization, disposal,

and control in a safe and environmentally sound manner of such tailings

in order to prevent or minimize radon diffusion into the environment and

to prevent or minimize other environmental hazards from such tailings.

(b) The purposes of this Act are to provide–

(1) in cooperation with the interested States, Indian tribes, and the

persons who own or control inactive mill tailings sites, a program of

assessment and remedial action at such sites, including, where

appropriate, the reprocessing of tailings to extract residual uranium

and other mineral values where practicable, in order to stabilize and

control such tailings in a safe and environmentally sound manner and

to minimize or eliminate radiation health hazards to the public, and

(2) a program to regulate mill tailings during uranium or thorium

ore processing at active mill operations and after termination of such

operations in order to stabilize and control such tailings in a safe and

environmentally sound manner and to minimize or eliminate radiation

health hazards to the public.

TITLE I–REMEDIAL ACTION PROGRAM

Sec. 101. Definitions

42 USC 7911. For purposes of this title–

(1) The term “Secretary” means the Secretary of Energy.

(2) The term “Commission” means the Nuclear Regulatory

Commission.

(3) The term “Administrator” means the Administrator of the

Environmental Protection Agency.

(4) The term “Indian tribe” means any tribe, band, clan, group,

pueblo, or community of Indians recognized as eligible for services

provided by the Secretary of the Interior to Indians.

(5) The term “person” means any individual association,

partnership, corporation, firm, joint venture, trust, government entity,

and any other entity, except that such term does not include any Indian

or Indian tribe.
Volume 1, Page 5–4

(6) The term “processing site” means–

(A) any site, including the mill, containing residual radioactive

materials at which all or substantially all of the uranium was

produced for sale to any Federal agency prior to January 1, 1971

under a contract with any Federal agency, except in the case of a

site at or near Slick Rock, Colorado, unless–

(i) such site was owned or controlled as of January 1, 1978,

or is thereafter owned or controlled by any Federal agency, or

(ii) a license (issued by the Commission or its predecessor

agency under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 or by a State as

permitted under section 274 of such Act) for the production at

such site of any uranium or thorium product derived from ores

is in effect on January 1, 1978, or is issued or renewed after

such date; and

(B) any other real property or improvement thereon which–

(i) is in the vicinity of such site, and

42 USC 2011 note.

42 USC 2021.

(ii) is determined by the Secretary, in consultation with the

Commission, to be contaminated with residual radioactive

materials derived from such site.

Any ownership or control of an area by a Federal agency which is

acquired pursuant to a cooperative agreement under this title shall not be

treated as ownership or control by such agency for purposes of

subparagraph (A)(i). A license for the production of any uranium product

from residual radioactive materials shall not be treated as a license for

production from ores within the meaning of subparagraph (A)(ii) if such

production is in accordance with section 108(b).

(7) The term “residual radioactive material” means–

(A) waste (which the Secretary determines to be radioactive) in

the form of tailings resulting from the processing of ores for the

extraction of uranium and other valuable constituents of the ores;

and

(B) other waste (which the Secretary determines to be

radioactive) at a processing site which relate to such processing,

including any residual stock of unprocessed ores or low-grade

materials.

(8) The term “tailings” means the remaining portion of a

metal-bearing ore after some or all of such metal, such as uranium, has

been extracted.

(9) The term “Federal agency” includes any executive agency as

defined in section 105 of title 5 of the United States Code.

(10) The term “United States” means the 48 contiguous States and

Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, and the

territories and possessions of the United States.

Sec. 102. Designation of Processing Sites

42 USC 7912. (a)(1) As soon as practicable, but no later than one year after

enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall designate processing sites at or

near the following locations:

Salt Lake City, Utah

Green River, Utah

Mexican Hat, Utah

Durango, Colorado

Grand Junction, Colorado
Volume 1, Page 5–5

Rifle, Colorado (two sites)

Gunnison, Colorado

Naturita, Colorado

Maybell, Colorado

Slick Rock, Colorado (two sites)

Shiprock, New Mexico

Ambrosia Lake, New Mexico

Riverton, Wyoming

Converse County, Wyoming

Lakeview, Oregon

Falls City, Texas

Tuba City, Arizona

Monument Valley, Arizona

Lowman, Idaho

Canonsburg, Pennsylvania

Remedial action. Subject to the provisions of this title, the Secretary shall complete

remedial action at the above listed sites before his authority terminates

under this title. The Secretary shall within one year of the date of

enactment of this Act also designate all other processing sites within the

United States which he determines requires remedial action to carry out

the purposes of this title. In making such designation, the Secretary shall

consult with the Administrator, the Commission, and the affected States,

and in the case of Indian lands, the appropriate Indian tribe and the

Secretary of the Interior.

(2) As part of his designation under this subsection, the Secretary,

in consultation with the Commission, shall determine the boundaries

of each such site.

86 Stat. 222. (3) No site or structure with respect to which remedial action is

authorized under Public Law 92-314 in Grand Junction, Colorado,

may be designated by the Secretary as a processing site under this

section.

Health hazard

assessment.

(b) Within one year from the date of the enactment of this Act, the

Secretary shall assess the potential health hazard to the public from the

residual radioactive materials at designated processing sites. Based upon

such assessment, the secretary shall, within such one year period,

establish priorities for carrying out remedial action at each such site. In

establishing such priorities, the Secretary shall rely primarily on the

advice of the Administrator.

Notification. (c) Within thirty days after making designations of processing sites

and establishing the priorities for such sites under this section, the

Secretary shall notify the Governor of each affected State, and where

appropriate, the Indian tribes and the Secretary of the Interior.

(d) The designations made, and priorities established, by the Secretary

under this section shall be final and not be subject to judicial review.

(e)(1) The designation of processing sites within one year after

enactment under this section shall include, to the maximum extent

practicable, the areas referred to in section 101(6)(B).

(2) Notwithstanding the one year limitation contained in this

section, the Secretary may, after such one year period, include any

areas described in section 101(6)(B) as part of a processing site

designated under this section if he determines such inclusion to be

appropriate to carry out the purposes of this title.
1

As amended, Public Law 106-398, sec. 1, (114 Stat. 1654), October 30, 2000.

Volume 1, Page 5–6

42 USC 7911. (3) The Secretary shall designate as a processing site within the

meaning of section 101(6) any real property, or improvements thereon,

in Edgemont, South Dakota, that–

(A) is in the vicinity of the Tennessee Valley Authority

uranium mill site at Edgemont (but not including such site), and

(B) is determined by the Secretary to be contaminated with

residual radioactive materials.

(f)(1) DESIGNATION. Notwithstanding any other provision of law,

the Moab uranium milling site (referred to in this subsection as the “Moab

site”) located approximately three miles northwest of Moab, Utah, and

identified in the Final Environmental Impact Statement issued by the

Nuclear Regulatory Commission in March 1996 in conjunction with

Source Materials License No. SUA-917, is designated as a processing

site.

(2) APPLICABILITY. This title applies to the Moab site in the

same manner and to the same extent as to other processing sites

designated under subsection (a), except that–

(A) sections 103, 104(b), 107(a), 112(a), and 115(a) of this title

shall not apply; and

(B) a reference in this title to the date of the enactment of this

Act shall be treated as a reference to the date of the enactment of

this subsection [enacted October 30, 2000].

(3) REMEDIATION. Subject to the availability of appropriations

for this purpose, the Secretary shall conduct remediation at the Moab

site in a safe and environmentally sound manner that takes into

consideration the remedial action plan prepared pursuant to

section 3405(i) of the Strom Thurmond National Defense

Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999 (10 USC 7420 note; Public

Law 105-261, including–

(A) ground water restoration; and

(B) the removal, to a site in the State of Utah, for permanent

disposition and any necessary stabilization, of residual radioactive

material and other contaminated material from the Moab site and

the floodplain of the Colorado River.1

42 USC 7917. In making the designation under this paragraph, the Secretary shall

consult with the Administrator, the Commission and the State of South

Dakota. The provisions of this title shall apply to the site so designated in

the same manner and to the same extent as to the sites designated under

subsection (a) except that, in applying such provisions to such site, any

reference in this title to the date of enactment of this Act shall be treated

as a reference to the date of the enactment of this paragraph and in

determining the State share under section 107 of the costs of remedial

action, there shall be credited to the State, expenditures made by the State

prior to the date of the enactment of this paragraph which the Secretary
2

Public Law 97-415 (96 Stat. 2067)(1983), added (3) to sec. 102(e).

Volume 1, Page 5–7

determines would have been made by the State or the United States in

carrying out the requirements of this title.2

Sec. 103. State Cooperative Agreements

42 USC 7913. (a) After notifying a State of the designation referred to in section 102

of this title, the Secretary subject to section 113, is authorized to enter into

cooperative agreement with such State to perform remedial actions at each

designated processing site in such State (other than a site location on

Indian lands referred to in section 105). The Secretary shall, to the

greatest extent practicable, enter into such agreements and carry out such

remedial actions in accordance with the priorities established by him

under section 102. The Secretary shall commence preparations for

cooperative agreements with respect to each designated processing site as

promptly as practicable following the designation of each site.

Terms and

Conditions.

(b) Each cooperative agreement under this section shall contain such

terms and conditions as the Secretary deems appropriate and consistent

with the purposes of this Act, including, but not limited to, a limitation on

the use of Federal assistance to those costs which are directly required to

complete the remedial action selected pursuant to section 108.

Written consent. (c)(1) Except where the State is required to acquire the processing site

as provided in subsection (a) of section 104, each cooperative agreement

with a State under section 103 shall provide that the State shall obtain, in

a form prescribed by the Secretary, written consent from any person

holding any record interest in the designated processing site for the

Secretary or any person designated by him to perform remedial action at

such site.

Waiver. (2) Such written consent shall include a waiver by each such

person on behalf of himself, herself, his heirs, successors, and

assigns–

(A) releasing the United States of any liability or claims thereof

by such person, his heirs, successors, and assigns concerning such

remedial action, and

(B) holding the United States harmless against any claim by

such person on behalf of himself, his heirs, successors, or assigns

arising out of the performance of any remedial action.

(d) Each cooperative agreement under this section shall require the

State to assure that the Secretary, the Commission, and the Administrator

and their authorized representatives have a permanent right of entry at any

time to inspect the processing site and the site provided pursuant to

section 104(b)(1) in furtherance of the provisions of this title and to carry

out such agreement and enforce this Act and any rules prescribed under

this Act. Such right of entry under this section or section 106 into an area

described in section 101(6)(B) shall terminate on completion of the

remedial action, as determined by the Secretary.

(e) Each agreement under this section shall take effect only upon the

concurrence of the Commission with the terms and conditions thereof.

(f) The Secretary may, in any cooperative agreement enter into this

section or section 105, provide for reimbursement of the actual costs, as

determined by the Secretary, of any remedial action performed with

respect to so much of a designated processing site as is described in

section 101(6)(B). Such reimbursement shall be made only to a property

owner of record at the time such remedial action was undertaken and only
Volume 1, Page 5–8

with respect to costs incurred by such property owner. No such

reimbursement may be made unless–

(1) such remedial action was completed prior to enactment of this

Act, and unless the application for such reimburse was filed by such

owner within one year after a agreement under this section or section

105 is approved by the Secretary and the Commission, and

Post, p. 3039. (2) the Secretary is satisfied that such action adequately achieves

the purposes of this Act with respect to the site concerned and is

consistent with the standards established by the Administrator

pursuant to section 275(a) of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954.

Sec. 104. Acquisition and Disposition of Lands and Materials

42 USC 7914. (a) Each cooperative agreement under section 103 shall require the

State where determined appropriate by the Secretary with the concurrence

of the Commission, to acquire any designated processing site, including

where appropriate any interest therein. In determining whether to require

the State to acquire a designated processing site or interest therein,

consideration shall be given to the prevention of windfall profits.

Residual

radioactive

material, removal.

(b)(1) If the Secretary with the concurrence of the Commission

determines that removal of residual radioactive material from a processing

site is appropriate, the cooperative agreement shall provide that the State

shall acquire land (including, where appropriate, any interest therein) to

be used as a site for the permanent disposition and stabilization of such

residual radioactive materials in a safe and environmentally sound

manner.

(2) Acquisition by the State shall not be required under this

subsection if a site located on land controlled by the Secretary or made

available by the Secretary of the Interior pursuant to section 106(a)(2)

is designated by the Secretary, with the concurrence of the

Commission, of such disposition and stabilization.

(c) No State shall be required under subsection (a) or (b) to acquire

any real property or improvement outside the boundaries of–

(1) that portion of the processing site which is described in

section 101(6)(A), and

(2) the site used for disposition of the residual radioactive

materials.

(d) In the case of each processing site designated under this title other

than a site designated on Indian land, the State shall take such action as

may be necessary, and pursuant to regulations of the Secretary under this

subsection, to assure that any person who purchases such a processing site

after the removal of radioactive materials from such site shall be notified

in any appropriate manner prior to such purchase, of the nature and extent

of residual radioactive materials removed from site, including notice of

the date when such action took place, and the condition of such site after

Notification. such action. If the State is the owner if such site, the State shall so notify

any prospective purchaser before entering into a contract, option or other

Rules and arrangement to sell or otherwise dispose of such site.

regulations.

 The Secretary shall

issue appropriate rules and regulations to require notice in the local land

records of the residual radioactive materials which were located at any

processing site and notice of the nature and extent of residual radioactive

materials removed from the site, including notice of the date when such

action took place.
Volume 1, Page 5–9

(e)(1) The terms and conditions of any cooperative agreement with a

State under section 103 shall provide that in the case of any lands or

interests therein acquired by the State pursuant to subsection (a), the

State, with the concurrence of the Secretary and the Commission, may–

(A) sell such lands and interests,

(B) permanently retain such land and interests in lands (or

donate such lands and interests therein to another governmental

entity within such State) for permanent use by such State or entity

solely for park, recreational, or other public purposes, or

(C) transfer such lands and interest to the United Sates as

provided in subsection (f).

No lands may be sold under subparagraph (A) without the consent of

the Secretary and the Commission. No site may be sold under

subparagraph (A) or retained under subparagraph (B) if such site is used

for the disposition of residual radioactive materials.

(2) Before offering for sale any lands and interests therein which

comprise a processing site, the State shall offer to sell such lands and

interests at their fair market value to the person from whom the State

acquired them.

(f)(1) Each agreement under section 103 shall provide that title to–

(A) the residual radioactive materials subject to the agreement,

and

(B) any lands and interests therein which have been acquired

by the State, under subsection (a) or (b), for the disposition of such

materials, shall be transferred by the State to the Secretary when

the Secretary (with the concurrence of the Commission)

determines that remedial action is completed in accordance with

the requirements imposed pursuant to this title. No payment shall

be made in connection with the transfer of such property from

fund appropriated for purposes of this Act other than payments for

any administrative and legal costs incurred in carrying out such

transfer.

(2) Custody of any property transferred to the United States under

this subsection shall be assumed by the Secretary or such Federal

agency as the President may designate. Notwithstanding any other

provision of law, upon completion of the remedial action program

authorized by this title, such property and minerals shall be maintained

pursuant to a license issued by the Commission in such manner as will

Post, p. 3039. protect the public health, safety, and the environment. The

Commission may, pursuant to such license or by rule or order, require

the Secretary or other Federal agency having custody of such property

and minerals to undertake such monitoring, maintenance, and

emergency measures necessary to protect public health and safety and

other actions as the Commission deems necessary to comply with the

standards of section 275(a) of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954. The

Secretary or such other Federal agency is authorized to carry out

maintenance, monitoring and emergency measures under this

subsection, but shall take no other action pursuant to such license, rule

or order with respect to such property and minerals unless expressly

authorized by Congress after the date of enactment of this Act. The

United States shall not transfer title to property or interest therein
Volume 1, Page 5–10

acquired under this subsection to any person or State, except as

provided in subsection (h).

(g) Each agreement under section 103 which permits any sale

described in subsection (e)(1)(A) shall provide for the prompt

reimbursement to the Secretary form the proceeds of such sale. Such

reimbursement shall be in an amount equal to the lesser of–

(1) that portion of the fair market value of the lands or interests

therein which bears the same ratio to such fair market value as the

Federal share of the costs of acquisition by the State to such lands or

interest therein bears to the total cost of such acquisition, or

(2) the total amount paid by the Secretary with respect to such

acquisition.

Fair market value. The fair market value of such lands or interest shall be determined by the

Secretary as of the date of the sale by the State. Any amounts received by

the Secretary under this title shall be deposited in the Treasury of the

United States as miscellaneous receipts.

(h) No provision of any agreement under section 103 shall prohibit the

Secretary of the Interior, with the concurrence of the Secretary of Energy

and the Commission, from disposing of any subsurface mineral rights by

sale or lease (in accordance with laws of the United States applicable to

the sale, lease, or other disposal of such rights) which are associated with

land on which residual radioactive materials are disposed and which are

transferred to the United States as required under this section if the

Secretary of the Interior takes such action as the Commission deems

necessary pursuant to a license issued by the Commission to assure that

the residual radioactive materials will not be disturbed by reason of any

activity carried on following such disposition. If any such materials are

disturbed by any such activity, the Secretary of the Interior shall insure,

prior to the disposition of the minerals, that such materials will be

restored to a safe and environmentally sound condition as determined by

the Commission, and that the costs of such restoration will be borne by

the person acquiring such rights from the Secretary of the Interior or from

his successor or assign.

Sec. 105. Indian Tribe Cooperative Agreements

42 USC 7915. (a) After notifying the Indian tribe of the designation pursuant to

section 102 of this title, the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary

of the Interior, is authorized to enter into a cooperative agreement, subject

to section 113, with any Indian tribe to perform remedial action at a

designated processing site located on land of such Indian tribe. The

Secretary shall, to the greatest extent practicable, enter into such

agreements and carry out such remedial actions in accordance with the

priorities established by him under section 102. In performing any

remedial action under this section and in carrying out any continued

monitoring or maintenance respecting residual radioactive materials

associated with any site subject to a cooperative agreement under this

section, the Secretary shall make full use of any qualified members of

Terms and Indian tribes resident in the vicinity of any such site.

conditions.

 Each such

agreement shall contain such terms and conditions as the Secretary deems

appropriate and consistent with the purpose of this Act. Such terms and

conditions shall require the following:

(1) The Indian tribe and any person holding any interest in such

land shall execute a waiver (A) releasing the United States of any
Volume 1, Page 5–11

liability or claim thereof by such tribe or person concerning such

remedial action and (B) holding the United States harmless against

any claim arising out of the performance of any such remedial action.

(2) The remedial action shall be selected and performed in

accordance with section 108 by the Secretary or such person as he

may designate.

(3) The Secretary, the Commission, and the Administrator and

their authorized representatives shall have a permanent right of entry

at any time to inspect such processing site in furtherance of the

provisions of this title, to carry out such agreement, and to enforce any

rules prescribed under this Act.

Each agreement under this section shall take effect only upon

concurrence of the Commission with the terms and conditions thereof.

(b) When the Secretary with the concurrence of the Commission

determines removal of residual radioactive materials from a processing

site on land described on subsection (a) to be appropriate, he shall

provide, consistent with other applicable provisions of law, a site or sites

for the permanent disposition and stabilization in a safe and

environmentally sound manner of such residual radioactive materials.

Such materials shall be transferred to the Secretary (without payment

therefor by the Secretary) and permanently retained and maintained by the

Secretary under the conditions established in a license issued by the

commission, subject to section 104(f)(2) and (h).

Sec. 106. Acquisition of Lands by Secretary

42 USC 7916.

Uranium Mill

Tailings Remedial

Action

Amendments Act

of 1988.

Where necessary or appropriate in order to consolidate in a safe and

environmentally sound manner the location of residual radioactive

materials which are removed from processing sites under cooperative

agreements under this title or where otherwise necessary for the

permanent disposition and stabilization of such materials in such manner–

42 USC 7901 note.

(1) the Secretary may acquire land and interest in land for such

purposes by purchase, donation, or under any other authority of law or

Public lands.

State listing.

(2) the Secretary of the Interior may transfer permanently to the

Secretary to carry out the purposes of this Act, public lands under the

jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management in the vicinity of

processing sites in the following counties:

(A) Apache County in the State of Arizona;

(B) Mesa, Gunnison, Moffat, Montrose, Garfield, and San

Miguel Counties in the State of Colorado;

(C) Boise County in the State of Idaho;

(D) Billings and Bowman Counties in the State of North

Dakota;

(E) Grand and San Juan Counties in the State of Utah;

(F) Converse and Frement Counties in the State of Wyoming;

and

(G) Any other county in the vicinity of a processing site, if no

site in the county in which a processing site is located is suitable.

Any permanent transfer of lands under the jurisdiction of the Bureau

of Land Management by the Secretary of the Interior to the Secretary shall

not take place until the Secretary complies with the requirements of the

National Environmental Policy Act (42 USC 4321 et seq.) with respect to

the selection of a site for the permanent disposition and stabilization of

residual radioactive materials. Section 204 of the Federal Land Policy and
3

Public Law 100-616 (102 Stat. 3192) amended sec. 106(2).

4

Public Law 97-415 (96 Stat. 2067) (1983 sec. 18 repealed second sentence of sec. 108(a)(2), which read:

No such remedial action may be undertaken under this section before the promulgation

by the Administrator of such standards.

Volume 1, Page 5–12

Management Act (43 USC 1714) shall not apply to this transfer of

jurisdiction. Prior to acquisition of land under paragraph (1) or (2) of this

subsection in any State, the Secretary shall consult with the Governor of

such State. No lands may be acquired under such paragraph (1) or (2) in

any State in which there is no (1) processing site designated under this

title or (2) active uranium mill operation, unless the Secretary has

obtained the consent of the Governor of such State. No lands controlled

by any Federal agency may be transferred to the Secretary to carry out the 

purposes of this Act without the Concurrence of the chief administrative

officer of such agency.3

Sec. 107. Financial Assistance

42 USC 7917. (a) In the case of any designated processing site for which an

agreement is executed with any State for remedial action at such site, the

Secretary shall pay 90 per centum of the actual cost of such remedial

action, including the actual costs of acquiring such site (and any interest

therein) or any disposition site (and any interest therein pursuant to

section 103 of this title, and the State shall pay the remainder of such

costs from non-Federal funds. The Secretary shall not pay the

administrative costs incurred by any State to develop, prepare, and carry

out any cooperative agreement executed with such State under this title,

except the proportionate share of the administrative costs associated with

the acquisition of lands and interests therein acquired by the State

pursuant to this title.

(b) In the case of any designated processing site located on Indian

lands, the Secretary shall pay the entire cost of such remedial action.

Sec. 108. Remedial Action

42 USC 7918.

Post, p. 3039.

(a)(1) The Secretary or such person as he may designate shall select

and perform remedial actions at designated processing sites and disposal

sites in accordance with the general standards prescribed by the

Administrator pursuant to section 275a. of the Atomic Energy Act of

1954. The State shall participate fully in the selection and performance of

a remedial action for which it pays part of the cost. Such remedial action

shall be selected and performed with the concurrence of the Commission

and in consultation, as appropriate, with the Indian tribe and the Secretary

of the Interior.

(2) The Secretary shall use technology in performing such

remedial action as will insure compliance with the general standards

promulgated by the Administrator under section 275a. of the Atomic

Energy Act of 1954 and will assure the safe and environmentally

sound stabilization of residual radioactive materials, consistent with

existing law.4

Ante, p. 2077; Post,

p. 2080.

(3) Notwithstanding paragraph (1) and (2) of this subsection, after

October 31, 1982, if the Administrator has not promulgated standards

under section 275a. of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 in final form by

such date, remedial action taken by the Secretary under this title shall

comply with standards proposed by the Administrator under such
5

Public Law 97-415 (96 Stat. 2067)(1983) sec. 18 added new paragraph (3) to sec. 108(a).

Volume 1, Page 5–13

section 275a. until such time as the Administrator promulgates the

standards in final form.5

Evaluation. (b) Prior to undertaking any remedial action at a designated site

pursuant to this title, the Secretary shall request expressions of interest

from private parties regarding the remilling of the residual radioactive

materials at the site and, upon receipt of any expression of interest, the

Secretary shall evaluate among other things the mineral concentration of

the residual radioactive materials at each designated processing site to

determine whether, as a part if any remedial action program, recovery of

such minerals is practicable. The Secretary, with the concurrence of the

Commission, may permit the recovery of such minerals, under such terms

and conditions as he may prescribe to carry out the purposes of this title.

No such recovery shall be permitted unless such recovery is consistent

with remedial action. Any person permitted by the Secretary to recover

such mineral shall pay to the Secretary a share of the net profits derived

from such recovery, as determined by the Secretary. Such share shall not

exceed the total amount paid by the Secretary for carrying out remedial

action at such designated site. After payment of such share to the United

States under this subsection, such person shall pay to the State in which

the residual radioactive materials are located a share of the net profits

derived from such recovery, as determined by the Secretary. The person

42 USC 2021. recovering such minerals shall bear all cost of such recovery. Any person

carrying out mineral recovery activities under this paragraph shall be

required to obtain any necessary license under the Atomic Energy Act of

1954 or under State law as permitted under section 274 of such Act.

Sec. 109. Rules

42 USC 7919. The Secretary may prescribe such rules consistent with the purposes

of this Act as he deems appropriate pursuant to title V of the Department

of Energy Organization Act.

Sec. 110. Enforcement

42 USC 7920. (a)(1) Any person who violates any provision of this title or any

cooperative agreement entered into pursuant to this title or any rule

prescribed under this Act concerning any designated processing site,

disposition site, or remedial action shall be subject to an assessment by

the Secretary of a civil penalty of not more than $1,000 per day per

Notice, hearing violation.

opportunity.

 Such assessment shall be made by order after notice and an

opportunity for a public hearing, pursuant to section 554 of title 5, United

States Code.

(2) Any person against whom a penalty is assessed under this

section may, within sixty calendar days after the date of the order of

the Secretary assessing such penalty, institute an action in the United

States court of appeals for the appropriate judicial circuit for judicial

review of such order in accordance with chapter 7 of title 5, United

5 USC 500 et seq. States Code.

Jurisdiction.

 The court shall have jurisdiction to enter a judgment

affirming, modifying, or setting aside in whole or in part, the order of

the Secretary, or the court may remand the proceeding to the Secretary

for such further action as the court may direct.

(3) If any person fails to pay an assessment of a civil penalty after

it has become a final and unappealable order, the Secretary shall

institute an action to recover the amount of such penalty in any

appropriate district court of the United States. In such action, the 
6

Public Law 100-616, sec. 3, (102 Stat. 3192), Nov. 5, 1988; Public Law 102-486, Title X, Subtitle C,

sec. 1031, (106 Stat. 2951), Oct. 24, 1992; Public Law 104-259, sec. 2 (110 Stat. 3173), Oct. 9, 1996.

Volume 1, Page 5–14

42 USC 7172.

 validity and appropriateness of such final assessment order or

judgment shall not be subject to review. Section 402(d) of the

Department of Energy Organization Act shall not apply with respect to

the functions of the Secretary under this section.

(4) No civil penalty may be assessed against the United States or

any State or political subdivision of a State or any official or employee

of the foregoing.

(5) Nothing in this section shall prevent the Secretary from

enforcing any provision of this title or any cooperative agreement or

any such rule by injunction or other equitable remedy.

42 USC 2011 note. (b) Subsection (a) shall not apply to any license requirement under the

Atomic Energy Act of 1954. Such licensing requirements shall be forced

by the Commission as provided in such Act.

Sec. 111. Public Participation

42 USC 7921. In carrying out the provisions of this title, including the designation of

processing sites, establishing priorities for such sites, the selection of

remedial actions, and the execution of cooperative agreements, the

Secretary, the Administrator, and the Commission shall encourage public

participation and, where appropriate, the Secretary shall hold public

hearings relative to such matters in the State where processing sites and

disposal sites are located.

Sec. 112. Termination: Authorization

42 USC 7922.

Water.

(a)(1) The authority of the Secretary to perform remedial action under

this title shall terminate on September 30, 1998, except that–

(A) the authority of the Secretary to perform groundwater

restoration activities under this subchapter is without limitation,

and

(B) the Secretary may continue operation of the disposal site in

Mesa County, Colorado (known as the Cheney disposal cell) for

receiving and disposing of residual radioactive material from

processing sites and of byproduct material from property in the

vicinity of the uranium milling site located in Monticello, Utah,

until the Cheney disposal cell has been filled to the capacity for

which is was designed, or September 30, 2023, whichever comes

first.

(2) For purposes of this subsection, the term ‘byproduct

material’ has the meaning given that term in section lle.(2) of the

Atomic Energy Act of l954 (42 U.S.C. 2014(e)(2)).

(b) The amounts authorized to be appropriated to carry out the

purposes of this subchapter by the Secretary, the Administrator, the

Commission, and the Secretary of the Interior shall not exceed such

amounts as are established in annual authorization Acts for fiscal year

1979 and each fiscal year thereafter applicable to the Department of

Energy. Any sums appropriated for the purposes of this title shall be

available until expended.6

Sec. 113. Limitation

42 USC 7923. The authority under this title to enter into contacts or other obligations

requiring the United States to make outlays may be exercised only to the

extent provided in advance in annual authorization and appropriation

Acts.
Volume 1, Page 5–15

Sec. 114. Reports to Congress

42 USC 7924. (a) Beginning on January 1, 1980, and each year thereafter until

January 1, 1986, the Secretary shall submit a report to the Congress with

respect to the status of the actions required to be taken by the Secretary,

the Commission, the Secretary of the Interior, the Administrator, and the

States and Indian tribes under this Act and any amendments to other laws

made by this Act. Each report shall–

(1) include data on the actual and estimated costs of the program

authorized by this title;

(2) described the extent of participation by the States and Indian

tribe in this program;

(3) evaluate the effectiveness of remedial actions, and describe

any problems associated with the performance of such actions; and

(4) contain such other information as may be appropriate.

Such report shall be prepared in consultation with the Commission,

the Secretary of the Interior, and the Administrator and shall contain their

separate views, comments, and recommendations, if any. The

Commission shall submit to the Secretary and Congress such portion of

the report under this subsection as relates to the authorities of the

Commission under title II of this Act.

(b) Not later than July 1, 1979, the Secretary shall provide a report to

the Congress which identifies all sites located on public or acquired lands

of the United States containing residual radioactive materials and other

radioactive materials and other radioactive waste (other than waste

resulting from the production of electric energy) and specifies which

Federal agency has jurisdiction over such sites. The report shall include

the identity of property and other structures in the vicinity of such site that

are contaminated or may be contaminated by such materials and actions

planned or taken to remove such materials. The report shall describe in

what manner such sites are adequately stabilized and otherwise controlled

to prevent radon diffusion from such sites into the environment and other

environmental harm. If any site is not so stabilized or controlled, the

report shall describe the remedial actions planned for such site and the

time frame for performing such actions. In preparing the reports under

this section, the Secretary shall avoid duplication of previous or ongoing

studies and shall utilize all information available from other departments

and agencies of the United States respecting the subject matter of such

Cooperation. report. Such agencies shall cooperate with the Secretary in the

preparation of such report and furnish such information as available to

them and necessary for such reports.

(c) Not later than January 1, 1980, the Administrator, in consultation

with the Commission, shall provide a report to the Congress which

identifies the location and potential health, safety, and environmental

hazards of uranium mine wastes together with recommendations, if any,

for a program to eliminate these hazards.

(d) Copies of the reports required by this section to be submitted to the

Congress shall be separately submitted to the Committees on Interior and

Insular Affairs and on Interstate and Foreign Commerce of the House of

Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of

the Senate.

(e) The Commission, in cooperation with the Secretary, shall ensure

that any relevant information, other than trade secrets and other
Volume 1, Page 5–16

proprietary information otherwise exempted from mandatory disclosure

under any other provision of law, obtained from the conduct of each of

the remedial actions authorized by this title and the subsequent perpetual

care of those residual radioactive materials is documented systematically,

and made publicly available conveniently for use.

Sec. 115. Active Operations: Liability for Remedial Action

42 USC 2011 note.

42 USC 7925.

(a) No amount may be expended under this title with respect to any

site licensed by the Commission under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 or

by a State as permitted under section 274 of such Act at which production

of any uranium product from ores (other than from residual radioactive

materials) takes place.

42 USC 2021.

Study.

(b) In the case of each processing site designated under this title, the

Attorney General shall conduct a study to determine the identity and legal

responsibility which any person (other than the United States, a State, or

Indian tribe) who owned or operated or controlled (as determined by the

Attorney General) such site before the date of the enactment of this Act

may have under any law or rule of law for reclamation or other remedial

action with respect to such site. The Attorney General shall publish the

results of such study, and provide copies thereof to the Congress, as

promptly as practicable following the date of the enactment of this Act.

The Attorney General, based on such study, shall, to the extent he deems

it appropriate and in the public interest, take such action under any

provision of law in effect when uranium was produced at such site to

require payment by such person of all or any part of the costs incurred by

the United States for such remedial action for which he determines such

person is liable.

TITLE II–URANIUM MILL TAILINGS LICENSING AND

REGULATION

Sec. 201. Definition

42 USC 2014. Section 11e. of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, is amended to read as

follows:

Byproduct material. e. The term “byproduct material” means (1) any radioactive material

(except special nuclear material) yielded in or made radioactive by

exposure to the radiation incident to the process of producing or utilizing

special nuclear material, and (2) the tailings or wastes produced by the

extraction or concentration of uranium or thorium from any ore processed

primarily for its source material content.

Sec. 202. Custody of Disposal Site

42 USC 2111 et

seq.

(a) Chapter 8 Of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, is amended by

adding the following new section at the end thereof:

42 USC 2113. Sec. 83. Ownership And Custody Of Certain By-product Material

And Disposal Sites.–

42 USC 2002.

42 USC 2014.

42 USC 2111.

a. Any license issued or renewed after the effective date of this section

under section 62 or section 81 for any activity which results in the

production of any byproduct materials, as defined in section 11e.(2), shall

contain such terms and conditions as the commission determines to be

necessary to assure that, prior to termination of such license–

(1) the licensee will comply with decontamination,

decommissioning, and reclamation standards prescribed by the

Commission for sites (A) at which ores were processed primarily for
Volume 1, Page 5–17

their source material content and (B) at which such byproduct material

is deposited, and

42 USC 2014. (2) ownership of any byproduct material, as defined in

section 11e.(2), which resulted from such licensed activity shall be

transferred to (A) the United States or (B) in the State in which such

activity occurred if such State exercises the option under subsection b.

(1) to acquire land used for the disposal of byproduct material.

Any license in effect on the date of the enactment of this section shall

either contain such terms and conditions on renewal thereof after the

effective date of this section, or comply with paragraphs (1) and (2) upon

the termination of such license, whichever first occurs.

Rule, regulation or

order.

(b)(1)(A) The Commission shall require by rule, regulation, or order

that prior to the termination of any license which is issued after the

effective date of this section, title to the land, including any interests

therein (other than land owned by the United States or by a State) which

is used for the disposal of any byproduct material, as defined by section

11e.(2), pursuant to such license shall be transferred to–

(A) the United States, or

(B) the State in which such land is located, at the option of

such State.

(2) Unless the Commission determines prior to such termination

that transfer of title to such land and such byproduct material is not

necessary or desirable to protect the public health, safety, or welfare

or to minimize or eliminate danger to life or property. Such

determination shall be made in accordance with section 181 of this

Act. Notwithstanding any other provision of law or any such

determination, such property and materials shall be maintained

pursuant to a license issued by the Commission pursuant to section

84(b) in such manner as will protect the public health, safety, and the

environment.

(B) If the Commission determines by order that use of the

surface or subsurface estates, or both, of the land transferred to the

United States or to a State under subparagraph (A) would not

endanger the public health, safety, welfare, or environment, the

Commission, pursuant to such regulations as it may prescribe,

shall permit the use of the surface or subsurface estates, or both, of

such land in a manner consistent with the provisions of this

section. If the Commission permits such use of such land, it shall

provide the person who transferred such land with the right of first

refusal with respect to such use of such land.

(2) If the transfer to the United States of title to such by-product

material and such land is required under this section, the Secretary of

Energy or any Federal agency designated by the President shall,

follow the Commission’s determination of compliance under

subsection c., assume title and custody of such byproduct material and

land transferred as provided in this subsection. Such Secretary or

Federal agency shall maintain such material and land in such manner

as will protect the public health and safety and the environment. Such

custody may be transferred to another officer or instrumentality of the

United States only upon approval of the President.

(3) If transfer to a State of title to such byproduct material is

required in accordance with this subsection, such State shall,
Volume 1, Page 5–18

following the Commission’s determination of compliance under

subsection d., assume title and custody of such byproduct material and

land transferred as provided in this subsection. Such State shall

maintain such material and land in such manner as will protect the

public health, safety, and the environment.

42 USC 2092. (4) In the case of any such license under section 62, which was in

effect on the effective date of this section, the Commission may

require, before the termination of such license, such transfer of land

and interests therein (as described in paragraph (1) of this subsection)

to the United States or a State in which such land is located, at the

option of such State, as may be necessary to protect the public health,

wealth, and the environment from any effects associated with such

byproduct material. In exercising the authority of this paragraph, the

Commission shall take into consideration the status of the ownership

of such land and interests therein and the ability of the licensee to

transfer title and custody thereof to the United States or a State.

(5) The Commission may, pursuant to a license, or by rule or

order, require the Secretary or other Federal agency or State having

custody of such property and materials to undertake such monitoring,

maintenance, and emergency measures as are necessary to protect the

public health and safety and such other actions as the Commission

deems necessary to comply with the standards promulgated pursuant

Post, p. 3039. to section 84 of this Act. The Secretary or such other Federal agency

is authorized to carry out maintenance, monitoring, and emergency

measures, but shall take no other action pursuant to such license, rule

or order, with respect to such property and materials unless expressly

authorized by Congress after the date of enactment of this Act.

42 USC 2014. (6) The transfer of title to land or byproduct materials, as defined

in section 11e.(2), to a State or the United States pursuant to this

subsection shall not relieve any licensee of liability for any fraudulent

or negligent acts done prior to such transfer.

(7) Material and land transferred to the United States or a State in

accordance with this subsection shall be transferred without cost to the

United States or a State (other than administrative and legal costs

incurred in carrying out such transfer). Subject to the provisions of

paragraph (1)(B) of this subsection, the United States or a State shall

not transfer title to material or property acquired under this subsection

to any person, unless such transfer is in the same manner as provided

under section 104(h) of the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control

Act of 1978.

(8) The provisions of this subsection respecting transfer of title

and custody to land shall not apply in the case of lands held in trust by

the United States for any Indian tribe or lands owned by such Indian

tribe subject to a restriction against alienation imposed by the United

States. In the case of such lands which are used for the disposal of

byproduct material, as defined in section 11e.(2), the license shall be

required to enter into such arrangements with the Commission as may

be appropriate to assure the long-term maintenance and monitoring of

such lands by the United States.

c. Upon termination on any license to which this section applies, the

Commission shall determine whether or not the licensee has complied

with all applicable standards and requirements under such license.
Volume 1, Page 5–19

(b) this section shall be effective three years after the enactment of this

Act.

42 USC 2113 note.

Effective date.

(c) The table of contents for chapter 8 of the Atomic Energy Act of

1954, is amended by inserting the following new item after the item

relating to section 82: Sec. 83. Ownership and custody of certain

byproduct material and disposal sites.

Sec. 203. Authority to Establish Certain Requirements

42 USC 2201. Section 161 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, is amended, by adding

the following new subsection at the end thereof:

42 USC 2231. x. Establish by rule, regulation, or order, after public notice, and in

accordance with the requirements of section 181 of this Act, such

standards and instructions as the Commission may deem necessary or

desirable to ensure–

42 USC 2014. (1) that an adequate bond, surety, or other financial arrangement

(as determined by the Commission) will be provided before

termination of any license for byproduct material as defined in section

11e.(2), by a licensee to permit the completion of all requirements

established by the Commission for the decontamination,

decommissioning, and reclamation of sites, structures, and equipment

used in conjunction with byproduct material as so defined, and

(2) that–

(A) in the case of any such license issued or renewed after the

date of the enactment of this subsection, the need for long term

maintenance and monitoring of such sites, structures and

equipment after termination of such license will be minimized and,

to the maximum extent practicable, eliminated; and

(B) in the case of each license for such material (whether in

effect on the date of the enactment of this section or issued or

renewed thereafter), if the Commission determines that any such

long-term maintenance and monitoring is necessary, the licensee,

before termination of any license for byproduct material as defined

in section 11e.(2), will make available such bonding, surety, or

other financial arrangements as may be necessary to assure such

long-term maintenance and monitoring.

Such standards and instructions promulgated by the Commission,

pursuant to this subsection shall take into account, as determined by the

Commission, so as to avoid unnecessary duplication and expense,

performance bonds or other financial arrangements which are required by

other Federal agencies or State agencies and/or other local governing

bodies for such decommissioning, decontamination, and reclamation and

long-term maintenance and monitoring except that nothing in this

paragraph shall be construed to require that the Commission accept such

bonds or arrangements if the Commission determines that such bonds or

arrangements are not adequate to carry out subparagraphs (1) and (2) of

this subsection.

Sec. 204. Cooperation with States

42 USC 2021. (a) Section 274b. of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, is amended by

adding “as defined in section 11e.(1)” after the words “ byproduct

materials” in paragraph (1) by renumbering paragraphs (2) and (3) as

paragraph (3) and (4); and by inserting the following new paragraph

immediately after paragraph(1):
Volume 1, Page 5–20

 42 USC 2021. (2) byproduct materials as defined in section 11e.(2);

(b) Section 274d.(2) of such Act is amended by inserting the following

before the word “compatible”: “in accordance with the requirements of

subsection o. and in all other respects.”

Agreement. (c) Section 274n. of such Act is amended by adding the following new

sentence at the end thereof: “As used in this section, the term “agreement”

includes any amendment to any agreement.”

(d) Section 274j. of such Act is amended–

(1) by inserting “all or part of” after “suspend”;

(2) by inserting “(1)” after “finds that”; and

Review. (3) by adding at the end before the period the following: or (2) the

State has not complied with one or more of the requirements of this

section. The Commission shall periodically review such agreements

and actions taken by the States under the agreements to ensure

compliance with the provisions of this section.

(e)(1) Section 274 of such Act is amended by adding the following

new subsection at the end thereof:

o. In the licensing and regulation of byproduct material, as defined in

section 11e.(2) of this Act, or of any activity which results in the

production of byproduct material as so defined under an agreement

entered into pursuant to subsection b., a State shall require–

(1) compliance with the requirements of subsection b. of section 83

(respecting ownership of byproduct material and land), and

Ante, p. 3033.

Post, p. 3039.

(2) compliance with standards which shall be adopted by the State

for the protection of the public health, safety, and the environment

from hazards associated with such material which are equivalent, to

the extent practicable, or more stringent than, standards adopted and

enforced by the Commission for the same purpose, including

requirements and standards promulgated by the Commission and the

Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency pursuant to

section 83, 84, and 275, and

(3) procedures which–

(A) in the case of licenses, provide procedures under State law

which include–

(i) an opportunity, after public notice, for written comments

and a public hearing, with a transcript,

(ii) an opportunity for cross examination, and

(iii) a written determination which is based upon findings

included in such determination and upon the evidence presented

during the public comment period and which is subject to

judicial review;

(B) in the case of rulemaking, provide an opportunity for public

participation through written comments or a public hearing and

provide for judicial review of the rule;

(C) require for each license which has a significant impact on

the human environment a written analysis (which shall be available

to the public before the commencement of any such proceedings)

of the impact of such licenses, including any activities conducted

pursuant thereto, on the environment, which analysis shall include–

(i) an assessment of the radiological and nonradiological

impacts to the public health of the activities to be conducted

pursuant to such license;
7

Public Law 96-106 (93 Stat. 800) (1979), sec. 22(d) amends sec. 204(e) by adding new paragraph (2)

Volume 1, Page 5–21

(ii) an assessment of any impact on any waterway and

groundwater resulting from such activities;

(iii) consideration of alternatives, including alternative sites

and engineering methods, to the activities to be conducted

pursuant to such license; and

(iv) consideration of the long-term impacts, including

decommissioning, decontamination, and reclamation impacts,

associated with activities to be conducted pursuant to such

license, including the management of any byproduct material,

as defined by section 11e.(2); and

(D) prohibit any major construction activities with respect to

such material prior to complying with the provisions of

subparagraph (C).

Ante, p. 3033. If any State under such agreement imposes upon any licensee any

requirement for the payment of funds to such State for the reclamation or

long-term maintenance and monitoring of such material and if transfer to

the United States of such material is required in accordance with

section 83b. of this Act, such agreement shall be amended by the

Commission to provide that such State shall transfer to the United States

upon termination of the license issued to such licensee the total amount

collected by such State from such licensee for such purpose. If such

payments are required, they must be sufficient to ensure compliance with

the standards established by the Commission pursuant to section 161x. of

42 USC 2201. this Act. No State shall be required under paragraph (3) to conduct

proceedings concerning any license or regulation which would duplicate

proceedings conducted by the Commission.

42 USC 2021 note.

92 Stat. 3037.

(2) The provisions of the amendment made by paragraph (1) of this

subsection (which adds a new subsection o. to section 274 of the

Atomic Energy Act of 1954) shall apply only to the maximum extent

practicable during the three-year period beginning on the date of the

enactment of this Act.7

42 USC 2021. (f) Section 274c. of such Act is amended by inserting the following

42 USC 2014. new sentence after paragraph (4) thereof: The Commission shall also

retain authority under any such agreement to make a determination that all

applicable standards and requirements have been met prior to termination

of a license for byproduct material, as defined in section 11e.(2).

42 USC 2021 note. (g) Nothing in any amendment made by this section shall preclude any

State from exercising any other authority permitted under the Atomic

Energy Act of 1954 respecting any byproduct material, as defined in

section 11e.(2) of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954.

42 USC 2014.

42 USC 2021.

92 Stat. 3033.

(h)(1) During the three-year period beginning on the date of the

enactment of this Act, notwithstanding any other provision of this title,

any State may exercise any authority under State law (including authority

exercised pursuant to an agreement entered into pursuant to section 274

of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954) respecting (A) byproduct material, as

defined in section 11e.(2) of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, or (B) any

activity which results in the production of byproduct material as so

defined, in the same manner and to the same extent as permitted before the

42 USC 204. date of the enactment of this Act,

92 Stat. 3036.

 except that such State authority shall be

exercised in a manner which, to the extent practicable, is consistent with

the requirements of section 274o. of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (as
8

Public Law 96-106 (93 Stat. 799) (1979), sec 22(b) amended sec. 204(h)(l) by substituting a complete

new sec. 204(h)(l). Before amendment, sec. 204(h)(l) read as follows:

(H)(l) On or before the date three years after the date of the enactment of this Act, notwithstanding any

amendment made by this title, any State may exercise any authority under State law respecting byproduct

material as defined in section 11e.(2) of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, in the same manner, and to the same

extent, as permitted before the enactment of this Act. 9

Public Law 96-106 (93 Stat. 799) (1979), sec. 22(a) added sec. 204(h)(93).

10Public Law 97-415 (96 Stat. 2067) (1983), sec. 19 added this language.

Volume 1, Page 5–22

added by section 204(e) of this Act). The Commission shall have the

authority to ensure that such section 274o. is implemented by any such

State to the extent practicable during the three-year period beginning on

42 USC 2022. the date of the enactment of this Act.

92 Stat. 3039.

 Nothing in this section shall be

construed to preclude the Commission or the Administrator of the

Environmental Protection Agency from taking such action under section

275 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 as may be necessary to implement

title I of this Act.8

(2) An agreement entered into with any State as permitted under

section 274 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 with respect to

byproduct material as defined in section 11e.(2) of such Act, may be

entered into at any time after the date of the enactment of this Act but

no such agreement may take effect before the date three years after the

date of the enactment of this Act.

42 USC 2014.

42 USC 2021.

92 Stat. 3033.

(3) Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, where a State

assumes or has assumed, pursuant to an agreement entered into under

section 274b. of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, authority over any

activity which results in the production of byproduct material, as

defined in section 11e.(2) of such Act, the Commission shall not, until

the end of three-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of

this Act, have licensing authority over such byproduct material

produced in any activity covered by such agreement, unless the

agreement is terminated, suspended, or amended to provide for such

42 USC 2021. Federal licensing. If, at the end of such three-year period, a State

has not entered into such an agreement with respect to byproduct

material, as defined in section 11e.(2) of the Atomic Energy Act of

1954, the Commission shall have authority over such byproduct

material.9 Provided, however, That, in the case of a State which has

exercised any authority under State law pursuant to an agreement

entered into under section 274 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, the

State authority over such byproduct material may be terminated, and

the Commission authority over such material may be exercised, only

after compliance by the Commission with the same procedures as are

applicable in the case of termination of agreements under section 274j.

of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954.10

Sec. 205. Authorities of Commission Respecting Certain Byproduct

Material

42 USC 2111 et

seq.

(a) Chapter 8 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, is amended by adding

the following new section at the end thereof:

42 USC 2114. Sec. 84. Authorities Of Commission Respecting Certain Byproduct

Material.–

a. The Commission shall insure that the management of any byproduct

material, as defined in section 11e.(2), is carried out in such manner as–
Volume 1, Page 5–23

42 USC 2114. (1) the Commission deems appropriate to protect the public health

and safety and the environment from radiological and nonradiological

hazards associated with the processing and with the possession and

transfer of such material,

(2) conforms with applicable general standards promulgated by the

Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency under section

275, and

42 USC 6091.

Infra.

(3) conforms to general requirements established by the

Commission, with the concurrence of the Administrator, which are, to

the maximum extent practicable, at least comparable to requirements

applicable to the possession, transfer, and disposal of similar

hazardous material regulated by the Administrator under the Solid

Waste Disposal Act, as amended.

Rule, regulation or

order.

b. In carrying out its authority under this section, the Commission is

authorized to–

42 USC 2111. (1) by rule, regulation, or order require persons, officers, or

instrumentalities exempted from licensing under section 81 of this Act

to conduct monitoring, perform remedial work, and to comply with

such other measures as it may deem necessary or desirable to protect

health or to minimize danger to life or property, and in connection with

the disposal or storage of such byproduct material; and

(2) make such studies and inspections and to conduct such

monitoring as may be necessary.

Ante, p. 3033.

Civil penalty.

Any violation by any person other than the United States or any officer or

employee of the United States or a State of any rule, regulation, or order

or licensing provision, of the Commission established under this section or

section 83 shall be subject to a civil penalty in the same manner and in the

42 USC 2282. same amount as violations subject to a civil penalty under section 234.

Nothing in this section affects any authority of the Commission under any

other provision of this Act.

42 USC 2111.

42 USC 2112.

(b) The first sentence of section 81 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954,

is amended to read as follows: No person may transfer or receive in

interstate commerce, manufacture, produce, transfer, acquire, own,

possess, import, or export any byproduct material, except to the extent

authorized by this section, section 82 or section 84.

Supra. (c) The table of content for such chapter 8 is amended by inserting the

following new item after the item relating to section 83:

Sec. 84. Authorities of Commission respecting certain byproduct

material.

Sec. 206. Authority of Environmental Protection Agency Respecting

Certain Byproduct Material

42 USC 2021.

42 USC 2022.

(a) Chapter 19 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, is amended by

inserting after section 274 the following new section:

Sec. 275. Health And Environmental Standards For Uranium Mill

Tailings.–

Rule. a. As soon as practicable, but not later than one year after the date of

enactment of this section, the Administrator of the Environmental

Protection Agency (hereinafter referred to in this section as the

“Administrator”) shall, by rule, promulgate standards of general

application (including standards applicable to licenses under section

104(h) of the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act of 1978) for

the protection of the public health, safety, and the environment from
Volume 1, Page 5–24

radiological and nonradiological hazards associated with residual

radioactive materials (as defined in section 101 of the Uranium Mill

Tailings Radiation Control Act of 1978) located at inactive uranium mill

tailings sites and depository sites for such materials selected by the

Secretary of Energy, pursuant to title I of the Uranium Mill Tailing

42 USC 6901 note. Radiation Control Act of 1978. Standards promulgated pursuant to this

subsection shall, to the maximum extent practicable, be consistent with the

requirements of the Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended. The

Administrator may periodically revise any standard promulgated pursuant

to this subsection.

42 USC 2014.

Rule.

b. (1) As soon as practicable, but not later than eighteen months after

the enactment of this section, the Administrator shall, by rule, promulgate

standards of general application for the protection of the public health,

safety, and the environment from radiological and nonradiological hazards

associated with the processing and with the possession, transfer, and

disposal of byproduct material, as defined in section 11e.(2) of this Act, at

sites at which ores are processed primarily for their source material

content or which are used for the disposal of such byproduct material.

(2) Such generally applicable standards promulgated pursuant to

this subsection for nonradiological hazards shall provide for the

protection of human health and the environment consistent with the

standards required under subtitle C of the Solid Waste Disposal Act, as

amended, which are applicable to such hazards: Provided, however,

That no permit issued by the Administrator is required under this Act

or the Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended, for the processing,

possession, transfer, or disposal of byproduct material, as defined in

section 11e.(2) of this Act. The Administrator may periodically revise

42 USC 2021. any standard promulgated pursuant to this subsection. Within three

years after such revision of any such standard, the Commission and

any State permitted to exercise authority under section 274b.(2) shall

apply such revised standard in the case of any license for byproduct

material as defined in section 11e.(2) or any revision thereof.

Notice, hearing

opportunity.

Publication in

Federal Register.

c. (1) Before the promulgation of any rule pursuant to this section, the

Administrator shall publish, the proposed rule in the Federal Register,

together with a statement of the research, analysis, and other available

information in support of such proposed rule, and provide a period of

public comment of at least thirty days for written comments thereon and

an opportunity, after such comment period and after public notice, for any

interested person to present oral data, views, and arguments at a public

Consultation. hearing. There shall be a transcript of any such hearing. The

Administrator shall consult with the Commission and the Secretary of

Energy before promulgation of any such rule.

Judicial Review. (2) Judicial review of any rule promulgated under this section may

be obtained by any interested person only upon such person filing a

petition for review within sixty days after such promulgation in the

United States court of appeals for the Federal judicial circuit in which

such person resides or has his principal place of business. A copy of

the petition shall be forthwith transmitted by the clerk of court to the

Administrator. The Administrator thereupon shall file in the court the

written submissions to, and transcript of, the written or oral

proceedings on which such rule was based as provided in section 2112

of title 28, United States Code. The court shall have jurisdiction to
Volume 1, Page 5–25

5 USC 701 et seq.

 review the rule in accordance with chapter 7 of title 5, United States 

Code, and to grant appropriate relief as provided in such chapter. The

judgment of the court affirming, modifying, or setting aside, in whole

or in part, any such rule shall be final, subject to judicial review by the

Supreme Court of the United States upon certiorari or certification as

provided in section 1254 of title 28, United States Code.

(3) Any rule promulgated under this section shall not take effect

earlier than sixty calendar days after such promulgation.

d. Implementation and enforcement of the standards promulgated

pursuant to subsection b. of this section shall be the responsibility of the

42 USC 2021. Commission in the conduct of its licensing activities under this Act. States

exercising authority pursuant to section 274b.(2) of this Act shall

implement and enforce such standards in accordance with subsection o. of

such section.

33 USC 1251 note.

42 USC 2014.

42 USC 7401 note.

e. Nothing in this Act applicable to byproduct material, as defined in

section 11e.(92) of this Act, shall affect the authority of the Administrator

under the Clean Air Act of 1970, as amended, or the Federal Water

Pollution Control Act, as amended.”

42 USC 2018 et

seq.

(b) The table of contents for chapter 19 of the Atomic Energy Act is

amended by inserting the following new item after the item relating to

section 274:

Sec. 275. Health and environmental standards for uranium tailings.”

Sec. 207. Authorization of Appropriation for Grants

There is hereby authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 1980 to

the Nuclear Regulatory Commission not to exceed $500,000 to be used for

making grants to States which have entered into agreements with the

Commission under section 274 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, to aid

in the development of State regulatory programs under such section which

implement the provisions of this Act.

Sec. 208. Effective Date

42 USC 2014 note. Except as otherwise provided in this title the amendments made by this

title shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act.

Sec. 209. Consolidation of Licenses and Procedures

42 USC 2011 note.

42 USC 2113 note.

The Regulatory Commission shall consolidate, to the maximum extent

practicable, licenses and licensing procedures under amendments made by

this title with licenses and licensing procedures under other authorities

contained in the Atomic Energy Act of 1954.

TITLE III–STUDY AND DESIGNATION OF TWO MILL

TAILINGS SITES IN NEW MEXICO

Sec. 301. Study

42 USC 2021.

42 USC 7941.

The Commission, in consultation with the Attorney General and the

Attorney General of the State of New Mexico, shall conduct a study to

determine the extent and adequacy of the authority of the Commission and

the State of New Mexico to require, under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954

(as amended by title II of this Act) or under State authority as permitted

under section 274 of such Act or under other provision of law, the owners

of the following active uranium mill sites to undertake appropriate action

to regulate and control all residual radioactive materials at such sites to

protect public health, safety, and the environment: the former HomestakeNew Mexico Partners site near Milan, New Mexico, and the Anaconda

carbonate process tailing site near Bluewater, New Mexico. Such study

shall be completed and a report thereof submitted to the Congress and to
Volume 1, Page 5–26

Report to Congress. to the Secretary within one year after enactment of this Act, together with

such recommendations as may be appropriate. If the Commission

determines that such authority is not adequate to regulate and control such

materials at such sites in the manner provided in the first sentence of this

section, the Commission shall include in the report a statement of the basis

for such determination. Nothing in this Act shall be construed to prevent

or delay action by a State as permitted under section 274 of the Atomic

Energy Act of 1954 or under any other provision of law or by the

Commission to regulate such residual radioactive materials at such sites

prior to completion of such study.

Sec. 302. Designation by Secretary

42 USC 7942. (a) Within ninety days from the date of his receipt of the report and

recommendations submitted by the Commission under section 301,

notwithstanding the limitations contained in section 301, notwithstanding

the limitations contained in section 101(6)(A) and in section 115(a), if the

Commission determines, based on such study, that such sites cannot be

regulated and controlled by the State or the Commission in the manner

described in section 301, the Secretary may designate either or both of the

sites referred to in section 301 as a processing site for purposes of title I.

Following such designation, the Secretary may enter into cooperative

agreements with New Mexico to perform remedial action pursuant to such

title concerning only the residual radioactive materials at such site

resulting from uranium produced for sale to a Federal agency prior to

Submittal to January 1, 1971, under contract with such agency.

congressional

committees.

 Any such designation

shall be submitted by the Secretary, together with his estimate of the cost

of carrying out such remedial action at the designated site, to the

Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs and the Committee on Interstate

and Foreign Commerce of the House of Representatives and to the

Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate.

(b)(1) No designation under subsection (a) shall take effect before the

expiration of one hundred and twenty calendar days (not including any

day in which either House of Congress is not in session because of an

adjournment of more than three calendar days to a day certain or an

adjournment sine die) after receipt by such Committees of such

designation.

(c) Except as otherwise specifically provided in subsection (a), any

remedial action under title I with respect to any sites designated under this

title shall be subject to the provisions of title I (including the authorization

of appropriations referred to in section 112(b)).

Approved November 8, 1978.
11As amended, Public Law 104-259, sec. 3(a), (110 Stat. 3173), Oct. 9, 1996; Public Law 105-388,

sec. ll(a), (112 Stat. 3484), Nov. 13, 1998; Public Law 106-317, sec. 1 (114 Stat. 1277), October 19, 2000. 12As amended, Public Law 104-259, sec. 3(a), (110 Stat. 3173), Oct. 9, 1996; Public Law 105-388,

sec. ll(a), (112 Stat. 3484), Nov. 13, 1998; Public Law 106-317, sec. 1 (114 Stat. 1277), October 19, 2000.

Volume 1, Page 5–27

B. PERTINENT PROVISIONS OF THE

ENERGY POLICY ACT OF 1992

Public Law 102-486 106 Stat. 2946

October 24, 1992

* * * * *

TITLE X – REMEDIAL ACTION AND URANIUM

REVITALIZATION

Subtitle A – Remedial Action at Active Processing Sites

Sec. 1001. Remedial Action Program.

42 USC 2296a. (a) IN GENERAL. Except as provided in subsection (b), the costs of

decontamination, decommissioning, reclamation, and other remedial

action at an active uranium or thorium processing site shall be borne by

persons licensed under section 62 or 81 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954

(42 U.S.C. 2091, 2111) for any activity at such site which results or has

resulted in the production of byproduct material.

(b) REIMBURSEMENT–

(1) IN GENERAL–The Secretary of Energy shall, subject to

paragraph (2), reimburse at least annually a licensee described in

subsection (a) for such portion of the costs described in such

subsection as are–

(A) determined by the Secretary to be attributable to byproduct

material generated as an incident of sales to the United States; and

(B) either–

(i) incurred by such licensee not later than December 31,

2007; or

(ii) incurred by a licensee after December 31, 2007, in

accordance with a plan for subsequent decontamination,

decommissioning, reclamation, and other remedial action

approved by the Secretary.11

(2) AMOUNT.–

(A) To Individual Active Site Uranium Licensees.–The amount

of reimbursement paid to any licensee under paragraph (1) shall be

determined by the Secretary in accordance with regulations issued

pursuant to section 2296a-l of this title and, for uranium mill

tailings only, shall not exceed an amount equal to $6.25 multiplied

by the dry short tons of byproduct material located on October 24,

1992 at the site of the activities of such licensee described in

subsection (a) of this section, and generated as an incident of sales

to the United States.12
13As amended, Public Law 104-259, sec. 3(a), (110 Stat. 3173), Oct. 9, 1996; Public Law 105-388,

sec. ll(a), (112 Stat. 3484), Nov. 13, 1998; Public Law 106-317, sec. 1 (114 Stat. 1277), October 19, 2000. 14As amended, Public Law 104-259, sec. 3(a), (110 Stat. 3173), Oct. 9, 1996; Public Law 105-388,

sec. ll(a), (112 Stat. 3484), Nov. 13, 1998; Public Law 106-317, sec. 1 (114 Stat. 1277), October 19, 2000. 15As amended, Public Law 104-259, sec. 3(a), (110 Stat. 3173), Oct. 9, 1996; Public Law 105-388,

sec. ll(a), (112 Stat. 3484), Nov. 13, 1998; Public Law 106-317, sec. 1 (114 Stat. 1277), October 19, 2000. 16As amended, Public Law 104-259, sec. 3(a), (110 Stat. 3173), Oct. 9, 1996; Public Law 105-388,

sec. ll(a), (112 Stat. 3484), Nov. 13, 1998; Public Law 106-317, sec. 1 (114 Stat. 1277), October 19, 2000.

Volume 1, Page 5–28

(B) TO ALL ACTIVE SITE URANIUM LICENSEES–

Payments made under paragraph (1) to active site uranium

licensees shall not in the aggregate exceed $350,000,000.13

(C) TO THORIUM LICENSEES–Payments made under

paragraph (1) to the licensee of the active thorium site shall not

exceed $140,000,00014 and may only be made for off-site disposal.

(D) INFLATION ESCALATION INDEX–The amounts in

subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) of this paragraph shall be

increased annually based upon an inflation index. The Secretary

shall determine the appropriate index to apply.

(E) ADDITIONAL REIMBURSEMENT–

(i) DETERMINATION OF EXCESS–The Secretary shall

determine as of July 31, 2005, whether the amount authorized

to be appropriated pursuant To section 1003, when considered

with the $6.2515 per dry short ton limit on Reimbursement,

exceeds the amount reimbursable to the licensees under

subsection (b)(2).

(ii) IN THE EVENT OF EXCESS–If the Secretary

determines under clause (i) that there is an excess, the Secretary

may allow reimbursement in excess of $6.25 per dry short ton

on a prorated basis at such sites where the costs reimbursable

under subsection (b)(1) of this section exceed the $6.25 per dry

short ton limitation described in paragraph (2) of such

subsection.16

(3) BYPRODUCT LOCATION–Notwithstanding the requirement

of paragraph (2)(A) that byproduct material be located at the site on

the date of the enactment of this Act, byproduct material moved from

the site of the Edgemont Mill to a disposal site as the result of the

decontamination, decommissioning, reclamation, and other remedial

action of such mill shall be eligible for reimbursement to the extent

eligible under paragraph (1).

Sec. 1002. Regulations

42 USC 2296a-1. Within 180 days of the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary

shall issue regulations government reimbursement under section 1001. An

active uranium or thorium processing site owner shall apply for

reimbursement hereunder by submitting a request for the amount of

reimbursement together with reasonable documentation in support thereof,

to the Secretary. Any such request for reimbursement, supported by

reasonable documentation, shall be approved by the Secretary and

reimbursement therefor shall be made in a timely manner subject only to

the limitations of section 1001.

Sec. 1003. Authorization of Appropriations

42 USC 2296a-2. (a) IN GENERAL–There is authorized to be appropriated

$490,000,000 to carry out this part. The aggregate amount authorized in

the preceding sentence shall be increased annually as provided in section
17As Amended Public Law 104-259, sec. 3(b), (110 Stat. 3174), Oct. 9, 1996; Public Law 105-388,

sec. 11(b), (112 Stat. 3485), Nov. 13, 1998.

Volume 1, Page 5–29

2296a of this title, based upon an inflation index to be determined by the

Secretary.17

(b) SOURCE.–Funds described in subsection (a) shall be provided

from the Fund established under section 1801 of the Atomic Energy Act

of 1954.

Sec. 1004. Definitions

42 USC 2296a-3. For purposes of this subtitle:

(1) The term “active uranium or thorium processing site” means–

(A) any uranium or thorium processing site, including the mill

containing byproduct material for which a license (issued by the

Nuclear Regulatory Commission or its predecessor agency under

the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, or by a State as permitted under

section 274 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 2021)) for the production at

such site of any uranium or thorium derived from ore–

(i) was in effect on January 1, 1978;

(ii) was issued or renewed after January 1, 1978; or

(iii) for which an application for renewal or issuance was

pending on, or after January 1, 1978; and

(B) any other real property or improvement on such real property

that is determined by the Secretary or by a State as permitted under

section 274 of the Atomic Energy Act of l954 (42 U.S.C. 2021) to be–

(i) in the vicinity of such site; and

(ii) contaminated with residual byproduct material;

(2) The term “byproduct material” has the meaning given such term

in section 11e.(2) of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, (42 U.S.C.

2014(e)(2)); and

(3) The term “decontamination, decommissioning, reclamation, and

other remedial action” means work performed prior to or subsequent to

the date of the enactment of this Act which is necessary to comply with

all applicable requirements of the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation

Control Act of 1978 (42 U.S.C. 7901 et. seq.), or where appropriate,

with requirements established by a State that is a party to a

discontinuance agreement under section 274 of the Atomic Energy Act

of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2021).

Subtitle B–Uranium Revitalization

Sec. 1011. Overfeed Program.

42 USC 2296b. (a) URANIUM PURCHASES–To the maximum extent permitted by

sound business practice, the Corporation shall purchase uranium in

accordance with subsection (b) and overfeed it into the enrichment process

to reduce the amount of power required to produce the enriched uranium

ordered by enrichment services customers, taking into account costs

associated with depleted tailings.

(b) USE OF DOMESTIC URANIUM–Uranium purchased by the

Corporation for purposes of this section shall be of domestic origin and

purchased from domestic uranium producers to the extent permitted under

the multilateral trade agreements (as defined in section 2(4) of the
18Public Law 102-486, Title X, sec. 1011 (106 Stat. 2948), October 24, 1992; Public Law 106-36, Title I,

sec. 1002(g)(1), (113 Stat. 133), June 25, 1999.

Volume 1, Page 5–30

Uruguay Round Agreements Act and the North American Free Trade

Agreement.18

Sec. 1012. National Strategic Uranium Reserve

42 USC 2296b-1. There is hereby established the National Strategic Uranium Reserve

under the direction and control of the Secretary. The Reserve shall consist

of natural uranium and uranium equivalents contained in stockpiles or

inventories currently held by the United States for defense purposes. 

Effective on the date of the enactment of this Act and for 6 years

thereafter, use of the Reserve shall be restricted to military purposes and

government research. Use of the Department of Energy’s stockpile of

enrichment tails existing on the date of the enactment of this Act shall be

restricted to military purposes for 6 years thereafter.

Sec. 1013. Sale of Remaining Doe Inventories

42 USC 2296a-2. The Secretary, after making the transfer required under section 1407 of

the Atomic Energy Act of 954, may sell, from time to time, portions of the

remaining inventories of raw or low-enriched uranium of the Department

that are not necessary to national security needs, to the Corporation, at a

fair market price. Sales under this section may be made only if such sales

will not have a substantial adverse impact on the domestic uranium mining

industry. Proceeds from sales under this subsection shall be deposited

into the general fund of the United States Treasury.

Sec. 1014. Responsibility for the Industry

42 USC 2296a-3. (a) CONTINUING SECRETARIAL RESPONSIBILITY–The

Secretary shall have a continuing responsibility for the domestic uranium

industry to encourage the use of domestic uranium. The Secretary, in

fulfilling this responsibility, shall not use any supervisory authority over

the Corporation. The Secretary shall report annually to the appropriate

committees of Congress on action taken with respect to the domestic

uranium industry, including action to promote the export of domestic

uranium pursuant to subsection (b).

(b) ENCOURAGE EXPORT.–The Department, with the cooperation

of the Department of Commerce, the United States Trade Representative

and other governmental organization, shall encourage the export of

domestic uranium. Within 180 days after the date of the enactment of this

Act, the Secretary shall develop recommendations and implement

government programs to promote the export of domestic uranium.

Sec. 1015. Annual Uranium Purchase Reports

42 USC 2296a-4. (a) IN GENERAL–By January 1 of each year, the owner or operator of

any civilian nuclear power reactor shall report to the Secretary, acting

through the Administrator of the Energy Information Administration, for

activities of the previous fiscal year–

(1) the country of origin and the seller of any uranium or enriched

uranium purchased or imported into the United States either directly or

indirectly by such owner or operator, and

(2) the country of origin and the seller of any enrichment services

purchased by such owner or operator.

(b) CONGRESSIONAL ACCESS–The information provided to the

Secretary pursuant to this section shall be made available to the Congress

by March 1 of each year.
19As amended, Public Law 106-36, Title I, sec. 1002(g)(2), (113 Stat. 133), June 25, 1999.

Volume 1, Page 5–31

Sec. 1016. Uranium Inventory Study

42 USC 2296a-5. Within l year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary

shall submit to the Congress a study and report that includes–

(1) a comprehensive inventory of all Government owned uranium

or uranium equivalents, including natural uranium, depleted tailings,

low-enriched uranium, and highly enriched uranium available for

conversion to commercial use;

(2) a plan for the conversion of inventories of foreign and domestic

highly enriched uranium to low-enriched uranium for commercial use;

(3) an estimation of the potential need of the United States for

inventories of highly enriched uranium;

(4) an analysis and summary of technological requirements and

costs associated with converting highly enriched uranium to

low-enriched uranium, including the construction of facilities if

necessary;

(5) an estimation of potential net proceeds from the conversion and

sale of highly enriched uranium;

(6) recommendations for implementing a plan to convert highly

enriched uranium to low-enriched uranium; and

(7) recommendations for the future use and disposition of such

inventories.

Sec. 1017. Regulatory Treatment of Uranium Purchases.

42 USC 2296b-6. (a) ENCOURAGEMENT–The Secretary shall encourage States and

utility regulatory authorities to take into consideration the achievement of

the objectives and purposes of this subtitle, including the national need to

avoid dependence on imports, when considering whether to allow the

owner or operator of any electric power plant to recover in its rates and

charges to customers any cost of purchase of domestic uranium, enriched

uranium, or enrichment services from a non-affiliated seller greater than

the cost of non-domestic uranium, enriched uranium or enrichment

services.

(b) REPORT.–Within 1 year after the date of the enactment of this

Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall report to the Congress on

the progress of the Secretary in encouraging actions by State regulatory

authorities pursuant to subsection (a). Such report shall include detailed

information on programs initiated by the Secretary to encourage

appropriate State regulatory action and recommendations, if any, on

further action that could be taken by the Secretary, other Federal agencies,

or the Congress in order to further the purposes of this subtitle.

(c) SAVINGS PROVISION.–This section may not be construed to

authorize the Secretary to take any action in violation of the multilateral

trade agreements (as defined in section 2(4) of the Uruguay Round

Agreements Act) or the North American Trade Agreement.19
20As amended by Public Law 104-134, Title III, Ch. 1, Subch. A, sect. 3117(b), (110 Stat. 1321-350),

April 16, 1996. [added “or its successor”]. 21As amended, Public Law 104-134, Title III, sec. 3117(b), (110 Sat. 1321-350), April 26, 1996.

Volume 1, Page 5–32

Sec. 1018. Definitions

42 USC 2296b-7. For purposes of this subtitle:

(1) The term “Corporation” means the United States Enrichment

Corporation established under section 1301 of the Atomic Energy Act

of 1954, as added by this Act or its successor.20 21

(2) The term “country of origin” means–

(A) with respect to uranium, that country where the uranium

was mined;

(B) with respect to enriched uranium, that country where the

uranium was mined and enriched; or

(C) with respect to enrichment services, that country where the

enrichment services were performed.

(3) The term “domestic origin” refers to any uranium that has been

mined in the United States including uranium recovered from uranium

deposits in the United States by underground mining, open-pit mining,

strip mining, in situ recovery, leaching, and ion recovery, or recovered

from phosphoric acid manufactured in the United States.

(4) The term “domestic uranium producer” mans a person or entity

who produces domestic uranium and who has, to the extent required by

State and Federal agencies having jurisdiction, licenses and permits for

the operation, decontamination, decommissioning, and reclamation of

sites, structures and equipment.

(5) The term “non-affiliated” refers to a seller who does not

control, and is not controlled by or under common control with the

buyer.

(6) The term “overfeed” means to use uranium in the enrichment

process in excess of the amount required at the transactional tails

assay.

(7) The term “utility regulatory authority” means any State agency

or Federal agency that has ratemaking authority with respect to the sale

of electric energy by an electric utility or independent power producer. 

For purposes of this paragraph, the terms “electric utility”, “State

agency”, “Federal agency”, and “ratemaking authority” have the

respective meanings given such terms in section 3 of the Public Utility

Regulatory Policies Act of 1978.
Volume 1, Page 5–33

C. NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION

FISCAL YEAR 2001

Public Law 106-398 114 Stat. 1654A–484

October 30, 2000

(Provisions Pertaining to Remedial Action at MOAB Site)

* * * *

TITLE XXXIV–NAVAL PETROLEUM RESERVES

* * * *

Sec. 3401. Remedial Action at Moab Site–

(1)(A) The Secretary of Energy shall prepare a plan for remediation,

including ground water restoration, of the Moab site in accordance

with title I of the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act of 1978

(42 USC 7911 et seq.). The Secretary of Energy shall enter into

arrangements with the National Academy of Sciences to obtain the

technical advice, assistance, and recommendations of the National

Academy of Sciences in objectively evaluating the costs, benefits, and

risks associated with various remediation alternatives, including

removal or treatment of radioactive or other hazardous materials at the

site, ground water restoration, and long-term management of residual

contaminants. If the Secretary prepares a remediation plan that is not

consistent with the recommendations of the National Academy of

Sciences, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report explaining

the reasons for deviation from the National Academy of Sciences'

recommendations.

(B) The remediation plan required by subparagraph (A) shall be

completed not later than one year after the date of the enactment of the

Floyd D. Spence National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year

2001, and the Secretary of Energy shall commence remedial action at

the Moab site as soon as practicable after the completion of the plan.

(C) The license for the materials at the Moab site issued by the

Nuclear Regulatory Commission shall terminate one year after the date

of the enactment of the Floyd D. Spence National Defense

Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001, unless the Secretary of Energy

determines that the license may be terminated earlier. Until the license

is terminated, the Trustee, subject to the availability of funds

appropriated specifically for a purpose described in clauses (i) through

(iii) or made available by the Trustee from the Moab Mill Reclamation

Trust, may carry out–

(i) interim measures to reduce or eliminate localized high

ammonia concentrations in the Colorado River, identified by the

United States Geological Survey in a report dated March 27, 2000;

(ii) activities to dewater the mill tailings at the Moab site; and

(iii) other activities related to the Moab site, subject to the

authority of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and in

consultation with the Secretary of Energy.
Volume 1, Page 5–34

(D) As part of the remediation plan for the Moab site required by

subparagraph (A), the Secretary of Energy shall develop, in

consultation with the Trustee, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission,

and the State of Utah, an efficient and legal means for transferring all

responsibilities and title to the Moab site and all the materials therein

from the Trustee to the Department of Energy.

(2) The Secretary of Energy shall limit the amounts expended in

carrying out the remedial action under paragraph (1) to–

(A) amounts specifically appropriated for the remedial action in an

appropriation Act; and

(B) other amounts made available for the remedial action under this

subsection.

(3)(A) The royalty payments received by the Secretary of Energy

under subsection (e) shall be available to the Secretary, without further

appropriation, to carry out the remedial action under paragraph (1)

until such time as the Secretary determines that all costs incurred by

the United States to carry out the remedial action (other than costs

associated with long-term monitoring) have been paid.

(B) Upon making the determination referred to in subparagraph

(A), the Secretary of Energy shall transfer all remaining royalty

amounts to the general fund of the Treasury and release to the Tribe

the royalty interest retained by the United States under subsection (e).

(4)(A) Funds made available to the Department of Energy for national

security activities shall not be used to carry out the remedial action

under paragraph (1), except that the Secretary of Energy may use such

funds for program direction directly related to the remedial action.

(B) There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of

Energy to carry out the remedial action under paragraph (1) such sums

as are necessary.

(5) If the Moab site is sold after the date on which the Secretary of

Energy completes the remedial action under paragraph (1), the seller

shall pay to the Secretary of Energy, for deposit in the general fund of

the Treasury, the portion of the sale price that the Secretary determines

resulted from the enhancement of the value of the Moab site as a result

of the remedial action. The enhanced value of the Moab site shall be

equal to the difference between–

(A) the fair market value of the Moab site on the date of the

enactment of the Floyd D. Spence National Defense Authorization Act

for Fiscal Year 2001, based on information available on that date; and

(B) the fair market value of the Moab site, as appraised on

completion of the remedial action.''.

(b) URANIUM MILL TAILINGS–Section 102 of the Uranium Mill

Tailings Radiation Control Act of 1978 (42 USC 7912) is amended by

adding at the end the following new subsection:

(f ) DESIGNATION OF MOAB SITE AS PROCESSING SITE–

(1) DESIGNATION–Notwithstanding any other provision of

law, the Moab uranium milling site (referred to in this subsection

as the ‘Moab site’) located approximately three miles northwest of

Moab, Utah, and identified in the Final Environmental Impact

Statement issued by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in March

1996 in conjunction with Source Materials License No. SUA-917,

is designated as a processing site.
Volume 1, Page 5–35

(2) APPLICABILITY–This title applies to the Moab site in the

same manner and to the same extent as to other processing sites

designated under subsection (a), except that–

(A) sections 103, 104(b), 107(a), 112(a), and 115(a) of this

title shall not apply; and

(B) a reference in this title to the date of the enactment of

this Act shall be treated as a reference to the date of the

enactment of this subsection.

(3) REMEDIATION–Subject to the availability of

appropriations for this purpose, the Secretary shall conduct

remediation at the Moab site in a safe and environmentally sound

manner that takes into consideration the remedial action plan

prepared pursuant to section 3405(i) of the Strom Thurmond

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999 (10 USC

7420 note; Public Law 105-261), including–

(A) ground water restoration; and

(B) the removal, to a site in the State of Utah, for permanent

disposition and any necessary stabilization, of residual

radioactive material and other contaminated material from the

Moab site and the floodplain of the Colorado River.''.

(c) CONFORMING AMENDMENT–Section 3406 of the Strom

Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999

(10 USC 7420 note; Public Law 105-261) is amended by adding at the end

the following new subsection:

(f ) Oil Shale Reserve Numbered 2.–This section does not apply to

the transfer of Oil Shale Reserve Numbered 2 under section 3405.''.
Volume 1, Page 6–1

A. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM

SAFETY ACT OF 1990, AS AMENDED

TABLE OF CONTENTS

49 USCA, Chapter 51.

(Transportation of Hazardous Material)

Page

Sec. 5101. Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–3

Sec. 5102. Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–3

Sec. 5103. General Regulatory Authority . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–4

Sec. 5103a. Limitation on Issuance of Hazmat Licenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–5

Sec. 5104. Representation and Tampering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–6

Sec. 5105. Transporting Certain Highly Radioactive Material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–6

Sec. 5106. Handling Criteria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–7

Sec. 5107. Hazmat Employee Training Requirements and Grants . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–7

Sec. 5108. Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–8

Sec. 5109. Motor Carrier Safety Permits ............................... 6–11

Sec. 5110. Shipping Papers and Disclosure ............................ 6–12

Sec. 5111. Rail Tank Cars .......................................... 6–12

Sec. 5112. Highway Routing of Hazardous Material ..................... 6–13

Sec. 5113. Unsatisfactory Safety Rating ............................... 6–15

Sec. 5114. Air Transportation of Ionizing Radiation Material .............. 6–15

Sec. 5115. Training Curriculum for the Public Sector .................... 6–15

Sec. 5116. Planning and Training Grants, Monitoring, and Review .......... 6–16

Sec. 5117. Exemptions and Exclusions ................................ 6–19

Sec. 5118. Inspectors .............................................. 6–20

Sec. 5119. Uniform Forms and Procedures ............................. 6–20

Sec. 5120. International Uniformity of Standards and Requirements ......... 6–21

Sec. 5121. Administrative .......................................... 6–22

Sec. 5122. Enforcement ............................................ 6–23

Sec. 5123. Civil Penalty............................................ 6–23

Sec. 5124. Criminal Penalty ........................................ 6–24

Sec. 5125. Preemption ............................................. 6–24

Sec. 5126. Relationship to Other Laws ................................ 6–26

Sec. 5127. Authorization of Appropriations ............................ 6–26
Volume 1, Page 6–2

B. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS PERTAINING TO

TRANSPORTATION OF PLUTONIUM

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Pub Law USC SEC. Page

1. TRANSPORTATION OF PLUTONIUM,

SECTION 201 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94–79 . . . 42 USC 5841 . 6–28

2. TITLE V OF PUBLIC LAW 94–187 ..... 94–187 . . 42 USC 5817 . 6–28

 Air Transportation of Plutonium

3. OMNIBUS BUDGET RECONCILIATION

ACT OF 1987, SECTION 5062 .......... 100–203 . 42 USC 5841 . 6–29

 Transportation of Plutonium by Aircraft

Through United States Air Space

4. ENERGY POLICY ACT OF 1992,

SECTION 2904 ....................... 102–486 ............... 6–30

 Study and Implementation Plan on Safety

of Shipments of Plutonium by Sea

5. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

AND RELATED AGENCIES

APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2002,

SECTION 352 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107–87 ................ 6–31
Volume 1, Page 6–3

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM SAFETY

ACT OF 1990, AS AMENDED

Public Law 101-615 104 Stat. 3244

Nov. 16, 1990

* * * *

NOTE: This Act was recodified in Pub. L. 103-272 (108 Stat. 759); July 5, 1994. 

Prior to recodification, this Act was found at 49 USC Sections 1801-1819. In this

Volume we have set out the recodified version.

* * * *

49 USCA, CHAPTER 51.

TRANSPORTATION OF HAZARDOUS MATERIAL

Sec. 5101. Purpose

The purpose of this chapter is to provide adequate protection against the risks to life

and property inherent in the transportation of hazardous material in commerce by

improving the regulatory and enforcement authority of the Secretary of Transportation.

Sec. 5102. Definitions

In this chapter–

(1) “commerce” means trade or transportation in the jurisdiction of the United

States–

(A) between a place in a State and a place outside of the State; or

(B) that affects trade or transportation between a place in a State and a place

outside of the State.

(2) "hazardous material" means a substance or material the Secretary of

Transportation designates under section 5103(a) of this title.

(3) "hazmat employee"–

(A) means an individual–

(i) employed by a hazmat employer; and

(ii) who during the course of employment directly affects hazardous

material transportation safety as the Secretary decides by regulation;

(B) includes an owner-operator of a motor vehicle transporting hazardous

material in commerce; and

(C) includes an individual, employed by a hazmat employer, who during the

course of employment–

(i) loads, unloads, or handles hazardous material;

(ii) manufactures, reconditions, or tests containers, drums, and packagings

represented as qualified for use in transporting hazardous material;

(iii) prepares hazardous material for transportation;

(iv) is responsible for the safety of transporting hazardous material; or

(v) operates a vehicle used to transport hazardous material.

(4) "hazmat employer"–

(A) means a person using at least one employee of that person in connection

with–

(i) transporting hazardous material in commerce;

(ii) causing hazardous material to be transported in commerce; or

(iii) manufacturing, reconditioning, or testing containers, drums, and

packagings represented as qualified for use in transporting hazardous material;

(B) includes an owner-operator of a motor vehicle transporting hazardous

material in commerce; and

(C) includes a department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States

Government, or an authority of a State, political subdivision of a State, or Indian
Volume 1, Page 6–4

tribe, carrying out an activity described in subclause (A)(i), (ii), or (iii) of this

clause (4).

(5) "imminent hazard" means the existence of a condition that presents a

substantial likelihood that death, serious illness, severe personal injury, or a

substantial endangerment to health, property, or the environment may occur before

the reasonably foreseeable completion date of a formal proceeding begun to lessen

the risk of that death, illness, injury, or endangerment.

(6) "Indian tribe" has the same meaning given that term in section 4 of the Indian

Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 USC 450b).

(7) "motor carrier" means a motor carrier, motor private carrier, and freight

forwarder as those terms are defined in section 13102 of this title.

(8) "national response team" means the national response team established under

the national contingency plan established under section 105 of the Comprehensive

Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 USC 9605).

(9) "person", in addition to its meaning under section 1 of title 1–

(A) includes a government, Indian tribe, or authority of a government or tribe

offering hazardous material for transportation in commerce or transporting

hazardous material to further a commercial enterprise; but

(B) does not include–

(i) the United States Postal Service; and

(ii) in sections 5123 and 5124 of this title, a department, agency, or

instrumentality of the Government.

(10) "public sector employee"–

(A) means an individual employed by a State, political subdivision of a State,

or Indian tribe and who during the course of employment has responsibilities

related to responding to an accident or incident involving the transportation of

hazardous material;

(B) includes an individual employed by a State, political subdivision of a

State, or Indian tribe as a firefighter or law enforcement officer; and

(C) includes an individual who volunteers to serve as a firefighter for a State,

political subdivision of a State, or Indian tribe.

(11) "State" means–

(A) except in section 5119 of this title, a State of the United States, the 

District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin

Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and any other territory or possession of the

United States designated by the Secretary; and

(B) in section 5119 of this title, a State of the United States and the District of

Columbia.

(12) "transports" or "transportation" means the movement of property and

loading, unloading, or storage incidental to the movement.

(13) "United States" means all of the States.

Sec. 5103. General Regulatory Authority

(a) DESIGNATING MATERIAL AS HAZARDOUS.–The Secretary of

Transportation shall designate material (including an explosive, radioactive material,

etiologic agent, flammable or combustible liquid or solid, poison, oxidizing or corrosive

material, and compressed gas) or a group or class of material as hazardous when the

Secretary decides that transporting the material in commerce in a particular amount and

form may pose an unreasonable risk to health and safety or property.
Volume 1, Page 6–5

(b) REGULATIONS FOR SAFE TRANSPORTATION.–

(1) The Secretary shall prescribe regulations for the safe transportation of

hazardous material in intrastate, interstate, and foreign commerce. The regulations–

(A) apply to a person–

(i) transporting hazardous material in commerce;

(ii) causing hazardous material to be transported in commerce; or

(iii) manufacturing, fabricating, marking, maintaining, reconditioning,

repairing, or testing a packaging or a container that is represented, marked,

certified, or sold by t hat person as qualified for use in transporting hazardous

material in commerce;

(B) shall govern safety aspects of the transportation of hazardous material the

Secretary considers appropriate.

(2) A proceeding to prescribe the regulations must be conducted under

section 553 of Title 5, including an opportunity for informal oral presentation.

Sec. 5103a. Limitation on Issuance of Hazmat Licenses

(a) LIMITATION.–

(1) ISSUANCE OF LICENSES.–A State may not issue to any individual a license

to operate a motor vehicle transporting in commerce a hazardous material unless the

Secretary of Transportation has first determined, upon receipt of a notification under

subsection (c)(1)(B), that the individual does not pose a security risk warranting

denial of the license.

(2) RENEWALS INCLUDED.–For the purposes of this section, the term ?issue”,

with respect to a license, includes renewal of the license.

(b) HAZARDOUS MATERIALS DESCRIBED.–The limitation in subsection (a)

shall apply with respect to–

(1) any material defined as a hazardous material by the Secretary of

Transportation; and

(2) any chemical or biological material or agent determined by the Secretary of

Health and Human Services or the Attorney General as being a threat to the national

security of the United States.

(c) BACKGROUND RECORDS CHECK.–

(1) IN GENERAL.–Upon the request of a State regarding issuance of a license

described in subsection (a)(1) to an individual, the Attorney General–

(A) shall carry out a background records check regarding the individual; and

(B) upon completing the background records check, shall notify the Secretary

of Transportation of the completion and results of the background records check.

(2) SCOPE.–A background records check regarding an individual under this

subsection shall consist of the following:

(A) A check of the relevant criminal history data bases.

(B) In the case of an alien, a check of the relevant data bases to determine the

status of the alien under the immigration laws of the United States.

(C) As appropriate, a check of the relevant international data bases through

Interpol-U.S. National Central Bureau or other appropriate means.

(d) REPORTING REQUIREMENT.–Each Sate shall submit to the Secretary of

Transportation, at such time an in such manner as the Secretary may prescribe, the name,

address, and such other information as the Secretary may require, concerning–

(1) each alien to whom the State issues a license described in subsection (a); and

(2) each other individual to whom such a license is issued, as the Secretary may

require.
1

Added October 26, 2001, Public Law 107-56, Title X, sec. 1012(a)(1), 115 Stat. 396.

Volume 1, Page 6–6

(e) ALIEN DEFINED.–In this section, the term ?alien” has the meaning given he

term in section 101(a)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 USCS

§ 1101(a)(3)].1

Sec. 5104. Representation and Tampering

(a) REPRESENTATION.–A person may represent, by marking or otherwise, that–

(1) a container, package, or packaging (or a component of a container, package, or

packaging) for transporting hazardous material is safe, certified, or complies with this

chapter only if the container, package, or packaging (or a component of a container,

package, or packaging) meets the requirements of each applicable regulation

prescribed under this chapter; or

(2) hazardous material is present in a package, container, motor vehicle, rail

freight car, aircraft, or vessel only if the material is present.

(b) TAMPERING.–A person may not alter, remove, destroy, or otherwise pamper

unlawfully with–

(1) a marking, label, placard, or description on a document required under this

chapter or a regulation prescribed under this chapter; or

(2) a package, container, motor vehicle, rail freight car, aircraft, or vessel used to

transport hazardous material.

Sec. 5105. Transporting Certain Highly Radioactive Material

(a) DEFINITIONS.–In this section, “high-level radioactive waste” and “spent nuclear

fuel” have the same meanings given those terms in section 2 of the Nuclear Waste Policy

Act of 1982 (42 USC 10101).

(b) TRANSPORTATION SAFETY STUDY.–In consultation with the Secretary of

Energy, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, potentially affected States and Indian

tribes, representatives of the rail transportation industry, and shippers of high-level

radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel, the Secretary of Transportation shall conduct a

study comparing the safety of using trains operated only to transport high-level

radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel with the safety of using other methods of rail

transportation for transporting that waste and fuel. The Secretary of Transportation shall

submit to Congress not later than November 16, 1991, a report on the results of the study.

(c) SAFE RAIL TRANSPORTATION REGULATIONS.–Not later than

November 16, 1992, after considering the results of the study conducted under

subsection (b) of this section, the Secretary of Transportation shall prescribe amendments

to existing regulations that the Secretary considers appropriate to provide for the safe rail

transportation of high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel, including trains

operated only for transporting high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel.

(d) ROUTES AND MODES STUDY.–Not later than November 16, 1991, the

Secretary of Transportation shall conduct a study to decide which factors, if any, shippers

and carriers should consider when selecting routes and modes that would enhance overall

public safety related to the transportation of high-level radioactive waste and spent

nuclear fuel. The study shall include–

(1) notice and opportunity for public comment; and

(2) an assessment of the degree to which at least the following affect the overall

public safety of the transportation:

(A) population densities.

(B) types and conditions of modal infrastructures (including highways,

railbeds, and waterways).

(C) quantities of high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel.

(D) emergency response capabilities.

(E) exposure and other risk factors.

(F) terrain considerations
Volume 1, Page 6–7

(G) continuity of routes.

(H) available alternative routes.

(I) environmental impact factors.

(e) INSPECTIONS OF MOTOR VEHICLES TRANSPORTING CERTAIN

MATERIAL.–

(1) Not later than November 16, 1991, the Secretary of Transportation shall

require by regulation that before each use of a motor vehicle to transport a

highway-route-controlled quantity of radioactive material in commerce, the vehicle

shall be inspected and certified as complying with this chapter and applicable United

States motor carrier safety laws and regulations. The Secretary may require that the

inspection be carried out by an authorized United States Government inspector or

according to appropriate State procedures.

(2) The Secretary of Transportation may allow a person, transporting or causing to

be transported a highway-route-controlled quantity of radioactive material, to inspect

the motor vehicle used to transport the material and to certify that the vehicle

complies with this chapter. The inspector qualification requirements the Secretary

prescribes for an individual inspecting a motor vehicle apply to an individual

conducting an inspection under this paragraph.

Sec. 5106. Handling Criteria

The Secretary of Transportation may prescribe criteria for handling hazardous

material, including–

(1) a minimum number of personnel;

(2) minimum levels of training and qualifications for personnel;

(3) the kind and frequency of inspections;

(4) equipment for detecting, warning of, and controlling risks posed by the

hazardous material;

(5) specifications for the use of equipment and facilities used in handling and

transporting the hazardous material; and

(6) a system of monitoring safety procedures for transporting the hazardous

material.

Sec. 5107. HAZMAT Employee Training Requirements and Grants

(a) TRAINING REQUIREMENTS.–The Secretary of Transportation shall prescribe

by regulation requirements for training that a hazmat employer must give hazmat

employees of the employer on the safe loading, unloading, handling, storing, and

transporting of hazardous material and emergency preparedness for responding to an

accident or incident involving the transportation of hazardous material. The regulations–

(1) shall establish the date, as provided by subsection (b) of this section, by which

the training shall be completed; and

(2) may provide for different training for different classes or categories of 

hazardous material and hazmat employees.

(b) BEGINNING AND COMPLETING TRAINING.–A hazmat employer shall

begin the training of hazmat employees of the employer not later than 6 months after the

Secretary of Transportation prescribes the regulations under subsection (a) of this

section. The training shall be completed within a reasonable period of time after–

(1) 6 months after the regulations are prescribed; or

(2) the date on which an individual is to begin carrying out a duty or power of a

hazmat employee if the individual is employed as a hazmat employee after the

6-month period.

(c) CERTIFICATION OF TRAINING.–After completing the training, each hazmat

employer shall certify, with documentation the Secretary of Transportation may require

by regulation, that the hazmat employees of the employer have received training and have
Volume 1, Page 6–8

been tested on appropriate transportation areas of responsibility, including at least one of

the following:

(1) recognizing and understanding the Department of Transportation hazardous

material classification system.

(2) the use and limitations of the Department hazardous material placarding,

labeling, and marking systems.

(3) general handling procedures, loading and unloading techniques, and strategies

to reduce the probability of release or damage during or incidental to transporting

hazardous material.

(4) health, safety, and risk factors associated with hazardous material and the

transportation of hazardous material.

(5) appropriate emergency response and communication procedures for dealing

with an accident or incident involving hazardous material transportation.

(6) the use of the Department Emergency Response Guidebook and recognition of

its limitations or the use of equivalent documents and recognition of the limitations of

those documents.

(7) applicable hazardous material transportation regulations.

(8) personal protection techniques.

(9) preparing a shipping document for transporting hazardous material.

(d) COORDINATION OF TRAINING REQUIREMENTS.–In consultation with the

Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Secretary of Labor, the

Secretary of Transportation shall ensure that the training requirements prescribed under

this section do not conflict with or duplicate–

(1) the requirements of regulations the Secretary of Labor prescribes related to

hazard communication, and hazardous waste operations, and emergency response that

are contained in part 1910 of title 29, Code of Federal Regulations; and

(2) the regulations the Agency prescribes related to worker protection standards

for hazardous waste operations that are contained in part 311 of title 40, Code of

Federal Regulations.

(e) TRAINING GRANTS.–The Secretary shall, subject to the availability of funds

under section 5127(c)(3), make grants for training instructors to train hazmat employees

under this section. A grant under this subsection shall be made to a nonprofit hazmat

employee organization that demonstrates–

(1) expertise in conducting a training program for hazmat employees; and

(2) the ability to reach and involve in a training program a target population of

hazmat employees.

(f) RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER LAWS.–

(1) Chapter 35 of Title 44 does not apply to an activity of the Secretary of

Transportation under subsections (a)-(d) of this section.

(2) An action of the Secretary of Transportation under subsections (a)-(d) of this

section and sections 5106, 5108(a)-(g)(1) and (h), and 5109 of this title is not an

exercise, under section 4(b)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970

(29 USC 653(b)(1)), of statutory authority to prescribe or enforce standards or

regulations affecting occupational safety or health.

(g) EXISTING EFFORT.–No grant under subsection (e) shall supplant or replace

existing employer-provided hazardous materials training efforts or obligations.

Sec. 5108. Registration

(a) PERSONS REQUIRED TO FILE.–

(1) A person shall file a registration statement with the Secretary of

Transportation under this subsection if the person is transporting or causing to be

transported in commerce any of the following:

(A) a highway-route-controlled quantity of radioactive material.
Volume 1, Page 6–9

(B) more than 25 kilograms of a class A or B explosive in a motor vehicle, rail

car, or transport container.

(C) more than one liter in each package of a hazardous material the Secretary

designates as extremely toxic by inhalation.

(D) hazardous material in a bulk packaging, container, or tank, as defined by

the Secretary, if the bulk packaging, container, or tank has a capacity of at least

3,500 gallons or more than 468 cubic feet.

(E) a shipment of at least 5,000 pounds (except in a bulk packaging) of a class

of hazardous material for which placarding of a vehicle, rail car, or freight

container is required under regulations prescribed under this chapter.

(2) The Secretary of Transportation may require any of the following persons to

file a registration statement with the Secretary under this subsection:

(A) a person transporting or causing to be transported hazardous material in

commerce and not required to file a registration statement under paragraph (1) of

this subsection.

(B) a person manufacturing, fabricating, marking, maintaining, reconditioning,

repairing, or testing a package or container the person represents, marks, certifies,

or sells for use in transporting in commerce hazardous material the Secretary

designates.

(3) A person required to file a registration statement under this subsection may

transport or cause to be transported, or manufacture, fabricate, mark, maintain,

recondition, repair, or test a package or container for use in transporting, hazardous

material, only if the person has a statement on file as required by this subsection.

(4) The Secretary may waive the filing of a registration statement, or the payment

of a fee, required under this subsection, or both, for any person not domiciled in the

United States who solely offers hazardous materials for transportation to the United

States from a place outside the United States if the country of which such person is a

domiciliary does not require persons domiciled in the United States who solely offer

hazardous materials for transportation to the foreign country from places in the

United States to file registration statements, or to pay fees, for making such an offer.

(b) FORM, CONTENTS, AND LIMITATION ON FILINGS.–

(1) A registration statement under subsection (a) of this section shall be in the

form and contain information the Secretary of Transportation requires by regulation. 

The Secretary may use existing forms of the Department of Transportation and the

Environmental Protection Agency to carry out this subsection. The statement shall

include–

(A) the name and principal place of business of the registrant;

(B) a description of each activity the registrant carries out for which filing a

statement under subsection (a) of this section is required; and

(C) each State in which the person carries out the activity.

(2) A person carrying out more than one activity, or an activity at more than one

location, for which filing is required only has to file one registration statement to

comply with subsection (a) of this section.

(c) FILING DEADLINES AND AMENDMENTS.–

(1) Each person required to file a registration statement under subsection (a) of

this section must file the first statement not later than March 31, 1992. The Secretary

of Transportation may extend that date to September 30, 1992, for activities referred

to in subsection (a)(1) of this section. A person shall renew the statement

periodically consistent with regulations the Secretary prescribes, but not more than

once each year and not less than once every 5 years.
Volume 1, Page 6–10

(2) The Secretary of Transportation shall decide by regulation when and under

what circumstances a registration statement must be amended and the procedures to

follow in amending the statement.

(d) SIMPLIFYING THE REGISTRATION PROCESS.–The Secretary of

Transportation may take necessary action to simplify the registration process under

subsections (a)-(c) of this section and to minimize the number of applications,

documents, and other information a person is required to file under this chapter and other

laws of the United States.

(e) COOPERATION WITH ADMINISTRATOR.–The Administrator of the

Environmental Protection Agency shall assist the Secretary of Transportation in carrying

out subsections (a)-(g)(1) and (h) of this section by providing the Secretary with

information the Secretary requests to carry out the objectives of subsections (a)-(g)(1)

and (h).

(f) AVAILABILITY OF STATEMENTS.–The Secretary of Transportation shall

make a registration statement filed under subsection (a) of this section available for

inspection by any person for a fee the Secretary establishes. However, this subsection

does not require the release of information described in section 552(b) of title 5 or

otherwise protected by law from disclosure to the public.

(g) FEES.–

(1) The Secretary of Transportation may establish, impose, and collect from a

person required to file a registration statement under subsection (a) of this section a

fee necessary to pay for the costs of the Secretary in processing the statement.

(2)(A) In addition to a fee established under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the

Secretary of Transportation shall establish and impose by regulation and collect an

annual fee. Subject to subparagraph (B) of this paragraph, the fee shall be at least

$250 but not more than $5,000 from each person required to file a registration

statement under this section. The Secretary shall determine the amount of the fee

under this paragraph on at least one of the following:

(i) gross revenue from transporting hazardous material.

(ii) the type of hazardous material transported or caused to be transported.

(iii) the amount of hazardous material transported or caused to be transported.

(iv) the number of shipments of hazardous material.

(v) the number of activities that the person carries out for which filing a

registration statement is required under this section.

(vi) the threat to property, individuals, and the environment from an accident

or incident involving the hazardous material transported or caused to be

transported.

(vii) the percentage of gross revenue derived from transporting hazardous

material.

(viii) the amount to be made available to carry out sections 5108(g)(2), 5115,

and 5116 of this title.

(ix) other factors the Secretary considers appropriate.

(B) The Secretary of Transportation shall adjust the amount being collected under

this paragraph to reflect any unexpended balance in the account established under

section 5116(i) of this title. However, the Secretary is not required to refund any fee

collected under this paragraph.

(C) The Secretary of Transportation shall transfer to the Secretary of the Treasury

amounts the Secretary of Transportation collects under this paragraph for deposit in

the account the Secretary of the Treasury establishes under section 5116(i) of this

title.

(h) MAINTAINING PROOF OF FILING AND PAYMENT OF FEES.–The

Secretary of Transportation may prescribe regulations requiring a person required to file
Volume 1, Page 6–11

a registration statement under subsection (a) of this section to maintain proof of the filing

and payment of fees imposed under subsection (g) of this section.

(i) RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER LAWS.–

(1) Chapter 35 of title 44 does not apply to an activity of the Secretary of

Transportation under subsections (a)-(g)(1) and (h) of this section.

(2)(A) This section does not apply to an employee of a hazmat employer.

(B) Subsections (a)-(h) of this section do not apply to a department, agency, or

instrumentality of the United States Government, an authority of a State or political

subdivision of a State, or an employee of a department, agency, instrumentality, or

authority carrying out official duties.

Sec. 5109. Motor Carrier Safety Permits

a) REQUIREMENT.–A motor carrier may transport or cause to be transported by

motor vehicle in commerce hazardous material only if the carrier holds a safety permit

the Secretary of Transportation issues under this section authorizing the transportation

and keeps a copy of the permit, or other proof of its existence, in the vehicle. The

Secretary shall issue a permit if the Secretary finds the carrier is fit, willing, and able–

(1) to provide the transportation to be authorized by the permit;

(2) to comply with this chapter and regulations the Secretary prescribes to carry

out this chapter; and

(3) to comply with applicable United States motor carrier safety laws and

regulations and applicable minimum financial responsibility laws and regulations.

(b) APPLICABLE TRANSPORTATION.–The Secretary shall prescribe by

regulation the hazardous material and amounts of hazardous material to which this

section applies. However, this section shall apply at least to transportation by a motor

carrier, in amounts the Secretary establishes, of–

(1) a class A or B explosive;

(2) liquefied natural gas;

(3) hazardous material the Secretary designates as extremely toxic by inhalation; 

and

(4) a highway-route-controlled quantity of radioactive material, as defined by the

Secretary.

(c) APPLICATIONS.–A motor carrier shall file an application with the Secretary for

a safety permit to provide transportation under this section. The Secretary may approve

any part of the application or deny the application. The application shall be under oath

and contain information the Secretary requires by regulation.

(d) AMENDMENTS, SUSPENSIONS, AND REVOCATIONS.–

(1) After notice and an opportunity for a hearing, the Secretary may amend,

suspend, or revoke a safety permit, as provided by procedures prescribed under

subsection (e) of this section, when the Secretary decides the motor carrier is not

complying with a requirement of this chapter, a regulation prescribed under this

chapter, or an applicable United States motor carrier safety law or regulation or

minimum financial responsibility law or regulation.

(2) If the Secretary decides an imminent hazard exists, the Secretary may amend,

suspend, or revoke a permit before scheduling a hearing.

(e) PROCEDURES.--The Secretary shall prescribe by regulation–

(1) application procedures, including form, content, and fees necessary to recover

the complete cost of carrying out this section;

(2) standards for deciding the duration, terms, and limitations of a safety permit;

(3) procedures to amend, suspend, or revoke a permit; and

(4) other procedures the Secretary considers appropriate to carry out this section.
Volume 1, Page 6–12

(f) SHIPPER RESPONSIBILITY.–A person offering hazardous material for motor

vehicle transportation in commerce may offer the material to a motor carrier only if the

carrier has a safety permit issued under this section authorizing the transportation.

(g) CONDITIONS.–A motor carrier may provide transportation under a safety permit

issued under this section only if the carrier complies with conditions the Secretary finds

are required to protect public safety.

(h) REGULATIONS.–The Secretary shall prescribe regulations necessary to carry

out this section not later than November 16, 1991.

Sec. 5110. Shipping Papers and Disclosure

(a) PROVIDING SHIPPING PAPERS.–Each person offering for transportation in

commerce hazardous material to which the shipping paper requirements of the Secretary

of Transportation apply shall provide to the carrier providing the transportation a

shipping paper that makes the disclosures the Secretary prescribes under subsection (b)

of this section.

(b) CONSIDERATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS.–In carrying out subsection (a) of

this section, the Secretary shall consider and may require–

(1) a description of the hazardous material, including the proper shipping name;

(2) the hazard class of the hazardous material;

(3) the identification number (UN/NA) of the hazardous material;

(4) immediate first action emergency response information or a way for

appropriate reference to the information (that must be available immediately); and

(5) a telephone number for obtaining more specific handling and mitigation

information about the hazardous material at any time during which the material is

transported.

(c) KEEPING SHIPPING PAPERS ON THE VEHICLE.–

(1) A motor carrier, and the person offering the hazardous material for

transportation if a private motor carrier, shall keep the shipping paper on the vehicle

transporting the material.

(2) Except as provided in paragraph (1) of this subsection, the shipping paper

shall be kept in a location the Secretary specifies in a motor vehicle, train, vessel,

aircraft, or facility until–

(A) the hazardous material no longer is in transportation; or

(B) the documents are made available to a representative of a department,

agency, or instrumentality of the United States Government or a State or local

authority responding to an accident or incident involving the motor vehicle, train,

vessel, aircraft, or facility.

(d) DISCLOSURE TO EMERGENCY RESPONSE AUTHORITIES.–When an

incident involving hazardous material being transported in commerce occurs, the person

transporting the material, immediately on request of appropriate emergency response

authorities, shall disclose to the authorities information about the material.

(e) RETENTION OF PAPERS.–After the hazardous material to which a shipping

paper provided to a carrier under subsection (a) applies is no longer in transportation, the

person who provided the shipping paper and the carrier required to maintain it under

subsection (a) shall retain the paper or electronic image thereof for a period of 1 year to

be accessible through their respective principal places of business. Such person and

carrier shall, upon request, make the shipping paper available to a Federal, State, or local

government agency at reasonable times and locations.

Sec. 5111. Rail Tank Cars

A rail tank car built before January 1, 1971, may be used to transport hazardous

material in commerce only if the air brake equipment support attachments of the car

comply with the standards for attachments contained in sections 179.100-16 and

179.200-19 of Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, in effect on November 16, 1990.
Volume 1, Page 6–13

Sec. 5112. Highway Routing of Hazardous Material

(a) APPLICATION.–

(1) This section applies to a motor vehicle only if the vehicle is transporting

hazardous material in commerce for which placarding of the vehicle is required under

regulations prescribed under this chapter. However, the Secretary of Transportation

by regulation may extend application of this section or a standard prescribed under

subsection (b) of this section to–

(A) any use of a vehicle under this paragraph to transport any hazardous

material in commerce; and

(B) any motor vehicle used to transport hazardous material in commerce.

(2) Except as provided by subsection (d) of this section and section 5125(c) of

this title, each State and Indian tribe may establish, maintain, and enforce–

(A) designations of specific highway routes over which hazardous material

may and may not be transported by motor vehicle; and

(B) limitations and requirements related to highway routing.

(b) STANDARDS FOR STATES AND INDIAN TRIBES.–

(1) The Secretary, in consultation with the States, shall prescribe by regulation

standards for States and Indian tribes to use in carrying out subsection (a) of this

section. The standards shall include–

(A) a requirement that a highway routing designation, limitation, or

requirement of a State or Indian tribe shall enhance public safety in the area

subject to the jurisdiction of the State or tribe and in areas of the United States not

subject to the jurisdiction of the State or tribe and directly affected by the

designation, limitation, or requirement;

(B) minimum procedural requirements to ensure public participation when the

State or Indian tribe is establishing a highway routing designation, limitation, or

requirement;

(C) a requirement that, in establishing a highway routing designation,

limitation, or requirement, a State or Indian tribe consult with appropriate State,

local, and tribal officials having jurisdiction over areas of the United States not

subject to the jurisdiction of that State or tribe establishing the designation,

limitation, or requirement and with affected industries;

(D) a requirement that a highway routing designation, limitation, or

requirement of a State or Indian tribe shall ensure through highway routing for the

transportation of hazardous material between adjacent areas;

(E) a requirement that a highway routing designation, limitation, or

requirement of one State or Indian tribe affecting the transportation of hazardous

material in another State or tribe may be established, maintained, and enforced by

the State or tribe establishing the designation, limitation, or requirement only if–

(i) the designation, limitation, or requirement is agreed to by the other State

or tribe within a reasonable period or is approved by the Secretary under

subsection (d) of this section; and

(ii) the designation, limitation, or requirement is not an unreasonable

burden on commerce;

(F) a requirement that establishing a highway routing designation, limitation,

or requirement of a State or Indian tribe be completed in a timely way;

(G) a requirement that a highway routing designation, limitation, or

requirement of a State or Indian tribe provide reasonable routes for motor vehicles

transporting hazardous material to reach terminals, facilities for food, fuel,

repairs, and rest, and places to load and unload hazardous material;

(H) a requirement that a State be responsible–
Volume 1, Page 6–14

(i) for ensuring that political subdivisions of the State comply with

standards prescribed under this subsection in establishing, maintaining, and

enforcing a highway routing designation, limitation, or requirement; and

(ii) for resolving a dispute between political subdivisions; and

(I) a requirement that, in carrying out subsection (a) of this section, a State or

Indian tribe shall consider–

(i) population densities;

(ii) the types of highways;

(iii) the types and amounts of hazardous material;

(iv) emergency response capabilities;

(v) the results of consulting with affected persons;

(vi) exposure and other risk factors;

(vii) terrain considerations;

(viii) the continuity of routes;

(ix) alternative routes;

(x) the effects on commerce;

(xi) delays in transportation; and

(xii) other factors the Secretary considers appropriate.

(2) The Secretary may not assign a specific weight that a State or Indian tribe

shall use when considering the factors under paragraph (1)(I) of this subsection.

(c) LIST OF ROUTE DESIGNATIONS.–In coordination with the States, the

Secretary shall update and publish periodically a list of currently effective hazardous

material highway route designations.

(d) DISPUTE RESOLUTION.–

(1) The Secretary shall prescribe regulations for resolving a dispute related to

through highway routing or to an agreement with a proposed highway route

designation, limitation, or requirement between or among States, political

subdivisions of different States, or Indian tribes.

(2) A State or Indian tribe involved in a dispute under this subsection may petition

the Secretary to resolve the dispute. The Secretary shall resolve the dispute not later

than one year after receiving the petition. The resolution shall provide the greatest

level of highway safety without being an unreasonable burden on commerce and shall

ensure compliance with standards prescribed under subsection (b) of this section.

(3)(A) After a petition is filed under this subsection, a civil action about the

subject matter of the dispute may be brought in a court only after the earlier of–

(i) the day the Secretary issues a final decision; or

(ii) the last day of the one-year period beginning on the day the Secretary

receives the petition.

(B) A State or Indian tribe adversely affected by a decision of the Secretary

under this subsection may bring a civil action for judicial review of the decision in

an appropriate district court of the United States not later than 89 days after the

day the decision becomes final.

(e) RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER LAWS.–This section and regulations prescribed

under this section do not affect sections 31111 and 31113 of this title or section 127 of

title 23.

(f) EXISTING RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL ROUTING REGULATIONS.–The

Secretary is not required to amend or again prescribe regulations related to highway

routing designations over which radioactive material may and may not be transported by

motor vehicles, and limitations and requirements related to the routing, that were in effect

on November 16, 1990.
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Sec. 5113. Unsatisfactory Safety Rating

See section 31144. [(a) to (d) Repealed. Public Law 105-178, Title IV, sec. 4009(b),

June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 407].

Sec. 5114. Air Transportation of Ionizing Radiation Material

(a) TRANSPORTING IN AIR COMMERCE.–Material that emits ionizing radiation

spontaneously may be transported on a passenger-carrying aircraft in air commerce (as

defined in section 40102(a) of this title) only if the material is intended for a use in, or

incident to, research or medical diagnosis or treatment and does not present an

unreasonably hazard to health and safety when being prepared for, and during,

transportation.

(b) PROCEDURES.–The Secretary of Transportation shall prescribe procedures for

monitoring and enforcing regulations prescribed under this section.

(c) NON-APPLICATION.–This section does not apply to material the Secretary

decides does not pose a significant hazard to health or safety when transported because

of its low order of radioactivity.

Sec. 5115. Training Curriculum for the Public Sector

(a) DEVELOPMENT AND UPDATING.–Not later than November 16, 1992, in

coordination with the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency,

Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Administrator of the Environmental

Protection Agency, Secretaries of Labor, Energy, and Health and Human Services, and

Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, and using the

existing coordinating mechanisms of the national response team and, for radioactive

material, the Federal Radiological Preparedness Coordinating Committee, the Secretary

of Transportation shall develop and update periodically a curriculum consisting of a list

of courses necessary to train public sector emergency response and preparedness teams. 

Only in developing the curriculum, the Secretary of Transportation shall consult with

regional response teams established under the national contingency plan established

under section 105 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and

Liability Act of 1980 (42 USC 9605), representatives of commissions established under

section 301 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986 (42

USC 11001), persons (including governmental entities) that provide training for

responding to accidents and incidents involving the transportation of hazardous material,

and representatives of persons that respond to those accidents and incidents.

(b) REQUIREMENTS.–The curriculum developed under subsection (a) of this

section–

(1) shall include–

(A) a recommended course of study to train public sector employees to

respond to an accident or incident involving the transportation of hazardous

material and to plan for those responses;

(B) recommended basic courses and minimum number of hours of instruction

necessary for public sector employees to be able to respond safely and efficiently

to an accident or incident involving the transportation of hazardous material and

to plan those responses; and

(C) appropriate emergency response training and planning programs for public

sector employees developed under other United States Government grant

programs, including those developed with grants made under section 126(g) of the

Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (42 USC 9660a); and

(2) may include recommendations on material appropriate for use in a

recommended basic course described in clause (1)(B) of this subsection.

(c) TRAINING ON COMPLYING WITH LEGAL REQUIREMENTS.–A

recommended basic course described in subsection (b)(1)(B) of this section shall provide

the training necessary for public sector employees to comply with–
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(1) regulations related to hazardous waste operations and emergency response

contained in part 1910 of title 29, Code of Federal Regulations, prescribed by the

Secretary of Labor;

(2) regulations related to worker protection standards for hazardous waste

operations contained in part 311 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations, prescribed

by the Administrator; and

(3) standards related to emergency response training prescribed by the National

Fire Protection Association.

(d) DISTRIBUTION AND PUBLICATION.–With the national response team–

(1) the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall distribute 

the curriculum and any updates to the curriculum to the regional response teams and

all committees and commissions established under section 301 of the Emergency

Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986 (42 USC 11001); and

(2) the Secretary of Transportation may publish a list of programs that uses a

course developed under this section for training public sector employees to respond to

an accident or incident involving the transportation of hazardous material.

Sec. 5116. Planning and Training Grants, Monitoring, and Review

(a) PLANNING GRANTS.–

(1) The Secretary of Transportation shall make grants to States and Indian tribes–

(A) to develop, improve, and carry out emergency plans under the Emergency

Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986 (42 USC 11001 et seq.),

including ascertaining flow patterns of hazardous material on lands under the

jurisdiction of a State or Indian tribe, and between lands under the jurisdiction of

a State or Indian tribe and lands of another State or Indian tribe; and

(B) to decide on the need for a regional hazardous material emergency 

response team.

(2) The Secretary of Transportation may make a grant to a State or Indian tribe

under paragraph (1) of this subsection in a fiscal year only if–

(A) the State or Indian tribe certifies that the total amount the State or Indian

tribe expends (except amounts of the United States Government) to develop,

improve, and carry out emergency plans under the Act will at least equal the

average level of expenditure for the last 2 fiscal years; and

(B) the State agrees to make available at least 75 percent of the amount of the

grant under paragraph (1) of this subsection in the fiscal year to local emergency

planning committees established under section 301(c) of the Act (42 USC

11001(c)) to develop emergency plans under the Act.

(3) A State or Indian tribe receiving a grant under this subsection shall ensure that

planning under the grant is coordinated with emergency planning conducted by

adjacent States and Indian tribes.

(b) TRAINING GRANTS.–

(1) The Secretary of Transportation shall make grants to States and Indian tribes

to train public sector employees to respond to accidents and incidents involving

hazardous material.

(2) The Secretary of Transportation may make a grant under paragraph (1) of this

subsection in a fiscal year–

(A) to a State or Indian tribe only if the State or tribe certifies that the total

amount the State or tribe expends (except amounts of the Government) to train

public sector employees to respond to an accident or incident involving hazardous

material will at least equal the average level of expenditure for the last 2 fiscal

years;

(B) to a State or Indian tribe only if the State or tribe makes an agreement with

the Secretary that the State or tribe will use in that fiscal year, for training public
Volume 1, Page 6–17

sector employees to respond to an accident or incident involving hazardous

material–

(i) a course developed or identified under section 5115 of this title; or

(ii) another course the Secretary decides is consistent with the objectives

of this section; and

(C) to a State only if the State agrees to make available at least 75 percent of

the amount of the grant under paragraph (1) of this subsection in the fiscal year

for training public sector employees a political subdivision of the State employs or

uses.

(3) A grant under this subsection may be used–

(A) to pay–

(i) the tuition costs of public sector employees being trained;

(ii) travel expenses of those employees to and from the training facility;

(iii) room and board of those employees when at the training facility; and

(iv) travel expenses of individuals providing the training;

(B) by the State, political subdivision, or Indian tribe to provide the training; 

and

(C) to make an agreement the Secretary of Transportation approves

authorizing a person (including an authority of a State or political subdivision of a

State or Indian tribe) to provide the training–

(i) if the agreement allows the Secretary and the State or tribe to conduct

random examinations, inspections, and audits of the training without prior

notice; and

(ii) if the State or tribe conducts at least one on-site observation of the

training each year.

(4) The Secretary of Transportation shall allocate amounts made available for

grants under this subsection for a fiscal year among eligible States and Indian tribes

based on the needs of the States and tribes for emergency response training. In

making a decision about those needs, the Secretary shall consider–

(A) the number of hazardous material facilities in the State or on land under

the jurisdiction of the tribe;

(B) the types and amounts of hazardous material transported in the State or on

that land;

(C) whether the State or tribe imposes and collects a fee on transporting

hazardous material;

(D) whether the fee is used only to carry out a purpose related to transporting

hazardous material; and

(E) other factors the Secretary decides are appropriate to carry out this

subsection.

(c) COMPLIANCE WITH CERTAIN LAW.–The Secretary of Transportation may

make a grant to a State under this section in a fiscal year only if the State certifies that the

State complies with sections 301 and 303 of the Emergency Planning and Community

Right-To-Know Act of 1986 (42 USC 11001, 11003).

(d) APPLICATIONS.–A State or Indian tribe interested in receiving a grant under

this section shall submit an application to the Secretary of Transportation. The

application must be submitted at the time, and contain information, the Secretary requires

by regulation to carry out the objectives of this section.

(e) GOVERNMENT'S SHARE OF COSTS.–A grant under this section is for 80

percent of the cost the State or Indian tribe incurs in the fiscal year to carry out the

activity for which the grant is made. Amounts of the State or tribe under subsections

(a)(2)(A) and (b)(2)(A) of this section are not part of the non- Government share under

this subsection.
Volume 1, Page 6–18

(f) MONITORING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.–In coordination with the

Secretaries of Transportation and Energy, Administrator of the Environmental Protection

Agency, and Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, the

Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall monitor public sector

emergency response planning and training for an accident or incident involving

hazardous material. Considering the results of the monitoring, the Secretaries,

Administrator, and Directors each shall provide technical assistance to a State, political

subdivision of a State, or Indian tribe for carrying out emergency response training and

planning for an accident or incident involving hazardous material and shall coordinate

the assistance using the existing coordinating mechanisms of the national response team

and, for radioactive material, the Federal Radiological Preparedness Coordinating

Committee.

(g) DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY.–To minimize administrative costs and to

coordinate Government grant programs for emergency response training and planning,

the Secretary of Transportation may delegate to the Directors of the Federal Emergency

Management Agency and National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Chairman

of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Administrator of the Environmental Protection

Agency, and Secretaries of Labor and Energy any of the following:

(1) authority to receive applications for grants under this section.

(2) authority to review applications for technical compliance with this section.

(3) authority to review applications to recommend approval or disapproval.

(4) any other ministerial duty associated with grants under this section.

(h) MINIMIZING DUPLICATION OF EFFORT AND EXPENSES.–The

Secretaries of Transportation, Labor, and Energy, Directors of the Federal Emergency

Management Agency and National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Chairman

of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and Administrator of the Environmental

Protection Agency shall review periodically, with the head of each department, agency,

or instrumentality of the Government, all emergency response and preparedness training

programs of that department, agency, or instrumentality to minimize duplication of effort

and expense of the department, agency, or instrumentality in carrying out the programs

and shall take necessary action to minimize duplication.

(i) ANNUAL REGISTRATION FEE ACCOUNT AND ITS USES.–The Secretary

of the Treasury shall establish an account in the Treasury into which the Secretary of the

Treasury shall deposit amounts the Secretary of Transportation collects under section

5108(g)(2)(A) of this title and transfers to the Secretary of the Treasury under section

5108(g)(2)(C) of this title. Without further appropriation, amounts in the account are

available–

(1) to make grants under this section;

(2) to monitor and provide technical assistance under subsection (f) of this

section; and

(3) to pay administrative costs of carrying out this section and sections 5108(g)(2)

and 5115 of this title, except that not more than 10 percent of the amounts made

available from the account in a fiscal year may be used to pay those costs.

(j) SUPPLEMENTAL TRAINING GRANTS.–

(1) In order to further the purposes of subsection (b), the Secretary shall, subject

to the availability of funds, make grants to national nonprofit employee organizations

engaged solely in fighting fires for the purpose of training instructors to conduct

hazardous materials response training programs for individuals with statutory

responsibility to respond to hazardous materials accidents and incidents.

(2) For the purposes of this subsection the Secretary, after consultation with

interested organizations, shall–
Volume 1, Page 6–19

(A) identify regions or locations in which fire departments or other

organizations which provide emergency response to hazardous materials 

transportation accidents and incidents are in need of hazardous materials training; 

and

(B) prioritize such needs and develop a means for identifying additional

specific training needs.

(3) Funds granted to an organization under this subsection shall only be used–

(A) to train instructors to conduct hazardous materials response training

programs;

(B) to purchase training equipment used exclusively to train instructors to

conduct such training programs; and

(C) to disseminate such information and materials as are necessary for the

conduct of such training programs.

(4) The Secretary may only make a grant to an organization under this subsection

in a fiscal year if the organization enters into an agreement with the Secretary to train

instructors to conduct hazardous materials response training programs in such fiscal

year that will use--

(A) a course or courses developed or identified under section 5115 of this

title; or

(B) other courses which the Secretary determines are consistent with the

objectives of this subsection;

for training individuals with statutory responsibility to respond to accidents and

incidents involving hazardous materials. Such agreement also shall provide that

training courses shall be open to all such individuals on a nondiscriminatory basis.

(5) The Secretary may impose such additional terms and conditions on grants to

be made under this subsection as the Secretary determines are necessary to protect the

interests of the United States and to carry out the objectives of this subsection.

(k) REPORTS.–Not later than September 30, 1997, the Secretary shall submit to

Congress a report on the allocation and uses of training grants authorized under

subsection (b) for fiscal year 1993 through fiscal year 1996 and grants authorized under

subsection (j) and section 5107 for fiscal years 1995 and 1996. Such report shall identify

the ultimate recipients of training grants and include a detailed accounting of all grant

expenditures by grant recipients, the number of persons trained under the grant programs,

and an evaluation of the efficacy of training programs carried out.

Sec. 5117. Exemptions and Exclusions

(a) AUTHORITY TO EXEMPT.–

(1) As provided under procedures prescribed by regulation, the Secretary of

Transportation may issue an exemption from this chapter or a regulation prescribed

under section 5103(b), 5104, 5110, or 5112 of this title to a person transporting, or

causing to be transported, hazardous material in a way that achieves a safety level–

(A) at least equal to the safety level required under this chapter; or

(B) consistent with the public interest and this chapter, if a required safety

level does not exist.

(2) An exemption under this subsection is effective for not more than 2 years and

may be renewed on application to the Secretary.

(b) APPLICATIONS.–When applying for an exemption or renewal of an exemption

under this section, the person must provide a safety analysis prescribed by the Secretary

that justifies the exemption. The Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register notice

that an application for an exemption has been filed and shall give the public an

opportunity to inspect the safety analysis and comment on the application. This

subsection does not require the release of information protected by law from public

disclosure.
Volume 1, Page 6–20

(c) APPLICATIONS TO BE DEALT WITH PROMPTLY.–The Secretary shall issue

or renew the exemption for which an application was filed or deny such issuance or

renewal within 180 days after the first day of the month following the date of the filing of

such application, or the Secretary shall publish a statement in the Federal Register of the

reason why the Secretary's decision on the exemption is delayed, along with an estimate

of the additional time necessary before the decision is made.

(d) EXCLUSIONS.–

(1) The Secretary shall exclude, in any part, from this chapter and regulations

prescribed under this chapter–

(A) a public vessel (as defined in section 2101 of title 46);

(B) a vessel exempted under section 3702 of title 46 from chapter 37 of title

46; and

(C) a vessel to the extent it is regulated under the Ports and Waterways Safety

Act of 1972 (33 USC 1221 et seq.).

(2) This chapter and regulations prescribed under this chapter do not prohibit–

(A) or regulate transportation of a firearm (as defined in section 232 of title

18), or ammunition for a firearm, by an individual for personal use; or

(B) transportation of a firearm or ammunition in commerce.

(e) LIMITATION ON AUTHORITY.–Unless the Secretary decides that an

emergency exists, an exemption or renewal granted under this section is the only way a

person subject to this chapter may be exempt from this chapter.

Sec. 5118. Inspectors

(a) GENERAL REQUIREMENT.–The Secretary of Transportation shall maintain the

employment of 30 hazardous material safety inspectors more than the total number of

safety inspectors authorized for the fiscal year that ended September 30, 1990, for the

Federal Railroad Administration, the Federal Highway Administration, and the Research

and Special Programs Administration.

(b) ALLOCATION TO PROMOTE SAFETY IN TRANSPORTING

RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL.–

(1) The Secretary shall ensure that 10 of the 30 additional inspectors focus on

promoting safety in transporting radioactive material, as defined by the Secretary,

including inspecting–

(A) at the place of origin, shipments of high-level radioactive waste or nuclear

spent material (as those terms are defined in section 5105(a) of this title); and

(B) to the maximum extent practicable shipments of radioactive material that

are not high-level radioactive waste or nuclear spent material.

(2) In carrying out their duties, those 10 additional inspectors shall cooperate to

the greatest extent possible with safety inspectors of the Nuclear Regulatory

Commission and appropriate State and local government officials.

(3) Those 10 additional inspectors shall be allocated as follows:

(A) one to the Research and Special Programs Administration.

(B) 3 to the Federal Railroad Administration.

(C) 3 to the Federal Highway Administration.

(D) the other 3 among the administrations referred to in clauses (A)-(C) of this

paragraph as the Secretary decides.

(c) ALLOCATION OF OTHER INSPECTORS.–The Secretary shall allocate, as the

Secretary decides, the 20 additional inspectors authorized under this section and not

allocated under subsection (b) of this section among the administrations referred to in

subsection (b)(3)(A)-(C) of this section.

Sec. 5119. Uniform Forms and Procedures

(a) WORKING GROUP.–The Secretary of Transportation shall establish a working

group of State and local government officials, including representatives of the National
Volume 1, Page 6–21

Governors' Association, the National Association of Counties, the National League of

Cities, the United States Conference of Mayors, and the National Conference of State

Legislatures. The purposes of the working group are–

(1) to establish uniform forms and procedures for a State–

(A) to register persons that transport or cause to be transported hazardous

material by motor vehicle in the State; and

(B) to allow the transportation of hazardous material in the State; and

(2) to decide whether to limit the filing of any State registration and permit forms

and collection of filing fees to the State in which the person resides or has its

principal place of business.

(b) CONSULTATION AND REPORTING.–The working group–

(1) shall consult with persons subject to registration and permit requirements

described in subsection (a) of this section; and

(2) not later than November 16, 1993, shall submit to the Secretary, the

Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, and the

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a

final report that contains–

(A) a detailed statement of its findings and conclusions; and

(B) its joint recommendations on the matters referred to in subsection (a) of

this section.

(c) REGULATIONS ON RECOMMENDATIONS.–

(1) The Secretary shall prescribe regulations to carry out the recommendations

contained in the report submitted under subsection (b) of this section with which the

Secretary agrees. The regulations shall be prescribed by the later of the last day of

the 3-year period beginning on the date the working group submitted its report or the

last day of the 90-day period beginning on the date on which at least 26 States adopt

all of the recommendations of the report. A regulation prescribed under this

subsection may not define or limit the amount of a fee a State may impose or collect.

(2) A regulation prescribed under this subsection takes effect one year after it is

prescribed. The Secretary may extend the one-year period for an additional year for

good cause. After a regulation is effective, a State may establish, maintain, or

enforce a requirement related to the same subject matter only if the requirement is the

same as the regulation.

(3) In consultation with the working group, the Secretary shall develop a

procedure to eliminate differences in how States carry out a regulation prescribed

under this subsection.

(d) RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER LAWS.–The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5

App. USC) does not apply to the working group.

Sec. 5120. International Uniformity of Standards and Requirements

(a) PARTICIPATION IN INTERNATIONAL FORUMS.–Subject to guidance and

direction from the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Transportation shall participate in

international forums that establish or recommend mandatory standards and requirements

for transporting hazardous material in international commerce.

(b) CONSULTATION.–The Secretary of Transportation may consult with interested

authorities to ensure that, to the extent practicable, regulations the Secretary prescribes

under sections 5103(b), 5104, 5110, and 5112 of this title are consistent with standards

related to transporting hazardous material that international authorities adopt.
Volume 1, Page 6–22

(c) DIFFERENCES WITH INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS AND

REQUIREMENTS.–This section–

(1) does not require the Secretary of Transportation to prescribe a standard

identical to a standard adopted by an international authority if the Secretary decides

the standard is unnecessary or unsafe; and

(2) does not prohibit the Secretary from prescribing a safety requirement more

stringent than a requirement included in a standard adopted by an international

authority if the Secretary decides the requirement is necessary in the public interest.

Sec. 5121. Administrative

(a) GENERAL AUTHORITY.–To carry out this chapter, the Secretary of

Transportation may investigate, make reports, issue subpoenas, conduct hearings, require

the production of records and property, take depositions, and conduct research,

development, demonstration, and training activities. After notice and an opportunity for

a hearing, the Secretary may issue an order requiring compliance with this chapter or a

regulation prescribed under this chapter.

(b) RECORDS, REPORTS, AND INFORMATION.–A person subject to this chapter

shall–

(1) maintain records, make reports, and provide information the Secretary by

regulation or order requires; and

(2) make the records, reports, and information available when the Secretary

requests.

(c) INSPECTION.–

(1) The Secretary may authorize an officer, employee, or agent to inspect, at a

reasonable time and in a reasonable way, records and property related to–

(A) manufacturing, fabricating, marking, maintaining, reconditioning,

repairing, testing, or distributing a packaging or a container for use by a person in

transporting hazardous material in commerce; or

(B) the transportation of hazardous material in commerce.

(2) An officer, employee, or agent under this subsection shall display proper

credentials when requested.

(d) FACILITY, STAFF, AND REPORTING SYSTEM ON RISKS,

EMERGENCIES, AND ACTIONS.–

(1) The Secretary shall–

(A) maintain a facility and technical staff sufficient to provide, within the

United States Government, the capability of evaluating a risk related to the

transportation of hazardous material and material alleged to be hazardous;

(B) maintain a central reporting system and information center capable of

providing information and advice to law enforcement and firefighting personnel,

other interested individuals, and officers and employees of the government and

State and local government on meeting an emergency related to the transportation

of hazardous material; and

(C) conduct a continuous review on all aspects of transporting hazardous

material to decide on and take appropriate actions to ensure safe transportation of

hazardous material.

(2) Paragraph (1) of this subsection does not prevent the Secretary from making a

contract with a private entity for use of a supplemental reporting system and

information center operated and maintained by the contractor.

(e) REPORT.–The Secretary shall, once every 2 years, prepare and submit to the

President for transmittal to the Congress a comprehensive report on the transportation of

hazardous materials during the preceding 2 calendar years. The report shall include–

(1) a statistical compilation of accidents and casualties related tot he

transportation of hazardous material;
Volume 1, Page 6–23

(2) a list and summary of applicable Government regulations, criteria, orders, and

exemptions;

(3) a summary of the basis for each exemption;

(4) an evaluation of the effectiveness of enforcement activities and the degree of

voluntary compliance with regulations;

(5) a summary of outstanding problems in carrying out this chapter in order of

priority; and

(6) recommendations for appropriate legislation.

Sec. 5122. Enforcement

(a) GENERAL.–At the request of the Secretary of Transportation, the Attorney

General may bring a civil action in an appropriate district court of the United States to

enforce this chapter or a regulation prescribed or order issued under this chapter. The

court may award appropriate relief, including punitive damages.

(b) IMMINENT HAZARDS.–

(1) If the Secretary has reason to believe that an imminent hazard exists, the

Secretary may bring a civil action in an appropriate district court of the United

States–

(A) to suspend or restrict the transportation of the hazardous material

responsible for the hazard; or

(B) to eliminate or ameliorate the hazard.

(2) On request of the Secretary, the Attorney General shall bring an action under

paragraph (1) of this subsection.

(c) WITHHOLDING OF CLEARANCE.–

(1) If any owner, operator or individual in charge of a vessel is liable for a civil

penalty under section 5123 of this title or for a fine under section 5124 of this title, or

if reasonable cause exists to believe that such owner, operator, or individual in charge

may be subject to such a civil penalty or fine, the Secretary of the Treasury, upon the

request of the Secretary, shall with respect to such vessel refuse or revoke any

clearance required by section 4197 of the Revised Statutes of the United States

(46 App. USC 91).

(2) Clearance refused or revoked under this subsection may be granted upon the

filing of a bond or other surety satisfactory to the Secretary.

Sec. 5123. Civil Penalty

(a) PENALTY.–

(1) A person that knowingly violates this chapter or a regulation prescribed or

order issued under this chapter is liable to the United States Government for a civil

penalty of at least $250 but not more that $25,000 for each violation. A person acts

knowingly when–

(A) the person has actual knowledge of the facts giving rise to the violation; or

(B) a reasonable person acting in the circumstances and exercising reasonable

care would have that knowledge.

(2) A separate violation occurs for each day the violation, committed by a person

that transports or causes to be transported hazardous material, continues.

(b) HEARING REQUIREMENT.–The Secretary of Transportation may find that a

person has violated this chapter or a regulation prescribed under this chapter only after

notice and an opportunity for a hearing. The Secretary shall impose a penalty under this

section by giving the person written notice of the amount of the penalty.

(c) PENALTY CONSIDERATIONS.–In determining the amount of a civil penalty

under this section, the Secretary shall consider–

(1) the nature, circumstances, extent, and gravity of the violation;
Volume 1, Page 6–24

(2) with respect to the violator, the degree of culpability, any history of prior

violations, the ability to pay, and any effect on the ability to continue to do business;

and

(3) other matters that justice requires.

(d) CIVIL ACTIONS TO COLLECT.–The Attorney General may bring a civil action

in an appropriate district court of the United States to collect a civil penalty under this

section.

(e) COMPROMISE.–The Secretary may compromise the amount of a civil penalty

imposed under this section before referral to the Attorney General.

(f) SETOFF.–The Government may deduct the amount of a civil penalty imposed or

compromised under this section from amounts it owes the person liable for the penalty.

(g) DEPOSITING AMOUNTS COLLECTED.–Amounts collected under this section

shall be deposited in the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts.

Sec. 5124. Criminal Penalty

A person knowingly violating section 5104(b) of this title or willfully violating this

chapter or a regulation prescribed or order issued under this chapter shall be fined under

Title 18, imprisoned for not more than 5 years, or both.

Sec. 5125. Preemption

(a) GENERAL.–Except as provided in subsections (b), (c), and (e) of this section and

unless authorized by another law of the United States, a requirement of a State, political

subdivision of a State, or Indian tribe is preempted if–

(1) complying with a requirement of the State, political subdivision, or tribe and a

requirement of this chapter or a regulation prescribed under this chapter is not

possible; or

(2) the requirement of the State, political subdivision, or tribe, as applied or

enforced, is an obstacle to accomplishing and carrying out this chapter or a regulation

prescribed under this chapter.

(b) SUBSTANTIVE DIFFERENCES.–

(1) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section and unless authorized by

another law of the United States, a law, regulation, order, or other requirement of a

State, political subdivision of a State, or Indian tribe about any of the following

subjects, that is not substantively the same as a provision of this chapter or a

regulation prescribed under this chapter, is preempted:

(A) the designation, description, and classification of hazardous material.

(B) the packing, repacking, handling, labeling, marking, and placarding of

hazardous material.

(C) the preparation, execution, and use of shipping documents related to

hazardous material and requirements related to then umber, contents, and

placement of those documents.

(D) the written notification, recording, and reporting of the unintentional

release in transportation of hazardous material.

(E) the design, manufacturing, fabricating, marking, maintenance,

reconditioning, repairing, or testing of a packaging or a container represented,

marked, certified, or sold as qualified for use in transporting hazardous material.

(2) If the Secretary of Transportation prescribes or has prescribed under

section 5103(b), 5104, 5110, or 5112 of this title or prior comparable provision of

law a regulation or standard related to a subject referred to in paragraph (1) of this

subsection, a State, political subdivision of a State, or Indian tribe may prescribe,

issue, maintain, and enforce only a law, regulation, standard, or order about the

subject that is substantively the same as a provision of this chapter or a regulation

prescribed or order issued under this chapter. The Secretary shall decide on an

publish in the Federal Register the effective date of section 5103(b) of this title for
Volume 1, Page 6–25

any regulation or standard about any of those subjects that the Secretary prescribes

after November 16, 1990. However, the effective date may not be earlier than

90 days after the Secretary prescribes the regulation or standard nor later than the last

day of the 2-year period beginning on the date the Secretary prescribes the regulation

or standard.

(3) If a State, political subdivision of a State, or Indian tribe imposes a fine or

penalty the Secretary decides is appropriate for a violation related to a subject

referred to in paragraph (1) of this subsection, an additional fine or penalty may not

be imposed by any other authority.

(c) COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 5112(b) REGULATIONS.–

(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, after the last day of the

2-year period beginning on the date a regulation is prescribed under section 5112(b)

of this title, a State or Indian tribe may establish, maintain, or enforce a highway

routing designation over which hazardous material may or may not be transported by

motor vehicles, or a limitation or requirement related to highway routing, only if the

designation, limitation, or requirement complies with section 5112(b).

(2)(A) A highway routing designation, limitation, or requirement established

before the date a regulation is prescribed under section 5112(b) of this title does not

have to comply with section 5112(b)(1)(B), (C), and (F).

(B) This subsection and section 5112 of this title do not require a State or

Indian tribe to comply with section 5112(b)(1)(I) if the highway routing designation,

limitation, or requirement was established before November 16, 1990.

(C) The Secretary may allow a highway routing designation, limitation, or

requirement to continue in effect until a dispute related tot he designation, limitation,

or requirement is resolved under section 5112(d) of this title.

(d) DECISIONS ON PREEMPTION.–

(1) A person (including a State, political subdivision of a State, or Indian tribe)

directly affected by a requirement of a State, political subdivision, or tribe may apply

to the Secretary, as provided by regulations prescribed by the Secretary, for a decision

on whether the requirement is preempted by subsection (a), (b)(1), or (c) of this

section. The Secretary shall publish notice of the application in the Federal Register. 

The Secretary shall issue a decision on an application for a determination within

180 days after the date of the publication of the notice of having received such

application, or the Secretary shall publish a statement in the Federal Register of the

reason why the Secretary’s decision on the application is delayed, along with an

estimate of the additional time necessary before the decision is made. After notice is

published, an applicant may not seek judicial relief on the same or substantially the

same issue until the Secretary takes final action on the application or until 180 days

after the application is filed, whichever occurs first.

(2) After consulting with States, political subdivisions of States, and Indian tribes,

the Secretary shall prescribe regulations for carrying out paragraph (1) of this

subsection.

(3) Subsection (a) of this section does not prevent a State, political subdivision of

a State, or Indian tribe, or another person directly affected by a requirement, from

seeking a decision on preemption from a court of competent jurisdiction instead of

applying to the Secretary under paragraph (1) of this subsection.

(e) WAIVER OF PREEMPTION.–A State, political subdivision of a State, or Indian

tribe may apply to the Secretary for a waiver of preemption of a requirement the State,

political subdivision, or tribe acknowledges is preempted by subsection (a), (b)(1), or (c)

of this section. Under a procedure the Secretary prescribes by regulation, the Secretary

may waive preemption on deciding the requirement–
Volume 1, Page 6–26

(1) provides the public at least as much protection as do requirements of this

chapter and regulations prescribes under this chapter; and

(2) is not an unreasonable burden on commerce.

(f) JUDICIAL REVIEW.–A party to a proceeding under subsection (d) or (e) of this

section may bring a civil action in an appropriate district court of the United States for

judicial review of the decision of the Secretary not later than 60 days after the decision

becomes final.

(g) FEES.–

(1) A State, political subdivision of a State, or Indian tribe may impose a fee

related to transporting hazardous material only if the fee is fair and used for a purpose

related to transporting hazardous material, including enforcement and planning,

developing, and maintaining a capability for emergency response.

(2) A State or political subdivision thereof or Indian tribe that levies a fee in

connection with the transportation of hazardous materials shall, upon the Secretary’s

request, report to the Secretary on–

(A) the basis on which the fee is levied upon persons involved in such

transportation;

(B) the purposes for which the revenues from the fee are used;

(C) the annual total amount of the revenues collected from the fee; and

(D) such other matters as the Secretary requests.

Sec. 5126. Relationship to Other Laws

(a) CONTRACTS.–A person under contract with a department, agency, or

instrumentality of the United States Government that transports or causes to be

transported hazardous material, or manufactures, fabricates, marks, maintains,

reconditions, repairs, or tests a packaging or a container that the person represents,

marks, certifies, or sells as qualified for use in transporting hazardous material must

comply with this chapter, regulations prescribed and orders issued under this chapter, and

all other requirements of the Government, State and local governments, and Indian tribes

(except a requirement preempted by a law of the United States) in the same way and to

the same extent that any person engaging in that transportation, manufacturing,

fabricating, marking, maintenance, reconditioning, repairing, or testing that is in or

affects commerce must comply with the provision, regulation, order, or requirement.

(b) NONAPPLICATION.–This chapter does not apply to–

(1) a pipeline subject to regulation under chapter 601 of this title; or

(2) any matter that is subject to the postal laws and regulations of the United

States under this chapter or Title 18 or 39.

Sec. 5127. Authorization of Appropriations

(a) GENERAL.–Not more than $18,000,000 may be appropriated to the Secretary of

Transportation for fiscal year 1993, $18,000,000 for fiscal year 1994, $18,540,000 for

fiscal year 1995, $19,100,000 for fiscal year 1996, and $19,670,000 for fiscal year 1997

to carry out this chapter (except sections 5107(e), 5108(g)(2), 5113, 5115, 5116, and

5119).

(b) TRAINING OF HAZMAT EMPLOYEE INSTRUCTORS.–

(1) There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary $3,000,000 for each of

fiscal years 1995, 1996, 1997, and 1998 to carry out section 5107I(e).

(2)(A) There shall be available to the Secretary for carrying out section 5116(j),

from amounts in the account established pursuant to section 5116(i), $250,000 for

each of fiscal years 1995, 1996, 1997, and 1998.

(B) In addition to amounts made available under subparagraph (A), there is

authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary for carrying out section 5116(j)

$1,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1995, 1996, 1997, and 1998.
Volume 1, Page 6–27

(c) TRAINING CURRICULUM.–

(1) Not more than $1,000,000 is available to the Secretary of Transportation from

the account established under section 5116(i) of this title for each of the fiscal years

ending September 30, 1993-1998, to carry out section 5115 of this title.

(2) The Secretary of Transportation may transfer to the Director of the Federal

Emergency Management Agency from amounts available under this subsection

amounts necessary to carry out section 5115(d)(1) of this title.

(d) PLANNING AND TRAINING.–

(1) Not more than $5,000,000 is available to the Secretary of Transportation from

the account established under section 5116(i) of this title for each of the fiscal years

ending September 30, 1993-1998, to carry out section 5116(a) of this title.

(2) Not more than $7,800,000 is available to the Secretary of Transportation from

the account established under section 5116(i) of this title for each of the fiscal years

ending September 30, 1993-1998, to carry out section 5116(b) of this title.

(3) Not more than the following amounts are available from the account

established under section 5116(i) of this title for each of the fiscal years ending

September 30, 1993-1998, to carry out section 5116(f) of this title:

(A) $750,000 each to the Secretaries of Transportation and Energy,

Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and Director of the

Federal Emergency Management Agency.

(B) $200,000 to the Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health

Sciences.

(e) UNIFORM FORMS AND PROCEDURES.–Not more than $400,000 may be

appropriated to the Secretary of Transportation for the fiscal year ending September 30,

1993, to carry out section 5119 of this title.

(f) CREDITS TO APPROPRIATIONS.–The Secretary of Transportation may credit

to any appropriation to carry out this chapter an amount received from a State, Indian

tribe, or other public authority or private entity for expenses the Secretary incurs in

providing training to the State, authority, or entity.

(g) AVAILABILITY OF AMOUNTS.–Amounts available under subsections (c)-(e)

of this section remain available until expended.

Approved November 16, 1990

Recodified July 5, 1994
2

This section consists of section 201 of Public Law 94-79 (89 Stat. 413) enacted on August 9, 1975. The

paragraph shown appears in the United States Code at 42 USC 5841 note. 3

This title consists of sections 501 and 502 of Public Law 94-187 (89 Stat. 1077) enacted on December 31,

1975. The sections appear in the United States Code at 42 USC 5817 note.

Volume 1, Page 6–28

1. TRANSPORTATION OF PLUTONIUM

Public Law 94-79 89 Stat. 413

August 9, 1975

Sec. 201.

42 USC 5841.

Note.

Section 201(a) of the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 is

amended:

2

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission shall not license any

shipments by air transport of plutonium in any form, whether

exports, imports or domestic shipments: Provided, however, That

any plutonium in any form contained in a medical device designed

for individual human application is not subject to this restriction. 

This restriction shall be in force until the Nuclear Regulatory

Commission has certified to the joint Committee on Atomic

Energy of the Congress that a safe container has been developed

and tested which will not rupture under crash and blast-testing

equivalent to the crash and explosion of a high-flying aircraft.

* * * *

2. TITLE V OF PUBLIC LAW 94-187

AIR TRANSPORTATION OF PLUTONIUM

Sec. 501. 

42 USC 5817.

Note.

The Energy Research and Development Administration shall

3

not ship plutonium in any form by aircraft whether exports, imports, or

domestic shipment: Provided, That any exempt shipments of plutonium,

as defined by section 502, are not subject to this restriction. This

restriction shall be in force until the Energy Research and Development

Administration has certified to the Joint Committee on Atomic Energy of

the Congress that a safe container has been developed and tested which

will not rupture under crash and blast testing equivalent to the crash and

explosion of a high-flying aircraft.

Sec. 502. 

42 USC 5817.

Note.

For the purposes of this title, the term “exempt shipments of

plutonium” shall include the following:

(1) Plutonium shipments in any form designed for medical

application.

(2) Plutonium shipments which pursuant to rules promulgated

by the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development

Administration are determined to be made for purposes of national

security, public health and safety, or emergency maintenance

operations. 

(3) Shipments of small amounts of plutonium deemed by the

Administrator of the Energy Research and Development

Administration to require rapid shipment by air in order to

preserve the chemical, physical, or isotopic properties of the

transported item or material.

* * * *
4

This title consists of sections 5062 of Public Law 100-203 (101 Stat. 1330-251) enacted on December 22,

1987, and was also enacted in identical form by Public Law 100-202 (101 Stat. 1329-121) on the same date. 

The section appears in the United States Code at 42 USC 5841 note.

Volume 1, Page 6–29

3. SECTION 5062 OF OMNIBUS BUDGET

RECONCILIATION ACT OF 1987

Sec. 5062. Transportation of Plutonium by Aircraft Through United

States Air Space 

(a) IN GENERAL–Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no

4

 form of plutonium may be transported by aircraft through the air space of

the United States from a foreign nation to a foreign nation unless the

Nuclear Regulatory Commission has certified to Congress that the

container in which such plutonium is transported is safe, as determined in

accordance with subsection (b), the second undesignated paragraph under

section 201 of Public Law 94-79 (89 Stat. 413; 42 USC 5841 note), and

all other applicable laws.

(b) RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE NUCLEAR REGULATORY

COMMISSION–

42 USC 5841.

Note.

(1) DETERMINATION OF SAFETY–The Nuclear Regulatory

Commission shall determine whether the container referred to in

subsection (a) is safe for use in the transportation of plutonium by

aircraft and transmit to Congress a certification for the purposes of

such subsection in the case of each container determined to be safe.

(2) TESTING–In order to make a determination with respect to a

container under paragraph (1), the Nuclear Regulatory Commission

shall–

(A) require an actual drop test from maximum cruising altitude

of a full-scale sample of such container loaded with test materials;

and

(B) require an actual crash test of a cargo aircraft fully loaded

with full-scale samples of such container loaded with test material

unless the Commission determines, after consultation with an

independent scientific review panel, that the stresses on the

container produced by other tests used in developing the container

exceed the stresses which would occur during a worst case

plutonium air shipment accident.

(3) LIMITATION–The Nuclear Regulatory Commission may not

certify under this section that a container is safe for use in the

transportation of plutonium by aircraft if the container ruptured or

released its contents during testing conducted in accordance with

paragraph (2).

(4) EVALUATION–The Nuclear Regulatory Commission shall

evaluate the container certification required by Title II of the Energy

Reorganization Act of 1974 (42 USC 5841 et seq.) and subsection (a)

in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (83

Stat. 852; 42 USC 4321 et seq.) and all other applicable law.

(c) CONTENT OF CERTIFICATION–A certification referred to in

subsection (a) with respect to a container shall include–

(1) the determination of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission as to

the safety of such container;

(2) a statement that the requirements of subsection (b)(2) were

satisfied in the testing of such container; and
5

This title consists of section 2904 of Public Law 102-486 (106 Stat. 2776) enacted on October 24, 1992,

and does not appear in the United States Code.

Volume 1, Page 6–30

(3) a statement that the container did not rupture or release its

contents into the environment during testing.

(d) DESIGN OF TESTING PROCEDURES–The tests required by

subsection (b) shall be designed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission

to replicate actual worst case transportation conditions to the maximum

extend practicable. In designing such tests, the Commission shall provide

for public notice of the proposed test procedures, provide a reasonable

opportunity for public comment on such procedures, and consider such

comments, if any.

(e) TESTING RESULTS: REPORTS AND PUBLIC DISCLOSURE

–The Nuclear Regulatory Commission shall transmit to Congress a report

on the results of each test conducted under this section and shall make

such results available to the public.

(f) ALTERNATIVE ROUTES AND MEANS OF

TRANSPORTATION–With respect to any shipments of plutonium from

a foreign nation to a foreign nation which are subject to United States

consent rights contained in an Agreement for Peaceful Nuclear

Cooperation, the President is authorized to make every effort to pursue

and conclude arrangements for alternative routes and means of

transportation, including sea shipment. All such arrangements shall be

subject to stringent physical security conditions, and other conditions

designed to protect the public health and safety, and provisions of this

section, and all other applicable laws.

(g) INAPPLICABILITY TO MEDICAL DEVICES–Subsections (a)

through (e) shall not apply with respect to plutonium in any form

contained in a medical device designed for individual human application.

(h) INAPPLICABILITY TO MILITARY USES–Subsections (a)

through (e) shall not apply to plutonium in the form of nuclear weapons

nor to other shipments of plutonium determined by the Department of

Energy to be directly connected with the United States national security or

defense programs.

(i) INAPPLICABILITY TO PREVIOUSLY CERTIFIED

CONTAINERS–This section shall not apply to any containers for the

shipment of plutonium previously certified as safe by the Nuclear

Regulatory Commission under Public Law 94-79 (89 Stat. 413; 42 USC

5841 note).

(j) PAYMENT OF COSTS–All costs incurred by the Nuclear

Regulatory Commission associated with the testing program required by

this section, and administrative costs related thereto, shall be reimbursed

to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission by any foreign country receiving

plutonium shipped through United States airspace in containers specified

by the Commission.

* * * *

4. SECTION 2904 OF ENERGY POLICY ACT OF 1992

Sec. 2904. Study and Implementation Plan on Safety of Shipments of

Plutonium By Sea

(a) STUDY–The President, in consultation with the Nuclear

5

 Regulatory Commission, shall conduct a study on the safety of

shipments of plutonium by sea. The study shall consider the following:
Volume 1, Page 6–31

(1) The safety of the casks containing the plutonium.

(2) The safety risks to the States of such shipments.

(3) Upon the request of any State, the adequacy of that State’s

emergency plans with respect to such shipments.

(4) The Federal resources needed to assist the States on account of

such shipments.

(b) REPORT–The President shall, not later than 60 days after the date

of the enactment of this Act, transmit tot he Congress a report on the

study conducted under subsection (a), together with his recommendations

based on the study.

(c) IMPLEMENTATION PLAN–The President, in consultation with

the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, shall establish a plan to implement

the recommendations contained in the study conducted under

subsection (a) and shall, not later than 90 days after transmitting the

report to the Congress under subsection (b), transmit to the Congress that

implementation plan.

(d) DEFINITION–As used in this section, the term “State” includes

the District of Columbia and any commonwealth, territory, or possession

of the United States.

* * * *

5. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND RELATED

AGENCIES APPROPRIATION ACT, 2002

Public Law 107-87 115 Stat. 833

Dec. 18, 2001

Making appropriations for the Department of Transportation and

related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2002, and

for other purposes.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United

States of America in Congress assembled, That the following sums are

appropriated, for the Department of Transportation and related

agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2002, and for other

purposes, namely:

* * * *

Sec. 352.

(a) FINDINGS–Congress makes the following findings:

(1) The condition of highway, railway, and waterway

infrastructure across the Nation varies widely and is in need of

improvement and investment.

(2) Thousands of tons of hazardous materials, including a very

small amount of high-level radioactive material, are transported along

the Nation’s highways, railways, and waterways each year.

(3) The volume of hazardous material transport increased by over

one-third in the last 25 years and is expected to continue to increase. 

Some propose significantly increasing radioactive material transport.

(4) Approximately 261,000 people were evacuated across the

Nation because of rail-related incidents involving hazardous materials

between 1978 and 1995, and during that period industry reported 8
Volume 1, Page 6–32

transportation accidents involving the small volume of high level

radioactive waste transported during that period.

(5) The Federal Railroad Administration has significantly

decreased railroad inspections and has allocated few resources since

1993 to assure the structural integrity of railroad bridges. Train

derailments have increased by 18 percent over roughly the same

period.

(6) The poor condition of highway, railway, and waterway

infrastructure, increases in the volume of hazardous material transport,

and proposed increases in radioactive material transport increase the

risk of incidents involving such materials.

(7) Measuring the risks of hazardous or radioactive material

incidents and preventing such incidents requires specific information

concerning the condition and suitability of specific transportation

routes contemplated for such transport to inform and enable

investment in related infrastructure.

(8) Mitigating the impact of hazardous and radioactive material

transportation incidents requires skilled, localized, and well-equipped

emergency response personnel along all specifically identified

transportation routes.

(9) Incidents involving hazardous or radioactive material transport

pose threats tot he public health and safety, the environment, and the

economy.

(b) STUDY–The Secretary of Transportation shall, in consultation

with the Comptroller General of the United States, conduct a study of the

effects to public health and safety, the environment, and the economy

associated with the transportation of hazardous and radioactive material.

(c) MATTERS TO BE ADDRESSED–The study under subsection (b)

shall address the following matters:

(1) Whether the Federal Government conducts or reviews

individualized and detailed evaluations and inspections of the

condition and suitability of specific transportation routes for the

current, and any anticipated or proposed, transport of hazardous and

radioactive material, including whether resources and information are

adequate to conduct such evaluations and inspections.

(2) The costs and time required to ensure adequate inspection of

specific transportation routes and related infrastructure and to

complete the infrastructure improvements necessary to ensure the

safety of current, and any anticipated or proposed, hazardous and

radioactive material transport.

(3) Whether emergency preparedness personnel, emergency

response personnel, and medical personnel are adequately trained and

equipped to promptly respond to incidents along specific

transportation routes for current, anticipated, or proposed hazardous

and radioactive material transport.

(4) The costs and time required to ensure that emergency

preparedness personnel, emergency response personnel, and medical

personnel are adequately trained and equipped to promptly respond to

incidents along specific transportation routes for current, anticipated,

or proposed hazardous and radioactive material transport.

(5) The availability of, or requirements to, establish governmental

and commercial information collection and dissemination systems
Volume 1, Page 6–33

adequate to provide public and emergency responders in an accessible

manner, with timely, complete, specific, and accurate information

(including databases) concerning actual, proposed, or anticipated

shipments by highway, railway, or waterway of hazardous and

radioactive materials, including incidents involving the transportation

of such materials by those means and the public safety implications of

such dissemination.

(d) DEADLINE FOR COMPLETION–The study under subsection (b)

shall be completed not later than 6 months after the date of the enactment

of this Act.

(e) REPORT–Upon completion of the study under subsection (b), the

Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the study.

Approved December 18, 2001
Volume 1, Page 7–1

OMNIBUS BUDGET RECONCILIATION ACT OF 1990

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE 42 USC

Sec.

TITLE VI

ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS

Sec. 6101. NRC User Fees and Annual Charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–2 2214

2213
1

(As amended Public Law 105-245, Title V, sec. 505, Oct. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1856; Public Law 106-60,

Title VI, sec. 604, Sept. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 501; Public Law 106-377, sec. 1(a)(2) [Title VIII], Oct. 27, 2000,

114 Stat. 1441, 1441A-____).

Volume 1, Page 7–2

OMNIBUS BUDGET RECONCILIATION ACT OF 1990

Public Law 101-508 104 Stat. 1388

NOV. 5, 1990

TITLE VI–ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS

Subtitle B–NRC User Fees and Annual Charges

Sec. 6101. NRC User Fees and Annual Charges

(a) ANNUAL ASSESSMENT–

42 USC 2214. (1) IN GENERAL–Except as provided in paragraph (3), the

Nuclear Regulatory Commission (in this section referred to as the

“Commission”) shall annually assess and collect such fees and

charges as are described in subsections (b) and (c).

(2) FIRST ASSESSMENT–The first assessment of fees under

subsection (b) and annual charges under subsection (c) shall be made

not later than September 30, 1991.

(3) LAST ASSESSMENT OF ANNUAL CHARGES–The last

assessment of annual charges under subsection (c) shall be made not

later than September 30, 2005.

(b) FEES FOR SERVICE OR THING OF VALUE–Pursuant to

section 9701 of title 31, United States Code, any person who receives a

service or thing of value from the Commission shall pay fees to cover the

Commission’s costs in providing any such service or thing of value.

(c) ANNUAL CHARGES–

42 USC 2214. (1) PERSONS SUBJECT TO CHARGE–Except as provided in

paragraph (4), any licensee of the Commission may be required to pay,

in addition to the fees set forth in subsection (b), an annual charge.

(2) AGGREGATE AMOUNT OF CHARGES–

(A) The aggregate amount of the annual charge collected from

all licensees and certificate holders in a fiscal year shall equal an

amount that approximates the percentages of the budget authority

of the Commission for the fiscal year stated in subparagraph (B),

less–

(i) amounts collected under subsection (b) during the

fiscal year; and

(ii) amounts appropriated to the Commission from the

Nuclear Waste Fund for the fiscal year.

(B) Percentages–The percentages referred to in

subparagraph A) are–

(i) 98 percent for fiscal year 2001;

(ii) 96 percent for fiscal year 2002;

(iii) 94 percent for fiscal year 2003;

(iv) 92 percent for fiscal year 2004; and

(v) 90 percent for fiscal year 2005.1

(3) AMOUNT PER LICENSEE–The Commission shall establish,

by rule, a schedule of charges fairly and equitably allocating the

aggregate amount of charges described in paragraph (2) among

licensees. To the maximum extent practicable, the charges shall have a
2

Under Public Law 99-272, NRC was required to collect user fees totalling 33% of its budget on a fiscal

year basis.

Under Public Law 100-203, NRC was required to collect user fees totaling 45% of its budget for FY88&89.

This amended Public Law 99-272.

 Public Law 102-486, Title XXIX, § 2983(a), 106 Stat. 3125, Oct. 24, 1992.

 Public Law 103-66, Title VI, § 7001, 107 Stat. 401, Aug. 10, 1993

Volume 1, Page 7–3

reasonable relationship to the cost of providing regulatory services and

may be based on the allocation of the Commission’s resources among

licensees or classes of licensees.

(4) EXEMPTION–

(A) IN GENERAL–Paragraph (1) shall not apply to the holder

of any license for a federally owned research reactor used

primarily for educational training and academic research purposes.

(B) RESEARCH REACTOR.–For purposes of subparagraph

(A), the term “research reactor” means a nuclear reactor that–

(i) is licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission under

section 104c. of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 USC

2134(c)) for operation at a thermal power level of 10

megawatts or less; and

(ii) if so licensed for operation at a thermal power level of

more than 1 megawatt, does not contain–

(I) a circulating loop through the core in which the

licensee conducts fuel experiments;

(II) a liquid fuel loading; or

(III) an experimental facility in the core in excess of 16

square inches in cross-section.

(d) DEFINITION–As used in this section, the term “Nuclear Waste

Fund” means the fund established pursuant to section 302(c) of the

Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 (42 USC 10222(c)).

42 USC 2213. (e) CONFORMING AMENDMENT TO COBRA.–Paragraph(1)(a)

of section 7601 of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act

of 1985 (Public Law 99-272) is amended by striking “except that for

fiscal year of 1990 such maximum amount shall be estimated to be equal

to 45 percent of the costs incurred by the Commission for fiscal year

1990” and inserting “except as otherwise provided by law.”2
Volume 1, Page 8–1

ADMINISTRATIVE LAW STATUTES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page 5 USC

Sec.

SUBCHAPTER II–ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES . . . . 8–2 551-559

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–4 552

PRIVACY ACT ....................................... 8–12 552a.

GOVERNMENT IN THE SUNSHINE ACT ............... 8–26 552b.

NEGOTIATED RULEMAKING ACT OF 1990 ............ 8–37 561-570

ADMINISTRATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION ACT ....... 8–45 571

CHAPTER 6–THE ANALYSIS OF REGULATORY

 FUNCTIONS ........................... 8–56 601-612

CHAPTER 7–JUDICIAL REVIEW ...................... 8–64 701-706

CHAPTER 8–CONGRESSIONAL REVIEW OF

 AGENCY RULEMAKING ................ 8–67 App. 2

FEDERAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ACT .............. 8–73 App. 2

FEDERAL VACANCIES REFORM ACT OF 1998 ......... 8–82 3301

TRUTH IN REGULATING ACT OF 2000 ................ 8–89 561

28 USC

Sec.

ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION ACT OF 1998 . . . 8–97 1, 651

FEDERAL CIVIL PENALTIES INFLATION

ADJUSTMENT ACT OF 1990, AS AMENDED ............ 8–104 2461
Volume 1, Page 8–2

SUBCHAPTER II–ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

5 USC 551 - 559

Page

Sec. 551. Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–3

Sec. 552. Public Information; Agency Rules, Opinions, Orders, 

Records, and Proceeding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–4

Sec. 552a. Records Maintained on Individuals. ........................... 8–12

Sec. 552b. Open Meetings. ........................................... 8–26

Sec. 553. Rulemaking. .............................................. 8–30

Sec. 554. Adjudications ............................................. 8–31

Sec. 555. Ancillary Matters. ......................................... 8–32

Sec. 556. Hearings; Presiding Employees; Powers and Duties; Burden

of Proof; Evidence; Record as Basis of Decision. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–32

Sec. 557. Initial Decisions; Conclusiveness; Review by Agency; 

Submissions by Parties; Contents of Decisions; Record. . . . . . . . 8–34

Sec. 558. Imposition of Sanctions; Determination of Applications for 

Licenses; Suspension, Revocation, and Expiration of 

Licenses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–35

Sec. 559. Effect on Other Laws; Effect of Subsequent Statute. .............. 8–35
Volume 1, Page 8–3

SUBCHAPTER II–ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

5 USC 551 - 559

Sec. 551. Definitions

For the purpose of this subchapter–

(1) “agency” means each authority of the Government of the United States,

whether or not it is within or subject to review by another agency, but does not

include–

(A) the Congress;

(B) the courts of the United States;

(C) the governments of the territories or possessions of the United States;

(D) the Government of the District of Columbia; or except as to the

requirements of section 552 of this title ____;

(E) agencies composed of representatives of the parties or of representatives

of organizations of the parties to the disputes determined by them;

(F) courts martial and military commissions;

(G) military authority exercised in the field in time of war or in occupied

territory; or

(H) functions conferred by sections 1738, 1739, 1743, and 1744 of title 12;

chapter 2 of title 41; subchapter II of chapter 471 of title 49; or sections’ 1884,

1891–1902, and former section 1641(b)(2), of title 50, appendix;

(2) “person” includes an individual, partnership, corporation, association, or

public or private organization other than a agency;

(3) “party” includes a person or agency named or admitted as a party, or properly

seeking and entitled as of right to be admitted as a party, in an agency proceeding,

and a person or agency admitted by an agency as a party for limited purposes;

(4) “rule” means the whole or a part of an agency statement of general or

particular applicability and future effect designed to implement, interpret, or prescribe

law or policy or describing the organization, procedure, or practice requirements of

an agency and includes the approval or prescription for the future of rates, wages,

corporate or financial structures or reorganizations thereof, prices, facilities,

appliances, services or allowances therefor or of valuations, costs, or accounting, or

practices bearing on any of the foregoing;

(5) “rule making” means agency process for formulating, amending, or repealing a

rule;

(6) “order” means the whole or part of a final disposition whether affirmative,

negative, injunctive, or declaratory in form, of an agency in a matter other than rule

making but including licensing;

(7) “adjudication” means agency process for the formulation of an order;

(8) “license” includes the whole or a part of an agency permit, certificate,

approval, registration, charter, membership, statutory exemption or other form of

permission;

(9) “licensing” includes agency process respecting the grant, renewal, denial,

revocation, suspension, annulment, withdrawal, limitation, amendments,

modification, or conditioning of a license;

(10) “sanction” includes the whole or a part of an agency–

(A) prohibition requirement, limitations, or other condition affecting the

freedom of a person;

(B) withholding of relief;

(C) imposition of penalty or fine;

(D) destruction, taking, seizure, or withholding of property;
1

Section 552, as amended by Public Law 104-231, (110 Stat. 3049-3054), October 2, 1996.

Volume 1, Page 8–4

(E) Assessment of damages, reimbursement, restitution, compensation, costs,

charges, or fees;

(F) requirement, revocation, or suspension of a license; or

(G) taking other compulsory or restrictive action;

(11) “relief” includes the whole or a part of an agency–

(A) grant of money, assistance, license, authority, exemption, exception,

privilege, or remedy;

(B) recognition of a claim, right, immunity, privilege, exemption, or exception;

or

(C) taking of other action on the application or petition of, and beneficial to, a

person;

(12) “agency proceedings” means an agency process as defined by paragraphs (5),

(7), and (9) of this section;

(13) “agency action” includes the whole or a part of an agency rule, order, license,

sanction, relief, or the equivalent or denial thereof, or failure to act; and

(14) “ex parte communication” means an oral or written communication not on

the public record with respect to which reasonable prior notice to all parties is not

given, but it shall not include requests for status reports on any matter or proceeding

covered by this subchapter;

(Pub. L. 89-554, Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 381; amended Pub. L. 94-409,

Sept. 13, 1976, 90 Stat. 1247.)

Sec. 552. Public Information; Agency Rules, Opinions, Orders, Records, and

Proceeding

(a)1

 Each agency shall make available to the public information as follows:

(1) Each agency shall separately state and currently publish in the Federal

Register for the guidance of the public–

(A) descriptions of its central and field organization and the established places

at which, the employees (and in the case of a uniformed service, the members)

from whom, and the methods whereby, the public may obtain information, make

submittals or requests, or obtain decisions;

(B) statements of the general course and method by which its functions are

channeled and determined, including the nature and requirements of all formal

and informal procedures available;

(C) rules of procedure, descriptions of forms available or the places at which

forms may be obtained, and instructions as to the scope and contents of all papers,

reports, or examinations;

(D) substantive rules of general applicability adopted as authorized by law,

and statements of general policy or interpretations of general applicability

formulated and adopted by the agency; and

(E) each amendment, revision, or repeal of the foregoing.

Except to the extent that a person has actual and timely notice of the terms

thereof, a person may not in any manner be required to resort to, or be adversely

affected by, a matter required to be published in the Federal Register and not so

published. For the purpose of this paragraph, matter reasonably available to the class

of persons affected thereby is deemed published in the Federal Register when

incorporated by reference therein with the approval of the Director of the Federal

Register.

(2) Each agency, in accordance with published rules, shall make available for

public inspection and copying–

(A) final opinions, including concurring and dissenting opinions, as well as

orders, made in the adjudication of cases;
Volume 1, Page 8–5

(B) those statements of policy and interpretations which have been adopted by

the agency and are not published in the Federal Register;

(C) administrative staff manuals and instructions to staff that affect a member

of the public;

(D) copies of all records, regardless of form or format, which have been

released to any person under paragraph (3) and which, because of the nature of

their subject matter, the agency determines have become or are likely to become

the subject of subsequent requests for substantially the same records; and

(E) a general index of the records referred to under subparagraph (D); unless

the materials are promptly published and copies offered for sale. For records

created on or after November 1, 1996, within one year after such date, each

agency shall make such records available, including by computer

telecommunications or, if computer telecommunications means have not been

established by the agency, by other electronic means. To the extent required to

prevent a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, an agency may delete

identifying details when it makes available or publishes an opinion, statement of

policy, interpretation, staff manual, instruction, or copies of records referred to in

subparagraph (D). However, in each case the justification for the deletion shall be

explained fully in writing, and the extent of such deletion shall be indicated on the

portion of the record which is made available or published, unless including that

indication would harm an interest protected by the exemption in subsection (b)

under which the deletion is made. If technically feasible, the extent of the

deletion shall be indicated at the place in the record where the deletion was made.

Each agency shall also maintain and make available for public inspection and

copying current indexes providing identifying information for the public as to any

matter issued, adopted, or promulgated after July 4, 1967, and required by this

paragraph to be made available or published. Each agency shall promptly publish,

quarterly or more frequently, and distribute (by sale or otherwise) copies of each

index or supplements thereto unless it determines by order published in the

Federal Register that the publication would be unnecessary and impracticable, in

which case the agency shall nonetheless provide copies of such index on request

at a cost not to exceed the direct cost of duplication. Each agency shall make the

index referred to in subparagraph (E) available by computer telecommunications

by December 31, 1999. A final order, opinion, statement of policy, interpretation,

or staff manual or instruction that affects a member of the public may be relied

on, used, or cited as precedent by an agency against a party other than an agency

only if–

(i) it has been indexed and either made available or published as

provided by this paragraph; or

(ii) the party has actual and timely notice of the terms thereof.

(3)(A) Except with respect to the records made available under paragraphs (1)

and (2) of this subsection, each agency, upon any request for records which (i)

reasonably describes such records and (ii) is made in accordance with published

rules stating the time, place, fees (if any), and procedures to be followed, shall

make the records promptly available to any person.

(B) In making any record available to a person under this paragraph, an

agency shall provide the record in any form or format requested by the person if

the record is readily reproducible by the agency in that form or format. Each

agency shall make reasonable efforts to maintain its records in forms or formats

that are reproducible for purposes of this section.

(C) In responding under this paragraph to a request for records, an agency

shall make reasonable efforts to search for the records in electronic form or
Volume 1, Page 8–6

format, except when such efforts would significantly interfere with the operation

of the agency’s automated information system.

(D) For purposes of this paragraph, the term “search” means to review,

manually or by automated means, agency records for the purpose of locating those

records which are responsive to a request.

(4)(A)(i) In order to carry out the provisions of this section, each agency shall

promulgate regulations, pursuant to notice and receipt of public comment,

specifying the schedule of fees applicable to the processing of requests under this

section and establishing procedures and guidelines for determining when such

fees should be waived or reduced. Such schedule shall conform to the guidelines

which shall be promulgated, pursuant to notice and receipt of public comment, by

the Director of the Office of Management and budget and which shall provide for

a uniform schedule of fees for all agencies.

(ii) Such agency regulations shall provide that–

(I) fees shall be limited to reasonable standard charges for

document search, duplication, and review, when records are

requested for commercial use;

(II) fees shall be limited to reasonable standard charges for

document duplication when records are not sought for

commercial use and the request is made by an educational or

noncommercial scientific institution, whose purpose is scholarly

or scientific research; or a representative of the news media; and

(III) for any request not described in (I) or (II), fees shall be

limited to reasonable standard charges for document search and

duplication.

(iii) Documents shall be furnished without any charge or at a charge

reduced below the fees established under clause (ii) if disclosure of the

information is in the public interest because it is likely to contribute

significantly to public understanding of the operations or activities of the

government and is not primarily in the commercial interest of the requester.

(iv) Fee schedules shall provide for the recovery of only the direct costs of

search, duplication, or review. Review costs shall include only the direct costs

incurred during the initial examination of a document for the purposes of

determining whether the documents must be disclosed under this section and

for the purposes of withholding any portions exempt from disclosure under

this section. Review costs may not include any costs incurred in resolving

issues of law or policy that may be raised in the course of processing a request

under this section. No fee may be charged by any agency under this section–

(I) if the costs of routine collection and processing of the fee

are likely to equal or exceed the amount of the fee; or;

(II) for any request described in clause (ii)(II) or (III) of this

subparagraph for the first two hours of search time or for the

first one hundred pages of duplication.

(v) No agency may require advance payment of any fee unless the

requester has previously failed to pay fees in a timely fashion, or the agency

has determined that the fee will exceed $250.

(vi) Nothing in this subparagraph shall supersede fees chargeable under a

statute specifically providing for setting the level of fees for particular types of

records.

(vii) In any action by a requester regarding the waiver of fees under this

section, the court shall determine the matter de novo: Provided, That the

court’s review of the matter shall be limited to the record before the agency.
Volume 1, Page 8–7

(B) On complaint, the district court of the United States in the district in which

the complainant resides, or has his principal place of business, or in which the

agency records are situated, or in the District of Columbia, has jurisdiction to

enjoin the agency from withholding agency records and to order the production of

any agency records improperly withheld from the complainant. In such a case the

court shall determine the matter de novo, and may examine the contents of such

agency records in camera to determine whether such records or any part thereof

shall be withheld under any of the exemptions set forth in subsection (b) of this

section, and the burden is on the agency to sustain its action. In addition to any

other matters to which a court accords substantial weight, a court shall accord

substantial weight to an affidavit of an agency concerning the agency’s

determination as to technical feasibility under paragraph (2C) and subsection (b)

and reproducibility under paragraph (3B).

(C) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the defendant shall serve an

answer or otherwise plead to any complaint made under this subsection within

thirty days after service upon the defendant of the pleading in which such

complaint is made, unless the court otherwise directs for good cause shown.

(D) Repealed. Public Law 98-620, Title IV, § 402(2), Nov. 8, 1984, 98 Stat.

3357. 

(E) The court may assess against the United States reasonable attorney fees

and other litigation costs reasonably incurred in any case under this section in

which the complainant has substantially prevailed.

(F) Whenever the court orders the production of any agency records

improperly withheld from the complainant and assesses against the United States

reasonable attorney fees and other litigation costs, and the court additionally

issues a written finding that the circumstances surrounding the withholding raise

questions whether agency personnel acting arbitrarily or capriciously with respect

to the withholding, the Special Counsel shall promptly initiate a proceeding to

determine whether disciplinary action is warranted against the officer or employee

who was primarily responsible for the withholding. The Special Counsel, after

investigation and consideration of the evidence submitted, shall submit his

findings and recommendations to the administrative authority of the agency

concerned and shall send copies of the findings and recommendations to the

officer or employee of his representative. The administrative authority shall take

the corrective action that the Special Counsel recommends.

(G) In the event of noncompliance with the order of the court, the district

court may punish for contempt the responsible employee, and in the case of a

uniformed service, the responsible member.

(5) Each agency having more than one member shall maintain and make available

for public inspection a record of the final votes of each member in every agency

proceeding.

(6)(A) Each agency, upon any request for records made under paragraph (1), (2),

or (3) of this subsection shall–

(i) determine within 20 days (excepting Saturdays, Sundays, and legal public

holidays) after the receipt of any such request whether to comply with such

request and shall immediately notify the person making such request of such

determination and the reasons therefor, and of the right of such person to appeal

to the head of the agency any adverse determination; and

(ii) make a determination with respect to any appeal within twenty days

(excepting Saturdays, Sundays and legal public holidays) after the receipt of such

appeal. If on appeal the denial of the request for records is in whole or in part
Volume 1, Page 8–8

upheld, the agency shall notify the person making such request of the provisions

for judicial review of that determination under paragraph (4) of this subsection.

(B)(i) In unusual circumstances as specified in this subparagraph, the time

limits prescribed in either clause (i) or clause(ii) of subparagraph (A) may be

extended by written notice to the person making such request settling forth the

unusual circumstances for such extension and the date on which a determination

is expected to be dispatched. No such notice shall specify a date that would result

in an extension for more than ten working days, except as provided in clause (ii)

of this subparagraph.

(ii) With respect to a request for which a written notice under clause (i)

extends the time limits prescribed under clause (i) of subparagraph (A), the

agency shall notify the person making the request if the request cannot be

processed within the time limit specified in that clause and shall provide the

person an opportunity to limit the scope of the request so that it may be processed

within that time limit or an opportunity to arrange with the agency an alternative

time frame for processing the request or a modified request. Refusal by the

person to reasonably modify the request or arrange such an alternative time frame

shall be considered as a factor in determining whether exceptional circumstances

exist for purposes of subparagraph (C).

(iii) As used in this subparagraph, “unusual circumstances” means, but only

to the extent reasonably necessary to the proper processing of the particular

requests–

(I) the need to search for and collect the requested records from

field facilities or other establishments that are separate from the office

processing the request;

(II) the need to search for, collect, and appropriately examine a

voluminous amount of separate and distinct records which are

demanded in a single request; or

(III) the need for consultation, which shall be conducted with all

practicable speed, with another agency having a substantial interest in

the determination of the request or among two or more components of

the agency having substantial subject-matter interest therein.

(iv) Each agency may promulgate regulations, pursuant to notice and receipt of

public comment, providing for the aggregation of certain requests by the same

requestor, or by a group of requestors acting in concert, if the agency reasonably

believes that such requests actually constitute a single request, which would

otherwise satisfy the unusual circumstances specified in this subparagraph, and

the requests involve clearly related matters. Multiple requests involving unrelated

matters shall not be aggregated.

(C)(i) Any person making a request to any agency for records under paragraph

(1), (2), or (3) of this subsection shall be deemed to have exhausted his

administrative remedies with respect to such request if the agency fails to comply

with the applicable time limit provisions of this paragraph. If the Government can

show exceptional circumstances exist and that the agency is exercising due

diligence in responding to the request, the court may retain jurisdiction and allow

the agency additional time to complete its review of the records. Upon any

determination by an agency to comply with a request for records, the records shall

be made promptly available to such person making such request. Any notification

of denial of any request for records under this subsection shall set forth the names

and titles or positions of each person responsible for the denial of such request.

(ii) For purposes of this subparagraph, the term “exceptional circumstances”

does not include a delay that results from a predictable agency workload of
Volume 1, Page 8–9

requests under this section, unless the agency demonstrates reasonable progress in

reducing its backlog of pending requests.

(iii) Refusal by a person to reasonably modify the scope of a request or

arrange an alternative time frame for processing a request (or a modified request)

under clause (ii) after being given an opportunity to do so by the agency to whom

the person made the request shall be considered as a factor in determining whether

exceptional circumstances exist for purposes of this subparagraph.

(D)(i) Each agency may promulgate regulations, pursuant to notice and receipt

of public comment, providing for multitrack processing of requests for records

based on the amount of work or time (or both) involved in processing requests.

(ii) Regulations under this subparagraph may provide a person making a

request that does not qualify for the fastest multitrack processing an opportunity

to limit the scope of the request in order to qualify for faster processing.

(iii) This subparagraph shall not be considered to affect the requirement under

subparagraph (C) to exercise due diligence.

(E)(i) Each agency shall promulgate regulations, pursuant to notice and receipt

of public comment, providing for expedited processing of requests for records–

(I) in cases in which the person requesting the records demonstrates a

compelling need; and

(II) in other cases determined by the agency. 

(ii) Notwithstanding clause (i), regulations under this subparagraph must

ensure–

(I) that a determination of whether to provide expedited processing

shall be made, and notice of the determination shall be provided to the

person making the request, within 10 days after the date of the request; and

(II) expeditious consideration of administrative appeals of such

determinations of whether to provide expedited processing.

(iii) An agency shall process as soon as practicable any request for records to

which the agency has granted expedited processing under this subparagraph. 

Agency action to deny or affirm denial of a request for expedited processing

pursuant to this subparagraph, and failure by an agency to respond in a timely

manner to such a request shall be subject to judicial review under paragraph (4),

except that the judicial review shall be based on the record before the agency at

the time of the determination.

(iv) A district court of the United States shall not have jurisdiction to review

an agency denial of expedited processing of a request for records after the agency

has provided a complete response to the request.

(v) For purposes of this subparagraph, the term “compelling need” means–

(I) that a failure to obtain requested records on an expedited basis

under this paragraph could reasonably be expected to pose an imminent

threat to the life or physical safety of an individual; or 

(II) with respect to a request made by a person primarily engaged in

disseminating information, urgency to inform the public concerning actual

or alleged Federal Government activity.

(vi) A demonstration of a compelling need by a person making a request for

expedited processing shall be made by a statement certified by such person to be

true and correct to the best of such person’s knowledge and belief.

(F) In denying a request for records, in whole or in part, an agency shall make

a reasonable effort to estimate the volume of any requested matter the provision of

which is denied, and shall provide any such estimate to the person making the

request, unless providing such estimate would harm an interest protected by the

exemption in subsection (b) pursuant to which the denial is made.
Volume 1, Page 8–10

(b) This section does not apply to matters that are–

(1)(A) specifically authorized under criteria established by an Executive order to

be kept secret in the interest of national defense or foreign policy and (B) are in fact

properly classified pursuant to such Executive Order;

(2) related solely to the internal personnel rules and practices of an agency;

(3) specifically exempted from disclosure by statute (other than section 552b of

this title), provided that such statute (A) requires that the matters be withheld from the

public in such a manner as to leave no discretion on the issue, or (B) establishes

particular criteria for withholding or refers to particular types of matters to be

withheld;

(4) trade secrets and commercial or financial information obtained from a person

and privileged or confidential;

(5) inter-agency or intra-agency memorandums or letters which would not be

available by law to a party other than an agency in litigation with the agency;

(6) personnel and medical files and similar files the disclosure of which would

constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy;

(7) records or information compiled for law enforcement purposes, but only to the

extent that the production of such law enforcement records or information (A) could

reasonably be expected to interfere with enforcement proceedings, (B) would deprive

a person of a right to a fair trial or an impartial adjudication, (C) could reasonably be

expected to constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, (D) could

reasonably be expected to disclose the identity of a confidential source, including a

State, local, or foreign agency or authority or any private institution which furnished

information on a confidential basis, and, in a case of a record or information

compiled by criminal law enforcement authority in the course of a criminal

investigation or by an agency conducting a lawful national security intelligence

investigation, information furnished by a confidential source, (E) would disclose

techniques and procedures for law enforcement investigations or prosecutions, or

would disclose guidelines for law enforcement investigations or prosecutions if such

disclosure could reasonably be expected to risk circumvention of the law, or (F) could

reasonably be expected to endanger the life or physical safety of any individual;

(8) contained in or related to examination, operating, or condition reports

prepared by, on behalf of, or for the use of an agency responsible for the regulation or

supervision of financial institutions; or

(9) geological and geophysical information and data, including maps, concerning

wells.

Any reasonably segregable portion of a record shall be provided to any person

requesting such record after deletion of the portions which are exempt under this

subsection. The amount of information deleted shall be indicated on the released portion

of the record, unless including that indication would harm an interest protected by the

exemption in this subsection under which the deletion is made. If technically feasible,

the amount of the information deleted shall be indicated at the place in the record where

such deletion is made.

(c)(1) Whenever a request is made which involves access to records described in

subsection (b)(7)(A) and–

(A) the investigation or proceeding involves a possible violation of criminal

law; and

(B) there is reason to believe that (i) the subject of the investigation or

proceeding is not aware of its pendency, and (ii) disclosure of the existence of the

records could reasonably be expected to interfere with enforcement proceedings,

the agency may, during only such time as that circumstance continues, treat the

records as not subject to the requirements of this section.
Volume 1, Page 8–11

(2) Whenever informant records maintained by a criminal law enforcement

agency under an informant’s name or personal identifier are requested by a third party

according to the informant’s name or personal identifier, the agency may treat the

records as not subject to the requirements of this section unless the informant’s status

as an informant has been officially confirmed.

(3) Whenever a request is made which involves access to records maintained by

the Federal Bureau of Investigation pertaining to foreign intelligence or

counterintelligence, or international terrorism, and the existence of the records is

classified information as provided in subsection (b)(1), the Bureau may, as long as

the existence of the records remains classified information, treat the records as not

subject to the requirements of this section.

(d) This section does not authorize withholding of information or limit the availability

of records to the public, except as specifically stated in this section. This section is not

authority to withhold information from Congress.

(e)(1) On or before February 1 of each year, each agency shall submit to the Attorney

General of the United States a report which shall cover the preceding fiscal year and

which shall include–

(A) the number of determinations made by the agency not to comply with

requests for records made to such agency under subsection (a) and the reasons for

each such determination;

(B)(i) the number of appeals made by persons under subsection (a)(6), the

result of such appeals, and the reason for the action upon each appeal that results

in a denial of information; and

(ii) a complete list of all statutes that the agency relies upon to authorize

the agency to withhold information under subsection (b)(3), a description of

whether a court has upheld the decision of the agency to withhold information

under each such statute, and a concise description of the scope of any

information withheld;

(C) the number of requests for records pending before the agency as of

September 30 of the preceding year, and the median number of days that such

requests had been pending before the agency as of that date;

(D) the number of requests for records received by the agency and the number

of requests which the agency processed;

(E) the median number of days taken by the agency to process different types

of requests;

(F) the total amount of fees collected by the agency for processing requests;

and

(G) the number of full-time staff of the agency devoted to processing requests

for records under this section, and the total amount expended by the agency for

processing such requests.

(2) Each agency shall make each such report available to the public including by

computer telecommunications, or if computer telecommunications means have not

been established by the agency, by other electronic means.

(3) The Attorney General of the United States shall make each report which has

been made available by electronic means available at a single electronic access point.

The Attorney General of the United States shall notify the Chairman and ranking

minority member of the Committee on Government Reform and Oversight of the

House of Representatives and the Chairman and ranking minority member of the

Committees on Governmental Affairs and the Judiciary of the Senate, no later than

April 1 of the year in which each such report is issued, that such reports are available

by electronic means.
2

As amended, Public Law 104-231, secs. 3-11, (110 Stat. 3049 to3054), Oct. 2, 1996.

Volume 1, Page 8–12

(4) The Attorney General of the United States, in consultation with the Director of

the Office of Management and Budget, shall develop reporting and performance

guidelines in connection with reports required by this subsection by October 1, 1997,

and may establish additional requirements for such reports as the Attorney General

determines may be useful.

(5) The Attorney General of the United States shall submit an annual report on or

before April 1 of each calendar year which shall include for the prior calendar year a

listing of the number of cases arising under this section, the exemption involved in

each case, the disposition of such case, and the cost, fees, and penalties assessed

under subparagraphs (E), (F), and (G) of subsection (a)(4). Such report shall also

include a description of the efforts undertaken by the Department of Justice to

encourage agency compliance with this section.

(f) For purposes of this section, the term–

(1) “agency” as defined in section 551(1) of this title includes any executive

department, military department, Government corporation, Government controlled

corporation, or other establishment in the executive branch of the Government

(including the Executive Office of the President), or any independent regulatory

agency; and

(2) “record” and any other term used in this section in reference to information

includes any information that would be an agency record subject to the requirements

of this section when maintained by an agency in any format, including an electronic

format.

(g) The head of each agency shall prepare and make publicly available upon request,

reference material or a guide for requesting records or information from the agency,

subject to the exemptions in subsection (b), including–

(1) an index of all major information systems of the agency;

(2) a description of major information and record locator systems maintained by

the agency; and

(3) a handbook for obtaining various types and categories of public information

from the agency pursuant to chapter 35 of title 44, and under this section.2

Sec. 552a. Records Maintained On Individuals

(a) DEFINITIONS.–For purposes of this section–

(1) the term “agency” means agency as defined in section 552(e) of this title;

(2) the term “individual” means a citizen of the United States or an alien lawfully

admitted for permanent residence;

(3) the term “maintain” includes maintain, collect, use, or disseminate;

(4) the term “record” means any item, collection, or grouping of information

about an individual that is maintained by an agency, including, but not limited to, his

education, financial transactions, medical history, and criminal or employment history

and that contains his name, or the identifying number, symbol, or other identifying

particular assigned to the individual, such as a finger or voice print or a photograph;

(5) the term “system of records” means a group of any records under the control

of any agency from which information is retrieved by the name of the individual or by

some identifying number, symbol, or other identifying particular assigned to the

individual;

(6) the term “statistical record” means a record in a system of records maintained

for statistical research or reporting purposes only and not used in whole or in part in

making any determination about an identifiable individual, except as provided by

section 8 of title 13; and
Volume 1, Page 8–13

(7) the term “routine use” means, with respect to the disclosure of a record, the

use of such record for a purpose which is compatible with the purpose for which it

was collected.

(8) the term “matching program”–

(A) means any computerized comparison of–

(i) two or more automated systems of records or a system of records

with non–Federal records for the purpose of–

(I) establishing or verifying the eligibility of, or continuing

compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements by, applicants

for, recipients or beneficiaries of, participants in, or providers of

services with respect to, cash or in–kind assistance or payments under

Federal benefits programs, or

(II) recouping payments or delinquent debts under such Federal

benefit programs, or

(ii) two or more automated Federal personnel or payroll systems of

records or a system of Federal personnel or payroll records with

non–Federal records,

(B) but does not include–

(i) matches performed to produce aggregate statistical data without any

personal identifiers;

(ii) matches performed to support any research or statistical project, the

specific data of which may not be used to make decisions concerning the

rights, benefits, or privileges of specific individuals;

(iii) matches performed, by an agency (or component thereof) which

performs as its principal function any activity pertaining to the

enforcement of criminal laws, subsequent to the initiation of a specific

criminal or civil law enforcement investigation of a named person or

persons for the purpose of gathering evidence against such person or

persons;

(iv) matches of tax information–

 (I) pursuant to section 6103(d) of the Internal Revenue Code of

1986,

 (II) for purposes of tax administration as defined in

section 6103(b)(4) of such Code,

(III) for the purpose of intercepting a tax refund due an individual

under authority granted by section 404(e), 464, or 1137 of the Social

Security Act; or

(IV) for the purpose of intercepting a tax refund due an individual

under any other tax refund intercept program authorized by statute

which has been determined by the Director of the Office of

Management and Budget to contain verification, notice, and hearing

requirements that are substantially similar to the procedures in

section 1137 of the Social Security Act;

(v) matches–

(I) using records predominantly relating to Federal personnel, that

are performed for routine administrative purposes (subject to guidance

provided by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget

pursuant to subsection (v)); or

(II) conducted by an agency using only records from systems of

records maintained by that agency; if the purpose of the match is not to

take any adverse financial, personnel, disciplinary, or other adverse

action against Federal personnel.
Volume 1, Page 8–14

(vi) matches performed for foreign counterintelligence purposes or to

produce background checks for security clearances of Federal personnel or

Federal contractor personnel;

(vii) matches performed incident to a levy described in

section 6103(k)(8) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; or

(viii) matches performed pursuant to section 202(x)(3) or 16119e)(1)

of the Social Security Act;

(9) the term “recipient agency” means any agency, or contractor thereof, receiving

records contained in a system of records from a source agency for use in a matching

program;

(10) the term “non–Federal agency” means any State or local government, or

agency thereof, which receives records contained in a system of records from a

source agency for use in a matching program;

(11) the term “source agency” means any agency which discloses records

contained in a system of records to be used in a matching program, or any State or

local government, or agency thereof, which discloses records to be used in a matching

program;

(12) the term “Federal benefit program” means any program administered or

funded by the Federal Government, or by any agent or State on behalf of the Federal

Government, providing cash or in–kind assistance in the form of payments, grants,

loans, or loan guarantees to individuals; and

(13) the term “Federal personnel” means officers and employees of the

Government of the United States, members of the uniformed services (including

members of the Reserve Components), individuals entitled to receive immediate or

deferred retirement benefits under any retirement program of the Government of the

United States (including survivor benefits).

(b) CONDITIONS OF DISCLOSURE–No agency shall disclose any record which is

contained in a system of records by any means of communication to any person, or to

another agency, except pursuant to a written request by, or with the prior written consent

of, the individual to whom the record pertains, unless disclosure of the record would be–

(1) to those officers and employees of the agency which maintains the record who

have a need for the record in the performance of their duties;

(2) required under section 552 of this title;

(3) for a routine us as defined in subsection (a)(7) of this section and described

under subsection (e)(4)(D) of this section;

(4) to the Bureau of the Census for purposes of planning or carrying out a census

or survey or related activity pursuant to the provisions of title13;

(5) to a recipient who has provided the agency with advance adequate written

assurance that the record will be used solely as a statistical research or reporting

record, and the record is to be transferred in a form that is not individually

identifiable;

(6) to the National Archives of the United States as a record which has sufficient

historical or other value to warrant its continued preservation by the United States

Government, or for evaluation by the Administrator of General Services or his

designee to determine whether the record has such value;

(7) to another agency or to an instrumentality of any governmental jurisdiction

within or under the control of the United States for a civil or criminal law

enforcement activity if the activity is authorized by law, and if the head of the agency

or instrumentality has made a written request to the agency which maintains the

record specifying the particular portion desired and law enforcement activity for

which the record is sought;
Volume 1, Page 8–15

(8) to a person pursuant to a showing of compelling circumstances affecting the

health or safety of an individual if upon such disclosure notification is transmitted to

the last known address of such individual;

(9) to either House of Congress, or, to the extent of matter within its jurisdiction,

any committee or subcommittee thereof, any joint committee of Congress or

subcommittee of any such joint committee;

(10) to the Comptroller General, or any of his authorized representatives, in the

course of the performance of the duties of the General Accounting Office;

(11) pursuant to the order of a court of competent jurisdiction; or

(12) to a consumer reporting agency in accordance with section 3711(f) of

title 31.

(c) ACCOUNTING OF CERTAIN DISCLOSURES.–Each agency, with respect to

each system of records under its control, shall–

(1) except for disclosures made under subsections (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this section,

keep an accurate accounting of–

(A) the date, nature, and purpose of each disclosure of a record to any person

or to another agency made under subsection (b) of this section; and

(B) the name and address of the person or agency to whom the disclosure is

made;

(2) retain the accounting made under paragraph (1) of this subsection for at least

five years or the life of the record, whichever is longer, after the disclosure for which

the accounting is made;

(3) except for disclosures made under subsection (b)(7) of this section, make the

accounting made under paragraph (1) of this subsection available to the individual

named in the record at his request; and

(4) inform any person or other agency about any correction or notation of dispute

made by the agency in accordance with subsection (d) of this section of any record

that has been disclosed to the person or agency if an accounting of the disclosure was

made.

(d) ACCESS TO RECORDS.–Each agency that maintains a system of records shall–

(1) upon request by any individual to gain access to his record or any information

pertaining to him which is contained in the system, permit him and upon his request, a

person of his own choosing to accompany him, to review the record and have a copy

made of all or any portion thereof in a form comprehensible to him, except that the

agency may require the individual to furnish a written statement authorizing

discussion of that individual’s record in the accompanying person’s presence;

(2) permit the individual to request amendment of a record pertaining to him and–

(A) not later than 10 days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal public

holidays) after the date of receipt of such request, acknowledge in writing such

receipt; and–

(B) promptly, either–

(i) make any correction of any portion thereof which the individual

believes is not accurate, relevant, timely, or complete; or

(ii) inform the individual of its refusal to amend the record in accordance

with his request, the reason for the refusal, the procedures established by the

agency for the individual to request a review of that refusal by the head of the

agency or an officer designated by the head of the agency, and the name and

business address of that official;

(3) permit the individual who disagrees with the refusal of the agency to amend

his record to request a review of such refusal, and not later than 30 days (excluding

Saturdays, Sundays, and legal public holidays) from the date on which the individual

requests such review, complete such review and make a final determination unless,
Volume 1, Page 8–16

for good cause shown, the head of the agency extends such 30-day period; and, if

after his review, the reviewing official also refuses to amend the record in accordance

with the request, permit the individual to file with the agency a concise statement

setting forth the reasons for his disagreement with the refusal of the agency, and

notify the individual of the provisions for judicial review of the reviewing official’s

determination under subsection (g)(1)(A) of this section;

(4) in any disclosure, containing information about which the individual has filed

a statement of disagreement, occurring after the filing of the statement under

paragraph (3) of this subsection, clearly note any portion of the record which is

disputed and provide copies of the statement and, if the agency deems it appropriate,

copies of a concise statement of the reasons of the agency for not making the

amendments requested, to persons or other agencies to whom the disputed record has

been disclosed; and

(5) nothing in this section shall allow an individual access to any information

compiled in reasonable anticipation of a civil action or proceeding.

(e) AGENCY REQUIREMENTS.–Each agency that maintains a system of records

shall–

(1) maintain in its records only such information about an individual as is relevant

and necessary to accomplish a purpose of the agency required to be accomplished by

statute or by executive order of the President;

(2) collect information to the greatest extent practicable directly from the subject

individual when the information may result in adverse determinations about an

individual’s rights, benefits, and privileges under Federal programs;

(3) inform each individual whom it asks to supply information, on the form which

it uses to collect the information or on a separate form that can be retained by the

individual–

(A) the authority (whether granted by statue, or by executive order of the

President) which authorizes the solicitation of the information and whether

disclosure of such information is mandatory or voluntary;

(B) the principal purpose or purposes for which the information is intended to

be used;

(C) the routine uses which may be made of the information, as published

pursuant to paragraph (4)(D) of this subsection; and

(D) the effects on him, if any, of not providing all or any part of the requested

information;

(4) subject to the provisions of paragraph (11) of this subsection, publish in the

Federal Register upon establishment or revision a notice of the existence and

character of the system of records, which notice shall include–

(A) the name and location of the system;

(B) the categories of individuals on whom records are maintained in the

system;

(C) the categories of records maintained in the system;

(D) each routine use of the records contained in the system, including the

categories of users and the purpose of such use;

(E) the policies and practices of the agency regarding storage, retrievability,

access controls, retention, and disposal of the records;

(F) the title and business address of the agency official who is responsible for

the system of records;

(G) the agency procedures whereby an individual can be notified at his request

if the system of records contains a record pertaining to him;
Volume 1, Page 8–17

(H) the agency procedures whereby an individual can be notified at his request

how he can gain access to any record pertaining to him contained in the system of

records, and how he can contest its content; and

(I) the categories of sources of records in the system;

(5) maintain all records which are used by the agency in making any

determination about any individual with such accuracy, relevance, timeless, and

completeness as is reasonably necessary to assure fairness to the individual in the

determination;

(6) prior to disseminating any record about an individual to any person other than

an agency, unless the dissemination is made pursuant to subsection (b)(2) of this

section, make reasonable efforts to assure that such records are accurate, complete,

timely, and relevant for agency purposes;

(7) maintain no record describing how any individual exercises rights guaranteed

by the First Amendment unless expressly authorized by statute or by the individual

about whom the record is maintained or unless pertinent to and within the scope of an

authorized law enforcement activity;

(8) make reasonable efforts to serve notice on an individual when any record on

such individual is made available to any person under compulsory legal process when

such process becomes a matter of public record;

(9) establish rules of conduct for persons involved in the design, development,

operation, or maintenance of any system of records, or in maintaining any record, and

instruct each such person with respect to such rules and the requirements of this

section, including any other rules and procedures adopted pursuant to this section and

the penalties for noncompliance;

(10) establish appropriate administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to

insure the security and confidentiality of records and to protect against any

anticipated threats or hazards to their security or integrity which could result in

substantial harm, embarrassment, inconvenience, or unfairness to any individual on

whom information is maintained; and

(11) at least 30 days prior to publication of information under paragraph (4)(D) of

this subsection, publish in the Federal Register notice of any new use or intended use

of the information in the system, and provide an opportunity for interested persons to

submit written data, views, or arguments to the agency.

(12) if such agency is a recipient agency or a source agency in a matching

program with a non–Federal agency, with respect to any establishment or revision of

a matching program, at least 30 days prior to conducting such program, publish in the

Federal Register notice of such establishment or revision.

(f) AGENCY RULES.–In order to carry out the provisions of this section, each

agency that maintains a system of records shall promulgate rules, in accordance with the

requirement (including general notice) of section 553 of this title, which shall–

(1) establish procedures whereby an individual can be notified in response to his

request if any system of records named by the individual contains a record pertaining

to him;

(2) define reasonable times, places, and requirements for identifying an individual

who requests his record or information pertaining to him before the agency shall

make the record or information available to the individual;

(3) establish procedures for the disclosure to an individual upon his request of his

record or information pertaining to him, including special procedures, if deemed

necessary, for the disclosure to an individual of medical records, including

psychological records pertaining to him;

(4) establish procedures for reviewing a request from an individual concerning

the amendment to any record or information pertaining to the individual, for making 
Volume 1, Page 8–18

a determination on the request, for an appeal within the agency of an initial adverse

agency determination, and for whatever additional means may be necessary for each

individual to be able to exercise fully his rights under this section; and

(5) establish fees to be charged, if any, to any individual for making copies of his

record, excluding the cost of any search for and review of the record.

The Office of the Federal Register shall annually compile and publish the rules

promulgated under this subsection and agency notices published under subsection (e)(4)

of this section in a form available to the public at low cost.

(g)(1) CIVIL REMEDIES.–Whenever any agency–

(A) makes a determination under subsection (d)(3) of this section not to

amend an individual’s record in accordance with his request, or fails to make such

review in conformity with that subsection;

(B) refuses to comply with an individual request under subsection (d)(1) of

this section;

(C) fails to maintain any record concerning any individual with such accuracy,

relevance, timeliness, and completeness as is necessary to assure fairness in any

determination relating to the qualification, character, rights, or opportunities of, or

benefits to the individual that may be made on the basis of such record, and

consequently a determination is made which is adverse to the individual; or

(D) fails to comply with any other provisions of this section, or any rule

promulgated thereunder, in such a way as to have an adverse effect on an

individual, the individual may bring a civil action against the agency, and the

district courts of the United States shall have jurisdiction in the matters under the

provisions of this subsection.

(2)(A) In any suit brought under the provisions of subsection (g)(1)(A) of this

section, the court may order the agency to amend the individual’s record in

accordance with his request or in such other way as the court may direct. In such case

the court shall determine the matter de novo.

(B) The court may assess against the United States reasonable attorney fees

and other litigation costs reasonably incurred in any case under this paragraph in

which the complainant has substantially prevailed.

(3)(A) In any suit brought under the provisions of subsection (g)(1)(B) of this

section, the court may enjoin the agency from withholding the records and order the

production to the complainant of any agency records improperly withheld from him.

In such a case the court shall determine the matter de novo, and may examine the

contents of any agency records in camera to determine whether the records or any

portion thereof may be withheld under any of the exemptions set forth in subsection

(k) of this section, and the burden is on the agency to sustain its action.

(B) The court may assess against the United States reasonable attorney fees

and other litigation costs reasonably incurred in any case under this paragraph in

which the complainant has substantially prevailed.

(4) In any suit brought under the provisions of subsection (g)(1)(C) or (D) of this

section in which the court determines that the agency acted in a manner which was

intentional or willful, the United States shall be liable to the individual in an amount

equal to the sum of–

(A) actual damages sustained by the individual as a result of the refusal or

failure, but in no case shall a person entitled to recovery receive less than the sum

of $1,000; and

(B) the costs of the action together with reasonable attorney fees as

determined by the court.

(5) An action to enforce any liability created under this section may be brought in

the district court of the United States in the district in which the complainant resides,
Volume 1, Page 8–19

or has his principal place of business, or in which the agency records are situated, or

in the District of Columbia, without regard to the amount in controversy, within two

years from the date on which the cause of action arises, except that where an agency

has materially and willfully misrepresented any information required under this

section to be disclosed to an individual and the information so misrepresented is

material to establishment of the liability of the agency to the individual under this

section, the action may be brought at any time within two years after discovery by the

individual of the misrepresentation. Nothing in this section shall be construed to

authorize any civil action by reason of any injury sustained as the result of a

disclosure of a record prior to September 27, 1975.

(h) RIGHTS OF LEGAL GUARDIANS.–For the purpose of this section, the parent

of any minor, or the legal guardian of any individual who has been declared to be

incompetent due to physical or mental incapacity or age by a court of competent

jurisdiction, may act on behalf of the individual.

(i)(1) CRIMINAL PENALTIES.–Any officer or employee of an agency,

who by virtue of his employment or official position, has possession of, or

access to, agency records which contain individually identifiable information

the disclosure of which is prohibited by this section or by rules or regulations

established thereunder, and who knowing that disclosure of the specific

material is so prohibited, willfully discloses the material in any manner to any

person or agency not entitled to receive it, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor

and fined not more than $5,000.

(2) Any officer or employee of any agency who willfully maintains a system of

records without meeting the notice requirements of subsection (e)(4) of this section

shall be guilty of a misdemeanor or fined not more than $5,000.

(3) Any person who knowingly and willfully requests or obtains any record

concerning an individual from an agency under false pretenses shall be guilty of a

misdemeanor and fined not more than $5,000.

(j) GENERAL EXEMPTIONS.–The head of any agency may promulgate rules, in

accordance with the requirements (including general notice) of sections 553(b)(1), (2)

and (3), (c), and (e) of this title, to exempt any system of records within the agency from

any part of this section except subsections (b), (c)(1) and (2), (e)(4)(A) through (F),

(e)(6), (7), (9), (10) and (11), and (i) if the system of records is–

(1) maintained by the Central Intelligence Agency; or

(2) maintained by an agency or component thereof which performs as its principal

function any activity pertaining to the enforcement of criminal laws, including police

efforts to prevent, control, or reduce crime or to apprehend criminals, and the

activities of prosecutors, courts, correctional, probation, pardon, or parole authorities,

and which consists of (A) information compiled for the purpose of identifying

individual criminal offenders and alleged offenders and consisting only of identifying

data and notations of arrests, the nature and disposition of criminal charges,

sentencing, confinement, release, and parole and probation status; (B) information

compiled for the purpose of a criminal investigation, including reports of informants

and investigators, and associated with an identifiable individual; or (C) reports

identifiable to an individual compiled at any stage of the process of enforcement of

the criminal laws from arrest or indictment through release from supervision.

At the time rules are adopted under this subsection, the agency shall include in the

statement required under section 553(c) of this title, the reasons why the system of

records is to be exempted from a provision of this section.

(k) SPECIFIC EXEMPTIONS.–The head of any agency may promulgate rules, in

accordance with the requirements (including general notice) of sections 553(b)(1), (2),

and (3), (c), and (e) of this title, to exempt any system of records within the agency from
Volume 1, Page 8–20

subsections (c)(3), (d), (e) (1), (e) (4) (G), (H), and (I) and (f) of this section if the system

of records is–

(1) subject to the provisions of section 552(b)(1) of this title;

(2) investigatory material compiled for law enforcement purposes, other than

material within the scope of subsection (j)(2) of this section: Provided, however, That

if any individual is denied any right, privilege, or benefit that he would otherwise be

entitled by Federal law, or for which he would otherwise be eligible, as a result of the

maintenance of such material, such material shall be provided to such individual,

except to the extent that the disclosure of such material would reveal the identity of a

source who furnished information to the Government under an express promise that

the identity of the source would be held in confidence, or, prior to the effective date

of this section, under an implied promise that the identity of the source would be held

in confidence;

(3) maintained in connection with providing protective services to the President of

the United States or other individuals pursuant to section 3056 of title 18;

(4) required by statute to be maintained and used solely as statistical records;

(5) investigatory material compiled solely for the purpose of determination

suitability, eligibility, or qualifications for Federal civilian employment, military

service, Federal contracts, or access to classified information, but only to the extent

that the disclosure of such material would reveal the identity of a source who

furnished information to the Government under an express promise that the identity

of the source would be held in confidence, or, prior to the effective date of this

section, under an implied promise that the identity of the source would be held in

confidence;

(6) testing or examination material used solely to determine individual

qualifications for appointment or promotion in the Federal service the disclosure of

which would compromise the objectivity or fairness of the testing or examination

process; or

(7) evaluation material used to determine potential for promotion in the armed

services, but only to the extent that the disclosure of such material would reveal the

identity of a source who furnished information to the Government under an express

promise that the identity of the source would be held in confidence, or, prior to the

effective date of this section, under an implied promise that the identity of the source

would be held in confidence.

At the time rules are adopted under this subsection, the agency shall include in the

statement required under section 553(c) of this title the reasons why the system of

records is to be exempted from a provision of this section.

(l)(1) ARCHIVAL RECORDS.–Each agency record which is accepted by the

Administrator of General Services for storage, processing, and servicing in accordance

with section 3103 of title 44 shall, for the purposes of this section, be considered to be

maintained by the agency which deposited the record and shall be subject to the

provisions of this section. The Administrator of General Services shall not disclose the

record except to the agency which maintains the record, or under rules established by that

agency which are not inconsistent with the provisions of this section.

(2) Each agency record pertaining to an identifiable individual which was

transferred to the National Archives of the United States as a record which has

sufficient historical or other value to warrant its continued preservation by the United

States Government, prior to the effective date of this section, shall, for the purposes

of this section, be considered to be maintained by the National Archives and shall not

be subject to the provisions of this section, except that a statement generally

describing such records (modeled after the requirement relating to records subject to
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subsections (e)(4)(A) through (G) of this section) shall be published in the Federal 

Register.

(3) Each agency record pertaining to an identifiable individual which is

transferred to the National Archives of the United States as a record which has

sufficient historical or other value to warrant its continued preservation by the United

States Government, on or after the effective date of this section, shall, for the

purposes of this section, be considered to be maintained by the National Archives and

shall be exempt from the requirements of this section except subsections (e)(4)(A)

through(G) and (e)(9) of this section.

(m)(1) GOVERNMENT CONTRACTORS.–When an agency provides by a contract

for the operation by or on behalf of the agency of a system of records to accomplish an

agency function, the agency shall, consistent with its authority, cause the requirements of

this section to be applied to such system. For purposes of subsection (i) of this section

any such contractor and any employee of such contractor, if such contract is agreed to on

or after the effective date of this section, shall be considered to be an employee of an

agency.

(2) A consumer reporting agency to which a record is disclosed under

section 3711(e) of title 31 shall not be considered a contractor for the purposes of this

section,

(n) MAILING LISTS.–An individual’s name and address may not be sold or rented

by an agency unless such action is specifically authorized by law. This provision shall

not be construed to require the withholding of names and addresses otherwise permitted

to be made public.

(o) MATCHING AGREEMENTS.–

(1) No record which is contained in a system of records may be disclosed to a

recipient agency or non–Federal agency for use in a computer matching program

except pursuant to a written agreement between the source agency and the recipient

agency or non–Federal agency specifying–

(A) the purpose and legal authority for conducting the program;

(B) the justification for the program and the anticipated results, including a

specific estimate of any savings;

(C) a description of the records that will be matched, including each data

element that will be used, the approximate number of records that will be

matched, and the projected starting and completion dates of the matching

program;

(D) procedures for providing individualized notice at the time of application,

and notice periodically thereafter as directed by the Data Integrity Board of such

agency (subject to guidance provided by the Director of the Office of

Management and Budget pursuant to subsection (v)), to–

(i) applicants for and recipients of financial assistance or payments under

Federal benefit programs, and

(ii) applicants for and holders of positions as Federal personnel, that any

information provided by such applicants, recipients, holders, and individuals

may be subject to verification through matching programs;

(E) procedures for verifying information produced in such matching program

as required by subsection (p);

(F) procedures for the retention and timely destruction of identifiable records

created by a recipient agency or non–Federal agency in such matching program;

(G) procedures for ensuring the administrative, technical, and physical

security of the records matched and the results of such programs;
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(H) prohibitions on duplication and redisclosure of records provided by the

source agency within or outside the recipient agency or the non–Federal agency,

except where required by law or essential to the conduct of the matching program;

(I) procedures governing the use by a recipient agency or non-Federal agency

of records provided in a matching program by a source agency, including

procedures governing return of the records to the source agency or destruction of

records used in such program;

(J) information on assessments that have been made on the accuracy of the

records that will be used in such matching program; and

(K) that the Comptroller General may have access to all records of a recipient

agency or a non–Federal agency that the Comptroller General deems necessary in

order to monitor or verify compliance with the agreement.

(2)(A) A copy of each agreement entered into pursuant to paragraph (1) shall– 

(i) be transmitted to the Committee on Governmental Affairs of the Senate

and the Committee on Government Operations of the House of

Representatives; and 

(ii) be available upon request to the public.

(B) No such agreement shall be effective until 30 days after the date on which

such a copy is transmitted pursuant to subparagraph (A)(i).

(C) Such an agreement shall remain in effect only for such period, not to

exceed 18 months, as the Data Integrity Board of the agency determines is

appropriate in light of the purposes, and length of time necessary for the conduct,

of the matching program.

(D) Within 3 months prior to the expiration of such an agreement pursuant to

subparagraph (C), the Data Integrity Board of the agency may, without additional

review, renew the matching agreement for a current, ongoing matching program

for not more than one additional year if–

(i) such program will be conducted without any change; and 

(ii) each party to the agreement certifies to the Board in writing that the

program has been conducted in compliance with the agreement.

(p) VERIFICATION AND OPPORTUNITY TO CONTEST FINDINGS–

(1) In order to protect any individual whose records are used in a matching

program, no recipient agency, non–Federal agency, or source agency may suspend,

terminate, reduce, or make a final denial of any financial assistance or payment under

a Federal benefit program to such individual, or take other adverse action against

such individual, as a result of information produced by such matching program, until–

(A)(i) the agency has independently verified the information; or 

(ii) the Data Integrity Board of the agency, or in the case of a non–Federal

agency the Data Integrity Board of the source agency, determines in

accordance with guidance issued by the Director of the Office of Management

and Budget that–

(I) the information is limited to identification and amount of benefits

paid by the source agency under a Federal benefit program; and 

(II) there is a high degree of confidence that the information provided

to the recipient agency is accurate; 

(B) the individual receives a notice from the agency containing a statement of

its findings and informing the individual of the opportunity to contest such

findings; and

(C)(i) the expiration of any time period established for the program by statute

or regulation for the individual to respond to that notice; or
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(ii) in the case of a program for which no such period is established, the

end of the 30-day period beginning on the date on which notice under

subparagraph (B) is mailed or otherwise provided to the individual. 

 (2) Independent verification referred to in paragraph (1) requires investigation and

confirmation of specific information relating to an individual that is used as a basis

for an adverse action against the individual, including where applicable investigation

and confirmation of–

(A) the amount of any asset or income involved;

(B) whether such individual actually has or had access to such asset or income

for such individual's own use; and

(C) the period or periods when the individual actually had such asset or

income.

(3) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), an agency may take any appropriate action

otherwise prohibited by such paragraph if the agency determines that the public

health or public safety may be adversely affected or significantly threatened during

any notice period required by such paragraph. 

(q) SANCTIONS–

(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no source agency may disclose

any record which is contained in a system of records to a recipient agency or

non-Federal agency for a matching program if such source agency has reason to

believe that the requirements of subsection (p), or any matching agreement entered

into pursuant to subsection (o), or both, are not being met by such recipient agency.

(2) No source agency may renew a matching agreement unless–

(A) the recipient agency or non-Federal agency has certified that it has

complied with the provisions of that agreement; and 

(B) the source agency has no reason to believe that the certification is

inaccurate.

(r) REPORT ON NEW SYSTEMS AND MATCHING PROGRAMS–Each agency

that proposes to establish or make a significant change in a system of records or a

matching program shall provide adequate advance notice of any such proposal (in

duplicate) to the Committee on Government Operations of the House of Representatives,

the Committee on Governmental Affairs of the Senate, and the Office of Management

and Budget in order to permit an evaluation of the probable or potential effect of such

proposal on the privacy or other rights of individuals.

(s) BIENNIAL REPORT.–The President shall biennially submit to the Speaker of the

House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate a report–

(1) describing the actions of the director of the Office of Management and Budget

pursuant to section 6 of the Privacy Act of 1974 during the preceding 2 years;

(2) describing the exercise of individual rights of access and amendment under

this section during such years;

(3) identifying changes in or additions to systems of records;

(4) containing such other information concerning administration of this section as

may be necessary or useful to the congress in reviewing the effectiveness of this

section in carrying out the purposes of the Privacy Act of 1974.

(t) EFFECT OF OTHER LAWS–

(1) No agency shall rely on any exemption contained in section 552 of this title to

withhold from an individual any record which is otherwise accessible to such

individual under the provisions of this section.

(2) No agency shall rely on any exemption in this section to withhold from an

individual any record which is otherwise accessible to such individual under the

provisions of section 552 of this title.
Volume 1, Page 8–24

(u) DATA INTEGRITY BOARDS–

(1) Every agency conducting or participating in a matching program shall

establish a Data Integrity Board to oversee and coordinate among the various

components of such agency the agency's implementation of this section.

(2) Each Data Integrity Board shall consist of senior officials designated by the

head of the agency, and shall include any senior official designated by the head of the

agency as responsible for implementation of this section, and the inspector general of

the agency, if any. The inspector general shall not serve as chairman of the Data

Integrity Board.

(3) Each Data Integrity Board–

(A) shall review, approve, and maintain all written agreements for receipt or

disclosure of agency records for matching programs to ensure compliance with

subsection (o), and all relevant statutes, regulations, and guidelines;

(B) shall review all matching programs in which the agency has participated

during the year, either as a source agency or recipient agency, determine

compliance with applicable laws, regulations, guidelines, and agency agreements,

and assess the costs and benefits of such programs;

(C) shall review all recurring matching programs in which the agency has

participated during the year, either as a source agency or recipient agency, for

continued justification for such disclosures;

(D) shall compile an annual report, which shall be submitted to the head of the

agency and the Office of Management and Budget and made available to the

public on request, describing the matching activities of the agency, including–

(i) matching programs in which the agency has participated as a source

agency or recipient agency;

(ii) matching agreements proposed under subsection (o) that were

disapproved by the Board;

(iii) any changes in membership or structure of the Board in the preceding

year;

(iv) the reasons for any waiver of the requirement in paragraph (4) of this

section for completion and submission of a cost-benefit analysis prior to the

approval of a matching program;

(v) any violations of matching agreements that have been alleged or

identified and any corrective action taken; and

(vi) any other information required by the Director of the Office of

Management and Budget to be included in such report;

(E) shall serve as a clearinghouse for receiving and providing information on

the accuracy, completeness, and reliability of records used in matching programs;

(F) shall provide interpretation and guidance to agency components and

personnel on the requirements of this section for matching programs;

(G) shall review agency recordkeeping and disposal policies and practices for

matching programs to assure compliance with this section; and

(H) may review and report on any agency matching activities that are not

matching programs.

(4)(A) Except as provided in subparagraphs (B) and (C), a Data Integrity Board

shall not approve any written agreement for a matching program unless the agency

has completed and submitted to such Board a cost-benefit analysis of the

proposed program and such analysis demonstrates that the program is likely to be

cost effective.

(B) The Board may waive the requirements of subparagraph (A) of this

paragraph if it determines in writing, in accordance with guidelines prescribed by
3

Added Public Law 93–579, sec. 3, December 31, 1974, 88 Stat. 1897, and amended Public Law 94–183,

sec. 2(2), December 31, 1975, 89 Stat. 1057; Public Law 97–365, sec. 2, October 25, 1982, 96 Stat. 1749;

Public Law 97–375, Title II, sec. 201(a), (b), December 21, 1982, 96 Stat. 1821; Public Law 97–452,

sec. 2(a)(1), January 12, 1983, 96 Stat. 2478; Public Law 98–477, sec. 2(c), October 15, 1984, 98 Stat. 2211;

Public Law 98–497, Title I, sec. 107(g), October 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2292; Public Law 100–503 secs. 2 to 6(a),

7, 8, October 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 2507 to 2514; Public Law 101–508, Title VII, sec. 7201(b)(1), November 5,

1990, 104 Stat. 1388–334; Public Law 103–66, Title XIII, sec. 13581(c), August 10, 1993, 107 Stat. 611.

2002 Pocket Part: As amended Public Law 104–193, Title I, sec. 110(w), August 22, 1996, 110 Stat. 2175;

Public Law 104–226, sec. 1(b)(3), October 2, 1996, 110 Stat. 3033; Public Law 104–316, Title I,

sec. 115(g)(2)(B), October 19, 1996, 110 Stat. 3835; Public Law 105–34, Title X, sec. 1026(b)(2), August 5,

1997, 111 Stat. 925; Public Law 105–362, Title XIII, sec. 1301(d), November 10, 1998, 112 Stat. 3293; Public

Law 106–170, Title IV, sec. 402(a)(2), December 17, 1999, 113 Stat. 1908.

Volume 1, Page 8–25

the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, that a cost-benefit analysis

is not required.

(C) A cost-benefit analysis shall not be required under subparagraph (A) prior

to the initial approval of a written agreement for a matching program that is

specifically required by statute. Any subsequent written agreement for such a

program shall not be approved by the Data Integrity Board unless the agency has

submitted a cost-benefit analysis of the program as conducted under the preceding

approval of such agreement.

(5)(A) If a matching agreement is disapproved by a Data Integrity Board, any

party to such agreement may appeal the disapproval to the Director of the Office

of Management and Budget. Timely notice of the filing of such an appeal shall be

provided by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to the

Committee on Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on

Government Operations of the House of Representatives.

(B) The Director of the Office of Management and Budget may approve a

matching agreement notwithstanding the disapproval of a Data Integrity Board if

the Director determines that–

(i) the matching program will be consistent with all applicable legal,

regulatory, and policy requirements;

(ii) there is adequate evidence that the matching agreement will be costeffective; and

(iii) the matching program is in the public interest.

(C) The decision of the Director to approve a matching agreement shall not

take effect until 30 days after it is reported to committees described in

subparagraph (A).

(D) If the Data Integrity Board and the Director of the Office of Management

and Budget disapprove a matching program proposed by the inspector general of

an agency, the inspector general may report the disapproval to the head of the

agency and to the Congress.

(6) In the reports required by paragraphs (3)(D), agency matching activities that

are not matching programs may be reported on an aggregate basis, if and to the extent

necessary to protect ongoing law enforcement or counterintelligence investigations.

(7) Redesignated (6).

(v) OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET RESPONSIBILITIES–The

Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall–

(1) develop and, after notice and opportunity for public comment, prescribe

guidelines and regulations for the use of agencies in implementing the provisions of

this section; and

(2) provide continuing assistance to and oversight of the implementation of this

section by agencies.3
Volume 1, Page 8–26

Sec. 552b. Open Meetings

(a) For purposes of this section–

(1) the term “agency” means any agency, as defined in section 552(e) of this title,

headed by a collegial body composed of two or more individual members, a majority

of whom are appointed to such position by the President with the advice and consent

of the Senate, and any subdivision thereof authorized to act on behalf of the agency;

(2) the term “meeting” means the deliberations of at least the number of individual

agency members required to take action on behalf of the agency where such

deliberations determine or result in the joint conduct or disposition of official agency

business, but does not include deliberation required or permitted by subsection (d) or

(e); and

(3) the term “members” means an individual who belongs to a collegial body

heading an agency.

(b) Members shall not jointly conduct or dispose of agency business other than in

accordance with this section. Except as provided in subsection (c), every portion of

every meeting of an agency shall be open to public observation.

(c) Except in a case where the agency finds that the public interest requires

otherwise, the second sentence of subsection (b) shall not apply any portion of any

agency meeting, and the requirements of subsections (d) and (e) shall not apply to any

information pertaining to such meeting otherwise required by this section to be disclosed

to the public, where the agency properly determines that such portion or portions of its

meeting or the disclosure of such information is likely to–

(1) disclose matters that are (A) specifically authorized under criteria established

by an Executive Order to be kept secret in the interest of national defense or foreign

policy and (B) in fact properly classified pursuant to such Executive Order;

(2) relate solely to the internal personnel rules an practices of an agency;

(3) disclose matters specifically exempted from disclosure by statute (other than

section 552, of this title), provided that such statute (A) requires that the matters be

withheld from the public in such a manner as to leave no discretion on the issue, or

(B) establishes particular criteria for withholding or refers to particular types

of matters to be withheld;

(4) disclose trade secrets and commercial or financial information obtained from a

person and privileged or confidential;

(5) involve accusing any person of a crime, or formally censuring any person;

(6) disclose information of a personal nature where disclosure would constitute a

clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy;

(7) disclose investigatory records compiled for law enforcement purposes, or

information which if written would be contained in such records, but only to the

extent that the production of such records or information would (A) interfere with

enforcement proceedings, (B) deprive a person of a right to a fair trial or an impartial

adjudication, (C) constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, (D) disclose

the identity of a confidential source and, in the case of a record compiled by criminal

law enforcement authority in the course of a criminal investigation, or by an agency

conducting a lawful national security intelligence investigation, confidential

information furnished only by the confidential source, (E) disclose investigative

techniques and procedures, or (F) endanger the life or physical safety of law

enforcement personnel;

(8) disclose information contained in or related to examination, operating, or

condition reports prepared by, on behalf of, or for the use of an agency responsible

for the regulation or supervision of financial institutions;

(9) disclose information the premature disclosure of which would–
Volume 1, Page 8–27

(A) in the case of an agency which regulates currencies, securities,

commodities, or financial institutions, be likely to (i) lead to significant financial

speculation in currencies, securities, or commodities, or (ii) significantly endanger

the stability of any financial institution; or

(B) in the case of any agency, be likely to significantly frustrate

implementation of a proposed agency action,

except that subparagraph (B) shall not apply in any instance where the agency has

already disclosed to the public the content or nature of its proposed action, or where the

agency is required by law to make such disclosure on its own initiative prior to taking

final agency action on such proposal; or

(10) specifically concern the agency’s issuance of a subpena, or the agency’s

participation in a civil action or proceeding, an action in a foreign court or internecine

tribunal, or an arbitration, or the initiation, conduct, or disposition by the agency of a

particular case of formal agency adjudication pursuant to the procedures in section

554 of this title or otherwise involving a determination on the record after opportunity

for a hearing.

(d)(1) Action under subsection (c) shall be taken only when a majority of the entire

membership of the agency (as defined in subsection (a)(1)) votes to take such action. A

separate vote of the agency members shall be taken with respect to each agency meeting a

portion or portions of which are proposed to be closed to the public pursuant to

subsection (c), or with respect to any information which is proposed to be withheld under

subsection (c). A single vote may be taken with respect to a series of meetings, a portion

or portions of which are proposed to be closed to the public, or with respect to any

information concerning such series of meetings, so long as each meeting in such series

involves the same particular matters and is scheduled to be held no more than thirty days

after the initial meeting in such series. The vote of each agency member participating in

such vote shall be recorded and no proxies shall be allowed.

(2) Whenever any person whose interests may be directly affected by a portion of

a meeting requests that the agency close such portion to the public for any of the

reasons referred to in paragraph (5), (6), or (7) of subsection (c), the agency, upon

request of any one of its members, shall vote by recorded vote whether to close such

meeting.

(3) Within one day of any vote taken pursuant to paragraph (1) or (2), the agency

shall make publicly available a written copy of such vote reflecting the vote of each 

member on the question. If a portion of a meeting is to be closed to the public, the

agency shall, within one day of the vote taken pursuant to paragraph (1) or (2) of this

subsection, make publicly available a full written explanation of its action closing the

portion together with a list of all persons expected to attend the meeting and their

affiliation.

(4) Any agency, a majority of whose meetings may properly be closed to the

public pursuant to paragraph (4), (8), (9)(A), or (10) of subsection (c), or any

combination thereof, may provide by regulation for the closing of such meetings or

portions thereof in the event that a majority of the members of the agency votes by

recorded vote at the beginning of such meeting, or portion thereof, to close the

exempt portion or portions of the meeting, and a copy of such vote, reflecting the vote

of each member on the question, is made available to the public. The provisions of

paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) of this subsection and subsections (e) shall not apply to

any portion of a meeting to which such regulations apply: Provided, That the agency

shall, except to the extent that such information is exempt from disclosure under the

provisions of subsection (c), provide the public with public announcement of the

time, place, and subject matter of the meeting and of each portion thereof at the

earliest practicable time.
Volume 1, Page 8–28

(e)(1) In the case of each meeting, the agency shall make public announcement, at

least one week before the meeting, of the time, place, and subject matter of the meeting,

whether it is to be open or closed to the public, and the name and phone number of the

official designated by the agency to respond to requests for information about the

meeting. Such announcement shall be made unless a majority of the members of the

agency determines by a recorded vote that agency business requires that such meeting be

called at an earlier date, in which case the agency shall make public announcement of the

time, place, and subject matter of such meeting, and whether open or closed to the public

at the earliest practicable time.

(2) The time or place of a meeting may be changed following the public

announcement required by paragraph (1) only if the agency publicly announces such

change at the earliest practicable time. The subject matter of a meeting, or the

determination of the agency to open or close a meeting, or portion of a meeting, to the

public, may be changed following the public announcement required by this

subsection only if (A) a majority of the entire membership of the agency determines

by a recorded vote that agency business so requires and that no earlier announcement

of the chance was possible, and (B) the agency publicly announces such change and

the vote of each member upon such change at the earliest practicable time.

(3) Immediately following each public announcement required by this subsection,

notice of the time, place, and subject matter of a meeting, whether the meeting is open

or closed, any change in one of the preceding, and the name and phone number of the

official designated by the agency to respond to requests for information about the

meeting, shall also be submitted for publication in the Federal Register.

(f)(1) For every meeting closed pursuant to paragraphs (1) through (10) of subsection

(c), the General Counsel or chief legal officer of the agency shall publicly certify that, in

his or her opinion, the meeting may be closed to the public and shall state each relevant

exemptive provision. A copy of such certification, together with a statement from the

presiding officer of the meeting setting forth the time and place of the meeting, and the

persons present, shall be retained by the agency. The agency shall maintain a complete

transcript or electronic recording adequate to record fully the proceedings of each

meeting, or portion of a meeting, closed to the public, except that in the case of a

meeting, or portion of a meeting, closed to the public pursuant to paragraph (8), (9)(A),

or (10) of subsection (c), the agency shall maintain either such a transcript or recording,

or a set of minutes. Such minutes shall fully and clearly describe all matters discussed

and shall provide a full and accurate summary of any actions taken, and the reasons

therefor, including a description of each of the views expressed on any item and the

record of any rollcall vote (reflecting the vote of each member on the question). All

documents considered in connection with any action shall be identified in such minutes.

(2) The agency shall make promptly available to the public, in a place easily

accessible to the public, the transcript, electronic recording, or minutes (as required

by paragraph (1)) of the discussion of any item on the agenda, or of any item of the

testimony of any witness received at the meeting, except for such item or items of

such discussion or testimony as the agency determines to contain information which

may be withheld under subsection (c). Copies of such transcript, or minutes, or a

transcription of such recording disclosing the identity of each speaker, shall be

furnished to any person at the actual cost of duplication or transcription. The agency

shall maintain a complete verbatim copy of the transcript, a complete copy of the

minutes, or a complete electronic recording of each meeting, or portion of a meeting,

closed to the public, for a period of at least two years after such meeting, or until one

year after the conclusion of any agency proceeding with respect to which the meeting

or portion was held, whichever occurs later.
Volume 1, Page 8–29

(g) Each agency subject to the requirements of this section shall, within 180 days

after the date of enactment of this section, following consultation with the Office of the

Chairman of the Administrative Conference of the United States and published notice in

the Federal Register of at least thirty days and an opportunity for written comments by

any person, promulgate regulations to implement the requirements of subsections (b)

through (f) of this section. Any person may bring a proceeding in the United States

District Court for the District of Columbia to require an agency to promulgate such

regulations if such agency has not promulgated such regulations within the time period

specified herein. Subject to any limitations of time provided by law, any person may

bring a proceeding in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia to

set aside agency regulations issued pursuant to this subsection that are not in accord with

the requirements of subsections (b) through (f) of this section and to require the

promulgation of regulations that are in accord with such subsections.

(h)(1) The district courts of the United States shall have jurisdiction to enforce the

requirements of subsections (b) through (f) of this section by declaratory judgment,

injunctive relief, or other relief as may be appropriate. Such actions may be brought by

any person against an agency prior to, or within sixty days after, the meeting out of which

the violation of this section arises, except that if public announcement of such meeting is

not initially provided by the agency in accordance with the requirements of this section,

such action may be instituted pursuant to this section at any time prior to sixty days after

any public announcement of such meeting. Such actions may be brought in the district

court of the United States for the district in which the agency meeting is held or in which

the agency in question has its headquarters, or in the District Court for the District of

Columbia. In such actions a defendant shall serve his answer within thirty days after the

service of the complaint. The burden is on the defendant to sustain his action. In deciding

such cases the court may examine in camera any portion of the transcript, electronic

recording, or minutes of a meeting closed to the public, and may take such additional

evidence as it deems necessary. The court, having due regard for orderly administration

and the public interest, as well as the interests of the parties, may grant such equitable

relief as it deems appropriate, including granting an injunction against future violations

of this section or ordering the agency to make available to the public such portion of the

transcript, recording, or minutes of a meeting as is not authorized to be withheld under

subsection (c) of this section.

(2) Any Federal court otherwise authorized by law to review agency action may,

at the application of any person properly participating in the proceeding pursuant to

other applicable law, inquire into violations by the agency of the requirements of this

section and afford such relief as it deems appropriate. Nothing in this section

authorizes any Federal court having jurisdiction solely on the basis of paragraph (1)

to set aside, enjoin, or invalidate any agency action (other than an action to close a

meeting or to withhold information under this section) taken or discussed at any

agency meeting out of which the violation of this section arose.

(i) The court may assess against any party reasonable attorney fees and

other litigation costs reasonably incurred by any other party who substantially

prevails in any action brought in accordance with the provisions of

subsections (g) or (h) of this section, except that costs may be assessed against

the plaintiff only where the court finds that the suit was initiated by the

plaintiff primarily for frivolous or dilatory purposes. In the case of assessment

of costs against an agency, the costs may be assessed by the court against the

United States.

(j) Each agency subject to the requirements of this section shall annually report to the

Congress regarding the following:
4

As amended, Public Law 104-66, Title III, sec. 3002 (109 Stat. 734); Dec. 21, 1995.

Volume 1, Page 8–30

(1) The changes in the policies and procedures of the agency under this section

that have occurred during the preceding 1-year period.

(2) A tabulation of the number of meetings held, the exemptions applied to close

meetings, and the days of public notice provided to close meetings.

(3) A brief description of litigation or formal complaints concerning the

implementation of this section by the agency.

(4) A brief explanation of any changes in law that have affected the

responsibilities of the agency under this section.4

(k) Nothing herein expands or limits the present rights of any person under section

552 of this title, except that the exemptions set forth in subsection (c) of this section shall

govern in the case of any request made pursuant to section 552 to copy or inspect the

transcripts, recordings, or minutes described in subsection (f) of this section. The

requirements of chapter 33 of title 44, United States Code, shall not apply to the

transcripts, recordings, and minutes described in subsection (f) of this section.

(l) This section does not constitute authority to withhold any information from

Congress, and does not authorize the closing of any agency meeting or portion thereof

required by any other provision of law to be open.

(m) Nothing in this section authorizes any agency to withhold from any individual

any record, including transcripts, recordings, or minutes required by this section, which is

otherwise accessible to such individual under section 552a of this title. (Pub. L. 94-409,

Sec. 3(a), Sept. 13, 1976, 90 Stat. 1241.)

Sec. 553. Rulemaking

(a) This section applies, according to the provisions thereof, except to the extent that

there is involved–

(1) a military or foreign affairs function of the United States; or

(2) a matter relating to agency management or personnel or to public property,

loans, grants, benefits, or contracts.

(b) General notice of proposed rule making shall be published in the Federal

Register, unless persons subject thereto are named and either personally served or

otherwise have actual notice thereof in accordance with law. The notice shall include–

(1) a statement of the time, place, and nature of public rule making proceedings;

(2) reference to the legal authority under which the rule is proposed; and

(3) either the terms or substance of the proposed rule or a description of the

subjects and issues involved.

Except when notice or hearing is required by statute, this subsection does not apply–

(A) to interpretative rules, general statements of policy, or rules of agency

organization, procedure, or practice; or

(B) when the agency for good cause finds (and incorporates the finding and a

brief statement of reasons therefor in the rules issued) that notice and public

procedure thereon are impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public

interest.

(c) After notice required by this section, the agency shall give interested persons an

opportunity to participate in the rule making through submission of written data, views,

or arguments with or without opportunity for oral presentation. After consideration of the

relevant matter presented, the agency shall incorporate in the rules adopted a concise

general statement of their basis and purpose. When rules are required by statute to be

made on the record after opportunity for an agency hearing, sections 556 and 557 of this

title apply instead of this subsection.

(d) The required publication or service of a substantive rule shall be made not less

than 30 days before its effective date, except–
Volume 1, Page 8–31

(1) a substantive rule which grants or recognizes an exemption or relieves a

restriction;

(2) interpretative rules and statements of policy; or

(3) as otherwise provided by the agency for good cause found and published with

the rule.

(e) Each agency shall give an interested person the right to petition for the issuance,

amendment, or repeal of a rule. (Pub. L. 89-554, Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 383.)

Sec. 554. Adjudications

(a) This section applies, according to the provisions thereof, in every case of

adjudication required by statute to be determined on the record after opportunity for an

agency hearing, except to the extent that there is involved–

(1) a matter subject to a subsequent trial of the law and the facts de novo in a

court;

(2) the selection or tenure of an employee, except an administrative law judge

appointed under section 3105 of this title;

(3) proceedings in which decisions rest solely on inspections, tests, or elections;

(4) the conduct of military or foreign affairs functions;

(5) cases in which an agency is acting as an agent for a court; or

(6) the certification of worker representatives.

(b) Persons entitled to notice of an agency hearing shall be timely informed of–

(1) the time, place, and nature of the hearing;

(2) the legal authority and jurisdiction under which the hearing is to be held; and

(3) the matters of fact and law asserted.

When private persons are the moving parties, other parties to the proceeding shall

give prompt notice of issues controverted in fact or law; and in other instances agencies

may by rule require responsive pleading. In fixing the time and place for hearings, due

regard shall be had for the convenience and necessity of the parties or their

representatives.

(c) The agency shall give all interested parties opportunity for–

(1) the submission and consideration of facts, arguments, offers of settlement, or

proposals of adjustment when time, the nature of the proceeding, and the public

interest permit; and

(2) to the extent that the parties are unable so to determine a controversy by

consent, hearing and decision on notice and in accordance with sections 556 and 557

of this title.

(d) The employee who presides at the reception of evidence pursuant to section 556

of this title shall make the recommended decision or initial decision required by section

557 of this title, unless he becomes unavailable to the agency. Except to the extent

required for the disposition of ex parte matters as authorized by law, such an employee

may not–

(1) consult a person or party on a fact in issue, unless on notice and opportunity

for all parties to participate; or

(2) be responsible to or subject to the supervision or direction of an employee or

agent engaged in the performance of investigative or prosecuting functions for an

agency.

An employee or agent engaged in the performance of investigative or prosecuting

functions for an agency in a case may not, in that or a factually related case, participate or

advise in the decision, recommended decision, or agency review pursuant to section 557

of this title, except as witness or counsel in public proceedings. This subsection does not

apply–

(A) in determining applications for initial licenses;
Volume 1, Page 8–32

(B) to proceedings involving the validity or application of rates, facilities, or

practices of public utilities or carriers; or

(C) to the agency or a member or members of the body comprising the

agency.

(e) The agency, with like effect as in the case of other orders, and in its sound

discretion, may issue a declaratory order to terminate a controversy or remove

uncertainty. (Pub. L. 89-554, Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 384; amended Publ. L. 95-251,

Mar. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 183.)

Sec. 555. Ancillary Matters

(a) This section applies, according to the provisions thereof, except as otherwise

provided by this subchapter.

(b) A person compelled to appear in person before an agency or representative

thereof is entitled to be accompanied, represented, and advised by counsel or, if

permitted by the agency, by other qualified representative. A party is entitled to appear in

person or by or with counsel or other duly qualified representative in an agency

proceeding. So far as the orderly conduct of public business permits, an interested person

may appear before an agency or its responsible employees for the presentation,

adjustment, or determination of an issue, request, or controversy in a proceeding, whether

interlocutory, summary, or otherwise, or in connection with an agency function. With

due regard for the convenience and necessity of the parties or their representatives and

within a reasonable time, each agency shall proceed to conclude a matter presented to it.

This subsection does not grant or deny a person who is not a lawyer the right to appear

for or represent others before an agency or in an agency proceeding.

(c) Process, requirement of a report, inspection, or other investigative act or demand

may not be issued, made, or enforced except as authorized by law. A person compelled

to submit data or evidence is entitled to retain or, on payment of lawfully prescribed

costs, procure a copy or transcript thereof, except that in a nonpublic investigatory

proceeding the witness may for good cause be limited to inspection of the official

transcript of his testimony.

(d) Agency subpoenas authorized by law shall be issued to a party on request and,

when required by rules of procedure on a statement or showing of general relevance and

reasonable scope of the evidence sought. On contest, the court shall sustain the subpena

or similar process or demand to the extent that it is found to be in accordance with law. 

In a proceeding for enforcement, the court shall issue an order requiring the appearance

of the witness or the production of the evidence or data within a reasonable time under

penalty of punishment for contempt in case of contumacious failure to comply.

(e) Prompt notice shall be given of the denial in whole or in part of a written

application, petition, or other request of an interested person made in connection with

any agency proceedings. Except in affirming a prior denial or when the denial is

self-explanatory, the notice shall be accompanied by a brief statement of the grounds for

denial. (Pub. L. 89-554, Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 385.)

Sec. 556. Hearings; Presiding Employees; Powers and Duties; Burden of Proof;

Evidence; Record as Basis of Decision

(a) This section applies, according to the provisions thereof, to hearings required by

section 553 or 554 of this title to be conducted in accordance with this section.

(b) There shall preside at the taking of evidence–

(1) the agency;

(2) one or more members of the body which comprises the agency; or

(3) one or more administrative law judges appointed under section 3105 of this

title.

This subchapter does not supersede the conduct of specified classes of proceedings,

in whole or in part, by or before boards or other employees specially provided for by or
5

Public Law 101-552 (104 Stat. 2736), November 15, 1990 changed (c)(6) and added new (7) and (8).

Volume 1, Page 8–33

designated under statute. The functions of presiding employees and of employees

participating in decisions in accordance with section 557 of this title shall be conducted

in an impartial manner. A presiding or participating employee may at any time disqualify

himself. On the filing in good faith of a timely and sufficient affidavit of personal bias or

other disqualification of a presiding or participating employee, the agency shall

determine the matter as a part of the record and decision in the case.

(c) Subject to published rules of the agency and within its powers, employees

presiding at hearings may–

(1) administer oaths and affirmations;

(2) issue subpoenas authorized by law;

(3) rule on offers of proof and receive relevant evidence;

(4) take depositions or have depositions taken when the ends of justice would be

served;

(5) regulate the course of the hearing;

(6) hold conferences for the settlement of simplification of the issues by consent

of the parties; or by the use of alternative means of dispute resolution as provided in

subchapter IV of this chapter;

(7) inform the parties as to the availability of one or more alternative means of

dispute resolution, and encourage use of such methods;

(8) require the attendance at any conference held pursuant to paragraph (6) of at

least one representative of each party who has authority to negotiate concerning

resolution of issues in controversy.5

(9) dispose of procedural requests or similar matters;

(10) make or recommend decisions in accordance with section 557 of this title;

and

(11) take other action authorized by agency rule consistent with this subchapter.

(d) Except as otherwise provided by statute, the proponents of a rule or order has the

burden of proof. Any oral or documentary evidence may be received, but the agency as a

matter of policy shall provide for the exclusion of irrelevant, immaterial, or unduly

repetitious evidence. A sanction may not be imposed or rule or order issued except on

consideration of the whole record or those parts thereof cited by a party and supported by

and in accordance with the reliable, probative, and substantial evidence. The agency may,

to the extent consistent with the interests of justice and the policy of the underlying

statutes administered by the agency, consider a violation of section 557(d) of this title

sufficient grounds for a decision adverse to a party who has knowingly committed such

violation or knowingly caused such violation to occur. A party is entitled to present his

case or defense by oral or documentary evidence, to submit rebuttal evidence, and to

conduct such cross-examination as may be required for a full and true disclosure of the

facts. In rule making or determining claims for money or benefits or applications for

initial licenses an agency may, when a party will not be prejudiced thereby, adopt

procedures for the submission of all or part of the evidence in written form.

(e) The transcript of testimony and exhibits, together with all papers and requests

filed in the proceedings, constitutes the exclusive record for decision in accordance with

section 557 of this title and, on payment of lawfully prescribed costs, shall be made

available to the parties. When an agency decision rests on official notice of a material

fact not appearing in the evidence in the record, a party is entitled, on timely request, to

an opportunity to show the contrary. (Pub. L. 89-554, Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 386;

amended Pub. L. 94-409, Sept. 13, 1976, 90 Stat. 1247; Pub. L. 95-251, Mar. 27, 1978,

92 Stat. 183.)
Volume 1, Page 8–34

Sec. 557. Initial Decisions; Conclusiveness; Review by Agency; Submissions by

Parties; Contents of Decisions; Record

(a) This section applies, according to the provisions thereof, when a hearing is

required to be conducted in accordance with section 556 of this title.

(b) When the agency did not preside at the reception of the evidence, the presiding

employee or, in cases not subject to section 554(d) of this title, an employee qualified to

preside at hearings pursuant to section 556 of this title, shall initially decide the case

unless the agency requires, either in specific cases or by general rule, the entire record to

be certified to it for decision. When the presiding employee makes an initial decision,

that decision then becomes the decision of the agency without further proceedings unless

there is an appeal to, or review on motion of, the agency within time provided by rule. On

appeal from or review of the initial decision, the agency has all the powers which it

would have in making the initial decision except as it may limit the issues on notice or by

rule. When the agency makes the decision without having presided at the reception of the

evidence, the presiding employee or an employee qualified to preside at hearings

pursuant to section 556 of this title shall first recommend a decision, except that in rule

making or determining applications for initial licenses–

(1) instead thereof the agency may issue a tentative decision or one of its

responsible employees may recommend a decision; or

(2) this procedure may be omitted in a case in which the agency finds on the

record that due and timely execution of its functions imperatively and unavoidably so

requires.

(c) Before a recommended, initial, or tentative decision, or a decision on agency

review of the decision of subordinate employees, the parties are entitled to a reasonable

opportunity to submit for the consideration of the employees participating in the

decisions–

(1) proposed findings and conclusions; or

(2) exceptions to the decisions or recommended decisions of subordinate

employees or to tentative agency decisions; and

(3) supporting reasons for the exception of proposed findings or conclusions. 

The record shall show the ruling on each finding, conclusion, or exception presented. 

All decisions, including initial, recommended, and tentative decisions, are a part of the

record and shall include a statement of–

(A) findings and conclusions and the reasons or basis therefor, on all the

material issues of fact, law, or discretion presented on the record; and

(B) the appropriate rule, order, sanction, relief, or denial thereof.

(d)(1) In an agency proceeding which is subject to subsection (a) of this section,

except to the extent required for the disposition of ex parte matters as authorized by law–

(A) no interested person outside the agency shall make or knowingly cause to

be made to any member of the body comprising the agency, administrative law

judge, or other employee who is or may reasonably be expected to be involved in

the decisional process of the proceeding, an ex parte communication relevant to

the merits of the proceeding;

(B) no member of the body comprising the agency, administrative law judge,

or other employee who is or may reasonably be expected to be involved in the

decisional process of the proceeding, shall make or knowingly cause to be made

to any interested person outside the agency an ex parte communication relevant to

the merits of the proceeding;

(C) a member of the body comprising the agency, administrative law judge, or

other employee who is or may reasonably be expected to be involved in the

decisional process of such proceeding who receives, or who makes or knowingly
Volume 1, Page 8–35

causes to be made, a communication prohibited by this subsection shall place on

the public record of the proceeding:

(i) all such written communications;

(ii) memoranda stating the substance of all such oral communications; and

(iii) all written responses, and memoranda stating the substance of all oral

responses, to the materials described in clauses (i) and (ii) of this

subparagraph;

(D) upon receipt of a communication knowingly made or knowingly caused to

be made by a party in violation of this subsection, the agency, administrative law

judge, or other employee presiding at the hearing may, to the extent consistent

with the interests of justice and the policy of the underlying statutes, require the

party to show cause why his claim or interest in the proceedings should not be

dismissed, denied, disregarded, or otherwise adversely affected on account of

such violation; and

(E) the prohibitions of this subsection shall apply beginning at such time as the

agency may designate, but in no case shall they begin to apply later than the time

at which a proceeding is noticed for hearing unless the person responsible for the

communication has knowledge that is will be noticed, in which case the

prohibitions shall apply beginning at the time of his acquisition of such

knowledge.

(2) This subsection does not constitute authority to withhold information from

Congress. (Pub. L. 89-554, Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 837; amended Pub. L. 94-409,

Sept. 13, 1976, 90 Stat. 1246.)

Sec. 558. Imposition of Sanctions; Determination of Applications For Licenses;

Suspension, Revocation, and Expiration of Licenses

(a) This section applies, according to the provisions thereof, to the exercise of a

power or authority.

(b) A sanction may not be imposed or a substantive rule or order issued except within

jurisdiction delegated to the agency and as authorized by law.

(c) When application is made for a license required by law, the agency, with due

regard for the rights and privileges of all the interested parties or adversely affected

persons and within a reasonable time, shall set and complete proceedings required to be

conducted in accordance with sections 556 and 557 of this title or other proceedings

required by law and shall make its decision. Except in cases of willfulness or those in

which public health, interest, or safety requires otherwise, the withdrawal, suspension,

revocation, or annulment of a license is lawful only if, before the institution of agency

proceedings therefor, the licensee has been given–

(1) notice by the agency in writing of the facts or conduct which may warrant the

action; and

(2) opportunity to demonstrate or achieve compliance with all lawful

requirements.

When the licensee has made timely and sufficient application for a renewal or a new

license in accordance with agency rules, a license with reference to an activity of a

continuing nature does not expire until the application has been finally determined by the

agency. (Pub. L. 89-554, Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 388.)

Sec. 559. Effect on Other Laws; Effect of Subsequent Statute

This subchapter, chapter 7, and sections 1305, 3105, 3344, 4301(2)(E), 5372, and

7521 of this title, and the provisions of section 5335(a)(B) of this title that relate to

administrative law judges, do not limit or repeal additional requirements imposed by

statute or otherwise recognized by law. Except as otherwise required by law,

requirements or privileges relating to evidence or procedure apply equally to agencies

and persons. Each agency is granted the authority necessary to comply with the
Volume 1, Page 8–36

requirements of this subchapter through the issuance of rules or otherwise. Subsequent

statute may not be held to supersede or modify this subchapter, chapter 7, sections 1305,

3105, 3344, 4301(2)(E), 5372, or 7521 of this title, or the provisions of section

5335(a)(B) of this title that relate to administrative law judges, except to the extent that it

does so expressly. (Pub L. 89-554, Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 388; amended Pub. L. 90-623,

§ 1(1), Oct 22, 1968, 82 Stat. 1312; Pub. L. 95-251, Mar. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 183; Pub. L.

95-454, Oct. 13, 1978, 92 Stat. 1221.)
Volume 1, Page 8–37

NEGOTIATED RULEMAKING ACT OF 1990

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE 5 USC

Sec.

Sec. 1. Short Title ..................................... 8–38 561

Sec. 2. Findings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–38 561

Sec. 3. Negotiated Rulemaking Procedure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–38 561

Sec. 561. Purpose. ....................................... 8–38 561

Sec. 562. Definitions. .................................... 8–39 562

Sec. 563. Determination of Need for Negotiated Rulemaking 

Committee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–39 563

Sec. 564. Publication of Notice; Applications for Membership

on Committees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–40 564

Sec. 565. Establishment of Committee. ....................... 8–41 565

Sec. 566. Conduct of Committee Activity. .................... 8–42 566

Sec. 567. Termination of Committee. ........................ 8–43 567

Sec. 568. Services, Facilities, and Payment of Committee

Member Expenses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–43 568

Sec. 569. Encouraging Negotiated Rulemaking. ................ 8–43 569

Sec. 570. Judicial Review. ................................ 8–44 570

Sec. 570a. Authorization of Appropriations. ................... 8–44 570a

Sec. 4. Authorization of Appropriations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–44 561 note

Sec. 5. Sunset And Savings Provisions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–44 561 note
Volume 1, Page 8–38

NEGOTIATED RULEMAKING ACT OF 1990

Public Law 101-648 104 Stat. 4976

November 29, 1990

An Act

To establish a framework for the conduct of negotiated rulemaking by

Federal agencies.

Negotiated

Rulemaking Act of

1990.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the

United States of America in Congress assembled,

Sec. 1. Short Title

5 USC 561. This Act may be cited as the “Negotiated Rulemaking Act of 1990.”

Sec. 2. Findings.

5 USC 561. The Congress makes the following findings:

(1) Government regulation has increased substantially since the

enactment of the Administrative Procedure Act.

(2) Agencies currently use rulemaking procedures that may

discourage the affected parties from meeting and communicating with

each other, and may cause parties with different interests to assume

conflicting and antagonistic positions and to engage in expensive and

time-consuming litigation over agency rules.

(3) Adversarial rulemaking deprives the affected parties and the

public of the benefits of face-to-face negotiations and co-operation in

developing and reaching agreement on a rule. It also deprives them of

the benefits of shared information, knowledge, expertise, and

technical abilities possessed by the affected parties.

(4) Negotiated rulemaking, in which the parties who will be

significantly affected by a rule participate in the development of the

rule, can provide significant advantages over adversarial rulemaking.

(5) Negotiated rulemaking can increase the acceptability and

improve the substance of rules, making it less likely that the affected

parties will resist enforcement or challenge such rules in court. It may

also shorten the amount of time needed to issue final rules.

(6) Agencies have the authority to establish negotiated rule making

committees under the laws establishing such agencies and their

activities and under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 USC

App.). Several agencies have successfully used negotiated rulemaking.

The process has not been widely used by other agencies, however, in

part because such agencies are unfamiliar with the process or

uncertain as to the authority for such rulemaking.

Sec. 3. Negotiated Rulemaking Procedure.

(a) IN GENERAL.–Chapter 5 of title 5, United States Code, is

amended by adding at the end the following new subchapter:

Sec. 561. Purpose.

5 USC 561. The purpose of this subchapter is to establish a framework for the

conduct of negotiated rulemaking, consistent with section 553 of this title,

to encourage agencies to use the process when it enhances the informal

rulemaking process. Nothing in this subchapter should be construed as an

attempt to limit innovation and experimentation with the negotiated
Volume 1, Page 8–39

rulemaking process or with other innovative rulemaking procedures

otherwise authorized by law.

Sec. 562. Definitions.

5 USC 562. For the purposes of this subchapter, the term–

(1) “agency” has the same meaning as in section 551(1) of this

title;

(2) “consensus” means unanimous concurrence among the

interests represented on a negotiated rulemaking committee

established under this subchapter, unless such committee–

(A) agrees to define such term to mean a general but not

unanimous concurrence; or

(B) agrees upon another specified definition;

(3) “convener” means a person who impartially assists an agency

in determining whether establishment of a negotiated rulemaking

committee is feasible and appropriate in a particular rulemaking;

(4) “facilitator” means a person who impartially aids in the

discussions and negotiations among the members of a negotiated

rulemaking committee to develop a proposed rule;

(5) “interest” means, with respect to an issue or matter, multiple

parties which have a similar point of view or which are likely to be

affected in a similar manner;

(6) “negotiated rulemaking” means rulemaking through the use of

a negotiated rulemaking committee;

(7) “negotiated rulemaking committee” or “committee” means an

advisory committee established by an agency in accordance with this

subchapter and the Federal Advisory Committee Act to consider and

discuss issues for the purpose of reaching a consensus in the

development of a proposed rule;

(8) “party” has the same meaning as in section 551(3) of this title;

(9) “person” has the same meaning as in section 551(2) of this

title;

(10) “rule” has the same meaning as in section 551(4) of this title;

and

(11) “rulemaking” means “rulemaking” as that term is defined in

section 551(5) of this title.

Sec. 563. Determination of Need for Negotiated Rulemaking

Committee.

5 USC 563. (a) DETERMINATION OF NEED BY THE AGENCY.–An agency

may establish a negotiated rulemaking committee to negotiate and develop

a proposed rule, if the head of the agency determines that the use of the

negotiated rulemaking procedure is in the public interest. In making such

a determination, the head of the agency shall consider whether–

(1) there is a need for a rule;

(2) there are a limited number of identifiable interests that will be

significantly affected by the rule;

(3) there is a reasonable likelihood that a committee can be

convened with a balanced representation of persons who–

(A) can adequately represent the interests identified under

paragraph (2); and

(B) are willing to negotiate in good faith to reach a consensus

on the proposed rule;
Volume 1, Page 8–40

(4) there is a reasonable likelihood that a committee will reach a

consensus on the proposed rule within a fixed period of time;

(5) the negotiated rulemaking procedure will not unreasonably

delay the notice of proposed rulemaking and the issuance of the final

rule;

(6) the agency has adequate resources and is willing to commit

such resources, including technical assistance, to the committee; and

(7) the agency, to the maximum extent possible consistent with the

legal obligations of the agency, will use the consensus of the

committee with respect to the proposed rule as the basis for the rule

proposed by the agency for notice and comment.

(b) USE OF CONVENERS.–

(1) PURPOSES OF CONVENERS.–An agency may use the

services of a convener to assist the agency in–

(A) identifying person who will be significantly affected by a

proposed rule, including residents of rural areas; and

(B) conducting discussions with such persons to identify the

issues of concern to such persons, and to ascertain whether the

establishment of a negotiated rulemaking committee is feasible and

appropriate in the particular rulemaking.

Reports. (2) DUTIES OF CONVENERS.–The convener shall report

findings and may make recommendations to the agency. Upon request

of the agency, the convener shall ascertain the names of persons who

are willing and qualified to represent interests that will be significantly

affected by the proposed rule, including residents of rural areas. The

report and any recommendations of the convener shall be made

available to the public upon request.

Sec. 564. Publication of Notice; Applications for Membership on 

Committees.

5 USC 564. (a) PUBLICATION OF NOTICE.–If, after considering the report of a

convener or conducting its own assessment, an agency decides to

establish a negotiated rulemaking committee, the agency shall publish in

the Federal Register and, as appropriate, in trade or other specialized

publications, a notice which shall include–

(1) an announcement that the agency intends to establish a

negotiated rulemaking committee to negotiate and develop a proposed

rule;

(2) a description of the subject and scope of the rule to be

developed, and the issues to be considered;

(3) a list of the interests which are likely to be significantly

affected by the rule;

(4) a list of the persons proposed to represent such interests and

the person or persons proposed to represent the agency;

(5) a proposed agenda and schedule for completing the work of the

committee, including a target date for publication by the agency of a

proposed rule for notice and comment;

(6) a description of administrative support for the committee to be

provided by the agency, including technical assistance;

(7) a solicitation for comments on the proposal to establish the

committee, and the proposed membership of the negotiated

rulemaking committee; and
Volume 1, Page 8–41

(8) an explanation of how a person may apply or nominate another

person for membership on the committee, as provided under

subsection (b).

(b) APPLICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP OR

COMMITTEE.–Persons who will be significantly affected by a proposed

rule and who believe that their interests will not be adequately represented

by any person specified in a notice under subsection (a)(4) may apply for,

or nominate another person for, membership on the negotiated rulemaking

committee to represent such interests with respect to the proposed rule.

Each application or nomination shall include–

(1) the name of the applicant or nominee and a description of the

interests such person shall represent;

(2) evidence that the applicant or nominee is authorized to

represent parties related to the interests the person proposes to

represent;

(3) a written commitment that the applicant or nominee shall

actively participate in good faith in the development of the rule under

consideration; and

(4) the reasons that the persons specified in the notice under

subsection (a)(4) do not adequately represent the interests of the

person submitting the application or nomination.

(c) PERIOD FOR SUBMISSION OF COMMENTS AND

APPLICATIONS.–The agency shall provide for a period of at least

30 calendar days for the submission of comments and applications under

this section.

Sec. 565. Establishment of Committee.

5 USC 565. (a) ESTABLISHMENT.–

(1) DETERMINATION TO ESTABLISH COMMITTEE.–If after

considering comments and applications submitted under section 564,

the agency determines that a negotiated rulemaking committee can

adequately represent the interests that will be significantly affected by

a proposed rule and that it is feasible and appropriate in the particular

rulemaking, the agency may establish a negotiated rulemaking

committee. In establishing and administering such a committee, the

agency shall comply with the Federal Advisory Committee Act with

respect to such committee, except as otherwise provided in this

subchapter.

(2) DETERMINATION NOT TO ESTABLISH

COMMITTEE.–If after considering such comments and applications,

the agency decides not to establish a negotiated rulemaking

committee, the agency shall promptly publish notice of such decision

and the reasons therefor in the Federal Register and, as appropriate, in

trade or other specialized publications, a copy of which shall be sent

to any person who applied for, or nominated another person for

membership on the negotiating rulemaking committee to represent

such interests with respect to the proposed rule.

(b) MEMBERSHIP.–The agency shall limit membership on a

negotiated rulemaking committee to 25 members, unless the agency head

determines that a greater number of members is necessary for the

functioning of the committee or to achieve balanced membership. Each

committee shall include at least one person representing the agency.
Volume 1, Page 8–42

(c) ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT.–The agency shall provide

appropriate administrative support to the negotiated rulemaking

committee, including technical assistance.

Sec. 566. Conduct of Committee Activity.

5 USC 566. (a) DUTIES OF COMMITTEE.–Each negotiated rulemaking

committee established under this subchapter shall consider the matter

proposed by the agency for consideration and shall attempt to reach a

consensus concerning a proposed rule with respect to such matter and any

other matter the committee determines is relevant to the proposed rule.

(b) REPRESENTATIVES OF AGENCY ON COMMITTEE.–The

person or persons representing the agency on a negotiated rulemaking

committee shall participate in the deliberations and activities of the

committee with the same rights and responsibilities as other members of

the committee, and shall be authorized to fully represent the agency in the

discussions and negotiations of the committee.

(c) SELECTING FACILITATOR.–Notwithstanding section 10(e) of

the Federal Advisory Committee Act, an agency may nominate either a

person from the Federal Government or a person from outside the Federal

Government to serve as a facilitator for the negotiations of the committee,

subject to the approval of the committee by consensus. If the committee

does not approve the nominee of the agency for facilitator, the agency

shall submit a substitute nomination. If a committee does not approve any

nominee of the agency for facilitator, the committee shall select by

consensus a person to serve as facilitator. A person designated to

represent the agency in substantive issues may not serve as facilitator or

otherwise chair the committee.

(d) DUTIES OF FACILITATOR.–A facilitator approved or selected

by a negotiated rulemaking committee shall–

(1) chair the meetings of the committee in an impartial manner;

(2) impartially assist the members of the committee in conducting

discussions and negotiations; and

(3) manage the keeping of minutes and records as required under

section 10 (b) and (c) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, except

that any personal notes and materials of the facilitator or of the

members of a committee shall not be subject to section 552 of this

title.

(e) COMMITTEE PROCEDURES.–A negotiated rulemaking

committee established under this subchapter may adopt procedures for the

operation of the committee. No provision of section 553 of this title shall

apply to the procedures of a negotiated rulemaking committee.

(f) REPORT OF COMMITTEE.–If a committee reaches a consensus

on a proposed rule, at the conclusion of negotiations the committee shall

transmit to the agency that established the committee a report containing

the proposed rule. If the committee does not reach a consensus on a

proposed rule, the committee may transmit to the agency a report

specifying any areas in which the committee reached a consensus. The

committee may include in a report any other information,

recommendations, or materials that the committee considers appropriate.

Any committee member may include as an addendum to the report

additional information, recommendations, or materials.

(g) RECORDS OF COMMITTEE.–In addition to the report required

by subsection (f), a committee shall submit to the agency the records
Volume 1, Page 8–43

required under section 10 (b) and (c) of the Federal Advisory Committee

Act.

Sec. 567. Termination of Committee.

5 USC 567. A negotiated rulemaking committee shall terminate upon promulgation

of the final rule under consideration, unless the committee’s charter

contains an earlier termination date or the agency, after consulting the

committee, or the committee itself specifies an earlier termination date.

Sec. 568. Services, Facilities, and Payment of Committee Member

Expenses.

5 USC 568. (a) SERVICES OF CONVENERS AND FACILITATORS.–

(1) IN GENERAL.–An agency may employ or enter into contracts

for the services of an individual or organization to serve as a convener

or facilitator for a negotiated rulemaking committee under this

subchapter, or may use the services of a Government employee to act

as a convener or a facilitator for such a committee.

(2) DETERMINATION OF CONFLICTING INTERESTS.– An

agency shall determine whether a person under consideration to serve

as a convener or facilitator of a committee under paragraph (1) has any

financial or other interest that would preclude such person from

serving in an impartial and independent manner.

(b) SERVICES AND FACILITIES OF OTHER ENTITIES.– For

purposes of this subchapter, an agency may use the services and facilities

of other Federal agencies and public and private agencies and

instrumentalities with the consent of such agencies and instrumentalities,

and with or without reimbursement to such agencies and instrumentalities,

and may accept voluntary and uncompensated services without regard to

the pro visions of section 1342 of title 31. The Federal Mediation and

Conciliation Service may provide services and facilities, with or without

reimbursement, to assist agencies under this subchapter, including

furnishing conveners, facilitators, and training in negotiated rulemaking.

(c) EXPENSES OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS.–Members of a

negotiated rulemaking committee shall be responsible for their own

expenses of participation in such committee, except that an agency may,

in accordance with section 7(d) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act,

pay for a member’s reasonable travel and per diem expenses, expenses to

obtain technical assistance, and a reasonable rate of compensation, if–

(1) such member certifies a lack of adequate financial resources to

participate in the committee; and

(2) the agency determines that such member’s participation in the

committee is necessary to assure an adequate representation of the

member’s interest.

(d) STATUS OF MEMBER AS FEDERAL EMPLOYEE.–A

member’s receipt of funds under this section or section 569 shall not

conclusively deter mine for purposes of sections 202 through 209 of title

18 whether that member is an employee of the United States Government.

Sec. 569. Encouraging Negotiated Rulemaking.

5 USC 569. (a) The President shall designate an agency or designate or establish

an interagency committee to facilitate and encourage agency use of

negotiated rulemaking. An agency that is considering, planning, or

conducting a negotiated rulemaking may consult with such agency or

committee for information and assistance.
6

Public Law 101-648, §3(a), 104 Stat. 4975, November 29, 1990; Public Law 102-354, §3(a)(2), (5),

106 Stat. 944, August 26, 1992; Public Law 104-320, §11(b), 110 Stat. 3873, October 19, 1996. 7

Public Law 104-320, §11(d)(1), 110 Stat. 3874, October 19, 1996, added this section.

Volume 1, Page 8–44

(b) To carry out the purposes of this subchapter, an agency planning

or conducting a negotiated rulemaking may accept, hold, administer, and

utilize gifts, devises, and bequests of property, both real and personal if

that agency’s acceptance and use of such gifts, devises, or bequests do not

create a conflict of interest. Gifts and bequests of money and proceeds

from sales of other property received as gifts, devises, or bequests shall be

deposited in the Treasury and shall be disbursed upon the order of the

head of such agency. Property accepted pursuant to this section, and the

proceeds thereof, shall be used as nearly as possible in accordance with

the terms of the gifts, devises, or bequests.6

Sec. 570. Judicial Review.

5 USC 570. Any agency action relating to establishing, assisting, or terminating a

negotiated rulemaking committee under this subchapter shall not be

subject to judicial review. Nothing in this section shall bar judicial review

of a rule if such judicial review is otherwise provided by law. A rule

which is the product of negotiated rulemaking and is subject to judicial

review shall not be accorded any greater deference by a court than a rule

which is the product of other rulemaking procedures.

Sec. 570a. Authorization of Appropriations.

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be

necessary to carry out the purposes of this subchapter.7

Sec. 4. Authorization of Appropriations.

5 USC 561 note. In order to carry out this Act and the amendments made by this Act,

there are authorized to be appropriated to the Administrative Conference

of the United States, in addition to amounts authorized by section 596 of

title 5, United States Code, not in excess of $500,000 for each of the

fiscal years 1991, 1992, and 1993.

Sec. 5. Sunset and Savings Provisions.

5 USC 561 note. Subchapter III of chapter 5, United States Code, (enacted as

subchapter IV of chapter 5 of title 5, United States Code, by section 3 of

this Act and redesignated as subchapter II of such chapter 5 by section

(3)(a) of the Administrative Procedure Technical Amendments Act of

1991); and that portion of the table of sections at the beginning of

chapter 5 of title 5, United States Code, relating to subchapter III, are

repealed, effective 6 years after the date of the enactment of this Act,

except that the provisions of such subchapter shall continue to apply after

the date of the repeal with respect to then pending negotiated rulemaking

proceedings initiated before the date of repeal which, in the judgment of

the agencies which are convening or have convened such proceedings,

require such continuation, until such negotiated rulemaking proceedings

terminate pursuant to such subchapter.
Volume 1, Page 8–45

ADMINISTRATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION ACT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

5 USC 571

Page

Sec. 1. Short Title ............................................. 8–46

Sec. 2. Findings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–46

Sec. 3. Promotion of Alternative Means of Dispute

Resolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–46

Sec. 4. Administrative Procedures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–47

SUBCHAPTER IV

ALTERNATIVE MEANS OF DISPUTE RESOLUTION

IN THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESS

Sec. 571. Definitions ............................................. 8–47

Sec. 572. General Authority ....................................... 8–48

Sec. 573. Neutrals ............................................... 8–49

Sec. 574. Confidentiality .......................................... 8–49

Sec. 575. Authorization of Arbitration ............................... 8–51

Sec. 576. Enforcement of Arbitration Agreements ...................... 8–51

Sec. 577. Arbitrators ............................................. 8–51

Sec. 578. Authority of the Arbitrator ................................ 8–52

Sec. 579. Arbitration Proceedings ................................... 8–52

Sec. 580. Arbitration Awards ...................................... 8–52

Sec. 581. Judicial Review ......................................... 8–53

Sec. 582. Repealed .............................................. 8–53

Sec. 583. Support Services ........................................ 8–53

Sec. 584. Authorization of Appropriations ............................ 8–53

Sec. 5. Judicial Review of Arbitration Awards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–53

Sec. 6. Government Contract Claims. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–54

Sec. 7. Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service ................... 8–54

Sec. 8. Government Tort and Other Claims. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–54

Sec. 9. Use of Non-Attorneys. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–55

Sec. 10. Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–55

Sec. 11. Sunset Provision. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–55
8

When originally enacted, this law was codified at 5 USC 581, note. P.L. 102-354 (106 Stat 943)

redesignated section numbers and U.S. Code cites and made minor amendments to the act.

Volume 1, Page 8–46

ADMINISTRATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION ACT

Public Law 101-552 Stat. 2736

November 15, 1990

An Act

To authorize and encourage Federal agencies to use mediation, conciliation, arbitration,

and other techniques for the prompt and informal resolution of disputes, and for other

purposes.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of

America in Congress assembled,

Sec. 1. Short Title

This Act may be cited as the “Administrative Dispute Resolution Act.”8

Sec. 2. Findings.

The Congress finds that–

(1) administrative procedure, as embodied in chapter 5 of title 5, United States

Code, and other statutes, is intended to offer a prompt, expert, and inexpensive means

of resolving disputes as an alternative to litigation in the Federal courts;

(2) administrative proceedings have become increasingly formal, costly, and

lengthy resulting in unnecessary expenditures of time and in a decreased likelihood of

achieving consensual resolution of disputes;

(3) alternative means of dispute resolution have been used in the private sector for

many years and, in appropriate circumstances, have yielded decisions that are faster,

less expensive, and less contentious;

(4) such alternative means can lead to more creative, efficient, and sensible

outcomes;

(5) such alternative means may be used advantageously in a wide variety of

administrative programs;

(6) explicit authorization of the use of well-tested dispute resolution techniques

will eliminate ambiguity of agency authority under existing law;

(7) Federal agencies may not only receive the benefit of techniques that were

developed in the private sector, but may also take the lead in the further development

and refinement of such techniques; and

(8) the availability of a wide range of dispute resolution procedures, and an

increased understanding of the most effective use of such procedures, will enhance

the operation of the Government and better serve the public.

Sec. 3. Promotion of Alternative Means of Dispute Resolution.

(a) PROMULGATION OF AGENCY POLICY.–Each agency shall adopt a policy

that addresses the use of alternative means of dispute resolution and case management. In

developing such a policy, each agency shall–

(1) consult with the Administrative Conference of the United States and the

Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service; and

(2) examine alternative means of resolving disputes in connection with–

(A) formal and informal adjudications;

(B) rulemakings;

(C) enforcement actions;
9

Public Law 102-354, § 3(b)(1), 106 Stat. 944, August 26, 1992, inserted this subchapter (5 USCS §§ 571

et seq. (formerly §§ 581 et seq.)) after Subchapter III as redesignated (5 USCS § 561 et seq.)

Volume 1, Page 8–47

(D) issuing and revoking licenses or permits;

(E) contract administration;

(F) litigation brought by or against the agency; and

(G) other agency actions.

(b) DISPUTE RESOLUTION SPECIALISTS.–The head of each agency shall

designate a senior official to be the dispute resolution specialist of the agency. Such

official shall be responsible for the implementation of–

(1) the provisions of this Act and the amendments made by this Act; and

(2) the agency policy developed under subsection (a).

(c) TRAINING.–Each agency shall provide for training on a regular basis for the

dispute resolution specialist of the agency and other employees involved in implementing

the policy of the agency developed under subsection (a). Such training should encompass

the theory and practice of negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or related techniques. The

dispute resolution specialist shall periodically recommend to the agency head agency

employees who would benefit from similar training.

(d) PROCEDURES FOR GRANTS AND CONTRACTS.–

(1) Each agency shall review each of its standard agreements for contracts, grants,

and other assistance and shall determine whether to amend any such standard

agreements to authorize and encourage the use of alternative means of dispute

resolution.

(2)(A) Within 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Federal

Acquisition Regulation shall be amended, as necessary, to carry out this Act ad the

amendments made by this Act.

(B) For purposes of this section, the term “Federal Acquisition Regulation”

means the single system of Government-wide procurement regulation referred to

in section 6(a) of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act (41 USC 405(a)).

Sec. 4. Administrative Procedures.

(a) ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS.–Section 556(c) of title 5, United States Code,

is amended–

(1) in paragraph (6) by inserting before the semicolon at the end thereof the

following: “or by the use of alternative means of dispute resolution as provided in

subchapter IV of this chapter”; and

(2) by redesignating paragraphs (7) through (9) as paragraphs (9) through (11),

respectively, and inserting after paragraph (6) the following new paragraphs:

(7) inform the parties as to the availability of one or more alternative means of

dispute resolution, and encourage use of such methods;

(8) require the attendance at any conference held pursuant to paragraph (6) of at

least one representative of each party who has authority to negotiate concerning

resolution of issues in controversy;

(b) ALTERNATIVE MEANS OF DISPUTE RESOLUTION.– Chapter 5 of title 5,

United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subchapter:

SUBCHAPTER IV–ALTERNATIVE MEANS OF DISPUTE RESOLUTION IN

THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESS

Sec. 571. Definitions.

For the purposes of this subchapter, the term–9

(1) “agency” has the same meaning as in section 551(1) of this title;

(2) “administrative program” includes a Federal function which involves

protection of the public interest and the determination of rights, privileges, and
10Public Law 101-552, §4(b), 104 Stat. 2738; November 15, 1990; Public Law 102-354, §§3(b)(2),

5(b)(1), (2), 106 Stat. 944, 946, August 26, 1992; Public Law 104-320, §2, 110 Stat. 3870, October 19, 1996.

Volume 1, Page 8–48

obligations of private persons through rule making, adjudication, licensing, or

investigation, as those terms are used in subchapter II of this chapter;

(3) “alternative means of dispute resolution” means any procedure that is used to

resolve issues in controversy, including, but not limited to, conciliation, facilitation,

mediation, fact-finding, minitrials, arbitration, and use of ombuds, or any

combination thereof;

(4) “award” means any decision by an arbitrator resolving the issues in

controversy;

(5) “dispute resolution communication” means any oral or written communication

prepared for the purposes of a dispute resolution proceeding, including any

memoranda, notes or work product of the neutral, parties or nonparty participant;

except that a written agreement to enter into a dispute resolution proceeding, or final

written agreement or arbitral award reached as a result of a dispute resolution

proceeding, is not a dispute resolution communication;

(6) “dispute resolution proceeding” means any process in which an alternative

means of dispute resolution is used to resolve an issue in controversy in which a

neutral is appointed and specified parties participate;

(7) “in confidence” means, with respect to information, that the information is

provided–

(A) with the expressed intent of the source that it not be disclosed; or

(B) under circumstances that would create the reasonable expectation on

behalf of the source that the information will not be disclosed;

(8) “issue in controversy” means an issue which is material to a decision

concerning an administrative program of an agency, and with which there is

disagreement–

(A) between an agency and persons who would be substantially affected by

the decision; or

(B) between persons who would be substantially affected by the decision;

(9) “neutral” means an individual who, with respect to an issue in controversy,

functions specifically to aid the parties in resolving the controversy;

(10) “party” means–

(A) for a proceeding with named parties, the same as in section 551(3) of this

title; and

(B) for a proceeding without named parties, a person who will be significantly

affected by the decision in the proceeding and who participates in the proceeding;

(11) “person” has the same meaning as in section 551(2) of this title; and

(12) “roster” means a list of persons qualified to provide services as neutrals.10

Sec. 572. General authority

(a) An agency may use a dispute resolution proceeding for the resolution of an issue

in controversy that relates to an administrative program, if the parties agree to such

proceeding.

(b) An agency shall consider not using a dispute resolution proceeding if–

(1) a definitive or authoritative resolution of the matter is required for precedential

value, and such a proceeding is not likely to be accepted generally as an authoritative

precedent;

(2) the matter involves or may bear upon significant questions of Government

policy that require additional procedures before a final resolution may be made, and

such a proceeding would not likely serve to develop a recommended policy for the

agency;
11Public Law 101-552, §4(b), 104 Stat. 2739, November 15, 1990; Public Law 102-354, §3(b)(2), 106

Stat. 944, August 26, 1992; Public Law 104-320, §7(b), 110 Stat. 3872, October 19, 1996.

Volume 1, Page 8–49

(3) maintaining established policies is of special importance, so that variations

among individual decision are not increased and such a proceeding would not likely

reach consistent results among individual decisions;

(4) the matter significantly affects persons or organizations who are not parties to

the proceeding;

(5) a full public record of the proceeding is important, and a dispute resolution

proceeding cannot provide such a record; and

(6) the agency must maintain continuing jurisdiction over the matter with

authority to alter the disposition of the matter in the light of changed circumstances,

and a dispute resolution proceeding would interfere with the agency’s fulfilling that

requirement.

(c) Alternative means of dispute resolution authorized under this subchapter are

voluntary procedures which supplement rather than limit other available agency dispute

resolution techniques.

Sec. 573. Neutrals

(a) A neutral may be a permanent or temporary officer or employee of the Federal

Government or any other individual who is acceptable to the parties to a dispute

resolution proceeding. A neutral shall have no official, financial, or personal conflict of

interest with respect to the issues in controversy, unless such interest is fully disclosed in

writing to all parties and all parties agree that the neutral may serve.

(b) A neutral who serves as a conciliator, facilitator, or mediator serves at the will of

the parties.

(c) The President shall designate an agency or designate or establish an interagency

committee to facilitate and encourage agency use of dispute resolution under this

subchapter. Such agency or interagency committee, in consultation with other appropriate

Federal agencies and professional organizations experienced in matters concerning

dispute resolution, shall–

(1) encourage and facilitate agency use of alternative means of dispute resolution;

and

(2) develop procedures that permit agencies to obtain the services of neutrals on

an expedited basis.

(d) An agency may use the services or one or more employees of other agencies to

serve as neutrals in dispute resolution proceedings. The agencies may enter into an

interagency agreement that provides for the reimbursement by the user agency or the

parties of the full or partial cost of the services of such an employee.

(e) Any agency may enter into a contract with any person for services as a neutral, or

for training in connection with alternative means of dispute resolution. The parties in a

dispute resolution proceeding shall agree on compensation for the neutral that is fair and

reasonable to the Government.11

Sec. 574. Confidentiality

(a) Except as provided in subsections (d) and (e), a neutral in a dispute resolution

proceeding shall not voluntarily disclose or through discovery or compulsory process be

required to disclose any dispute resolution communication or any communication

provided in confidence to the neutral, unless–

(1) all parties to the dispute resolution proceeding and the neutral consent in

writing, and, if the dispute resolution communication was provided by a nonparty

participant, that participant also consents in writing;

(2) the dispute resolution communication has already been made public;
12So in law. Comma probably is unnecessary.

Volume 1, Page 8–50

(3) the dispute resolution communication is required by statute to be made public,

but a neutral should make such communication public only if no other person is

reasonably available to disclose the communication; or

(4) a court determines that such testimony or disclosure is necessary to–

(A) prevent a manifest injustice;

(B) help establish a violation of law; or

(C) prevent harm to the public health or safety, of sufficient magnitude in the

particular case to outweigh the integrity of dispute resolution proceedings in

general by reducing the confidence of parties in future cases that their

communications will remain confidential.

(b) A party to a dispute resolution proceeding shall not voluntarily disclose or

through discovery or compulsory process be required to disclose any dispute resolution

communications unless–

(1) the communication was prepared by the party seeking disclosure;

(2) all parties to the dispute resolution proceeding consent in writing;

(3) the dispute resolution communication has already been made public;

(4) the dispute resolution communication is required by statute to be made public;

(5) a court determines that such testimony or disclosure is necessary to–

(A) prevent a manifest injustice;

(B) help establish a violation of law; or

(C) prevent harm to the public health and safety, of sufficient magnitude in the

particular case to outweigh the integrity of dispute resolution proceedings in

general by reducing the confidence of parties in future cases that their

communications will remain confidential;

(6) the dispute resolution communication is relevant to determining the existence

or meaning of an agreement or award that resulted from the dispute resolution

communication or to the enforcement of such an agreement or award; or

(7) except for dispute resolution communications generated by the neutral, the

dispute resolution communication was provided to or was available to all parties to

the dispute resolution proceeding.

(c) Any dispute resolution communication that is disclosed in violation of subsection

(a) or (b)12 shall not be admissible in any proceeding relating to the issues in controversy

with respect to which the communication was made.

(d)(1) The parties may agree to alternative confidential procedures for disclosures by

a neutral. Upon such agreement the parties shall inform the neutral before the

commencement of the dispute resolution proceeding of any modifications to the

provisions of subsection (a) that will govern the confidentiality of the dispute resolution

proceeding. If the parties do not so inform the neutral, subsection (a) shall apply.

(2) To qualify for the exemption established under subsection (j), an alternative

confidential procedure under this subsection may not provide for less disclosure than

the confidential procedures otherwise provided under this section.

(e) If a demand of disclosure, by way of discovery request or other legal process is

made upon a neutral regarding a dispute resolution communication, the neutral shall

make reasonable efforts to notify the parties and any affected nonparty participants of the

demand. Any party or affected nonparty participant who receives such notice and within

15 calendar days does not offer to defend a refusal of the neutral to disclose the

requested information shall have waived any objection to such disclosure.

(f) Nothing in this section shall prevent the discovery or admissibility of any evidence

that is otherwise discoverable, merely because the evidence was presented in the course

of a dispute resolution proceeding.
13Public Law 101-552, §4(b), 104 Stat. 2740, November 15, 1990; Public Law 102-354, §3(b)(2), 106

Stat. 944, August 26, 1992; Public Law 104-320, §3, 110 Stat. 3870, October 19, 1996. 14Public Law 101-552, §4(b), 104 Stat. 2742, November 15, 1990; Public Law 102-354, §3(b)(2), 106

Stat. 944, August 26, 1992; Public Law 104-320, §8(c), 110 Stat. 3872, October 19, 1996.

Volume 1, Page 8–51

(g) Subsections (a) and (b) shall have no effect on the information and data that are

necessary to document an agreement reached or order issued pursuant to a dispute

resolution proceeding.

(h) Subsections (a) and (b) shall not prevent the gathering of information for research

or educational purposes, in cooperation with other agencies, governmental entities, or

dispute resolution programs, so long as the parties and the specific issues in controversy

are not identifiable.

(i) Subsections (a) and (b) shall not prevent use of a dispute resolution

communication to resolve a dispute between the neutral in a dispute resolution

proceeding and a party to or participant in such proceeding so long as such

dispute resolution communication is disclosed only to the extent necessary to

resolve such dispute.

(j) A dispute resolution communication which is between a neutral and a party and

which may not be disclosed under this section shall also be exempt from disclosure under

section 552(b)(3).13

Sec. 575. Authorization of Arbitration

(a)(1) Arbitration may be used as an alternative means of dispute resolution whenever

all parties consent. Consent may be obtained either before or after an issue in controversy

has arisen. A party may agree to–

(A) submit only certain issues in controversy to arbitration; or

(B) arbitration on the condition that the award must be within a range of

possible outcomes.

(2) The arbitration agreement that sets forth the subject matter submitting to the

arbitration shall be in writing. Each such arbitration agreement shall specify a

maximum award that may be issued by the arbitrator and may specify other

conditions limiting the range of possible outcomes.

(3) An agency may not require any person to consent to arbitration as a condition

of entering into a contract or obtaining a benefit.

(b) An officer or employee of an agency shall not offer to use arbitration for the

resolution of issues in controversy unless such officer or employee–

(1) would otherwise have authority to enter into a settlement concerning the

matter; or

(2) is otherwise specifically authorized by the agency to consent to the use of

arbitration.

(c) Prior to using binding arbitration under this subchapter, the head of an agency, in

consultation with the Attorney General and after taking into account the factors in section

572(b), shall issue guidance on the appropriate use of binding arbitration and when an

officer or employee of the agency has authority to settle an issue in controversy through

binding arbitration.14

Sec. 576. Enforcement of Arbitration Agreements.

An agreement to arbitrate a matter to which this subchapter applies is enforcement

pursuant to section 4 of title 9, and no action brought to enforce such an agreement shall

be dismissed nor shall relief therein be denied on the grounds that it is against the United

States or that the United States is an indispensable party.

Sec. 577. Arbitrators

(a) The parties to an arbitration proceeding shall be entitled to participate in the

selection of the arbitrator.

(b) The arbitrator shall be a neutral who meets the criteria of section 573 of this title.
Volume 1, Page 8–52

Sec. 578. Authority of the Arbitrator

An arbitrator to whom a dispute is referred under this subchapter may–

(1) regulate the course of and conduct arbitral hearings;

(2) administer oaths and affirmations;

(3) compel the attendance of witnesses and production of evidence at the hearing

under the provisions of section 7 of title 9 only to the extent the agency involved is

otherwise authorized by law to do so; and

(4) make awards.

Sec. 579. Arbitration Proceedings

(a) The arbitrator shall set a time and place for the hearing on the dispute and shall

notify the parties not less than 5 days before the hearing.

(b) Any party wishing a record of the hearing shall–

(1) be responsible for the preparation of such record;

(2) notify the other parties and the arbitrator of the preparation of such record;

(3) furnish copies to all identified parties and the arbitrator; and

(4) pay all costs for such record, unless the parties agree otherwise or the

arbitrator determines that the costs should be apportioned.

(c)(1) The parties to the arbitration are entitled to be heard, to present evidence

material to the controversy, and to cross-examine witnesses appearing at the hearing.

(2) The arbitrator may, with the consent of the parties, conduct all or part of the

hearing by telephone, television, computer, or other electronic means, if each party

has an opportunity to participate.

(3) The hearing shall be conducted expeditiously and in an informal manner.

(4) The arbitrator may receive any oral or documentary evidence, except that

irrelevant, immaterial, unduly repetitious, or privileged evidence may be excluded by

the arbitrator.

(5) The arbitrator shall interpret and apply relevant statutory and regulatory

requirements, legal precedents, and policy directives.

(d) No interested person shall make or knowingly cause to be made to the arbitrator

an unauthorized ex parte communication relevant to the merits of the proceeding, unless

the parties agree otherwise. If a communication is made in violation of this subsection,

the arbitrator shall ensure that a memorandum of the communication is prepared and

made a part of the record, and that an opportunity for rebuttal is allowed. Upon receipt of

a communication made in violation of this subsection, the arbitrator may, to the extent

consistent with the interests of justice and the policies underlying this subchapter, require

the offending party to show cause why the claim of such party should not be resolved

against such party as a result of the improper conduct.

(e) The arbitrator shall make the award within 30 days after the close of the hearing,

or the date of the filing of any briefs authorized by the arbitrator, whichever date is later,

unless–

(1) the parties agree to some other time limit; or

(2) the agency provides by rule for some other time limit.

Sec. 580. Arbitration Awards

(a)(1) Unless the agency provides otherwise by rule, the award in an arbitration

proceeding under this subchapter shall include a brief, informal discussion of the factual

and legal basis for the award, but formal findings of fact or conclusions of law shall not

be required.

(2) The prevailing parties shall file the award with all relevant agencies, along

with proof of service on all parties.

(b) The award in an arbitration proceeding shall become final 30 days after it is

served on all parties. Any agency that is a party to the proceeding may extend this 30-day
15Public Law 101-552, §4(b), 104 Stat. 2743, November 15, 1990; Public Law 102-354, §§3(b)(2),

5(b)(3), 106 Stat. 944, 946; August 26, 1992; Public Law 104-320, §8(a), 110 Stat. 3872, October 19, 1996. 16Public Law 101-552, §4(b), 104 Stat. 2744, November 15, 1990; Public Law 102-354, §3(b)(2), (4),

106 Stat. 944, August 26, 1992; Public Law 104-320, §8(b), 110 Stat. 3872, October 19, 1996. 17Pub. L. 104-320, § 4(b)(1), Oct. 19, 1996, 110 Stat. 3871.

Volume 1, Page 8–53

period for an additional 30-day period by serving a notice of such extension on all other

parties before the end of the first 30-day period.

(c) A final award is binding on the parties to the arbitration proceeding, and may be

enforced pursuant to sections 9 through 13 of title 9. No action brought to enforce such

an award shall be dismissed nor shall relief therein be denied on the grounds that it is

against the United States or that the United States is an indispensable party.

(d) An award entered under this subchapter in an arbitration proceeding may not

serve as an estoppel in any other proceeding for any issue that was resolved in the

proceeding. Such an award also may not be used as precedent or otherwise be considered

in any factually unrelated proceeding, whether conducted under this subchapter, by an

agency, or in a court, or in any other arbitration proceeding.15

Sec. 581. Judicial Review

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any person adversely affected or

aggrieved by an award made in an arbitration proceeding conducted under this

subchapter may bring an action for review of such award only pursuant to the provisions

of sections 9 through 13 of title 9.

(b)(1) A decision by an agency to use or not to use a dispute resolution proceeding

under this subchapter shall be committed to the discretion of the agency and shall not be

subject to judicial review, except that arbitration shall be subject to judicial review under

section 10(b) of title 9.

(2) A decision by the head of an agency under section 580 to terminate an

arbitration proceeding or vacate an arbitral award shall be committed to the discretion

of the agency and shall not be subject to judicial review.16

Sec. 582. Repealed.17

Sec. 583. Support Services

For the purposes of this subchapter, an agency may use (with or without

reimbursement) the services and facilities of other Federal agencies, state, local, and

tribal governments, public and private organizations and agencies, and individuals with

the consent of such agencies, organizations, and individuals. An agency may accept

voluntary and uncompensated services for purposes of this subchapter without regard to

the provisions of section 1342 of title 31.

Sec. 584. Authorization of Appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out

the purposes of this subchapter.

Sec. 5. Judicial Review of Arbitration Awards.

Section 10 of title 9, United States Code, is amended–

(1) by redesignating subsections (a) through (e) as paragraphs (1) through (5),

respectively;

(2) by striking out “In either” and inserting in lieu thereof “(a) In any”; and

(3) by adding at the end thereof the following:

(b) The United States district court for the district wherein an award was made that

was issued pursuant to section 590 of title 5 may make an order vacating the award upon

the application of a person, other than a party to the arbitration, who is adversely affected

or aggrieved by the award, if the use of arbitration or the award is clearly inconsistent

with the factors set forth in section 582 of title 5.
Volume 1, Page 8–54

Sec. 6. Government Contract Claims.

(a) ALTERNATIVE MEANS OF DISPUTE RESOLUTION.–Section 6 of the

Contract Disputes Act of 1978 (41 USC 606) is amended by adding at the end the

following new subsections:

(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, a contractor and a contracting

officer may use any alternative means of dispute resolution under subchapter IV of

chapter 5 of title 5, United States Code, or other mutually agreeable procedures, for

resolving claims. In a case in which such alternative means of dispute resolution or other

mutually agreeable procedures are used, the contractor shall certify that the claim is made

in good faith, that the supporting data are accurate and complete to the best of his or her

knowledge and belief, and that the amount requested accurately reflects the contract

adjustment for which the contractor believes the Government is liable. All provisions of

subchapter IV of chapter 5 of title 5, United States Code, shall apply to such alternative

means of dispute resolution.

(e) The authority of agencies to engage in alternative means of dispute resolution

proceedings under subsection (d) shall cease to be effective on October 1, 1995, except

that such authority shall continue in effect with respect to then pending dispute resolution

proceedings which, in the judgment of the agencies that are parties to such proceedings,

require such continuation, until such proceedings terminate.

(b) JUDICIAL REVIEW OF ARBITRAL AWARDS.–Section 8(g) of the Contract

Disputes Act of 1978 (41 USC 607(g)) is amended by adding at the end the following

new paragraph:

(3) An award by an arbitrator under this Act shall be reviewed pursuant to

sections 9 through 13 of title 9, United States Code, except that the court may set

aside or limit any award that is found to violate limitations imposed by Federal statue.

Sec. 7. Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service

Section 203 of the Labor Management Relations Act, 1947 (29 USC 173) is amended

by adding at the end the following new subsection:

(f) The Service may make its services available to Federal agencies to aid in the

resolution of disputes under the provisions of subchapter IV of chapter 5 of title 5,

United States Code. Functions performed by the Service may include assisting parties to

disputes related to administrative programs, training persons in skills and procedures

employed in alternative means of dispute resolution, and furnishing officers and

employees of the Service to act as neutrals. Only officers and employees who are

qualified in accordance with section 583 of title 5, United States Code, may be assigned

to act as neutrals. The Service shall consult with the Administrative Conference of the

United States and other agencies in maintaining rosters of neutrals and arbitrators, and to

adopt such procedures and rules as are necessary to carry out the services authorized in

this subsection.

Sec 8. Government Tort and Other Claims.

(a) FEDERAL TORT CLAIMS.–Section 2672 of title 28, United States Code, is

amended by adding at the end of the first paragraph the following: “Notwithstanding the

proviso contained in the preceding sentence, any award, compromise, or settlement may

be effected without the prior written approval of the Attorney General or his or her

designee, to the extent that the Attorney General delegates to the head of the agency the

authority to make such award, compromise, or settlement. Such delegations may not

exceed the authority delegated by the Attorney General to the United States attorneys to

settle claims for money damages against the United States. Each Federal agency may use

arbitration, or other alternative means of dispute resolution under the provisions of

subchapter IV of chapter 5 of title 5, to settle any tort claim against the United States, to

the extent of the agency’s authority to award, compromise, or settle such claim without

the prior written approval of the Attorney General or his or her designee.
Volume 1, Page 8–55

(b) CLAIMS OF THE GOVERNMENT.–Section 3711(a)(2) of title 31, United

States Code, is amended by striking out “$20,000 (excluding interest)” and inserting in

lieu thereof “$100,000 (excluding interest) or such higher amount as the Attorney

General may from time to time prescribe.”

Sec. 9. Use of Non-attorneys.

(a) REPRESENTATION OF PARTIES.–Each agency, in developing a policy on the

use of alternative means of dispute resolution under this Act, shall develop a policy with

regard to the representation by persons other than attorneys of parties in alternative

dispute resolution proceedings and shall identify any of its administrative programs with

numerous claims or disputes before the agency and determine–

(1) the extent to which individuals are represented or assisted by attorneys or by

persons who are not attorneys; and

(2) whether the subject areas of the applicable proceedings or the procedures are

so complex or specialized that only attorneys may adequately provide such

representation or assistance.

(b) REPRESENTATION AND ASSISTANCE BY NONATTORNEYS.–A person

who is not an attorney may provide representation or assistance to any individual in a

claim or dispute with an agency, if–

(1) such claim or dispute concerns an administrative program identified under

subsection (a);

(2) such agency determines that the proceeding or procedure does not necessitate

representation or assistance by an attorney under subsection (a)(2); and

(3) such person meets any requirement of the agency to provide representation or

assistance in such a claim or dispute.

(c) DISQUALIFICATION OF REPRESENTATION OR ASSISTANCE.–Any

agency that adopts regulations under subchapter IV of chapter 5 of title 5, United States

Code, to permit representation or assistance by persons who are not attorneys shall

review the rules of practice before such agency to–

(1) ensure that any rules pertaining to disqualification of attorneys from practicing

before the agency shall also apply, as appropriate, to other persons who provide

representation or assistance; and

(2) establish effective agency procedures for enforcing such rules of practice and

for receiving complaints from affected persons.

Sec. 10. Definitions.

As used in this Act, the terms “agency”, “administrative program”, and “alternative

means of dispute resolution” have the meanings given such terms in section 581 of title

5, United States Code, as added by section 4(b) of this Act.

Sec. 11. Sunset Provision.

The authority of agencies to use dispute resolution proceedings under this Act and the

amendments made by this Act shall terminate on October 1, 1995, except that such

authority shall continue in effect with respect to then pending proceedings which, in the

judgment of the agencies that are parties to the dispute resolution proceedings, require

such continuation, until such proceedings terminate.

Approved November 15, 1990
Volume 1, Page 8–56

CHAPTER 6–THE ANALYSIS OF REGULATORY FUNCTIONS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

5 USC 601 - 612

Page

Sec. 601. Definitions. ............................................... 8–57

Sec. 602. Regulatory Agenda. ......................................... 8–58

Sec. 603. Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis. .......................... 8–58

Sec. 604. Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis. ........................... 8–59

Sec. 605. Avoidance of Duplicative or Unnecessary Analyses. ............... 8–59

Sec. 606. Effect on Other Law. ........................................ 8–60

Sec. 607. Preparation of Analyses. ..................................... 8–60

Sec. 608. Procedure for Waiver or Delay of Completion..................... 8–60

Sec. 609. Procedures for Gathering Comments. ........................... 8–60

Sec. 610. Periodic Review of Rules. .................................... 8–61

Sec. 611. Judicial Review. ........................................... 8–62

Sec. 612. Reports and Intervention Rights. ............................... 8–63
Volume 1, Page 8–57

CHAPTER 6–THE ANALYSIS OF REGULATORY FUNCTIONS

5 USC 601 - 612

Sec. 601. Definitions.

For purposes of this chapter–

(1) the term “agency” means an agency as defined in section 551 of this title;

(2) The term “rule” means any rule for which the agency publishes a general

notice of proposed rulemaking pursuant to section 553(b) of this title, or any other

law, including any rule of general applicability governing Federal grants to State and

local governments for which the agency provides an opportunity for notice and public

comment, except that the term “rule” does not include a rule of particular

applicability relating to rates, wages, corporate or financial structures or

reorganizations thereof, prices, facilities, appliances, services, or allowances therefor

or to valuations, costs or accounting, or practices relating to such rates, wages,

structures, prices, appliances, services, or allowances;

(3) the term “small business” has the same meaning as the term “small business

concern” under section 3 of the Small Business Act, unless an agency, after

consultation with the Office of Advocacy of the Small Business Administration and

after opportunity for public comment, establishes one or more definitions of such

term which are appropriate to the activities of the agency and publishes such

definitions(s) in the Federal Register;

(4) the term “small organization” means any not-for-profit enterprise which is

independently owned and operated and is not dominant in its field, unless an agency

establishes, after opportunity for public comment, one or more definitions of such

term which are appropriate to the activities of the agency and publishes such

definition(s) in the Federal Register;

(5) the term “small governmental jurisdiction” means governments of cities,

counties, towns, townships, villages, school districts, or special districts, with a

population of less than fifty thousand, unless an agency establishes, after opportunity

for public comment, one or more definitions of such term which are appropriate to the

activities of the agency and which are based on such factors as location in rural or

sparsely populated areas or limited revenues due to the population of such

jurisdiction, and publishes definition(s) in the Federal Register; and

(6) the term “small entity” shall have the same meaning as the terms “small

business,” “small organization” and “small governmental jurisdiction” defined in

paragraphs (3), (4) and (5) of this section.

(7) the term “collection of information”–

(A) means the obtaining, causing to be obtained, soliciting, or requiring the

disclosure to third parties or the public, of facts or opinions by or for an agency,

regardless of form or format, calling for either–

(i) answers to identical questions posed to, or identical reporting or

recordkeeping requirements imposed on, 10 or more persons, other than

agencies, instrumentalities, or employees of the United States; or

(ii) answers to questions posed to agencies, instrumentalities, or employees

of the United States which are to be used for general statistical purposes; and

(B) shall not include a collection of information described under section

3518(c)(1) of title 44, United States Code.
18Public Law 104-121, Title II, Subtitle D, §241(a)(2), 110 Stat. 864, March 29, 1996.

Volume 1, Page 8–58

(8) Recordkeeping Requirement.–The term “recordkeeping requirement” means a

requirement imposed by an agency on persons to maintain specified records.18

Sec. 602. Regulatory Agenda.

(a) During the months of October and April of each year, each agency shall publish in

the Federal Register a regulatory flexibility agenda which shall contain–

(1) a brief description of the subject area of any rule which the agency expects to

proposed or promulgate which is likely to have a significant economic impact on a

substantial number of small entities;

(2) a summary of the nature of any such rule under consideration for each subject

area listed in the agenda pursuant to paragraph (1), the objectives and legal basis for

the issuance of the rule, and an approximate schedule for completing action on any

rule for which the agency has issued a general notice of proposed rulemaking, and

(3) the name and telephone number of an agency official knowledgeable

concerning the items listed in paragraph (1).

(b) Each regulatory flexibility agenda shall be transmitted to the Chief Counsel for

Advocacy of the Small Business Administration for comment, if any.

(c) Each agency shall endeavor to provide notice of each regulatory flexibility

agenda to small entities or their representatives through direct notification or publication

of the agenda in publications likely to be obtained by such small entities and shall invite

comments upon each subject area on the agenda.

(d) Nothing in this section precludes an agency from considering or acting on any

matter not included in a regulatory flexibility agenda, or requires an agency to consider or

act on any matter listed in such agenda. (Added Pub. L. 96-354, Sept. 19, 1980, 94 Stat.

1166.)

Sec. 603. Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis.

(a) Whenever an agency is required by section 553 of this title, or any other law, to

publish general notice of proposed rulemaking for any proposed rule, or publishes a

notice of proposed rulemaking for an interpretative rule involving the internal revenue

laws of the United States, the agency shall prepare and make available for public

comment an initial regulatory flexibility analysis. Such analysis shall describe the impact

of the proposed rule on small entities. The initial regulatory flexibility analysis or a

summary shall be published in the Federal Register at the time of the publication of

general notice of proposed rulemaking for the rule. The agency shall transmit a copy of

the initial regulatory flexibility analysis to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small

Business Administration. In the case of an interpretative rule involving the internal

revenue laws of the United States, this chapter applies to interpretative rules published in

the Federal Register for codification in the Code of Federal Regulations, but only to the

extent that such interpretative rules impose on small entities a collection of information

requirement.

(b) Each initial regulatory flexibility analysis required under this section shall

contain–

(1) a description of the reasons why action by the agency is being considered;

(2) a succinct statement of the objectives of, and legal basis for, the proposed rule;

(3) a description of and, where feasible, an estimate of the number of small

entities to which the proposed rule will apply;

(4) a description of the projected reporting, recordkeeping and other compliance

requirements of the proposed rule, including an estimate of the classes of small

entities which will be subject to the requirement and the type of professional skills

necessary for preparation of the report or record;

(5) an identification, to the extent practicable, of all relevant Federal rules which

may duplicate, overlap or conflict with the proposed rule.
19Public Law 104-121, Title II, Subtitle D, §241(a)(1), 110 Stat. 864, March 29, 1996.

20Public Law 104-121, Title II, Subtitle D, §241(b), 110 Stat. 864, March 29, 1996.

Volume 1, Page 8–59

(c) Each initial regulatory flexibility analysis shall also contain a description of any

significant alternatives to the proposed rule which accomplish the stated objectives of

applicable statutes and which minimize any significant economic impact of the proposed

rule on small entities. Consistent with the stated objectives of applicable statutes, the

analysis shall discuss significant alternatives such as–

(1) the establishment of differing compliance or reporting requirements or

timetables that take into account the resources available to small entities;

(2) the clarification, consolidation, or simplification of compliance and reporting

requirements under the rule for such small entities;

(3) the use of performance rather than design standards; and

(4) an exemption from coverage of the rule, or any part thereof, for such small

entities.19

Sec. 604. Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis.

(a) When an agency promulgates a final rule under section 553 of this title, after

being required by that section or any other law to publish a general notice of proposed

rulemaking, or promulgates a final interpretative rule involving the internal revenue laws

of the United States as described in section 603(a), the agency shall prepare a final

regulatory flexibility analysis. Each final regulatory flexibility analysis shall contain–

(1) a succinct statement of the need for, and objectives of, the rule;

(2) a summary of the significant issues raised by the public comments in response

to the initial regulatory flexibility analysis, a summary of the assessment of the

agency of such issues, and a statement of any changes made in the proposed rule as a

result of such comments;

(3) a description of and an estimate of the number of small entities to which the

rule will apply or an explanation of why no such estimate is available;

(4) a description of the projected reporting, recordkeeping and other compliance

requirements of the rule, including an estimate of the classes of small entities which

will be subject to the requirement and the type of professional skills necessary for

preparation of the report or record; and

(5) a description of the steps the agency has taken to minimize the significant

economic impact on small entities consistent with the stated objectives of applicable

statutes, including a statement of the factual, policy, and legal reasons for selecting

the alternative adopted in the final rule and why each one of the other significant

alternatives to the rule considered by the agency which affect the impact on small

entities was rejected.

(b) The agency shall make copies of the final regulatory flexibility analysis available

to members of the public and shall publish in the Federal Register such analysis or a

summary thereof.20

Sec. 605. Avoidance of Duplicative or Unnecessary Analyses.

(a) Any Federal agency may perform the analyses required by sections 602, 603, and

604 of this title in conjunction with or as a part of any other agenda or analysis required

by any other law if such other analysis satisfies the provisions of such sections.

(b) Sections 603 and 604 of this title shall not apply to any proposed or final rule if

the head of the agency certifies that the rule will not, if promulgated, have a significant

economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. If the head of the agency

makes a certification under the preceding sentence, the agency shall publish such

certification in the Federal Register at the time of publication of general notice of

proposed rulemaking for the rule or at the time of publication of the final rule, along with

a statement providing the factual basis for such certification. The agency shall provide
21Public Law 104-121, Title II, Subtitle D, §243(a), 110 Stat. 866, March 29, 1996.

Volume 1, Page 8–60

such certification and statement to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business

Administration.

(c) In order to avoid duplicative action, an agency may consider a series of closely

related rules as one rule for the purposes of sections 602, 603, 604 and 610 of this title.21

Sec. 606. Effect on Other Law.

The requirements of sections 603 and 604 of this title do not alter in any manner

standards otherwise applicable by law to agency action.

Sec. 607. Preparation of Analyses.

In complying with the provisions of sections 603 and 604 of this title, an agency may

provide either a quantifiable or numerical description of the effects of a proposed rule or

alternatives to the proposed rule, or more general descriptive statements if quantification

is not practicable or reliable.

Sec. 608. Procedure for Waiver or Delay of Completion.

(a) An agency head may waive or delay the completion of some or all of the

requirements of section 603 of this title by publishing in the Federal Register, not later

than the date of publication of the final rule, a written finding, with reasons therefor, that

the final rule is being promulgated in response to an emergency that makes compliance or

timely compliance with the provisions of section 603 of this title impracticable.

(b) Except as provided in section 605(b), an agency head may not waive the

requirements of section 604 of this title. An agency head may delay the completion of the

requirements of section 604 of this title for a period of not more than one hundred and

eighty days after the date of publication in the Federal Register of a final rule by

publishing in the Federal Register, not later than such date of publication, a written

finding, with reasons therefor, that the final rule is being promulgated to response to an

emergency that makes timely compliance with the provisions of section 604 of this title

impracticable. If the agency has not prepared a final regulatory analysis pursuant to

section 604 of this title within one hundred and eighty days from the date of publication

of the final rule, such rule shall lapse and have no effect. Such rule shall not be

repromulgated until a final regulatory flexibility analysis has been completed by the

agency. (Added Pub. L. 96-354, Sept. 19, 1980, 94 Stat. 1168.)

Sec. 609. Procedures for Gathering Comments.

(a) When any rule is promulgated which will have a significant economic impact on a

substantial number of small entities, the head of the agency promulgating the rule or the

official of the agency with statutory responsibility for the promulgation of the rule shall

assure that small entities have been given an opportunity to participate in the rulemaking

for the rule through the reasonable use of techniques2

 such as–

(1) the inclusion in an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking, if issued, of a

statement that the proposed rule may have a significant economic effect on a

substantial number of small entities;

(2) the publication of general notice of proposed rulemaking in publications likely

to be obtained by small entities;

(3) the direct notification of interested small entities;

(4) the conduct of open conferences or public hearings concerning the rule for

small entities including soliciting and receiving comments over computer networks;

and

(5) the adoption or modification of agency procedural rules to reduce the cost or

complexity of participation in the rulemaking by small entities.

(b) Prior to publication of an initial regulatory flexibility analysis which a covered

agency is required to conduct by this chapter–

(1) a covered agency shall notify the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small

Business Administration and provide the Chief Counsel with information on the
22Public Law 104-121, Title II, Subtitle D, §244(a), 110 Stat. 867, March 29, 1996.

Volume 1, Page 8–61

potential impacts of the proposed rule on small entities and the type of small entities

that might be affected;

(2) not later than 15 days after the date of receipt of the materials described in

paragraph (1), the Chief Counsel shall identify individuals representative of affected

small entities for the purpose of obtaining advice and recommendations from those

individuals about the potential impacts of the proposed rule;

(3) the agency shall convene a review panel for such rule consisting wholly of full

time Federal employees of the office within the agency responsible for carrying out

the proposed rule, the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs within the Office

of Management and Budget, and the Chief Counsel;

(4) the panel shall review any material the agency has prepared in connection with

this chapter, including any draft proposed rule, collect advice and recommendations

of each individual small entity representative identified by the agency after

consultation with the Chief Counsel, on issues related to subsections 603(b),

paragraphs (3), (4) and (5) and 603(c);3

(5) not later than 60 days after the date a covered agency convenes a review panel

pursuant to paragraph (3), the review panel shall report on the comments of the small

entity representatives and its findings as to issues related to subsections 603(b),

paragraphs (3), (4) and (5) and 603(c),4

 provided that such report shall be made

public as part of the rulemaking record; and

(6) where appropriate, the agency shall modify the proposed rule, the initial

regulatory flexibility analysis or the decision on whether an initial regulatory

flexibility analysis is required.

(c) An agency may in its discretion apply subsection (b) to rules that the agency

intends to certify under subsection 605(b), but the agency believes may have a greater

than de minimis impact on a substantial number of small entities.

(d) For purposes of this section, the term “covered agency” means the Environmental

Protection Agency and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the

Department of Labor.

(e) The Chief Counsel of Advocacy, in consultation with the individuals identified in

subsection (b)(2), and with the Administrator of the Office of Information and

Regulatory Affairs within the Office of Management and Budget, may waive the

requirements of subsections (b)(3), (b)(4), and (b)(5) by including in the rulemaking

record a written finding, with reasons therefor, that those requirements would not

advance the effective participation of small entities in the rulemaking process. For

purposes of this subsection, the factors to be considered in making such a finding are as

follows:

(1) In developing a proposed rule, the extent to which the covered agency

consulted with individuals representative of affected small entities with respect to the

potential impacts of the rule and took such concerns into consideration.

(2) Special circumstances requiring prompt issuance of the rule.

(3) Whether the requirements of subsection (b) would provide the individuals

identified in subsection (b)(2) with a competitive advantage relative to other small

entities.22

Sec. 610. Periodic Review of Rules.

(a) Within one hundred and eighty days after the effective date of this chapter, each

agency shall publish in the Federal Register a plan for the periodic review of the rules

issued by the agency which have or will have a significant economic impact upon a

substantial number of small entities. Such plan may be amended by the agency at any

time by publishing the revision in the Federal Register. The purpose of the review shall

be to determine whether such rules should be continued without change, or should be
Volume 1, Page 8–62

amended or rescinded, consistent with the stated objectives of applicable statutes, to

minimize any significant economic impact of the rules upon a substantial number of such

small entities. The plan shall provide for the review of all such agency rules existing on

the effective date of this chapter within ten years of that date and for the review of such

rules adopted after the effective date of this chapter within ten years of the publication of

such rules as the final rule. If the head of the agency determines that completion of the

review of existing rules is not feasible by the established date, he shall so certify in a

statement published in the Federal Register and may extend the completion date by one

year at a time for a total of not more than five years.

(b) In reviewing rules to minimize any significant economic impact of the rule on a

substantial number of small entities in a manner consistent with the stated objectives of

applicable statutes, the agency shall consider the following factors–

(1) the continued need for the rule;

(2) the nature of complaints or comments received concerning the rule from the

public;

(3) the complexity of the rule;

(4) the extent to which the rule overlaps, duplicates or conflicts with other federal

rules, and, to the extent feasible, with State and local governmental rules; and

(5) the length of time since the rule has been evaluated or the degree to which

technology, economic conditions, or other factors have changed in the area affected

by the rule.

(c) Each year, each agency shall publish in the Federal Register a list of the rules

which have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities,

which are to be reviewed pursuant to this section during the succeeding twelve months.

The list shall include a brief description of each rule and the need for and legal basis of

such rule and shall invite public comment upon the rule. (Added Pub. L. 96-354,

Sept. 19, 1980, 94 Stat. 1168.)

Sec. 611. Judicial Review.

(a)(1) For any rule subject to this chapter, a small entity that is adversely affected or

aggrieved by final agency action is entitled to judicial review of agency compliance with

the requirements of sections 601, 604, 605(b), 608(b), and 610 in accordance with

chapter 7. Agency compliance with sections 607 and 609(a) shall be judicially

reviewable in connection with judicial review of section 604.

(2) Each court having jurisdiction to review such rule for compliance with section

553, or under any other provision of law, shall have jurisdiction to review any claims

of noncompliance with sections 601, 604, 605(b), 608(b), and 610 in accordance with

chapter 7. Agency compliance with sections 607 and 609(a) shall be judicially

reviewable in connection with judicial review of section 604.

(3)(A) A small entity may seek such review during the period beginning on the

date of final agency action and ending one year later, except that where a provision of

law requires that an action challenging a final agency action be commenced before

the expiration of one year, such lesser period shall apply to an action for judicial

review under this section.

(B) In the case where an agency delays the issuance of a final regulatory

flexibility analysis pursuant to section 608(b) of this chapter, an action for judicial

review under this section shall be filed not later than–

(i) one year after the date the analysis is made available to the public, or

(ii) where a provision of law requires that an action challenging a final

agency regulation be commenced before the expiration of the 1-year period,

the number of days specified in such provision of law that is after the date the

analysis is made available to the public.
23As amended, Public Law 104-121, Title II, Subtitle D, §242, 110 Stat. 865, March 29, 1996.

24As amended, Public Law 104-121, Title II, Subtitle D, §243(b), 110 Stat. 866, March 29, 1996.

Volume 1, Page 8–63

(4) In granting any relief in an action under this section, the court shall order the

agency to take corrective action consistent with this chapter and chapter 7, including,

but not limited to–

(A) remanding the rule to the agency, and

(B) deferring the enforcement of the rule against small entities unless the court

finds that continued enforcement of the rule is in the public interest.

(5) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to limit the authority of any court

to stay the effective date of any rule or provision thereof under any other provision of

law or to grant any other relief in addition to the requirements of this section.

(b) In an action for the judicial review of a rule, the regulatory flexibility analysis for

such rule, including an analysis prepared or corrected pursuant to paragraph (a)(4), shall

constitute part of the entire record of agency action in connection with such review.

(c) Compliance or noncompliance by an agency with the provisions of this chapter

shall be subject to judicial review only in accordance with this section.

(d) Nothing in this section bars judicial review of any other impact statement or

similar analysis required by any other law if judicial review of such statement or analysis

is otherwise permitted by law.23

Sec. 612. Reports and Intervention Rights.

(a) The Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration shall

monitor agency compliance with this chapter and shall report at least annually thereon to

the President and to the Committees on the Judiciary and Small Business of the Senate

and House of Representatives.

(b) The Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration is

authorized to appear as amicus curiae in any action brought in a court of the United

States to review a rule. In any such action, the Chief counsel is authorized to present his

or her views with respect to compliance of this chapter, the adequacy of the rulemaking

record with respect to small entities.*24

(c) A court of the United States shall grant the application of the Chief Counsel for

Advocacy of the Small Business Administration to appear in any such action for the

purposes described in subsection (b). (Added Pub. L. 96-354, Sept. 19, 1980, 94 Stat.

1170.)
Volume 1, Page 8–64

CHAPTER 7–JUDICIAL REVIEW

TABLE OF CONTENTS

5 USC 701 - 706

Page

Sec. 701. Application; Definitions. .................................. 8–65

Sec. 702. Right of Review. ........................................ 8–65

Sec. 703. Form and Venue of Proceeding. ............................ 8–65

Sec. 704. Actions Reviewable. ..................................... 8–66

Sec. 705. Relief Pending Review. ................................... 8–66

Sec. 706. Scope of Review. ........................................ 8–66
25As amended, Public Law 103-272, sec. 5(a) (108 Stat. 1373), July 5, 1994.

Volume 1, Page 8–65

CHAPTER 7–JUDICIAL REVIEW

5 USC 701 - 706

Sec. 701. Application; Definitions.

(a) This chapter applies, according to the provisions thereof, except to the extent that–

(1) statutes preclude judicial review; or

(2) agency action is committed to agency discretion by law.

(b) For the purpose of this chapter–

(1) “agency” means each authority of the Government of the United States,

whether or not it is within or subject to review by another agency, but does not

include–

(A) the Congress;

(B) the courts of the United States:

(C) the governments of the territories or possessions of the United States;

(D) the government of the District of Columbia;

(E) agencies composed of representatives of the parties or of representatives

of organizations of the parties to the disputes determined by them;

(F) courts martial and military commissions;

(G) military authority exercised in the field in time of war or in occupied

territory; or

(H) functions conferred by sections 1738, 1739, 1743, and 1744 of title 12;

chapter 2 of title 41; subchapter II of chapter 471 of title 49; or sections 1884,

1891-1902, and former section 1641(b)(2), of title 50, appendix; and

(2) “person”, “rule”, “order”, “license”, “sanction”, “relief”, and “agency action”

have the meanings given them by section 551 of this title.25

Sec. 702. Right of Review.

A person suffering legal wrong because of agency action, or adversely affected or

aggrieved by agency action within the meaning of a relevant statute, is entitled to judicial

review thereof. An action in a court of the United States seeking relief other than money

damages and stating a claim that an agency or an officer or employee thereof acted or

failed to act in an official capacity or under color of legal authority shall not be dismissed

nor relief therein be denied on the ground that it is against the United States or that the

United States is an indispensable party. The United States may be named as a defendant

in any such action, and a judgment or decree may be entered against the United States:

Provided, That any mandatory or injunctive decree shall specify the Federal officer or

officers (by name or by title), and their successors in office, personally responsible for

compliance. Nothing herein (1) affects other limitations on judicial review or the power

or duty of the court to dismiss any action or deny relief on any other appropriate legal or

equitable ground; or (2) confers authority to grant relief if any other statute that grants

consent to suit expressly or impliedly forbids the relief which is sought.

Sec. 703. Form and Venue of Proceeding.

The form of proceeding for judicial review is the special statutory review proceeding

relevant to the subject matter in a court specified by statute or, in the absence or

inadequacy thereof, any applicable form of legal action, including actions for declaratory

judgments or writs of prohibitory or mandatory injunction or habeas corpus, in a court of

competent jurisdiction. If no special statutory review proceeding is applicable, the action

for judicial review may be brought against the United States, the agency by its official

title, or the appropriate officer. Except to the extent that prior, adequate, and exclusive

opportunity for judicial review is provided by law, agency action is subject to judicial

review in civil or criminal proceedings for judicial enforcement.
Volume 1, Page 8–66

Sec. 704. Actions Reviewable.

Agency action made reviewable by statute and final agency action for which there is

no other adequate remedy in a court are subject to judicial review. A preliminary,

procedural, or intermediate agency action or ruling not directly reviewable is subject to

review on the review of the final agency action. Except as otherwise expressly required

by statute, agency action otherwise final is final for the purposes of this section whether

or not there has been presented or determined an application for a declaratory order, for

any form of reconsideration, or, unless the agency otherwise requires by rule and

provides that the action meanwhile is inoperative, for an appeal to superior agency

authority.

Sec. 705. Relief Pending Review.

When an agency finds that justice so requires, it may postpone the effective date of

action taken by it, pending judicial review. On such conditions as may be required and to

the extent necessary to prevent irreparable injury, the reviewing court, including the court

to which a case may be taken on appeal from or on application for certiorari or other writ

to a reviewing court, may issue all necessary and appropriate process to postpone the

effective date of an agency action or to preserve status or rights pending conclusion of

the review proceedings.

Sec. 706. Scope of Review.

To the extent necessary to decision and when presented, the reviewing court shall

decide all relevant questions of law, interpret constitutional and statutory provisions, and

determine the meaning or applicability of the terms of an agency action. The reviewing

court shall–

(1) compel agency action unlawfully withheld or unreasonably delayed; and

(2) hold unlawful and set aside agency action, findings, and conclusions found to

be–

(A) arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, or otherwise not in

accordance with law;

(B) contrary to constitutional right, power, privilege, or immunity;

(C) in excess of statutory jurisdiction, authority, or limitations, or short of

statutory right;

(D) without observance of procedure required by law;

(E) unsupported by substantial evidence in a case subject to sections 556 and

557 of this title or otherwise reviewed on the record of an agency hearing

provided by statute; or

(F) unwarranted by the facts to the extent that the facts are subject to trial de

novo by the reviewing court.

In making the foregoing determinations, the court shall review the whole record or

those parts of it cited by a party, and due account shall be taken of the rule of prejudicial

error.
Volume 1, Page 8–67

CHAPTER 8–CONGRESSIONAL REVIEW OF AGENCY

RULEMAKING

TABLE OF CONTENTS

5 USC APPENDIX 2

Page

Sec. 801. Congressional Review ...................................... 8–68

Sec. 802. Congressional Disapproval Procedure .......................... 8–70

Sec. 803. Special Rule on Statutory, Regulatory, and Judicial Deadlines ....... 8–71

Sec. 804. Definitions ............................................... 8–71

Sec. 805. Judicial Review ........................................... 8–72

Sec. 806. Applicability; Severability ................................... 8–72

Sec. 807. Exemption for Monetary Policy ............................... 8–72

Sec. 808. Effective Date of Certain Rule ............................... 8–72
26Public Law 104-121, Title II, Subtitle E, § 251, 110 Stat. 868 (effective on enactment, as provided by

§ 252 of such Act, which appears as 5 USCS § 801 note), added the Chapter heading and analysis.

Volume 1, Page 8–68

CHAPTER 8–CONGRESSIONAL REVIEW OF AGENCY

RULEMAKING26

5 USC APPENDIX 2

Sec. 801. Congressional Review

(a)(1)(A) Before a rule can take effect, the Federal agency promulgating such rule

shall submit to each House of the Congress and to the Comptroller General a report

containing–

(i) a copy of the rule;

(ii) a concise general statement relating to the rule, including whether it is

a major rule; and

(iii) the proposed effective date of the rule.

(B) On the date of the submission of the report under subparagraph (A), the

Federal agency promulgating the rule shall submit to the Comptroller General and

make available to each House of Congress–

(i) a complete copy of the cost-benefit analysis of the rule, if any;

(ii) the agency’s actions relevant to sections 603, 604, 605, 607, and 609;

(iii) the agency’s actions relevant to sections 202, 203, 204, and 205 of the

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995; and

(iv) any other relevant information or requirements under any other Act

and any relevant Executive orders.

(C) Upon receipt of a report submitted under subparagraph (A), each House

shall provide copies of the report to the chairman and ranking member of each

standing committee with jurisdiction under the rules of the House of

Representatives or the Senate to report a bill to amend the provision of law under

which the rule is issued.

(2)(A) The Comptroller General shall provide a report on each major rule to the

committees of jurisdiction in each House of the Congress by the end of 15 calendar

days after the submission or publication date as provided in section 802(b)(2). The

report of the Comptroller General shall include an assessment of the agency’s

compliance with procedural steps required by paragraph (1)(B).

(B) Federal agencies shall cooperate with the Comptroller General by

providing information relevant to the Comptroller General’s report under

subparagraph (A).

(3) A major rule relating to a report submitted under paragraph (1) shall take

effect on the latest of–

(A) the later of the date occurring 60 days after the date on which–

(i) the Congress receives the report submitted under paragraph (1); or

(ii) the rule is published in the Federal Register, if so published;

(B) if the Congress passes a joint resolution of disapproval described in

section 802 relating to the rule, and the President signs a veto of such resolution,

the earlier date–

(i) on which either House of Congress votes and fails to override the veto

of the President; or

(ii) occurring 30 session days after the date on which the Congress

received the veto and objections of the President; or

(C) the date the rule would have otherwise taken effect, not for this section

(unless a joint resolution of disapproval under section 802 is enacted.

(4) Except for a major rule, a rule shall take effect as otherwise provided by law

after submission to Congress under paragraph (1).
Volume 1, Page 8–69

(5) Notwithstanding paragraph (3), the effective date of a rule shall not be delayed

by operation of this chapter beyond the date on which either House of Congress votes

to reject a joint resolution of disapproval under section 802.

(b)(1) A rule shall not take effect (or continue), if the Congress enacts a joint

resolution of disapproval, described under section 802, of the rule.

(2) A rule that does not take effect (or does not continue) under paragraph (1) may

not be reissued in substantially the same form, and a new rule that is substantially the

same as such a rule may not be issued, unless the reissued or new rule is specifically

authorized by a law enacted after the date of the joint resolution disapproving the

original rule.

(c)(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section (except subject to

paragraph (3)), a rule that would not take effect by reason of subsection (a)(3) may take

effect, if the President makes a determination under paragraph (2) and submits written

notice of such determination to the Congress.

(2) Paragraph (1) applies to a determination made by the President by Executive

order that the rule should take effect because such rule is–

(A) necessary because of an imminent threat to health or safety or other

emergency;

(B) necessary for the enforcement of criminal laws;

(C) necessary for national security; or

(D) issued pursuant to any statute implementing an international trade

agreement.

(3) An exercise by the President of the authority under this subsection shall have

no effect on the procedures under section 802 or the effect of a joint resolution of

disapproval under this section.

(d)(1) In addition to the opportunity for review otherwise provided under this chapter,

in the case of any rule for which a report was submitted in accordance with subsection

(a)(1)(A) during the period beginning on the date occurring–

(A) in the case of the Senate, 60 sessions days, or

(B) in the case of the House of Representatives, 60 legislative days, before the

date the Congress adjourns a session of Congress through the date on which the

same or succeeding Congress first convenes its next session, section 802 shall

apply to such rule in the succeeding session of Congress.

(2)(A) In applying section 802 for purposes of such additional review, a rule

described under paragraph (1) shall be treated as though–

(i) such rule were published in the Federal Register (as a rule that shall

take effect) on–

(I) in the case of the Senate, the 15th session day, or

(II) in the case of the House of Representatives, the 15th legislative

day, after the succeeding session of Congress first convenes; and

(ii) a report on such rule were submitted to Congress under subsection

(a)(1) on such date.

(B) Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to affect the requirement

under subsection (a)(1) that a report shall be submitted to Congress before a rule

can take effect.

(3) A rule described under paragraph (1) shall take effect as otherwise provided

by law (including other subsections of this section).

(e)(1) For purposes of this subsection, section 802 shall also apply to any major rule

promulgated between March 1, 1996, and the date of the enactment of this chapter.

(2) In applying section 802 for purposes of Congressional review, a rule described

under paragraph (1) shall be treated as though–
Volume 1, Page 8–70

(A) such rule were published in the Federal Register on the date of enactment

of this chapter; and

(B) a report on such rule were submitted to Congress under subsection (a)(1)

on such date.

(3) The effectiveness of a rule described under paragraph (1) shall be as otherwise

provided by law, unless the rule is made of no force or effect under section 802.

(f) Any rule that takes effect and later is made of no force or effect by enactment of a

joint resolution under section 802 shall be treated as though such rule had never taken

effect.

(g) If the Congress does not enact a joint resolution of disapproval under section 802

respecting a rule, no court or agency may infer any intent of the Congress from any

action or inaction of the Congress with regard to such rule, related statute, or joint

resolution of disapproval.

Sec. 802. Congressional Disapproval Procedure

(a) For purposes of this section, the term “joint resolution” means only a joint

resolution introduced in the period beginning on the date on which the report referred to

in section 801(a)(1)(A) is received by Congress and ending 60 days thereafter (excluding

days either House of Congress is adjourned for more than 3 days during a session of

Congress), the matter after the resolving clause of which is as follows: “That Congress

disapproves the rule submitted by the _____ relating to _____, and such rule shall have

no force or effect.” (The blank spaces being appropriately filled in.)

(b)(1) A joint resolution described in subsection (a) shall be referred to the

committees in each House of Congress with jurisdiction.

(2) For purposes of this section, the term “submission or publication date” means

the later of the date on which–

(A) the Congress receives the report submitted under section 801(a)(1); or

(B) the rule is published in the Federal Register, if so published.

(c) In the Senate, if the committee to which is referred a joint resolution described in

subsection (a) have not reported such joint resolution (or an identical joint resolution) at

the end of 20 calendar days after the submission or publication date defined under

subsection (b)(2), such committee may be discharged from further consideration of such

joint resolution upon a petition supported in writing by 30 Members of the Senate, and

such joint resolution shall be placed on the calendar.

(d)(1) In the Senate, when the committee to which a joint resolution is referred has

reported, or when a committee is discharged (under subsection (c)) from further

consideration of a joint resolution described in subsection (a), it is at any time thereafter

in order (even though a previous motion to the same effect has been disagreed to) for a

motion to proceed to the consideration of the joint resolution, and all points of order

against the joint resolution (and against consideration of the joint resolution) are waived. 

The motion is not subject to amendment, or to a motion to postpone, or to a motion to

proceed to the consideration of other business. A motion to reconsider the vote by which

the motion is agreed to or disagreed to shall not be in order. If a motion to proceed to the

consideration of the joint resolution is agreed to, the joint resolution shall remain the

unfinished business of the Senate until disposed of.

(2) In the Senate, debate on the joint resolution, and on all debatable motions and

appeals in connection therewith, shall be limited to not more than 10 hours, which

shall be divided equally between those favoring and those opposing the joint

resolution. A motion further to limit debate is in order and not debatable. An

amendment to, or a motion to postpone, or a motion to proceed to the consideration of

other business, or a motion to recommit the joint resolution is not in order.

(3) In the Senate, immediately following the conclusion of the debate on a joint

resolution described in subsection (a), and a single quorum call at the conclusion of
Volume 1, Page 8–71

the debate if requested in accordance with the rules of the Senate, the vote on final

passage of the joint resolution shall occur.

(4) Appeals from the decisions of the Chair relating to the application of the rules

of the Senate to the procedure relating to a joint resolution described in subsection (a)

shall be decided without debate.

(e) In the Senate the procedure specified in subsection (c) or (d) shall not apply to the

consideration of a joint resolution respecting a rule–

(1) after the expiration of the 60 session days beginning with the applicable

submission or publication date, or

(2) if the report under section 801(a)(1)(A) was submitted during the period

referred to in section 801(d)(1), after the expiration of the 60 session days beginning

on the 15th session day after the succeeding session of Congress first convenes.

(f) If, before the passage by one House of a joint resolution of that House described

in subsection (a), that House receives from the other House a joint resolution described

in subsection (a), then the following procedures shall apply:

(1) The joint resolution of the other House shall not be referred to a committee.

(2) With respect to a joint resolution described in subsection (a) of the House

receiving the joint resolution–

(A) the procedure in that House shall be the same as if no joint resolution had

been received from the other House; but

(B) the vote on final passage shall be on the joint resolution of the other

House.

(g) This section is enacted by Congress–

(1) as an exercise of the rulemaking power of the Senate and House of

Representatives, respectively, and as such it is deemed a part of the rules of each

House, respectively, but applicable only with respect to the procedure to be followed

in that House in the case of a joint resolution described in subsection (a), and it

supersedes other rules only to the extent that it is inconsistent with such rules; and

(2) with full recognition of the constitutional right of either House to change the

rules (so far as relating to the procedure of that House) at any time, in the same

manner, and to the same extent as in the case of any other rule of that House.

Sec. 803. Special Rule on Statutory, Regulatory, and Judicial Deadlines.

(a) In the case of any deadline for, relating to, or involving any rule which does not

take effect (or the effectiveness of which is terminated) because of enactment of a joint

resolution under section 802, that deadline is extended until the date 1 year after the date

of enactment of the joint resolution. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to

affect a deadline merely by reason of the postponement of a rule’s effective date under

section 801(a).

(b) The term “deadline” means any date certain for fulfilling any obligation or

exercising any authority established by or under any Federal statute or regulation, or by

or under any court order implementing any Federal statute or regulation.

Sec. 804. Definitions.

For purposes of this chapter–

(1) The term “Federal agency” means any agency as that term is defined in section

551(1).

(2) The term “major rule” means any rule that the Administrator of the Office of

Information and Regulatory Affairs of the Office of Management and Budget finds

has resulted in or is likely to result in–

(A) an annual effect on the economy of $100,000,000 or more;

(B) a major increase in costs or prices for consumers, individual industries,

Federal, State, or local government agencies, or geographic regions; or
Volume 1, Page 8–72

(C) significant adverse effects on competition, employment, investment,

productivity, innovation, or on the ability of United States-based enterprises to

compete with foreign-based enterprises in domestic and export markets. The term

does not include any rule promulgated under the Telecommunications Act of 1996

and the amendments made by that Act.

(3) The term “rule” has the meaning given such term in section 551, except that

such term does not include–

(A) any rule of particular applicability, including a rule that approves or

prescribes for the future rates, wages, prices, services, or allowances therefor,

corporate or financial structures, reorganizations, mergers, or acquisitions thereof,

or accounting practices or disclosures bearing on any of the foregoing;

(B) any rule relating to agency management or personnel; or

(C) any rule of agency organization, procedure, or practice that does not

substantially affect the rights or obligations of non-agency parties.

Sec. 805. Judicial Review.

No determination, finding, action, or omission under this chapter shall be subject to

judicial review.

Sec. 806. Applicability; Severability.

(a) This chapter shall apply notwithstanding any other provision of law.

(b) If any provision of this chapter or the application of any provision of this chapter

to any person or circumstance, is held invalid, the application of such provision to other

persons or circumstances, and the remainder of this chapter, shall not be affected thereby.

Sec. 807. Exemption for Monetary Policy.

Nothing in this chapter shall apply to rules that concern monetary policy proposed or

implemented by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or the Federal

Open Market Committee.

Sec. 808. Effective Date of Certain Rule.

Notwithstanding section 801–

(1) any rule that establishes, modifies, opens, closes, or conducts a regulatory

program for a commercial, recreational, or subsistence activity related to hunting,

fishing, or camping, or

(2) any rule which an agency for good cause finds (and incorporates the finding

and a brief statement of reasons therefor in the rule issued) that notice and public

procedure thereon are impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest,

shall take effect at such time as the Federal agency promulgating the rule determines.
Volume 1, Page 8–73

FEDERAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ACT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

5 USC Appendix 2

Page

Sec. 1. Short Title. ................................................. 8–74

Sec. 2. Findings and Purpose. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–74

Sec. 3. Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–74

Sec. 4. Applicability; Restrictions. .................................... 8–74

Sec. 5. Responsibilities of Congressional Committees; Review;

Guidelines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–75

Sec. 6. Responsibilities of the President; Report to Congress;

Annual Report to Congress; Exclusion. ....................... 8–75

Sec. 7. Responsibilities of the Administrator of General Services;

Committee Management Secretariat, Establishment;

Review; Recommendations to President and Congress;

Agency Cooperation; Performance Guidelines; Uniform

Pay Guidelines; Travel Expenses; Expense Recommendations. . . . . . 8–76

Sec. 8. Responsibilities of Agency Heads; Advisory Committee

Management Officer, Designation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–77

Sec. 9. Establishment and Purpose of Advisory Committees; Publication

in Federal Register; Charter; Filing; Contents; Copy. ............. 8–77

Sec. 10. Advisory Committee Procedures; Meetings; Notice, Publication

in Federal Register; Regulations; Minutes; Certification;

Annual Report; Federal Officer or Employee; Attendance. ........ 8–78

Sec. 11. Availability of Transcripts; “Agency Proceeding” .................. 8–79

Sec. 12. Fiscal and Administrative Provisions; Recordkeeping; Audit;

Agency Support Services. .................................. 8–79

Sec. 13. Responsibilities of Library of Congress; Reports and Background

Papers; Depository. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–79

Sec. 14. Termination of Advisory Committees; Renewal; Continuation. . . . . . . . . 8–79

Sec. 15. Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–80

Sec. 16. Effective Date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–81
Volume 1, Page 8–74

FEDERAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ACT, AS AMENDED

Public Law 92-463 86 Stat. 770

October 6, 1972

5 USC APPENDIX 2

Sec. 1. Short Title.

This Act may be cited as the “Federal Advisory Committee Act.”

Sec. 2. Findings and Purpose.

(a) The Congress finds that there are numerous committees, boards, commissions,

councils, and similar groups which have been established to advise officers and agencies

in the executive branch of the Federal Government and that they are frequently a useful

and beneficial means of furnishing expert advice, ideas, and diverse opinions to the

Federal Government.

(b) The Congress further finds and declares that–

(1) the need for many existing advisory committees has not been adequately

reviewed;

(2) new advisory committees should be established only when they are

determined to be essential and their number should be kept to the minimum

necessary;

(3) advisory committees should be terminated when they are no longer carrying

out the purposes for which they were established;

(4) standards and uniform procedures should govern the establishment, operation,

administration, and duration of advisory committees;

(5) the Congress and the public should be kept informed with respect to the

number, purpose, membership, activities, and cost of advisory committees; and

(6) the function of advisory committees should be advisory only, and that all

matters under their consideration should be determined, in accordance with law, by

the official, agency, or officer involved.

Sec. 3. Definitions.

For the purpose of this Act–

(1) The term “Administrator” means the Administrator of General Services.

(2) The term “advisory committee” means any committee, board, commission,

council, conference, panel, task force, or other similar group, or any subcommittee or

other subgroup thereof (hereafter in this paragraph referred to as “committee”), which

is–

(A) established by statute or reorganization plan, or

(B) established or utilized by the President, or

(C) established or utilized by one or more agencies, in the interest of

obtaining advice or recommendations for the President or one or more agencies or

officers of the Federal Government.

(3) The term “agency” has the same meaning as in section 551 (1) of Title 5,

United States Code.

(4) The term “Presidential advisory committee” means an advisory committee

which advises the President.

Sec. 4. Applicability; Restrictions.

(a) The provisions of this Act or of any rule, order, or regulation promulgated under

this Act shall apply to each advisory committee except to the extent that any Act of

Congress establishing any such advisory committee specifically provides otherwise.

(b) Nothing in this Act shall be construed to apply to any advisory committee

established or utilized by–

(1) the Central Intelligence Agency; or

(2) The Federal Reserve System.
Volume 1, Page 8–75

(c) Nothing in this Act shall be construed to apply to any local civic group whose

primary function is that of rendering a public service with respect to a Federal program,

or any State or local committee, council, board, commission, or similar group established

to advise or make recommendations to State or local officials or agencies.

Sec. 5. Responsibilities of Congressional Committees; Review; Guidelines.

(a) In the exercise of its legislative review function, each standing committee of the

Senate and the House of Representatives shall make a continuing review of the activities

of each advisory committee under its jurisdiction to determine whether such advisory

committee should be abolished or merged with any other advisory committee, whether

the responsibilities of such advisory committee should be revised, and whether such

advisory committee performs a necessary function not already being performed. Each

such standing committee shall take appropriate action to obtain the enactment of

legislation necessary to carry out the purpose of this subsection.

(b) In considering legislation establishing, or authorizing the establishment of any

advisory committee, each standing committee of the Senate and of the House of

Representatives shall determine, and report such determination to the Senate or to the

House of Representatives, as the case may be, whether the functions of the proposed

advisory committee are being or could be performed by one or more agencies or by an

advisory committee already in existence, or by enlarging the mandate of an existing

advisory committee. Any such legislation shall–

(1) contain a clearly defined purpose for the advisory committee;

(2) require the membership of the advisory committee to be fairly balanced in

terms of the points of view represented and the functions to be performed by the

advisory committee;

(3) contain appropriate provisions to assure that the advice and recommendations

of the advisory committee will not be inappropriately influenced by the appointing

authority or by any special interest, but will instead be the result of the advisory

committee’s independent judgment;

(4) contain provisions dealing with authorization of appropriations, the date for

submission of reports (if any), the duration of the advisory committee, and the

publication of reports and other materials, to the extent that the standing committee

determines the provisions of section 10 of this Act to be inadequate; and

(5) contain provisions which will assure that the advisory committee will have

adequate staff (either supplied by an agency or employed by it), will be provided

adequate quarters, and will have funds available to meet its other necessary expenses.

(c) To the extent they are applicable, the guidelines set out in subsection (b) of this

section shall be followed by the President, agency heads, or other Federal officials in

creating an advisory committee. 

Sec. 6. Responsibilities of the President; Report to Congress; Annual Report to

Congress; Exclusion.

(a) The President may delegate responsibility for evaluating and taking action, where

appropriate, with respect to all public recommendations made to him by Presidential

advisory committees.

(b) Within one year after a Presidential advisory committee has submitted a public

report to the President, the President or his delegate shall make a report to the Congress

stating either his proposals for action or his reasons for inaction, with respect to the

recommendations contained in the public report.

(c) The President shall, not later than December 31 of each year, make an annual

report to the Congress on the activities, status, and changes in the composition of

advisory committees in existence during the preceding fiscal year. The report shall

contain the name of every advisory committee, the date of and authority for its creation,

its termination date or the date it is to make a report, its functions, a reference to the
27So in original.

Volume 1, Page 8–76

reports it has submitted, a statement of whether it is an ad hoc or continuing body, the

dates of its meetings, the names and occupations of its current members, and the total

estimated annual cost to the United States to fund, service, supply, and maintain such

committee. Such report shall include a list of those advisory committees abolished by the

President, and in the case of advisory committees established by statute, a list of those

advisory committees which the President recommends be abolished together with his

reasons therefor. The President shall exclude from this report any information which, in

his judgment, should be withheld for reasons of national security, and he shall include in

such report a statement that such information is excluded.

Sec. 7. Responsibilities of the Administrator of General Services; Committee

Management Secretariat, Establishment; Review; Recommendations to President

and Congress; Agency Cooperation; Performance Guidelines; Uniform Pay

Guidelines; Travel Expenses; Expense Recommendations.

(a) The Administrator shall establish and maintain within the General Services

Administration a Committee Management Secretariat, which shall be responsible for all

matters relating to advisory committees.

(b) The Administrator shall, immediately after October 6, 1972, institute a

comprehensive review of the activities and responsibilities of each advisory committee to

determine–

(1) whether such committee is carrying out its purpose;

(2) whether, consistent with the provisions of applicable statutes, the

responsibilities assigned to it should be revised;

(3) whether it should be merged with other advisory committees; or

(4) whether is27 should be abolished.

The Administrator may from time to time request such information as he deems

necessary to carry out his functions under this subsection. Upon the completion of the

Administrator’s review he shall make recommendations to the President and to either the

agency head or the Congress with respect to action he believes should be taken.

Thereafter, the Administrator shall carry out a similar review annually. Agency heads

shall cooperate with the Administrator in making the reviews required by this subsection.

(c) The Administrator shall prescribe administrative guidelines and management

controls applicable to advisory committees, and to the maximum extent feasible, provide

advice, assistance, and guidance to advisory committees to improve their performance. In

carrying out his functions under this subsection, the Administrator shall consider the

recommendations of each agency head with respect to means of improving the

performance of advisory committees whose duties are related to such agency.

(d)(1) The Administrator, after study and consultation with the Director of the Office

of Personnel Management, shall establish guidelines with respect to uniform fair rates of

pay for comparable services of members, staffs, and consultants of advisory committees

in a manner which gives appropriate recognition to the responsibilities and qualifications

required and other relevant factors. Such regulations shall provide that –

(A) no member of any advisory committee or of the staff of any advisory

committee shall receive compensation at a rate in excess of the rate specified for

GS-18 of the General Schedule under section 5332 of Title 5, United States Code;

(B) such members, while engaged in the performance of their duties away

from their homes or regular places of business, may be allowed travel expenses,

including per diem in lieu of subsistence, as authorized by section 5703 of Title 5,

United States Code, for persons employed intermittently in the Government

service; and

(C) such members–
Volume 1, Page 8–77

(i) who are blind or deaf or who otherwise qualify as handicapped

individuals (within the meaning of section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act of

1973 (29 USC 794)), and

(ii) who do not otherwise qualify for assistance under section 3102 of

Title 5, United States Code, by reason of being an employee of an agency

(within the meaning of section 3102 (a)(1) of such Title 5), may be provided

services pursuant to section 3102 of such Title 5 while in peformance of their

advisory committee duties.

(2) Nothing in this subsection shall prevent–

(A) an individual who (without regard to his service with an advisory

committee) is a full-time employee of the United States; or

(B) an individual who immediately before his service with an advisory

committee was such an employee, from receiving compensation at the rate at

which he otherwise would be compensated (or was compensated) as a full-time

employee of the United States.

(e) The Administrator shall include in budget recommendations a summary of the

amounts he deems necessary for the expenses of advisory committees, including the

expenses for publication of reports where appropriate.

Sec. 8. Responsibilities of Agency Heads; Advisory Committee Management

Officer, Designation.

(a) Each agency head shall establish uniform administrative guidelines and

management controls for advisory committees established by that agency, which shall be

consistent with directives of the Administrator under section 7 and section 10. Each

agency shall maintain systematic information on the nature, functions, and operations of

each advisory committee within its jurisdiction.

(b) The head of each agency which has an advisory committee shall designate an

Advisory Committee Management Officer who shall–

(1) exercise control and supervision over the establishment, procedures, and

accomplishments of advisory committees established by that agency;

(2) assemble and maintain the reports, records, and other papers of any such

committee during its existence; and

(3) carry out, on behalf of that agency, the provisions of section 552 of Title 5,

United States Code, with respect to such reports, records, and other papers.

Sec. 9. Establishment and purpose of advisory committees; publication in Federal

Register; Charter; Filing; Contents; Copy.

(a) No advisory committee shall be established unless such establishment is–

(1) specifically authorized by statute or by the President; or

(2) determined as a matter of formal record, by the head of the agency involved

after consultation with the Administrator with timely notice published in the Federal

Register, to be in the public interest in connection with the performance of duties

imposed on that agency by law.

(b) Unless otherwise specifically provided by statute or Presidential directive,

advisory committees shall be utilized solely for advisory functions. Determinations of

action to be taken and policy to be expressed with respect to matters upon which an

advisory committee reports or makes recommendations shall be made solely by the

President or an officer of the Federal Government.

(c) No advisory committee shall meet or take any action until an advisory committee

charter has been filed with (1) the Administrator, in the case of Presidential advisory

committees, or (2) with the head of the agency to whom any advisory committee reports

and with the standing committees of the Senate and of the House of Representatives

having legislative jurisdiction of such agency. Such charter shall contain the following

information:
Volume 1, Page 8–78

(A) the committee’s official designation;

(B) the committee’s objectives and the scope of its activity;

(C) the period of time necessary for the committee to carry out its purposes;

(D) the agency or official to whom the committee reports;

(E) the agency responsible for providing the necessary support for the

committee;

(F) a description of the duties for which the committee is responsible, and, if

such duties are not solely advisory, a specification of the authority for such

functions;

(G) the estimated annual operating costs in dollars and man-years for such

committee;

(H) the estimated number and frequency of committee meetings;

(I) the committee’s termination date, if less than two years from the date of the

committee’s establishment; and

(J) the date the charter is filed.

A copy of any such charter shall also be furnished to the Library of Congress.

Sec. 10. Advisory Committee Procedures; Meetings; Notice, Publication in Federal

Register; Regulations; Minutes; Certification; Annual Report; Federal Officer or

Employee; Attendance.

(a)(1) Each advisory committee meeting shall be open to the public.

(2) Except when the President determines otherwise for reasons of national

security, timely notice of each such meeting shall be published in the Federal

Register, and the Administrator shall prescribe regulations to provide for other types

of public notice to insure that all interested persons are notified of such meeting prior

thereto.

(3) Interested persons shall be permitted to attend, appear before, or file

statements with any advisory committee, subject to such reasonable rules or

regulations as the Administrator may prescribe.

(b) Subject to section 552 of Title 5 United States Code, the records, reports,

transcripts, minutes, appendixes, working papers, drafts, studies, agenda, or other

documents which were made available to or prepared for or by each advisory committee

shall be available for public inspection and copying at a single location in the offices of

the advisory committee or the agency to which the advisory committee reports until the

advisory committee ceases to exist.

(c) Detailed minutes of each meeting of each advisory committee shall be kept and

shall contain a record of the persons present, a complete and accurate description of

matters discussed and conclusions reached, and copies of all reports received, issued, or

approved by the advisory committee. The accuracy of all minutes shall be certified to by

the chairman of the advisory committee.

(d) Subsections (a)(1) and (a)(3) of this section shall not apply to any portion of an

advisory committee meeting where the President, or the head of the agency to which the

advisory committee reports, determines that such portion of such meeting may be closed

to the public in accordance with subsection (c) of section 552b of Title 5, United States

Code. Any such determination shall be in writing and shall contain the reasons for such

determination. If such a determination is made, the advisory committee shall issue a

report at least annually setting forth a summary of its activities and such related matters

as would be informative to the public consistent with the policy of section 552(b) of Title

5 United States Code.

(e) There shall be designated an officer or employee of the Federal Government to

chair or attend each meeting of each advisory committee. The officer or employee os

designated is authorized, whenever he determines it to be in the public interest, to
Volume 1, Page 8–79

adjourn any such meeting. No advisory committee shall conduct any meeting in the

absence of that officer or employee.

(f) Advisory committees shall not hold any meetings except at the call of, or with the

advance approval of, a designated officer or employee of the Federal Government, and in

the case of advisory committees (other than Presidential advisory committees) with an

agenda approved by such officer or employee.

Sec. 11. Availability of Transcripts; Agency Proceeding.

(a) Except where prohibited by contractual agreements entered into prior to the

effective date of this Act, agencies and advisory committees shall make available to any

person, at actual cost of duplication, copies of transcripts of agency proceedings or

advisory committee meetings.

(b) As used in this section “agency proceeding” means any proceeding as defined in

section 551(12) of Title 5, United States Code.

Sec. 12. Fiscal and Administrative Provisions; Recordkeeping; Audit; Agency

Support Services.

(a) Each agency shall keep records as will fully disclose the disposition of any funds

which may be at the disposal of its advisory committees and the nature and extent of their

activities. The General Services Administration, or such other agency as the President

may designate, shall maintain financial records with respect to Presidential advisory

committees. The Comptroller General of the United States, or any of his authorized

representatives, shall have access, for the purpose of audit and examination, to any such

records.

(b) Each agency shall be responsible for providing support services for each advisory

committee established by or reporting to it unless the establishing authority provides

otherwise. Where any such advisory committee reports to more than one agency, only

one agency shall be responsible for support services at any one time. In the case of

Presidential advisory committees, such services may be provided by the General Services

Administration.

Sec. 13. Responsibilities of Library of Congress; Reports and Background Papers;

Depository.

Subject to section 552 of Title 5, United States Code, the Administrator shall provide

for the filing with the Library of Congress of at least eight copies of each report made by

every advisory committee and, where appropriate, background papers prepared by

consultants. The Librarian of Congress shall establish a depository for such reports and

papers where they shall be available to public inspection and use.

Sec. 14. Termination of Advisory Committees; Renewal; Continuation.

(a)(1) Each advisory committee which is in existence on the effective date of this Act

shall terminate not later than the expiration of the two-year period following such

effective date unless–

(A) in the case of an advisory committee established by the President or an

officer of the Federal Government, such advisory committee is renewed by the

President or that officer by appropriate action prior to the expiration of such

two-year period; or

(B) in the case of an advisory committee established by an Act of Congress,

its duration is otherwise provided for by law.

(2) Each advisory committee established after such effective date shall terminate

not later than the expiration of the two-year period beginning on the date of its

establishment unless–

(A) in the case of an advisory committee established by the President or an

officer of the Federal Government such advisory committee is renewed by the

President or such officer by appropriate action prior to the end of such period; or
Volume 1, Page 8–80

(B) in the case of an advisory committee established by an Act of Congress,

its duration is otherwise provided for by law.

(b)(1) Upon the renewal of any advisory committee, such advisory committee shall

file a charter in accordance with section 9(c).

(2) Any advisory committee established by an Act of Congress shall file a charter

in accordance with such section upon the expiration of each successive two-year

period following the date of enactment of the Act establishing such advisory

committee.

(3) No advisory committee required under this subsection to file a charter shall

take any action (other than preparation and filing of such charter) prior to the date on

which such charter is filed.

(c) Any advisory committee which is renewed by the President or any officer of the

Federal Government may be continued only for successive two-year periods by

appropriate action taken by the President or such officer prior to the date on which such

advisory committee would otherwise terminate.

Sec. 15. Requirements.

(a) In General–An agency may not use any advice or recommendation provided by

the National Academy of Sciences or National Academy of Public Administration that

was developed by use of a committee created by that academy under an agreement with

an agency, unless– 

(1) the committee was not subject to any actual management or control by an

agency or an officer of the Federal Government;

(2) in the case of a committee created after the date of the enactment of the

Federal Advisory Committee Act Amendments of 1997, the membership of the

committee was appointed in accordance with the requirements described in

subsection (b)(1); and

(3) in developing the advice or recommendation, the academy complied with–

(A) subsection (b)(2) through (6), in the case of any advice or

recommendation provided by the National Academy of Sciences; or

(B) subsection (b)(2) and (5), in the case of any advice or

recommendation provided by the National Academy of Public

Administration.

(b) Requirements–The requirements referred to in subsection (a) are as follows:

(1) The Academy shall determine and provide public notice of the names and

brief biographies of individuals that the Academy appoints or intends to appoint to

serve on the committee. The Academy shall determine and provide a reasonable

opportunity for the public to comment on such appointments before they are made or,

if the Academy determines such prior comment is not practicable, in the period

immediately following the appointments. The Academy shall make its best efforts to

ensure that (A) no individual appointed to serve on the committee has a conflict of

interest that is relevant to the functions to be performed, unless such conflict is

promptly and publicly disclosed and the Academy determines that the conflict is

unavoidable, (B) the committee membership is fairly balanced as determined by the

Academy to be appropriate for the functions to be performed, and (C) the final report

of the Academy will be the result of the Academy's independent judgment. The

Academy shall require that individuals that the Academy appoints or intends to

appoint to serve on the committee inform the Academy of the individual's conflicts of

interest that are relevant to the functions to be performed.

(2) The Academy shall determine and provide public notice of committee

meetings that will be open to the public.

(3) The Academy shall ensure that meetings of the committee to gather data from

individuals who are not officials, agents, or employees of the Academy are open to
28P.L. 105-153 (111 Stat. 2689), Dec. 17, 1997 added sec. 15.

Volume 1, Page 8–81

the public, unless the Academy determines that a meeting would disclose matters

described in section 552(b) of title 5, United States Code. The Academy shall make

available to the public, at reasonable charge if appropriate, written materials

presented to the committee by individuals who are not officials, agents, or employees

of the Academy, unless the Academy determines that making material available

would disclose matters described in that section.

(4) The Academy shall make available to the public as soon as practicable, at

reasonable charge if appropriate, a brief summary of any committee meeting that is

not a data gathering meeting, unless the Academy determines that the summary would

disclose matters described in section 552(b) of title 5, United States Code. The

summary shall identify the committee members present, the topics discussed,

materials made available to the committee, and such other matters that the Academy

determines should be included.

(5) The Academy shall make available to the public its final report, at reasonable

charge if appropriate, unless the Academy determines that the report would disclose

matters described in section 552(b) of title 5, United States Code. If the Academy

determines that the report would disclose matters described in that section, the

Academy shall make public an abbreviated version of the report that does not disclose

those matters.

(6) After publication of the final report, the Academy shall make publicly

available the names of the principal reviewers who reviewed the report in draft form

and who are not officials, agents, or employees of the Academy.

(c) REGULATIONS–The Administrator of General Services may issue regulations

implementing this section.

(d) EFFECTIVE DATE AND APPLICATION

 (1) In General–Except as provided in paragraph (2), this section and the

amendments made by this section shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this

Act.

(2) Retroactive Effect–Subsection (a) and the amendments made by subsection (a)

shall be effective as of October 6, 1972, except that they shall not apply with respect

to or otherwise affect any particular advice or recommendations that are subject to

any judicial action filed before the date of the enactment of this Act.28

Sec. 16. Effective Date.

Except as provided in section 7(b), this Act shall become effective upon the

expiration of ninety days following October 6, 1972.

Approved October 6, 1972
Volume 1, Page 8–82

FEDERAL VACANCIES REFORM ACT OF 1998

TABLE OF CONTENTS

5 USC 3301 note

Page

Sec. 151. Federal Vacancies and Appointments. ........................ 8–83

Sec. 3345. Acting Officer. .......................................... 8–83

Sec. 3346. Time Limitations. ........................................ 8–84

Sec. 3347. Exclusivity. ............................................. 8–84

Sec. 3348. Vacant Office. .......................................... 8–85

Sec. 3349. Reporting of Vacancies. ................................... 8–86

Sec. 3349a. Presidential Inaugural Transitions. ........................... 8–86

Sec. 3349b. Holdover Provisions. ..................................... 8–87

Sec. 3349c. Exclusion of Certain Officers .............................. 8–87

Sec. 3349d. Notification of Intent to Nominate During Certain

Recesses or Adjournments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–87

SUBCHAPTER III

Details, Vacancies and Appointments ........................ 8–88
Volume 1, Page 8–83

FEDERAL VACANCIES REFORM ACT OF 1998

Public Law 105-277 112 Stat. 2681–611

October 21, 1998

OMNIBUS CONSOLIDATION AND EMERGENCY

SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 1999

* * * *

Sec. 151. Federal Vacancies and Appointments.

Federal Vacancies

Reform Act of

1998. 5 USC 3301

note.

(a) SHORT TITLE.–This section may be cited as the “Federal

Vacancies Reform Act of 1998".

 (b) IN GENERAL.–Chapter 33 of title 5, United States Code, is

amended by striking sections 3345 through 3349 and inserting the

following:

Sec. 3345. Acting Officer.

(a) If an officer of an Executive agency (including the Executive

Office of the President, and other than the General Accounting Office)

whose appointment to office is required to be made by the President, by

and with the advice and consent of the Senate, dies, resigns, or is

otherwise unable to perform the functions and duties of the office–

(1) the first assistant to the office of such officer shall perform the

functions and duties of the office temporarily in an acting capacity

subject to the time limitations of section 3346;

(2) notwithstanding paragraph (1), the President (and only the

President) may direct a person who serves in an office for which

appointment is required to be made by the President, by and with the

advice and consent of the Senate, to perform the functions and duties

of the vacant office temporarily in an acting capacity subject to the

time limitations of section 3346; or

(3) notwithstanding paragraph (1), the President (and only the

President) may direct an officer or employee of such Executive agency

to perform the functions and duties of the vacant office temporarily in

an acting capacity, subject to the time limitations of section 3346, if–

(A) during the 365-day period preceding the date of death,

resignation, or beginning of inability to serve of the applicable

officer, the officer or employee served in a position in such agency

for not less than 90 days; and

(B) the rate of pay for the position described under

subparagraph (A) is equal to or greater than the minimum rate of

pay payable for a position at GS-15 of the General Schedule.

(b)(1) Notwithstanding subsection (a)(1), a person may not serve as an

acting officer for an office under this section, if–

(A) during the 365-day period preceding the date of the death,

resignation, or beginning of inability to serve, such person–

(i) did not serve in the position of first assistant to the

office of such officer; or

(ii) served in the position of first assistant to the office of

such officer for less than 90 days; and

(B) the President submits a nomination of such person to the

Senate for appointment to such office.

(2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to any person if–
Volume 1, Page 8–84

(A) such person is serving as the first assistant to the office of

an officer described under subsection (a);

(B) the office of such first assistant is an office for which

appointment is required to be made by the President, by and with

the advice and consent of the Senate; and

(C) the Senate has approved the appointment of such person to

such office.

(c)(1) Notwithstanding subsection (a)(1), the President (and only

the President) may direct an officer who is nominated by the President

for reappointment for an additional term to the same office in an

Executive department without a break in service, to continue to serve

in that office subject to the time limitations in section 3346, until such

time as the Senate has acted to confirm or reject the nomination,

notwithstanding adjournment sine die.

(2) For purposes of this section and sections 3346, 3347, 3348,

3349, 3349a, and 3349d, the expiration of a term of office is an

inability to perform the functions and duties of such office.

Sec. 3346. Time Limitation.

(a) Except in the case of a vacancy caused by sickness, the person

serving as an acting officer as described under section 3345 may serve in

the office–

(1) for no longer than 210 days beginning on the date the vacancy

occurs; or

(2) subject to subsection (b), once a first or second nomination for

the office is submitted to the Senate, from the date of such nomination

for the period that the nomination is pending in the Senate.

(b)(1) If the first nomination for the office is rejected by the Senate,

withdrawn, or returned to the President by the Senate, the person may

continue to serve as the acting officer for no more than 210 days after

the date of such rejection, withdrawal, or return.

(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), if a second nomination for the

office is submitted to the Senate after the rejection, withdrawal, or

return of the first nomination, the person serving as the acting officer

may continue to serve–

(A) until the second nomination is confirmed; or

(B) for no more than 210 days after the second nomination is

rejected, withdrawn, or returned.

(c) If a vacancy occurs during an adjournment of the Congress sine

die, the 210-day period under subsection (a) shall begin on the date that

the Senate first reconvenes.

Sec. 3347. Exclusivity.

(a) Sections 3345 and 3346 are the exclusive means for temporarily

authorizing an acting official to perform the functions and duties of any

office of an Executive agency (including the Executive Office of the

President, and other than the General Accounting Office) for which

appointment is required to be made by the President, by and with the

advice and consent of the Senate, unless–

(1) a statutory provision expressly–

(A) authorizes the President, a court, or the head of an

Executive department, to designate an officer or employee to

perform the functions and duties of a specified office

temporarily in an acting capacity; or
Volume 1, Page 8–85

(B) designates an officer or employee to perform the

functions and duties of a specified office temporarily in an

acting capacity; or

(2) the President makes an appointment to fill a vacancy in such

office during the recess of the Senate pursuant to clause 3 of section 2

of article II of the United States Constitution.

(b) Any statutory provision providing general authority to the head of

an Executive agency (including the Executive Office of the President, and

other than the General Accounting Office) to delegate duties statutorily

vested in that agency head to, or to reassign duties among, officers or

employees of such Executive agency, is not a statutory provision to which

subsection (a)(2) applies.

Sec. 3348. Vacant Office

(a) In this section–

(1) the term `action' includes any agency action as defined under

section 551(13); and

(2) the term `function or duty' means any function or duty of the

applicable office that–

(A)(i) is established by statute; and

(ii) is required by statute to be performed by the applicable

officer (and only that officer); or

(B)(i)(I) is established by regulation; and

(II) is required by such regulation to be performed by

the applicable officer (and only that officer); and

(ii) includes a function or duty to which clause (i) (I) and

(II) applies, and the applicable regulation is in effect at any

time during the 180-day period preceding the date on which the

vacancy occurs.

(b) Unless an officer or employee is performing the functions and

duties in accordance with sections 3345, 3346, and 3347, if an officer of

an Executive agency (including the Executive Office of the President, and

other than the General Accounting Office) whose appointment to office is

required to be made by the President, by and with the advice and consent

of the Senate, dies, resigns, or is otherwise unable to perform the

functions and duties of the office–

(1) the office shall remain vacant; and

(2) in the case of an office other than the office of the head of an

Executive agency (including the Executive Office of the President,

and other than the General Accounting Office), only the head of such

Executive agency may perform any function or duty of such office.

(c) If the last day of any 210-day period under section 3346 is a day on

which the Senate is not in session, the second day the Senate is next in

session and receiving nominations shall be deemed to be the last day of

such period.

(d)(1) An action taken by any person who is not acting under section

3345, 3346, or 3347, or as provided by subsection (b), in the

performance of any function or duty of a vacant office to which this

section and sections 3346, 3347, 3349, 3349a, 3349b, and 3349c

apply shall have no force or effect.

(2) An action that has no force or effect under paragraph (1) may

not be ratified.

(e) This section shall not apply to–
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(1) the General Counsel of the National Labor Relations Board;

(2) the General Counsel of the Federal Labor Relations Authority;

(3) any Inspector General appointed by the President, by and with

the advice and consent of the Senate;

(4) any Chief Financial Officer appointed by the President, by and

with the advice and consent of the Senate; or

(5) an office of an Executive agency (including the Executive

Office of the President, and other than the General Accounting Office)

if a statutory provision expressly prohibits the head of the Executive

agency from performing the functions and duties of such office.

Sec. 3349. Reporting of Vacancies.

(a) The head of each Executive agency (including the Executive

Office of the President, and other than the General Accounting Office)

shall submit to the Comptroller General of the United States and to each

House of Congress–

(1) notification of a vacancy in an office to which this section and

sections 3345, 3346, 3347, 3348, 3349a, 3349b, 3349c, and 3349d

apply and the date such vacancy occurred immediately upon the

occurrence of the vacancy;

(2) the name of any person serving in an acting capacity and the

date such service began immediately upon the designation;

(3) the name of any person nominated to the Senate to fill the

vacancy and the date such nomination is submitted immediately upon

the submission of the nomination; and

(4) the date of a rejection, withdrawal, or return of any nomination

immediately upon such rejection, withdrawal, or return.

(b) If the Comptroller General of the United States makes a

determination that an officer is serving longer than the 210-day period

including the applicable exceptions to such period under section 3346 or

section 3349a, the Comptroller General shall report such determination

immediately to–

(1) the Committee on Governmental Affairs of the Senate;

(2) the Committee on Government Reform and Oversight of the

House of Representatives;

(3) the Committees on Appropriations of the Senate and House of

Representatives;

(4) the appropriate committees of jurisdiction of the Senate and

House of Representatives;

(5) the President; and

(6) the Office of Personnel Management.

Sec. 3349a. Presidential Inaugural Transitions.

(a) In this section, the term <transitional inauguration day’ means the

date on which any person swears or affirms the oath of office as

President, if such person is not the President on the date preceding the

date of swearing or affirming such oath of office.

(b) With respect to any vacancy that exists during the 60-day period

beginning on a transitional inauguration day, the 210-day period under

section 3346 or 3348 shall be deemed to begin on the later of the date

occurring–

(1) 90 days after such transitional inauguration day; or

(2) 90 days after the date on which the vacancy occurs.
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Sec. 3349b. Holdover Provisions.

Sections 3345 through 3349a shall not be construed to affect any

statute that authorizes a person to continue to serve in any office–

(1) after the expiration of the term for which such person is

appointed; and

(2) until a successor is appointed or a specified period of time has

expired.

Sec. 3349c. Exclusion of Certain Officers.

Sections 3345 through 3349b shall not apply to–

(1) any member who is appointed by the President, by and with the

advice and consent of the Senate to any board, commission, or similar

entity that–

(A) is composed of multiple members; and

(B) governs an independent establishment or Government

corporation;

(2) any commissioner of the Federal Energy Regulatory

Commission;

(3) any member of the Surface Transportation Board; or

(4) any judge appointed by the President, by and with the advice

and consent of the Senate, to a court constituted under article I of the

United States Constitution.

Sec. 3349d. Notification of Intent to Nominate During Certain

Recesses or Adjournments.

(a) The submission to the Senate, during a recess or adjournment of

the Senate in excess of 15 days, of a written notification by the President

of the President's intention to submit a nomination after the recess or

adjournment shall be considered a nomination for purposes of sections

3345 through 3349c if such notification contains the name of the

proposed nominee and the office for which the person is nominated.

(b) If the President does not submit a nomination of the person named

under subsection (a) within 2 days after the end of such recess or

adjournment, effective after such second day the notification considered a

nomination under subsection (a) shall be treated as a withdrawn

nomination for purposes of sections 3345 through 3349c.

(c) Technical and Conforming Amendment.–

(1) Table of sections.--The table of sections for chapter 33 of title

5, United States Code, is amended by striking the matter relating to

subchapter III and inserting the following:

3341. Details; within Executive or military departments.

[3342. Repealed.]

3343. Details; to international organizations.

3344. Details; administrative law judges.

3345. Acting officer.

3346. Time limitation.

3347. Exclusivity.`3348. Vacant office.

3349. Reporting of vacancies.

3349a. Presidential inaugural transitions.

3349b. Holdover provisions relating to certain independent

establishments.

3349c. Exclusion of certain officers.

3349d. Notification of intent to nominate during certain

recesses or adjournments.''.
Volume 1, Page 8–88

(2) Subchapter heading.--The subchapter heading for subchapter

III of chapter 33 of title 5, United States Code, is amended to read as

follows:

SUBCHAPTER III–DETAILS, VACANCIES,

AND APPOINTMENTS

5 USC 3345 note. (d) Effective Date and Application.–

(1) EFFECTIVE DATE.–Subject to paragraph (2), this section

and the amendments made by this section shall take effect 30 days

after the date of enactment of this section.

(2) APPLICATION.–

(A) IN GENERAL.–This section shall apply to any

office that becomes vacant after the effective date of this

section.

(B) IMMEDIATE APPLICATION OF TIME

LIMITATION.–Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), for any

office vacant on the effective date of this section, the time

limitations under section 3346 of title 5, United States Code

(as amended by this section) shall apply to such office.

Such time limitations shall apply as though such office first

became vacant on the effective date of this section.

(C) CERTAIN NOMINATIONS.–If the President

submits to the Senate the nomination of any person after the

effective date of this section for an office for which such

person had been nominated before such date, the next

nomination of such person after such date shall be

considered a first nomination of such person to that office

for purposes of sections 3345 through 3349 and

section 3349d of title 5, United States Code (as amended by

this section).
Volume 1, Page 8–89

TRUTH IN REGULATING ACT OF 2000

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE 5 USC

Sec.

Sec. 1. Short Title ..................................... 8–90 561

Sec. 2. Findings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–90 561

Sec. 3. Negotiated Rulemaking Procedure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–90 561

Sec. 561. Purpose. ....................................... 8–90 561

Sec. 562. Definitions. .................................... 8–91 562

Sec. 563. Determination of Need for Negotiated Rulemaking 

Committee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–91 563

Sec. 564. Publication of Notice; Applications for Membership

on Committees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–92 564

Sec. 565. Establishment of Committee. ....................... 8–93 565

Sec. 566. Conduct of Committee Activity. .................... 8–94 566

Sec. 567. Termination of Committee. ........................ 8–95 567

Sec. 568. Services, Facilities, and Payment of Committee Member 

Expenses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–95 568

Sec. 569. Encouraging Negotiated Rulemaking. ................ 8–95 569

Sec. 570. Judicial Review. ................................ 8–96 570

Sec. 570a. Authorization of Appropriations. ................... 8–96 570a

Sec. 4. Authorization of Appropriations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–96 561

Sec. 5. Sunset And Savings Provisions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–96 561
Volume 1, Page 8–90

TRUTH IN REGULATING ACT OF 2000

Public Law 106-312 114 Stat. 1248

October 17, 2000

An Act

To establish a framework for the conduct of negotiated rulemaking by

Federal agencies.

Negotiated

Rulemaking Act of

1990.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the

United States of America in Congress assembled,

Sec 1. Short Title.

5 USC 561. This Act may be cited as the “Negotiated Rulemaking Act of 1990.”

Sec. 2. Findings.

5 USC 561. The Congress makes the following findings:

(1) Government regulation has increased substantially since the

enactment of the Administrative Procedure Act.

(2) Agencies currently use rulemaking procedures that may

discourage the affected parties from meeting and communicating with

each other, and may cause parties with different interests to assume

conflicting and antagonistic positions and to engage in expensive and

time-consuming litigation over agency rules.

(3) Adversarial rulemaking deprives the affected parties and the

public of the benefits of face-to-face negotiations and co-operation in

developing and reaching agreement on a rule. It also deprives them of

the benefits of shared information, knowledge, expertise, and

technical abilities possessed by the affected parties.

(4) Negotiated rulemaking, in which the parties who will be

significantly affected by a rule participate in the development of the

rule, can provide significant advantages over adversarial rulemaking.

(5) Negotiated rulemaking can increase the acceptability and

improve the substance of rules, making it less likely that the affected

parties will resist enforcement or challenge such rules in court. It may

also shorten the amount of time needed to issue final rules.

(6) Agencies have the authority to establish negotiated rule making

committees under the laws establishing such agencies and their

activities and under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 USC

App.). Several agencies have successfully used negotiated rulemaking.

The process has not been widely used by other agencies, however, in

part because such agencies are unfamiliar with the process or

uncertain as to the authority for such rulemaking.

Sec. 3. Negotiated Rulemaking Procedure.

(a) IN GENERAL.–Chapter 5 of title 5, United States Code, is

amended by adding at the end the following new subchapter:

Sec. 561. Purpose.

5 USC 561. The purpose of this subchapter is to establish a framework for the

conduct of negotiated rulemaking, consistent with section 553 of this title,

to encourage agencies to use the process when it enhances the informal

rulemaking process. Nothing in this subchapter should be construed as an

attempt to limit innovation and experimentation with the negotiated
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rulemaking process or with other innovative rulemaking procedures

otherwise authorized by law.

Sec. 562. Definitions.

5 USC 562. For the purposes of this subchapter, the term–

(1) “agency” has the same meaning as in section 551(1) of this

title;

(2) “consensus” means unanimous concurrence among the

interests represented on a negotiated rulemaking committee

established under this subchapter, unless such committee–

(A) agrees to define such term to mean a general but not

unanimous concurrence; or

(B) agrees upon another specified definition;

(3) “convener” means a person who impartially assists an agency

in determining whether establishment of a negotiated rulemaking

committee is feasible and appropriate in a particular rulemaking;

(4) “facilitator” means a person who impartially aids in the

discussions and negotiations among the members of a negotiated

rulemaking committee to develop a proposed rule;

(5) “interest” means, with respect to an issue or matter, multiple

parties which have a similar point of view or which are likely to be

affected in a similar manner;

(6) “negotiated rulemaking” means rulemaking through the use of

a negotiated rulemaking committee;

(7) “negotiated rulemaking committee” or “committee” means an

advisory committee established by an agency in accordance with this

subchapter and the Federal Advisory Committee Act to consider and

discuss issues for the purpose of reaching a consensus in the

development of a proposed rule;

(8) “party” has the same meaning as in section 551(3) of this title;

(9) “person” has the same meaning as in section 551(2) of this

title;

(10) “rule” has the same meaning as in section 551(4) of this title;

and

(11) “rulemaking” means “rulemaking” as that term is defined in

section 551(5) of this title.

Sec. 563. Determination of Need for Negotiated Rulemaking

Committee.

5 USC 563. (a) DETERMINATION OF NEED BY THE AGENCY.–An agency

may establish a negotiated rulemaking committee to negotiate and develop

a proposed rule, if the head of the agency determines that the use of the

negotiated rulemaking procedure is in the public interest. In making such

a determination, the head of the agency shall consider whether–

(1) there is a need for a rule;

(2) there are a limited number of identifiable interests that will be

significantly affected by the rule;

(3) there is a reasonable likelihood that a committee can be

convened with a balanced representation of persons who–

(A) can adequately represent the interests identified under

paragraph (2); and

(B) are willing to negotiate in good faith to reach a consensus

on the proposed rule;
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(4) there is a reasonable likelihood that a committee will reach a

consensus on the proposed rule within a fixed period of time;

(5) the negotiated rulemaking procedure will not unreasonably

delay the notice of proposed rulemaking and the issuance of the final

rule;

(6) the agency has adequate resources and is willing to commit

such resources, including technical assistance, to the committee; and

(7) the agency, to the maximum extent possible consistent with the

legal obligations of the agency, will use the consensus of the

committee with respect to the proposed rule as the basis for the rule

proposed by the agency for notice and comment.

(b) USE OF CONVENERS.–

(1) PURPOSES OF CONVENERS.–An agency may use the

services of a convener to assist the agency in–

(A) identifying person who will be significantly affected by a

proposed rule, including residents of rural areas; and

(B) conducting discussions with such persons to identify the

issues of concern to such persons, and to ascertain whether the

establishment of a negotiated rulemaking committee is feasible and

appropriate in the particular rulemaking.

Reports. (2) DUTIES OF CONVENERS.–The convener shall report

findings and may make recommendations to the agency. Upon request

of the agency, the convener shall ascertain the names of persons who

are willing and qualified to represent interests that will be significantly

affected by the proposed rule, including residents of rural areas. The

report and any recommendations of the convener shall be made

available to the public upon request.

Sec. 564. Publication of Notice; Applications for Membership on 

Committees.

5 USC 564. (a) PUBLICATION OF NOTICE.–If, after considering the report of a

convener or conducting its own assessment, an agency decides to

establish a negotiated rulemaking committee, the agency shall publish in

the Federal Register and, as appropriate, in trade or other specialized

publications, a notice which shall include–

(1) an announcement that the agency intends to establish a

negotiated rulemaking committee to negotiate and develop a proposed

rule;

(2) a description of the subject and scope of the rule to be

developed, and the issues to be considered;

(3) a list of the interests which are likely to be significantly

affected by the rule;

(4) a list of the persons proposed to represent such interests and

the person or persons proposed to represent the agency;

(5) a proposed agenda and schedule for completing the work of the

committee, including a target date for publication by the agency of a

proposed rule for notice and comment;

(6) a description of administrative support for the committee to be

provided by the agency, including technical assistance;

(7) a solicitation for comments on the proposal to establish the

committee, and the proposed membership of the negotiated

rulemaking committee; and
Volume 1, Page 8–93

(8) an explanation of how a person may apply or nominate another

person for membership on the committee, as provided under

subsection (b).

(b) APPLICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP OR

COMMITTEE.–Persons who will be significantly affected by a proposed

rule and who believe that their interests will not be adequately represented

by any person specified in a notice under subsection (a)(4) may apply for,

or nominate another person for, membership on the negotiated rulemaking

committee to represent such interests with respect to the proposed rule.

Each application or nomination shall include–

(1) the name of the applicant or nominee and a description of the

interests such person shall represent;

(2) evidence that the applicant or nominee is authorized to

represent parties related to the interests the person proposes to

represent;

(3) a written commitment that the applicant or nominee shall

actively participate in good faith in the development of the rule under

consideration; and

(4) the reasons that the persons specified in the notice under

subsection (a)(4) do not adequately represent the interests of the

person submitting the application or nomination.

(c) PERIOD FOR SUBMISSION OF COMMENTS AND

APPLICATIONS.–The agency shall provide for a period of at least

30 calendar days for the submission of comments and applications under

this section.

Sec. 565. Establishment of Committee.

5 USC 565. (a) ESTABLISHMENT.–

(1) DETERMINATION TO ESTABLISH COMMITTEE.–If after

considering comments and applications submitted under section 564,

the agency determines that a negotiated rulemaking committee can

adequately represent the interests that will be significantly affected by

a proposed rule and that it is feasible and appropriate in the particular

rulemaking, the agency may establish a negotiated rulemaking

committee. In establishing and administering such a committee, the

agency shall comply with the Federal Advisory Committee Act with

respect to such committee, except as otherwise provided in this

subchapter.

(2) DETERMINATION NOT TO ESTABLISH

COMMITTEE.–If after considering such comments and applications,

the agency decides not to establish a negotiated rulemaking

committee, the agency shall promptly publish notice of such decision

and the reasons therefor in the Federal Register and, as appropriate, in

trade or other specialized publications, a copy of which shall be sent

to any person who applied for, or nominated another person for

membership on the negotiating rulemaking committee to represent

such interests with respect to the proposed rule.

(b) MEMBERSHIP.–The agency shall limit membership on a

negotiated rulemaking committee to 25 members, unless the agency head

determines that a greater number of members is necessary for the

functioning of the committee or to achieve balanced membership. Each

committee shall include at least one person representing the agency.
Volume 1, Page 8–94

(c) ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT.–The agency shall provide

appropriate administrative support to the negotiated rulemaking

committee, including technical assistance.

Sec. 566. Conduct of Committee Activity.

5 USC 566. (a) DUTIES OF COMMITTEE.–Each negotiated rulemaking

committee established under this subchapter shall consider the matter

proposed by the agency for consideration and shall attempt to reach a

consensus concerning a proposed rule with respect to such matter and any

other matter the committee determines is relevant to the proposed rule.

(b) REPRESENTATIVES OF AGENCY ON COMMITTEE.–The

person or persons representing the agency on a negotiated rulemaking

committee shall participate in the deliberations and activities of the

committee with the same rights and responsibilities as other members of

the committee, and shall be authorized to fully represent the agency in the

discussions and negotiations of the committee.

(c) SELECTING FACILITATOR.–Notwithstanding section 10(e) of

the Federal Advisory Committee Act, an agency may nominate either a

person from the Federal Government or a person from outside the Federal

Government to serve as a facilitator for the negotiations of the committee,

subject to the approval of the committee by consensus. If the committee

does not approve the nominee of the agency for facilitator, the agency

shall submit a substitute nomination. If a committee does not approve any

nominee of the agency for facilitator, the committee shall select by

consensus a person to serve as facilitator. A person designated to

represent the agency in substantive issues may not serve as facilitator or

otherwise chair the committee.

(d) DUTIES OF FACILITATOR.–A facilitator approved or selected

by a negotiated rulemaking committee shall–

(1) chair the meetings of the committee in an impartial manner;

(2) impartially assist the members of the committee in conducting

discussions and negotiations; and

(3) manage the keeping of minutes and records as required under

section 10 (b) and (c) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, except

that any personal notes and materials of the facilitator or of the

members of a committee shall not be subject to section 552 of this

title.

(e) COMMITTEE PROCEDURES.–A negotiated rulemaking

committee established under this subchapter may adopt procedures for the

operation of the committee. No provision of section 553 of this title shall

apply to the procedures of a negotiated rulemaking committee.

(f) REPORT OF COMMITTEE.–If a committee reaches a consensus

on a proposed rule, at the conclusion of negotiations the committee shall

transmit to the agency that established the committee a report containing

the proposed rule. If the committee does not reach a consensus on a

proposed rule, the committee may transmit to the agency a report

specifying any areas in which the committee reached a consensus. The

committee may include in a report any other information,

recommendations, or materials that the committee considers appropriate.

Any committee member may include as an addendum to the report

additional information, recommendations, or materials.

(g) RECORDS OF COMMITTEE.–In addition to the report required

by subsection (f), a committee shall submit to the agency the records
Volume 1, Page 8–95

required under section 10 (b) and (c) of the Federal Advisory Committee

Act.

Sec. 567. Termination of Committee.

5 USC 567. A negotiated rulemaking committee shall terminate upon promulgation

of the final rule under consideration, unless the committee’s charter

contains an earlier termination date or the agency, after consulting the

committee, or the committee itself specifies an earlier termination date.

Sec. 568. Services, Facilities, and Payment of Committee Member

Expenses.

5 USC 568. (a) SERVICES OF CONVENERS AND FACILITATORS.–

(1) IN GENERAL.–An agency may employ or enter into contracts

for the services of an individual or organization to serve as a convener

or facilitator for a negotiated rulemaking committee under this

subchapter, or may use the services of a Government employee to act

as a convener or a facilitator for such a committee.

(2) DETERMINATION OF CONFLICTING INTERESTS.– An

agency shall determine whether a person under consideration to serve

as a convener or facilitator of a committee under paragraph (1) has any

financial or other interest that would preclude such person from

serving in an impartial and independent manner.

(b) SERVICES AND FACILITIES OF OTHER ENTITIES.– For

purposes of this subchapter, an agency may use the services and facilities

of other Federal agencies and public and private agencies and

instrumentalities with the consent of such agencies and instrumentalities,

and with or without reimbursement to such agencies and instrumentalities,

and may accept voluntary and uncompensated services without regard to

the pro visions of section 1342 of title 31. The Federal Mediation and

Conciliation Service may provide services and facilities, with or without

reimbursement, to assist agencies under this subchapter, including

furnishing conveners, facilitators, and training in negotiated rulemaking.

(c) EXPENSES OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS.–Members of a

negotiated rulemaking committee shall be responsible for their own

expenses of participation in such committee, except that an agency may,

in accordance with section 7(d) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act,

pay for a member’s reasonable travel and per diem expenses, expenses to

obtain technical assistance, and a reasonable rate of compensation, if–

(1) such member certifies a lack of adequate financial resources to

participate in the committee; and

(2) the agency determines that such member’s participation in the

committee is necessary to assure an adequate representation of the

member’s interest.

(d) STATUS OF MEMBER AS FEDERAL EMPLOYEE.–A

member’s receipt of funds under this section or section 569 shall not

conclusively deter mine for purposes of sections 202 through 209 of title

18 whether that member is an employee of the United States Government.

Sec. 569. Encouraging Negotiated Rulemaking.

5 USC 569. (a) The President shall designate an agency or designate or establish

an interagency committee to facilitate and encourage agency use of

negotiated rulemaking. An agency that is considering, planning, or

conducting a negotiated rulemaking may consult with such agency or

committee for information and assistance.
29Public Law 101-648, §3(a), 104 Stat. 4975, November 29, 1990; Public Law 102-354, §3(a)(2), (5),

106 Stat. 944, August 26, 1992; Public Law 104-320, §11(b), 110 Stat. 3873, October 19, 1996. 30Public Law 104-320, §11(d)(1), 110 Stat. 3874, October 19, 1996, added this section.

Volume 1, Page 8–96

(b) To carry out the purposes of this subchapter, an agency planning

or conducting a negotiated rulemaking may accept, hold, administer, and

utilize gifts, devises, and bequests of property, both real and personal if

that agency’s acceptance and use of such gifts, devises, or bequests do not

create a conflict of interest. Gifts and bequests of money and proceeds

from sales of other property received as gifts, devises, or bequests shall be

deposited in the Treasury and shall be disbursed upon the order of the

head of such agency. Property accepted pursuant to this section, and the

proceeds thereof, shall be used as nearly as possible in accordance with

the terms of the gifts, devises, or bequests.29

Sec. 570. Judicial Review.

5 USC 570. Any agency action relating to establishing, assisting, or terminating a

negotiated rulemaking committee under this subchapter shall not be

subject to judicial review. Nothing in this section shall bar judicial review

of a rule if such judicial review is otherwise provided by law. A rule

which is the product of negotiated rulemaking and is subject to judicial

review shall not be accorded any greater deference by a court than a rule

which is the product of other rulemaking procedures.

Sec. 570a. Authorization of Appropriations.

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be

necessary to carry out the purposes of this subchapter.30

Sec. 4. Authorization of Appropriations.

5 USC 561 note. In order to carry out this Act and the amendments made by this Act,

there are authorized to be appropriated to the Administrative Conference

of the United States, in addition to amounts authorized by section 596 of

title 5, United States Code, not in excess of $500,000 for each of the

fiscal years 1991, 1992, and 1993.

Sec. 5. Sunset and Savings Provisions.

5 USC 561 note. Subchapter III of chapter 5, United States Code, (enacted as

subchapter IV of chapter 5 of title 5, United States Code, by section 3 of

this Act and redesignated as subchapter II of such chapter 5 by section

(3)(a) of the Administrative Procedure Technical Amendments Act of

1991); and that portion of the table of sections at the beginning of

chapter 5 of title 5, United States Code, relating to subchapter III, are

repealed, effective 6 years after the date of the enactment of this Act,

except that the provisions of such subchapter shall continue to apply after

the date of the repeal with respect to then pending negotiated rulemaking

proceedings initiated before the date of repeal which, in the judgment of

the agencies which are convening or have convened such proceedings,

require such continuation, until such negotiated rulemaking proceedings

terminate pursuant to such subchapter.
Volume 1, Page 8–97

ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION ACT OF 1998

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE 28 USC

Sec.

Sec. 1. Short Title ..................................... 8–98 1

Sec. 2. Findings and Declaration of Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–98 651

Sec. 3. Alternative Dispute Resolution Processes to be 

Authorized in all District Courts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–98 651

Sec. 4. Jurisdiction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–99 651

Sec. 5. Mediators and Neutral Evaluators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–100 651

Sec. 6. Actions Referred to Arbitration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–100 651

Sec. 7. Arbitrators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–101 651

Sec. 8. Subpoenas .................................... 8–101 651

Sec. 9. Arbitration Award and Judgment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–101 651

Sec. 10. Compensation of Arbitrators and Neutrals . . . . . . . . . . . 8–102 651

Sec. 11. Authorization of Appropriations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–102 651

Sec. 12. Conforming Amendments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–102 651

CHAPTER 44–ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE

 RESOLUTION ........................... 8–103 651
Volume 1, Page 8–98

ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION ACT OF 1998

Public Law 105-315 112 Stat. 2993

October 30, 1998

28 USC 1 note. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the

United States of America in Congress assembled,

Sec. 1. Short Title.

Alternative

Resolution Act of

1998.

This Act may be cited as the “Alternative Dispute Resolution Act of

1998.”

Sec. 2. Findings and Declaration of Policy.

28 USC 651 note. Congress finds that–

(1) alternative dispute resolution, when supported by the bench

and bar, and utilizing properly trained neutrals in a program

adequately administered by the court, has the potential to provide a

variety of benefits, including greater satisfaction of the parties,

innovative methods of resolving disputes, and greater efficiency in

achieving settlements;

(2) certain forms of alternative dispute resolution, including

mediation, early neutral evaluation, minitrials, and voluntary

arbitration, may have potential to reduce the large backlog of cases

now pending in some Federal courts throughout the United States,

thereby allowing the courts to process their remaining cases more

efficiently; and

(3) the continued growth of Federal appellate court-annexed

mediation programs suggests that this form of alternative dispute

resolution can be equally effective in resolving disputes in the Federal

trial courts; therefore, the district courts should consider including

mediation in their local alternative dispute resolution programs.

Sec. 3. Alternative Dispute Resolution Process to be Authorized in all

District Courts.

Section 651 of title 28, United States Code, is amended to read as

follows:

Sec. 651. Authorization of alternative dispute resolution

(a) DEFINITION–For purposes of this chapter, an alternative dispute

resolution process includes any process or procedure, other than

adjudication by a presiding judge, in which a neutral third party

participates to assist in the resolution of issues in controversy, through

processes such as early neutral evaluation, mediation, minitrial, and

arbitration as provided in section 654 through 658.

(b) AUTHORITY– Each United States district court shall authorize,

by local rule adopted under section 2071(a), the use of alternative dispute

resolution processes in all civil actions, including adversary proceedings

in bankruptcy, in accordance with this chapter, except that the use of

arbitration may be authorized only as provided in section 654. Each

United States district court shall devise and implement its own alternative

dispute resolution program, by local rule adopted under section 2071(a),

to encourage and promote the use of alternative dispute resolution in its

district.

(c) EXISTING ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION

PROGRAMS– In those courts where an alternative dispute resolution

program is in place on the date of the enactment of the Alternative
Volume 1, Page 8–99

Dispute Resolution Act of 1998, the court shall examine the effectiveness

of that program and adopt such improvements to the program as are

consistent with the provisions and purposes of this chapter.

(d) ADMINISTRATION OF ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE

RESOLUTION PROGRAMS–Each United States district court shall

designate an employee, or a judicial officer, who is knowledgeable in

alternative dispute resolution practices and processes to implement,

administer, oversee, and evaluate the court’s alternative dispute resolution

program. Such person may also be responsible for recruiting, screening,

and training attorneys to serve as neutrals and arbitrators in the court’s

alternative dispute resolution program.

(e) TITLE 9 NOT AFFECTED– This chapter shall not affect title 9,

United States Code.

(f) PROGRAM SUPPORT– The Federal Judicial Center and the

Administrative Office of the United States Courts are authorized to assist

the district courts in the establishment and improvement of alternative

dispute resolution programs by identifying particular practices employed

in successful programs and providing additional assistance as needed and

appropriate.

Sec. 4. Jurisdiction.

Section 652 of title 28, United States Code, is amended to read as

follows:

Sec. 652. Jurisdiction

(a) CONSIDERATION OF ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE

RESOLUTION IN APPROPRIATE CASES–Notwithstanding any

provision of law to the contrary and except as provided in subsections (b)

and (c), each district court shall, by local rule adopted under

section 2071(a), require that litigants in all civil cases consider the use of

an alternative dispute resolution process at an appropriate stage in the

litigation. Each district court shall provide litigants in all civil cases with

at least one alternative dispute resolution process, including, but not

limited to, mediation, early neutral evaluation, minitrial, and arbitration as

authorized in sections 654 through 658. Any district court that elects to

require the use of alternative dispute resolution in certain cases may do so

only with respect to mediation, early neutral evaluation, and, if the parties

consent, arbitration.

(b) ACTIONS EXEMPTED FROM CONSIDERATION OF

ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION–Each district court may

exempt from the requirements of this section specific cases or categories

of cases in which use of alternative dispute resolution would not be

appropriate. In defining these exemptions, each district court shall consult

with members of the bar, including the United States Attorney for that

district.

(c) AUTHORITY OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL–Nothing in this

section shall alter or conflict with the authority of the Attorney General to

conduct litigation on behalf of the United States, with the authority of any

Federal agency authorized to conduct litigation in the United States

courts, or with any delegation of litigation authority by the Attorney

General.

(d) CONFIDENTIALITY PROVISIONS–Until such time as rules are

adopted under chapter 131 of this title providing for the confidentiality of

alternative dispute resolution processes under this chapter, each district
Volume 1, Page 8–100

court shall, by local rule adopted under section 2071(a), provide for the

confidentiality of the alternative dispute resolution processes and to

prohibit disclosure of confidential dispute resolution communications.

Sec. 5. Mediators and Neutral Evaluators.

Section 653 of title 28, United States Code, is amended to read as

follows:

Sec. 653. Neutrals

(a) PANEL OF NEUTRALS–Each district court that authorizes the

use of alternative dispute resolution processes shall adopt appropriate

processes for making neutrals available for use by the parties for each

category of process offered. Each district court shall promulgate its own

procedures and criteria for the selection of neutrals on its panels.

(b) QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING–Each person serving as a

neutral in an alternative dispute resolution process should be qualified and

trained to serve as a neutral in the appropriate alternative dispute

resolution process. For this purpose, the district court may use, among

others, magistrate judges who have been trained to serve as neutrals in

alternative dispute resolution processes, professional neutrals from the

private sector, and persons who have been trained to serve as neutrals in

alternative dispute resolution processes. Until such time as rules are

adopted under chapter 131 of this title relating to the disqualification of

neutrals, each district court shall issue rules under section 2071(a) relating

to the disqualification of neutrals (including, where appropriate,

disqualification under section 455 of this title, other applicable law, and

professional responsibility standards).

Sec. 6. Actions Referred to Arbitration.

Section 654 of title 28, United States Code, is amended to read as

follows:

Sec. 654. Arbitration

(a) REFERRAL OF ACTIONS TO

ARBITRATION–Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary

and except as provided in subsections (a), (b), and (c) of section 652 and

subsection (d) of this section, a district court may allow the referral to

arbitration of any civil action (including any adversary proceeding in

bankruptcy) pending before it when the parties consent, except that

referral to arbitration may not be made where–

(1) the action is based on an alleged violation of a right secured by

the Constitution of the United States;

(2) jurisdiction is based in whole or in part on section 1343 of this

title; or

(3) the relief sought consists of money damages in an amount

greater than $150,000.

(b) SAFEGUARDS IN CONSENT CASES–Until such time as rules

are adopted under chapter 131 of this title relating to procedures described

in this subsection, the district court shall, by local rule adopted under

section 2071(a), establish procedures to ensure that any civil action in

which arbitration by consent is allowed under subsection (a)–

(1) consent to arbitration is freely and knowingly obtained; and

(2) no party or attorney is prejudiced for refusing to participate in

arbitration.
Volume 1, Page 8–101

(c) PRESUMPTIONS–For purposes of subsection (a)(3), a district

court may presume damages are not in excess of $150,000 unless counsel

certifies that damages exceed such amount.

(d) EXISTING PROGRAMS–Nothing in this chapter is deemed to

affect any program in which arbitration is conducted pursuant to

section IX of the Judicial Improvements and Access to Justice Act (Public

Law 100-702), as amended by section 1 of Public Law 105-53.

Sec. 7. Arbitrators.

Section 655 of title 28, United States Code, is amended to read as

follows:

Sec. 655. Arbitrators

(a) POWERS OF ARBITRATORS–An arbitrator to whom an action

is referred under section 654 shall have the power, within the judicial

district of the district court which referred the action to arbitration–

(1) to conduct arbitration hearings;

(2) to administer oaths and affirmations; and

(3) to make awards.

(b) STANDARDS FOR CERTIFICATION–Each district court that

authorizes arbitration shall establish standards for the certification of

arbitrators and shall certify arbitrators to perform services in accordance

with such standards and this chapter. The standards shall include

provisions requiring that any arbitrator–

(1) shall take the oath or affirmation described in section 453; and

(2) shall be subject to the disqualification rules under section 455.

(c) IMMUNITY–All individuals serving as arbitrators in an

alternative dispute resolution program under this chapter are performing

quasi-judicial functions and are entitled to the immunities and protections

that the law accords to persons serving in such capacity.

Sec. 8. Subpoenas.

Section 656 of title 28, United States Code, is amended to read as

follows:

Sec. 656. Subpoenas

Rule 45 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (relating to

subpoenas) applies to subpoenas for the attendance of witnesses and the

production of documentary evidence at an arbitration hearing under this

chapter.

Sec. 9. Arbitration Award and Judgment.

Section 657 of title 28, United States Code, is amended to read as

follows:

Sec. 654. Arbitration award and judgment

(a) FILING AND EFFECT OF ARBITRATION AWARD–An

arbitration award made by an arbitrator under this chapter, along with

proof of service of such award on the other party by the prevailing party

or by the plaintiff, shall be filed promptly after the arbitration hearing is

concluded with the clerk of the district court that referred the case to

arbitration. Such award shall be entered as the judgment of the court after

the time has expired for requesting a trial de novo. The judgment so

entered shall be subject to the same provisions of law and shall have the

same force and effect as a judgment of the court in a civil action, expect

that the judgment shall not be subject to review in any other court by

appeal or otherwise.
Volume 1, Page 8–102

(b) SEALING OF ARBITRATION AWARD–The district court shall

provide, by local rule adopted under section 2071(a), that the contents of

any arbitration award made under this chapter shall not be made known to

any judge who might be assigned to the case until the district court has

entered final judgment in the action or the action has otherwise

terminated.

(c) TRIAL DE NOVO OF ARBITRATION AWARDS–

(1) TIME FOR FILING DEMAND–Within 30 days after he filing

of an arbitration award with a district court under subsection (a), any

party may file a written demand for a trial de novo in the district court.

(2) ACTION RESTORED TO COURT DOCKET–Upon a

demand for a trial de novo, the action shall be restored tot he docket of

the court and treated for all purposes as if it had not been referred to

arbitration.

(3) EXCLUSION OF EVIDENCE OF ARBITRATION–The court

shall not admit at the trial de novo any evidence that there has been an

arbitration proceeding, the nature or amount of any award, or any

other matter concerning the conduct of the arbitration proceeding,

unless–

(A) the evidence would otherwise be admissible in the court

under the Federal Rules of Evidence; or

(B) the parties have otherwise stipulated.

Sec. 10. Compensation of Arbitrators and Neutrals.

Section 658 of title 28, United States Code, is amended to read as

follows:

Sec. 658. Compensation of arbitrators and neutrals

(a) COMPENSATION–The district court shall, subject to regulations

approved by the Judicial Conference of the United States, establish the

amount of compensation, if any, that each arbitrator or neutral shall

receive for services rendered in each case under this chapter.

Regulations. (b) TRANSPORTATION ALLOWANCES–Under regulations

prescribed by the Director of the Administrative Office of the United

States Courts, a district court may reimburse arbitrators and other neutrals

for actual transportation expenses necessarily incurred in the performance

of duties under this chapter.

Sec. 11. Authorization of Appropriations.

28 USC 651 note. There are authorized to be appropriated for each fiscal year such sums

as may be necessary to carry out chapter 44 of title 28, United States

Code, as amended by this Act.

Sec. 12. Conforming Amendments.

(a) LIMITATION ON MONEY DAMAGES–Section 901 of the

Judicial Improvements and Access to Justice Act (28 USC 652 note), is

amended by striking subsection (c).

(b) OTHER CONFORMING AMENDMENTS–

(1) The chapter heading for chapter 44 of title 28, United

States Code, is amended to read as follows:
Volume 1, Page 8–103

CHAPTER 44–ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION

(2) The table of contents for chapter 44 of title 28, United States

Code, is amended to read as follows:

Sec.

651. Authorization of alternative dispute resolution.

652. Jurisdiction.

653. Neutrals.

654. Arbitration.

655. Arbitrators.

656. Subpoenas.

657. Arbitration award and judgment.

658. Compensation of arbitrators and neutrals.

(3) The item relating to chapter 44 in the table of chapters for Part III

of title 28, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:

44. Alternative Dispute Resolution ....................... 651.

Approved October 30, 1998
Volume 1, Page 8–104

FEDERAL CIVIL PENALTIES INFLATION ADJUSTMENT ACT

OF 1990, AS AMENDED

TABLE OF CONTENTS

28 USC 2461

Page

TITLE III CHAPTER 10

Sec. 1. Short Title ............................................... 8–105

Sec. 2. Findings and Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–105

Sec. 3. Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–105

Sec. 4. Civil Monetary Penalty Inflation Adjustment Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–106

Sec. 5. Cost-of-living Adjustments of Civil Monetary Penalties ........... 8–106

Sec. 6. Annual Report ............................................ 8–106
Volume 1, Page 8–105

FEDERAL CIVIL PENALTIES INFLATION ADJUSTMENT

ACT OF 1990, AS AMENDED

Public Law 101-410 104 Stat. 890

October 5, 1990

Title III Chapter 10

Federal Civil

Penalties Inflation

Adjustment Act of

1990.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the

United States of America in Congress assembled,

Sec. 1. Short Title.

28 USC 2461 note. This Act may be cited as the “Federal Civil Penalties Inflation

Adjustment Act of 1990.”

Sec. 2. Findings and Purpose.

28 USC 2461 note. (a) FINDINGS.

The Congress finds that–

(1) the power of Federal agencies to impose civil monetary

penalties for violations of Federal law and regulations plays an

important role in deterring violations and furthering the policy goals

embodied in such laws and regulations;

(2) the impact of many civil monetary penalties has been and is

diminished due to the effect of inflation;

(3) by reducing the impact of civil monetary penalties, inflation

has weakened the deterrent effect of such penalties; and

(4) the Federal Government does not maintain comprehensive,

detailed accounting of the efforts of Federal agencies to assess and

collect civil monetary penalties.

(b) PURPOSE.–The purpose of this Act is to establish a mechanism

that shall–

(1) allow for regular adjustment for inflation of civil monetary

penalties;

(2) maintain the deterrent effect of civil monetary penalties and

promote compliance with the law; and

(3) improve the collection by the Federal Government of civil

monetary penalties.

Sec. 3. Definitions.

28 USC 2461 note. For purposes of this Act, the term–

(1) “agency” means an Executive agency as defined under section

105 of title 5, United States Code, and includes the United States

Postal Service;

(2) “civil monetary penalty” means any penalty, fine, or other

sanction that–

(A)(i) is for a specific monetary amount as provided by Federal

law; or

(ii) has a maximum amount provided for by Federal law;

and

(B) is assessed or enforced by an agency pursuant to Federal

law; and

(C) is assessed or enforced pursuant to an administrative

proceeding or a civil action in the Federal courts; and

(3) “Consumer Price Index” means the Consumer Price Index for

all-urban consumers published by the Department of Labor.
31Public Law 105-362 (112 (Stat. 3293), Nov. 10, 1998, struck sec. 6 and redesignated sec. 7 as sec. 6.

32Public Law 104-134, Title III, Ch 10, § 31001(s)(2), 110 Stat. 1321-373 (effective on enactment as

provided by § 31001(a)(2)(A) of such Act, which appears as 31 USCS § 3322 note), provides:

The first adjustment of a civil monetary penalty made pursuant to the amendment made by paragraph (1)

[amending §§ 4 and 5(a) and adding § 7 of Act Oct. 5, 1990, Public Law 101-410, which appears as a note to

this section] may not exceed 10 percent of such penalty.

Volume 1, Page 8–106

Sec. 4. Civil Monetary Penalty Inflation Adjustment Reports.

The head of each agency shall, not later than 180 days after the date of

enactment of the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996, and at least

once every 4 years thereafter–

Regulations. (1) by regulation adjust each civil monetary penalty provided by

law within the jurisdiction of the Federal agency, except for any

penalty (including any addition to tax and additional amount) under

the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, the Tariff Act of 1930, the

Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, or the Social Security

Act, by the inflation adjustment described under section 5 of this Act;

and

Federal Register,

Publication.

(2) publish each such regulation in the Federal Register.

Sec. 5. Cost-of-Living Adjustments of Civil Monetary Penalties.

28 USC 2461 note. (a) ADJUSTMENT.–The inflation adjustment described under section

4 shall be determined by increasing the maximum civil monetary penalty

or the range of minimum and maximum civil monetary penalties, as

applicable, for each civil monetary penalty by the cost-of-living

adjustment. Any increase determined under this subsection shall be

rounded to the nearest–

(1) multiple of $10 in the case of penalties less than or equal to

$100;

(2) multiple of $100 in the case of penalties greater than $100 but

less than or equal to $1,000;

(3) multiple of $1,000 in the case of penalties greater than $1,000

but less than or equal to $10,000;

(4) multiple of $5,000 in the case of penalties greater than $10,000

but less than or equal to $100,000;

(5) multiple of $10,000 in the case of penalties greater than

$100,000 but less than or equal to $200,000; and

(6) multiple of $25,000 in the case of penalties greater than

$200,000.

(b) DEFINITION.–For purposes of subsection (a), the term

“cost-of-living adjustment” means the percentage (if any) for each civil

monetary penalty by which–

(1) the Consumer Price Index for the month of June of the

calendar year preceding the adjustment, exceeds

(2) the Consumer Price Index for the month of June of the

calendar year in which the amount of such civil monetary penalty was

last set or adjusted pursuant to law.

Sec. 6. Annual Report.31

Any increase under this Act in a civil monetary penalty shall apply

only to violations which occur after the date the increase takes effect.32

Approved October 5, 1990
Volume 1, Page 9–1

MISCELLANEOUS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

USC SEC. Page

1. ANTITERRORISM

Public Law 107–56

Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing

Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct

Terrorism(USA Patriot Act) Act of 2001

Sec. 808. Definition of Federal Crime of

Terrorism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 USC 7211 . . . . . 9–4

2. HOMELAND SECURITY

Public Law 107–107

National Defense Authorization Fiscal Year 2002

Sec. 1511. Study and Report on the Role of the

Department of Defense with Respect to

Homeland security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9–5

 Sec. 3154. Annual Assessment and Report on

Vulnerability of Department of Energy

Facilities to Terrorist Attack . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 USC 7270c . . . . 9–7

3. DOE WORKERS COMPENSATION

Public Law 106–398

National Defense Authorization Fiscal Year 2001

Sec. 3611. Establishment of Energy Employees

Occupational Illness Compensation

Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9–7

Sec. 3612. Establishment of Energy Employees

Occupational Illness Compensation Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9–8

Sec. 3613. Legislative Proposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9–8

Sec. 3614. Authorization of Appropriations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9–9

Subtitle B–Program Administration

Sec. 3621. Definitions for Program Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9–9

Sec. 3622. Expansion of List of Beryllium Vendors .................. 9–13

Sec. 3623. Exposure in the Performance of Duty ..................... 9–13
Volume 1, Page 9–2

USC SEC. Page

Sec. 3624. Advisory Board on Radiation and Worker

Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9–15

Sec. 3625. Responsibilities of Secretary of Health and

Human Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9–15

Sec. 3626. Designation of Additional Members of

Special Exposure Cohort .............................. 9–16

Sec. 3627. Separate Treatment of Chronic Silicosis ................... 9–16

Sec. 3628. Compensation and Benefits to be Provided ................ 9–17

Sec. 3629. Medical Benefits ..................................... 9–18

Sec. 3630. Separate Treatment of Certain Uranium

Employees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9–18

Sec. 3631. Assistance for Claimants and Potential

Claimants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9–19

Subtitle C–Treatment, Coordination, and Forfeiture of Compensation

and Benefits

Sec. 3641. Offset for Certain Payments ............................ 9–20

Sec. 3642. Subrogation of the United States ........................ 9–20

Sec. 3643. Payment in Full Settlement of Claims .................... 9–20

Sec. 3644. Exclusivity of Remedy Against the United

States and Against Contractors and

Subcontractors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9–20

Sec. 3645. Election of Remedy for Beryllium Employees

and Atomic Weapons Employees ........................ 9–21

Sec. 3646. Certification of Treatment of Payments

Under Other Laws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9–22

Sec. 3647. Claims Not Assignable or Transferable;

Choice of Remedies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9–22

Sec. 3648. Attorney Fees ....................................... 9–22

Sec. 3649. Certain Claims Not Affected by Awards

of Damages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9–22
Volume 1, Page 9–3

USC SEC. Page

Sec. 3650. Forfeiture of Benefits by Convicted Felons ................ 9–22

Sec. 3651. Coordination with Other Federal Radiation

Compensation Laws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9–23

Subtitle D–Assistance in State Workers’ Compensation Proceedings

Sec. 3661. Agreements with States ................................ 9–23

4. TRITIUM

Public Law 106–65

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000

Sec. 3134. Procedures for Meeting Tritium

Production Requirements ............................... 9–25

5. MOX FUEL

Public Law 105–261

Strom Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act

for Fiscal Year 1999

 Sec. 3134. Licensing of Certain Mixed Oxide Fuel

Fabrication and Irradiation Facilities . . . . . 42 USC 5842 .... 9–26

 Sec. 3155 Public Law 107–107

Disposition of Surplus Defense Plutonium

at Savannah River Site, Aiken, South

Carolina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 USC 3201 .... 9–26
Volume 1, Page 9–4

1. UNITING AND STRENGTHENING AMERICA

BY PROVIDING APPROPRIATE TOOLS

REQUIRED TO INTERCEPT AND OBSTRUCT

TERRORISM (USA PATRIOT ACT) ACT OF 2001

Public Law 107-56 115 Stat. 379

October 26, 2001

An Act

To deter and punish terrorist acts in the United States and around the

world, to enhance law enforcement investigatory tools, and for other

purposes.

* * * * *

Sec. 808. Definition of Federal Crime of Terrorism.

22 USC 7211. Section 2332b of title 18, United States Code, is amended–

(1) in subsection (f), by inserting “and any violation of

section 351(e), 844(e), 844(f)(1), 956(b), 1361, 1366(b), 1366(c),

1751(e), 2152, or 2156 of this title,” before “and the Secretary”; and

(2) in subsection (g)(5)(B), by striking clauses (i) through (iii) and

inserting the following:

“(i) section 32 (relating to destruction of aircraft or aircraft

facilities), 37 (relating to violence at international airports), 81

(relating to arson within special maritime and territorial

jurisdiction), 175 or 175b (relating to biological weapons), 229

(relating to chemical weapons), subsection (a), (b), (c), or (d) of

section 351 (relating to congressional, cabinet, and Supreme Court

assassination and kidnaping), 831 (relating to nuclear materials),

842(m) or (n) (relating to plastic explosives), 844(f)(2) or (3)

(relating to arson and bombing of Government property risking or

causing death), 844(i) (relating to arson and bombing of property

used in interstate commerce), 930(c) (relating to killing or

attempted killing during an attack on a Federal facility with a

dangerous weapon), 956(a)(1) (relating to conspiracy to murder,

kidnap, or maim persons abroad), 1030(a)(1) (relating to

protection of computers), 1030(a)(5)(A)(i) resulting in damage as

defined in 1030(a)(5)(B)(ii) through (v) (relating to protection of

computers), 1114 (relating to killing or attempted killing of

officers and employees of the United States), 1116 (relating to

murder or manslaughter of foreign officials, official guests, or

internationally protected persons), 1203 (relating to hostage

taking), 1362 (relating to destruction of communication lines,

stations, or systems), 1363 (relating to injury to buildings or

property within special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the

United States), 1366(a) (relating to destruction of an energy

facility), 1751(a), (b), (c), or (d) (relating to Presidential and

Presidential staff assassination and kidnaping), 1992 (relating to

wrecking trains), 1993 (relating to terrorist attacks and other acts

of violence against mass transportation systems), 2155 (relating to

destruction of national defense materials, premises, or utilities),
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2280 (relating to violence against maritime navigation), 2281

(relating to violence against maritime fixed platforms), 2332

(relating to certain homicides and other violence against United

States nationals occurring outside of the United States), 2332a

(relating to use of weapons of mass destruction), 2332b (relating to

acts of terrorism transcending national boundaries), 2339 (relating

to harboring terrorists), 2339A (relating to providing material

support to terrorists), 2339B (relating to providing material support

to terrorist organizations), or 2340A (relating to torture) of this

title;

(ii) section 236 (relating to sabotage of nuclear facilities or

fuel) of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 USC 2284); or

(iii) section 46502 (relating to aircraft piracy), the second

sentence of section 46504 (relating to assault on a flight crew with

a dangerous weapon), section 46505(b)(3) or (c) (relating to

explosive or incendiary devices, or endangerment of human life by

means of weapons, on aircraft), section 46506 if homicide or

attempted homicide is involved (relating to application of certain

criminal laws to acts on aircraft), or section 60123(b) (relating to

destruction of interstate gas or hazardous liquid pipeline facility)

of title 49.

* * * *

2. NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT

FOR FISCAL YEAR 2002

Public Law 107-107 115 Stat. 1271

December 28, 2001

An Act

To authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2002 for military activities of

the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense

activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe personnel

strengths for such fiscal year for the Armed Forces, and for other

purposes.

* * * *

SUBTITLE B--POLICY MATTERS RELATING TO

COMBATING TERRORISM

Sec. 1511. Study And Report on The Role of The Department of

Defense With Respect to Homeland Security.

(a) STUDY REQUIRED.–The Secretary of Defense shall conduct a

study on the appropriate role of the Department of Defense with respect

to homeland security. The study shall identify and describe the policies,

plans, and procedures of the Department of Defense for combating

terrorism, including for the provision of support for the consequence

management activities of other Federal, State, and local agencies. The

study shall specifically identify the following:
Volume 1, Page 9–6

(1) The strategy, roles, and responsibilities of the Department of

Defense for combating terrorism.

(2) How the Department of Defense will interact with the Office of

Homeland Security and how intelligence sharing efforts of the

Department of Defense will be organized relative to other Federal

agencies and departments and State and local governments.

(3) The ability of the Department of Defense to protect the United

States from airborne threats, including threats originating from within

the borders of the United States.

(4) Improvements that could be made to enhance the security of

the people of the United States against terrorist threats and

recommended actions (including legislative action) and programs to

address and overcome existing vulnerabilities.

(5) The policies, plans, and procedures relating to how the civilian

official in the Department of Defense responsible for combating

terrorism and the Joint Task Force Civil Support of the Joint Forces

Command will coordinate the performance of functions for combating

terrorism with–

 (A) teams in the Department of Defense that have

responsibilities for responding to acts or threats of terrorism,

including–

(i) weapons of mass destruction civil support teams when

operating as the National Guard under the command of the

Governor of a State, the Governor of Puerto Rico, or the

Commanding General of the District of Columbia National

Guard;

(ii) weapons of mass destruction civil support teams when

operating as the Army National Guard of the United States or

the Air National Guard of the United States under the

command of the President;

(iii) teams in the departments and agencies of the Federal

Government other than the Department of Defense that have

responsibilities for responding to acts or threats of terrorism;

(iv) organizations outside the Federal Government,

including any State, local and private entities, that function as

first responders to acts or threats of terrorism; and

(v) units and organizations of the Reserve Components of

the Armed Forces that have missions relating to combating

terrorism;

(B) the Director of Military Support of the Department of the

Army;

(C) any preparedness plans to combat terrorism that are

developed for installations of the Department of Defense by the

commanders of the installations and the integration of those plans

with the plans of the teams and organizations described in

subparagraph (A);

(D) the policies, plans and procedures for using and

coordinating the integrated vulnerability assessment teams of the

Joint Staff inside and outside the United States; and

(E) the missions of Fort Leonard Wood and other installations

for training units, weapons of mass destruction civil support teams

and other teams, and individuals in combating terrorism.
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(6) The appropriate number and missions of the teams referred to

in paragraph (5)(A)(i).

(7) How the Department of Defense Weapons of Mass Destruction

Civil Support Teams should interact with the Federal Bureau of

Investigation and the Federal Emergency Management Agency during

crisis response and consequence management situations.

Deadline. (b) REPORT.–Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment

of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report including the

findings of the study conducted under subsection (a). 

* * * *

Sec. 3154. Annual Assessment And Report on Vulnerability of

Department of Energy Facilities to Terrorist Attack.

(a) IN GENERAL.–Part C of title VI of the Department of Energy

Organization Act (42 U.S.C. 7251 et seq.) is amended by adding at the

end the following new section:

Sec. 663.

42 USC 7270c. (a) The Secretary shall, on an annual basis, conduct a

comprehensive assessment of the vulnerability of Department

facilities to terrorist attack.

Deadline. (b) Not later than January 31 each year, the Secretary shall

submit to Congress a report on the assessment conducted under

subsection (a) during the preceding year. Each report shall include

the results of the assessment covered by such report, together with

such findings and recommendations as the Secretary considers

appropriate.''.

(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.–The table of sections at the

beginning of that Act is amended by inserting after the item relating to

section 662 the following new item:

Sec. 663. Annual assessment and report on vulnerability of

facilities to terrorist attack.

* * * *

3. NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION

FISCAL YEAR 2001

DOE Workers Compensation

Public Law 106-398 114 Stat. 1654A–497

October 30, 2000

SUBTITLE A–ESTABLISHMENT OF COMPENSATION

PROGRAM AND COMPENSATION FUND

* * * *

Sec. 3611. Establishment of Energy Employees Occupational Illness

Compensation Program.

(a) PROGRAM ESTABLISHED.–There is hereby established a

program to be known as the ``Energy Employees Occupational Illness

Compensation Program'' (in this title referred to as the ``compensation

program''). The President shall carry out the compensation program
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through one or more Federal agencies or officials, as designated by the

President.

(b) PURPOSE OF PROGRAM.–The purpose of the compensation

program is to provide for timely, uniform, and adequate compensation of

covered employees and, where applicable, survivors of such employees,

suffering from illnesses incurred by such employees in the performance of

duty for the Department of Energy and certain of its contractors and

subcontractors.

(c) ELIGIBILITY FOR COMPENSATION.–The eligibility of

covered employees for compensation under the compensation program

shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of subtitle B as may

be modified by a law enacted after the date of the submittal of the

proposal for legislation required by section 3613.

Sec. 3612. Establishment of Energy Employees Occupational Illness

Compensation Fund.

(a) ESTABLISHMENT.–There is hereby established on the books of

the Treasury a fund to be known as the ``Energy Employees Occupational

Illness Compensation Fund'' (in this title referred to as the “compensation

fund”).

(b) AMOUNTS IN COMPENSATION FUND.–The compensation

fund shall consist of the following amounts:

(1) Amounts appropriated to the compensation fund pursuant to

the authorization of appropriations in section 3614(b).

(2) Amounts transferred to the compensation fund under

subsection (c).

(c) FINANCING OF COMPENSATION FUND.–Upon the

exhaustion of amounts in the compensation fund attributable to the

authorization of appropriations in section 3614(b), the Secretary of the

Treasury shall transfer directly to the compensation fund from the General

Fund of the Treasury, without further appropriation, such amounts as are

further necessary to carry out the compensation program.

(d) USE OF COMPENSATION FUND.–Subject to subsection (e),

amounts in the compensation fund shall be used to carry out the

compensation program.

(e) ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS NOT PAID FROM

COMPENSATION FUND.–No cost incurred in carrying out the

compensation program, or in administering the compensation fund, shall

be paid from the compensation fund or set off against or otherwise

deducted from any payment to any individual under the compensation

program.

(f ) INVESTMENT OF AMOUNTS IN COMPENSATION

FUND.–Amounts in the compensation fund shall be invested in

accordance with section 9702 of title 31, United States Code, and any

interest on, and proceeds from, any such investment shall be credited to

and become a part of the compensation fund.

Sec. 3613. Legislative Proposal.

(a) LEGISLATIVE PROPOSAL REQUIRED.–--Not later than

March 15, 2001, the President shall submit to Congress a proposal for

legislation to implement the compensation program. The proposal for

legislation shall include, at a minimum, the specific recommendations

(including draft legislation) of the President for the following:
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(1) The types of compensation and benefits, including lost wages,

medical benefits, and any lump-sum settlement payments, to be

provided under the compensation program.

(2) Any adjustments or modifications necessary to appropriately

administer the compensation program under subtitle B.

(3) Whether to expand the compensation program to include other

illnesses associated with exposure to toxic substances.

(4) Whether to expand the class of individuals who are members

of the Special Exposure Cohort (as defined in section 3621(14)).

(b) ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL COVERED EMPLOYEES

AND REQUIRED AMOUNTS.–The President shall include with the

proposal for legislation under subsection (a) the following:

(1) An estimate of the number of covered employees that the

President determines were exposed in the performance of duty.

(2) An estimate, for each fiscal year of the compensation program,

of the amounts to be required for compensation and benefits

anticipated to be provided in such fiscal year under the compensation

program.

Sec. 3614. Authorization of Appropriations.

(a) IN GENERAL.–Pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in

section 3103(a), $25,000,000 may be used for purposes of carrying out

this title.

(b) COMPENSATION FUND.–There is hereby authorized to be

appropriated $250,000,000 to the Energy Employees Occupational Illness

Compensation Fund established by section 3612.

SUBTITLE B--PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION

Sec. 3621. Definitions for Program Administration.

In this title:

(1) The term “covered employee” means any of the following:

(A) A covered beryllium employee.

(B) A covered employee with cancer.

(C) To the extent provided in section 3627, a

covered employee with chronic silicosis (as defined in

that section).

(2) The term “atomic weapon” has the meaning given that term

in section 11d. of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 USC

2014(d)).

(3) The term “atomic weapons employee” means an individual

employed by an atomic weapons employer during a period when

the employer was processing or producing, for the use by the

United States, material that emitted radiation and was used in the

production of an atomic weapon, excluding uranium mining and

milling.

(4) The term “atomic weapons employer” means an entity,

other than the United States, that–

(A) processed or produced, for use by the United States,

material that emitted radiation and was used in the production

of an atomic weapon, excluding uranium mining and milling;

and
Volume 1, Page 9–10

(B) is designated by the Secretary of Energy as an atomic

weapons employer for purposes of the compensation program.

(5) The term “atomic weapons employer facility” means a

facility, owned by an atomic weapons employer, that is or was

used to process or produce, for use by the United States, material

that emitted radiation and was used in the production of an atomic

weapon, excluding uranium mining or milling.

(6) The term “beryllium vendor” means any of the following:

(A) Atomics International.

(B) Brush Wellman, Incorporated, and its predecessor,

Brush Beryllium Company.

(C) General Atomics.

(D) General Electric Company.

(E) NGK Metals Corporation and its predecessors,

Kawecki–Berylco, Cabot Corporation, BerylCo, and

Beryllium Corporation of America.

(F) Nuclear Materials and Equipment Corporation.

(G) StarMet Corporation and its predecessor, Nuclear

Metals, Incorporated.

(H) Wyman Gordan, Incorporated.

(I) Any other vendor, processor, or producer of

beryllium or related products designated as a beryllium

vendor for purposes of the compensation program under

section 3622.

(7) The term “covered beryllium employee” means the

following, if and only if the employee is determined to have been

exposed to beryllium in the performance of duty in accordance

with section 3623(a):

(A) A current or former employee (as that term is defined

in section 8101(1) of title 5, United States Code) who may

have been exposed to beryllium at a Department of Energy

facility or at a facility owned, operated, or occupied by a

beryllium vendor.

(B) A current or former employee of–

(i) any entity that contracted with the Department of

Energy to provide management and operation,

management and integration, or environmental

remediation of a Department of Energy facility; or

(ii) any contractor or subcontractor that provided

services, including construction and maintenance, at

such a facility.

(C) A current or former employee of a beryllium vendor, or

of a contractor or subcontractor of a beryllium vendor, during a

period when the vendor was engaged in activities related to the

production or processing of beryllium for sale to, or use by, the

Department of Energy.

(8) The term “covered beryllium illness” means any of the 

 following:

(A) Beryllium sensitivity as established by an abnormal

beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test performed on either

blood or lung lavage cells.

(B) Established chronic beryllium disease.
Volume 1, Page 9–11

(C) Any injury, illness, impairment, or disability sustained

as a consequence of a covered beryllium illness referred to in

subparagraph (A) or (B).

(9) The term “covered employee with cancer” means any of the

following:

(A) An individual with a specified cancer who is a member

of the Special Exposure Cohort, if and only if that individual

contracted that specified cancer after beginning employment at

a Department of Energy facility (in the case of a Department of

Energy employee or Department of Energy contractor

employee) or at an atomic weapons employer facility (in the

case of an atomic weapons employee).

(B)(i) An individual with cancer specified in subclause (I),

(II), or (III) of clause (ii), if and only if that individual is

determined to have sustained that cancer in the performance

of duty in accordance with section 3623(b).

(ii) Clause (i) applies to any of the following:

(I) A Department of Energy employee who

contracted that cancer after beginning employment

at a Department of Energy facility.

(II) A Department of Energy contractor

employee who contracted that cancer after beginning

employment at a Department of Energy facility.

(III) An atomic weapons employee who

contracted that cancer after beginning employment

at an atomic weapons employer facility.

(10) The term “Department of Energy” includes the

predecessor agencies of the Department of Energy, including the

Manhattan Engineering District.

(11) The term “Department of Energy contractor employee”

means any of the following:

(A) An individual who is or was in residence at a

Department of Energy facility as a researcher for one or more

periods aggregating at least 24 months.

(B) An individual who is or was employed at a Department

of Energy facility by–

(i) an entity that contracted with the Department of

Energy to provide management and operating, management

and integration, or environmental remediation at the

facility; or

(ii) a contractor or subcontractor that provided services,

including construction and maintenance, at the facility.

(12) The term “Department of Energy facility” means any

building, structure, or premise, including the grounds upon which

such building, structure, or premise is located–

(A) in which operations are, or have been, conducted by, or

on behalf of, the Department of Energy (except for buildings,

structures, premises, grounds, or operations covered by

Executive Order No. 12344, dated February 1, 1982 (42 U.S.C.

7158 note), pertaining to the Naval Nuclear Propulsion

Program); and
Volume 1, Page 9–12

(B) with regard to which the Department of Energy has or

had–

(i) a proprietary interest; or

(ii) entered into a contract with an entity to provide

management and operation, management and integration,

environmental remediation services, construction, or

maintenance services.

(13) The term “established chronic beryllium disease” means

chronic beryllium disease as established by the following:

(A) For diagnoses on or after January 1, 1993, beryllium

sensitivity (as established in accordance with

paragraph (8)(A)), together with lung pathology consistent with

chronic beryllium disease, including–

(i) a lung biopsy showing granulomas or a lymphocytic

process consistent with chronic beryllium disease;

(ii) a computerized axial tomography scan showing

changes consistent with chronic beryllium disease; or

(iii) pulmonary function or exercise testing showing

pulmonary deficits consistent with chronic beryllium

disease.

(B) For diagnoses before January 1, 1993, the presence of–

(i) occupational or environmental history, or

epidemiologic evidence of beryllium exposure; and

(ii) any three of the following criteria:

(I) Characteristic chest radiographic (or

computed tomography (CT)) abnormalities.

(II) Restrictive or obstructive lung physiology

testing or diffusing lung capacity defect.

(III) Lung pathology consistent with chronic

beryllium disease.

(IV) Clinical course consistent with a chronic

respiratory disorder.

(V) Immunologic tests showing beryllium

sensitivity (skin patch test or beryllium blood test

preferred).

(14) The term “member of the Special Exposure Cohort”

means a Department of Energy employee, Department of Energy

contractor employee, or atomic weapons employee who meets any

of the following requirements:

(A) The employee was so employed for a number of work

days aggregating at least 250 work days before February 1,

1992, at a gaseous diffusion plant located in Paducah,

Kentucky, Portsmouth, Ohio, or Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and,

during such employment–

(i) was monitored through the use of dosimetry badges

for exposure at the plant of the external parts of employee's

body to radiation; or

(ii) worked in a job that had exposures comparable to a

job that is or was monitored through the use of dosimetry

badges.

(B) The employee was so employed before January 1, 1974,

by the Department of Energy or a Department of Energy
Volume 1, Page 9–13

contractor or subcontractor on Amchitka Island, Alaska, and

was exposed to ionizing radiation in the performance of duty

related to the Long Shot, Milrow, or Cannikin underground

nuclear tests.

(C)(i) Subject to clause (ii), the employee is an individual

designated as a member of the Special Exposure Cohort by

the President for purposes of the compensation program

under section 3626.

(ii) A designation under clause (i) shall, unless

Congress otherwise provides, take effect on the date that is

180 days after the date on which the President submits to

Congress a report identifying the individuals covered by the

designation and describing the criteria used in designating

those individuals.

(15) The term “occupational illness” means a covered

beryllium illness, cancer referred to in section 3621(9)(B),

specified cancer, or chronic silicosis, as the case may be.

(16) The term “radiation” means ionizing radiation in the form

of–

(A) alpha particles;

(B) beta particles;

(C) neutrons;

(D) gamma rays; or

(E) accelerated ions or subatomic particles from accelerator

machines.

(17) The term “specified cancer” means any of the following:

(A) A specified disease, as that term is defined in section

4(b)(2) of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (42 USC

2210 note).

(B) Bone cancer.

(18) The term “survivor” means any individual or individuals

eligible to receive compensation pursuant to section 8133 of title 5,

United States Code.

Sec. 3622. Expansion of List of Beryllium Vendors.

Not later than December 31, 2002, the President may, in consultation

with the Secretary of Energy, designate as a beryllium vendor for

purposes of section 3621(6) any vendor, processor, or producer of

beryllium or related products not previously listed under or designated for

purposes of such section 3621(6) if the President finds that such vendor,

processor, or producer has been engaged in activities related to the

production or processing of beryllium for sale to, or use by, the

Department of Energy in a manner similar to the entities listed in such

section 3621(6).

Sec. 3623. Exposure in the Performance of Duty.

(a) BERYLLIUM.–A covered beryllium employee shall, in the

absence of substantial evidence to the contrary, be determined to have

been exposed to beryllium in the performance of duty for the purposes of

the compensation program if, and only if, the covered beryllium employee

was–

(1) employed at a Department of Energy facility; or

(2) present at a Department of Energy facility, or a facility owned

and operated by a beryllium vendor, because of employment by the
Volume 1, Page 9–14

United States, a beryllium vendor, or a contractor or subcontractor of

the Department of Energy, during a period when beryllium dust,

particles, or vapor may have been present at such facility.

(b) CANCER.–An individual with cancer specified in subclause (I),

(II), or (III) of section 3621(9)(B)(ii) shall be determined to have

sustained that cancer in the performance of duty for purposes of the

compensation program if, and only if, the cancer specified in that

subclause was at least as likely as not related to employment at the facility

specified in that subclause, as determined in accordance with the

guidelines established under subsection (c).

(c) GUIDELINES.–

(1) For purposes of the compensation program, the President shall

by regulation establish guidelines for making the determinations

required by subsection (b).

(2) The President shall establish such guidelines after technical

review by the Advisory Board on Radiation and Worker Health under

section 3624.

(3) Such guidelines shall–

(A) be based on the radiation dose received by the employee

(or a group of employees performing similar work) at such facility

and the upper 99 percent confidence interval of the probability of

causation in the radioepidemiological tables published under

section 7(b) of the Orphan Drug Act (42 USC 241 note), as such

tables may be updated under section 7(b)(3) of such Act from time

to time;

(B) incorporate the methods established under subsection (d);

and

(C) take into consideration the type of cancer, past

health–related activities (such as smoking), information on the risk

of developing a radiation-related cancer from workplace exposure,

and other relevant factors.

(d) METHODS FOR RADIATION DOSE RECONSTRUCTIONS.– 

(1) The President shall, through any Federal agency (other than the

Department of Energy) or official (other than the Secretary of Energy

or any other official within the Department of Energy) that the

President may designate, establish by regulation methods for arriving

at reasonable estimates of the radiation doses received by an

individual specified in subparagraph (B) of section 3621(9) at a

facility specified in that subparagraph by each of the following

employees:

(A) An employee who was not monitored for exposure to

radiation at such facility.

(B) An employee who was monitored inadequately for

exposure to radiation at such facility.

(C) An employee whose records of exposure to radiation at

such facility are missing or incomplete.

(2) The President shall establish an independent review process

using the Advisory Board on Radiation and Worker Health to–

(A) assess the methods established under paragraph (1); and

(B) verify a reasonable sample of the doses established under

paragraph (1).
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(e) INFORMATION ON RADIATION DOSES.–

(1) The Secretary of Energy shall provide, to each covered

employee with cancer specified in section 3621(9)(B), information

specifying the estimated radiation dose of that employee during each

employment specified in section 3621(9)(B), whether established by a

dosimetry reading, by a method established under subsection (d), or by

both a dosimetry reading and such method.

(2) The Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary

of Energy shall each make available to researchers and the general

public information on the assumptions, methodology, and data used in

establishing radiation doses under subsection (d). The actions taken

under this paragraph shall be consistent with the protection of private

medical records.

Sec. 3624. Advisory Board on Radiation and Worker Health.

(a) ESTABLISHMENT.–

(1) Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this

Act, the President shall establish and appoint an Advisory Board on

Radiation and Worker Health (in this section referred to as the

“Board”).

(2) The President shall make appointments to the Board in

consultation with organizations with expertise on worker health issues

in order to ensure that the membership of the Board reflects a balance

of scientific, medical, and worker perspectives.

(3) The President shall designate a Chair for the Board from

among its members.

(b) DUTIES.–The Board shall advise the President on–

(1) the development of guidelines under section 3623(c);

(2) the scientific validity and quality of dose estimation and

reconstruction efforts being performed for purposes of the

compensation program; and

(3) such other matters related to radiation and worker health in

Department of Energy facilities as the President considers appropriate.

(c) STAFF.–

(1) The President shall appoint a staff to facilitate the work of the

Board. The staff shall be headed by a Director who shall be appointed

under subchapter VIII of chapter 33 of title 5, United States Code.

(2) The President may accept as staff of the Board personnel on

detail from other Federal agencies. The detail of personnel under this

paragraph may be on a nonreimbursable basis.

(d) EXPENSES.–Members of the Board, other than full-time

employees of the United States, while attending meetings of the Board or

while otherwise serving at the request of the President, while serving

away from their homes or regular places of business, shall be allowed

travel and meal expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, as

authorized by section 5703 of title 5, United States Code, for individuals

in the Government serving without pay.

Sec. 3625. Responsibilities of Secretary of Health and Human

Services.

The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall carry out that

Secretary's responsibilities with respect to the compensation program with

the assistance of the Director of the National Institute for Occupational

Safety and Health.
Volume 1, Page 9–16

Sec. 3626. Designation of Additional Members of Special Exposure

Cohort.

(a) ADVICE ON ADDITIONAL MEMBERS.–

(1) The Advisory Board on Radiation and Worker Health under

section 3624 shall advise the President whether there is a class of

employees at any Department of Energy facility who likely were

exposed to radiation at that facility but for whom it is not feasible to

estimate with sufficient accuracy the radiation dose they received.

(2) The advice of the Advisory Board on Radiation and Worker

Health under paragraph (1) shall be based on exposure assessments by

radiation health professionals, information provided by the

Department of Energy, and such other information as the Advisory

Board considers appropriate.

(3) The President shall request advice under paragraph (1) after

consideration of petitions by classes of employees described in that

paragraph for such advice. The President shall consider such petitions

pursuant to procedures established by the President.

(b) DESIGNATION OF ADDITIONAL MEMBERS.–Subject to the

provisions of section 3621(14)(C), the members of a class of employees at

a Department of Energy facility may be treated as members of the Special

Exposure Cohort for purposes of the compensation program if the

President, upon recommendation of the Advisory Board on Radiation and

Worker Health, determines that–

(1) it is not feasible to estimate with sufficient accuracy the

radiation dose that the class received; and

(2) there is a reasonable likelihood that such radiation dose may

have endangered the health of members of the class.

(c) ACCESS TO INFORMATION.–The Secretary of Energy shall

provide, in accordance with law, the Secretary of Health and Human

Services and the members and staff of the Advisory Board on Radiation

and Worker Health access to relevant information on worker exposures,

including access to Restricted Data (as defined in section 11y. of the

Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 USC 2014(y)).

Sec. 3627. Separate Treatment of Chronic Silicosis.

(a) SENSE OF CONGRESS.–Congress finds that employees who

worked in Department of Energy test sites and later contracted chronic

silicosis should also be considered for inclusion in the compensation

program. Recognizing that chronic silicosis resulting from exposure to

silica is not a condition unique to the nuclear weapons industry, it is not

the intent of Congress with this title to establish a precedent on the

question of chronic silicosis as a compensable occupational disease.

Consequently, it is the sense of Congress that a further determination by

the President is appropriate before these workers are included in the

compensation program.

(b) CERTIFICATION BY PRESIDENT.–A covered employee with

chronic silicosis shall be treated as a covered employee (as defined in

section 3621(1)) for the purposes of the compensation program required

by section 3611 unless the President submits to Congress not later than

180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act the certification of the

President that there is insufficient basis to include such employees. The

President shall submit with the certification any recommendations about
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the compensation program with respect to covered employees with

chronic silicosis as the President considers appropriate.

(c) EXPOSURE TO SILICA IN THE PERFORMANCE OF

DUTY.–A covered employee shall, in the absence of substantial evidence

to the contrary, be determined to have been exposed to silica in the

performance of duty for the purposes of the compensation program if, and

only if, the employee was present for a number of work days aggregating

at least 250 work days during the mining of tunnels at a Department of

Energy facility located in Nevada or Alaska for tests or experiments

related to an atomic weapon.

(d) COVERED EMPLOYEE WITH CHRONIC SILICOSIS.–For

purposes of this title, the term “covered employee with chronic silicosis”

means a Department of Energy employee, or a Department of Energy

contractor employee, with chronic silicosis who was exposed to silica in

the performance of duty as determined under subsection (c).

(e) CHRONIC SILICOSIS.–For purposes of this title, the term

“chronic silicosis” means a nonmalignant lung disease if–

(1) the initial occupational exposure to silica dust preceded the

onset of silicosis by at least 10 years; and

(2) a written diagnosis of silicosis is made by a medical doctor and

is accompanied by–

(A) a chest radiograph, interpreted by an individual certified by

the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health as a B

reader, classifying the existence of pneumoconioses of category

1/1 or higher;

(B) results from a computer assisted tomograph or other

imaging technique that are consistent with silicosis; or

(C) lung biopsy findings consistent with silicosis.

Sec. 3628. Compensation and Benefits to be Provided

(a) COMPENSATION PROVIDED.–

(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), a covered employee, or

the survivor of that covered employee if the employee is deceased,

shall receive compensation for the disability or death of that employee

from that employee's occupational illness in the amount of $150,000.

(2) A covered employee shall, to the extent that employee's

occupational illness is established beryllium sensitivity, receive

beryllium sensitivity monitoring under subsection (c) in lieu of

compensation under paragraph (1).

(b) MEDICAL BENEFITS.–A covered employee shall receive

medical benefits under section 3629 for that employee's occupational

illness.

(c) BERYLLIUM SENSITIVITY MONITORING.–An individual

receiving beryllium sensitivity monitoring under this subsection shall

receive the following:

(1) A thorough medical examination to confirm the nature and

extent of the individual's established beryllium sensitivity.

(2) Regular medical examinations thereafter to determine whether

that individual has developed established chronic beryllium disease.

(d) PAYMENT FROM COMPENSATION FUND.–The

compensation provided under this section, when authorized or approved

by the President, shall be paid from the compensation fund established

under section 3612.
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(e) SURVIVORS.–

(1) Subject to the provisions of this section, if a covered employee

dies before the effective date specified in subsection (f ), whether or

not the death is a result of that employee's occupational illness, a

survivor of that employee may, on behalf of that survivor and any

other survivors of that employee, receive the compensation provided

for under this section.

(2) The right to receive compensation under this section shall be

afforded to survivors in the same order of precedence as that set forth

in section 8109 of title 5, United States Code.

(f ) EFFECTIVE DATE.–This section shall take effect on July 31,

2001, unless Congress otherwise provides in an Act enacted before that

date.

Sec. 3629. Medical Benefits.

(a) MEDICAL BENEFITS PROVIDED.–The United States shall

furnish, to an individual receiving medical benefits under this section for

an illness, the services, appliances, and supplies prescribed or

recommended by a qualified physician for that illness, which the

President considers likely to cure, give relief, or reduce the degree or the

period of that illness.

(b) PERSONS FURNISHING BENEFITS.–

(1) These services, appliances, and supplies shall be furnished by

or on the order of United States medical officers and hospitals, or, at

the individual's option, by or on the order of physicians and hospitals

designated or approved by the President.

(2) The individual may initially select a physician to provide

medical services, appliances, and supplies under this section in

accordance with such regulations and instructions as the President

considers necessary.

(c) TRANSPORTATION AND EXPENSES.–The individual may be

furnished necessary and reasonable transportation and expenses incident

to the securing of such services, appliances, and supplies.

(d) COMMENCEMENT OF BENEFITS.–An individual receiving

benefits under this section shall be furnished those benefits as of the date

on which that individual submitted the claim for those benefits in

accordance with this title.

(e) PAYMENT FROM COMPENSATION FUND.–The benefits

provided under this section, when authorized or approved by the

President, shall be paid from the compensation fund established under

section 3612.

(f ) EFFECTIVE DATE.–This section shall take effect on July 31,

2001, unless Congress otherwise provides in an Act enacted before that

date.

Sec. 3630. Separate Treatment of Certain Uranium Employees.

(a) COMPENSATION PROVIDED.–An individual who receives, or

has received, $100,000 under section 5 of the Radiation Exposure

Compensation Act (42 U.S.C. 2210 note) for a claim made under that Act

(hereafter in this section referred to as a ``covered uranium employee''), or

the survivor of that covered uranium employee if the employee is

deceased, shall receive compensation under this section in the amount of

$50,000.
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(b) MEDICAL BENEFITS.–A covered uranium employee shall

receive medical benefits under section 3629 for the illness for which that

employee received $100,000 under section 5 of that Act.

(c) COORDINATION WITH RECA.–The compensation and benefits

provided in subsections (a) and (b) are separate from any compensation or

benefits provided under that Act.

(d) PAYMENT FROM COMPENSATION FUND.–The

compensation provided under this section, when authorized or approved

by the President, shall be paid from the compensation fund established

under section 3612.

(e) SURVIVORS.–

(1) Subject to the provisions of this section, if a covered uranium

employee dies before the effective date specified in subsection (g),

whether or not the death is a result of the illness specified in

subsection (b), a survivor of that employee may, on behalf of that

survivor and any other survivors of that employee, receive the

compensation provided for under this section.

(2) The right to receive compensation under this section shall be

afforded to survivors in the same order of precedence as that set forth

in section 8109 of title 5, United States Code.

(f ) PROCEDURES REQUIRED.–The President shall establish

procedures to identify and notify each covered uranium employee, or the

survivor of that covered uranium employee if that employee is deceased,

of the availability of compensation and benefits under this section.

(g) EFFECTIVE DATE.–This section shall take effect on July 31,

2001, unless Congress otherwise provides in an Act enacted before that

date.

Sec. 3631. Assistance for Claimants and Potential Claimants.

(a) ASSISTANCE FOR CLAIMANTS.–The President shall, upon the

receipt of a request for assistance from a claimant under the compensation

program, provide assistance to the claimant in connection with the claim,

including–

(1) assistance in securing medical testing and diagnostic services

necessary to establish the existence of a covered beryllium illness,

chronic silicosis, or cancer; and

(2) such other assistance as may be required to develop facts

pertinent to the claim.

(b) ASSISTANCE FOR POTENTIAL CLAIMANTS.–The President

shall take appropriate actions to inform and assist covered employees who

are potential claimants under the compensation program, and other

potential claimants under the compensation program, of the availability of

compensation under the compensation program, including actions to–

(1) ensure the ready availability, in paper and electronic format, of

forms necessary for making claims;

(2) provide such covered employees and other potential claimants

with information and other support necessary for making claims,

including–

(A) medical protocols for medical testing and diagnosis to

establish the existence of a covered beryllium illness, chronic

silicosis, or cancer; and

(B) lists of vendors approved for providing laboratory services

related to such medical testing and diagnosis; and
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(3) provide such additional assistance to such covered employees

and other potential claimants as may be required for the development

of facts pertinent to a claim.

(c) INFORMATION FROM BERYLLIUM VENDORS AND

OTHER CONTRACTORS.–As part of the assistance program provided

under subsections (a) and (b), and as permitted by law, the Secretary of

Energy shall, upon the request of the President, require a beryllium

vendor or other Department of Energy contractor or subcontractor to

provide information relevant to a claim or potential claim under the

compensation program to the President.

SUBTITLE C–TREATMENT, COORDINATION,

AND FORFEITURE OF COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Sec. 3641. Offset for Certain Payments.

A payment of compensation to an individual, or to a survivor of that

individual, under subtitle B shall be offset by the amount of any payment

made pursuant to a final award or settlement on a claim (other than a

claim for worker's compensation), against any person, that is based on

injuries incurred by that individual on account of the exposure of a

covered beryllium employee, covered employee with cancer, covered

employee with chronic silicosis (as defined in section 3627), or covered

uranium employee (as defined in section 3630), while so employed, to

beryllium, radiation, silica, or radiation, respectively.

Sec. 3642. Subrogation of the United States.

Upon payment of compensation under subtitle B, the United States is

subrogated for the amount of the payment to a right or claim that the

individual to whom the payment was made may have against any person

on account of injuries referred to in section 3641.

Sec. 3643. Payment in Full Settlement of Claims.

The acceptance by an individual of payment of compensation under

subtitle B with respect to a covered employee shall be in full satisfaction

of all claims of or on behalf of that individual against the United States,

against a Department of Energy contractor or subcontractor, beryllium

vendor, or atomic weapons employer, or against any person with respect

to that person's performance of a contract with the United States, that

arise out of an exposure referred to in section 3641.

Sec. 3644. Exclusivity of Remedy Against the United States and

Against Contractors and Subcontractors.

(a) IN GENERAL.–The liability of the United States or an

instrumentality of the United States under this title with respect to a

cancer (including a specified cancer), chronic silicosis, covered beryllium

illness, or death related thereto of a covered employee is exclusive and

instead of all other liability–

(1) of–

(A) the United States;

(B) any instrumentality of the United States;

(C) a contractor that contracted with the Department of Energy

to provide management and operation, management and

integration, or environmental remediation of a Department of

Energy facility (in its capacity as a contractor);
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(D) a subcontractor that provided services, including

construction, at a Department of Energy facility (in its capacity as

a subcontractor); and

(E) an employee, agent, or assign of an entity specified in

subparagraphs (A) through (D);

(2) to–

(A) the covered employee;

(B) the covered employee's legal representative, spouse,

dependents, survivors, and next of kin; and

(C) any other person, including any third party as to whom the

covered employee, or the covered employee's legal representative,

spouse, dependents, survivors, or next of kin, has a cause of action

relating to the cancer (including a specified cancer), chronic

silicosis, covered beryllium illness, or death, otherwise entitled to

recover damages from the United States, the instrumentality, the

contractor, the subcontractor, or the employee, agent, or assign of

one of them, because of the cancer (including a specified cancer),

chronic silicosis, covered beryllium illness, or death in any

proceeding or action including a direct judicial proceeding, a civil

action, a proceeding in admiralty, or a proceeding under a tort

liability statute or the common law.

(b) APPLICABILITY.–This section applies to all cases filed on or

after the date of the enactment of this Act.

(c) WORKERS' COMPENSATION.–This section does not apply to

an administrative or judicial proceeding under a Federal or State workers'

compensation law.

Sec. 3645. Election of Remedy for Beryllium Employees and Atomic

Weapons Employees.

(a) ELECTION TO FILE SUIT.–If a tort case is filed after the date of

the enactment of this Act, alleging a claim referred to in section 3643

against a beryllium vendor or atomic weapons employer, the plaintiff shall

not be eligible for compensation or benefits under subtitle B unless the

plaintiff files such case within the applicable time limits in subsection (b).

(b) APPLICABLE TIME LIMITS.–A case described in subsection (a)

shall be filed not later than the later of–

(1) the date that is 30 months after the date of the enactment of this

Act; or

(2) the date that is 30 months after the date the plaintiff first

becomes aware that an illness covered by subtitle B of a covered

employee may be connected to the exposure of the covered employee

in the performance of duty.

(c) DISMISSAL OF CLAIMS.–Unless a case filed under

subsection (a) is dismissed prior to the time limits in subsection (b), the

plaintiff shall not be eligible for compensation under subtitle B.

(d) DISMISSAL OF PENDING SUIT.–If a tort case was filed on or

before the date of the enactment of this Act, alleging a claim referred to in

section 3643 against a beryllium vendor or atomic weapons employer, the

plaintiff shall not be eligible for compensation or benefits under subtitle B

unless the plaintiff dismisses such case not later than December 31, 2003.

(e) WORKERS' COMPENSATION.–This section does not apply to

an administrative or judicial proceeding under a State or Federal workers'

compensation law.
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Sec. 3646. Certification of Treatment of Payments under Other

Laws.

Compensation or benefits provided to an individual under subtitle B–

(1) shall be treated for purposes of the internal revenue laws of the

United States as damages for human suffering; and

(2) shall not be included as income or resources for purposes of

determining eligibility to receive benefits described in section

3803(c)(2)(C) of title 31, United States Code, or the amount of such

benefits.

Sec. 3647. Claims Not Assignable or Transferable; Choice of

Remedies.

(a) CLAIMS NOT ASSIGNABLE OR TRANSFERABLE.–No claim

cognizable under subtitle B shall be assignable or transferable.

(b) CHOICE OF REMEDIES.–No individual may receive more than

one payment of compensation under subtitle B.

Sec. 3648. Attorney Fees.

(a) GENERAL RULE.–Notwithstanding any contract, the

representative of an individual may not receive, for services rendered in

connection with the claim of an individual under subtitle B, more than

that percentage specified in subsection (b) of a payment made under

subtitle B on such claim.

(b) APPLICABLE PERCENTAGE LIMITATIONS.–The percentage

referred to in subsection (a) is–

(1) 2 percent for the filing of an initial claim; and

(2) 10 percent with respect to any claim with respect to which a

representative has made a contract for services before the date of the

enactment of this Act.

(c) PENALTY.–Any such representative who violates this section

shall be fined not more than $5,000.

Sec. 3649. Certain Claims Not Affected by Awards of Damages.

A payment under subtitle B shall not be considered as any form of

compensation or reimbursement for a loss for purposes of imposing

liability on any individual receiving such payment, on the basis of such

receipt, to repay any insurance carrier for insurance payments, or to repay

any person on account of worker's compensation payments; and a

payment under subtitle B shall not affect any claim against an insurance

carrier with respect to insurance or against any person with respect to

worker's compensation.

Sec. 3650. Forfeiture of Benefits by Convicted Felons.

(a) FORFEITURE OF COMPENSATION.–Any individual convicted

of a violation of section 1920 of title 18, United States Code, or any other

Federal or State criminal statute relating to fraud in the application for or

receipt of any benefit under subtitle B or under any other Federal or State

workers' compensation law, shall forfeit (as of the date of such

conviction) any entitlement to any compensation or benefit under subtitle

B such individual would otherwise be awarded for any injury, illness or

death covered by subtitle B for which the time of injury was on or before

the date of the conviction.

(b) INFORMATION.–Notwithstanding section 552a of title 5, United 

States Code, or any other Federal or State law, an agency of the United

States, a State, or a political subdivision of a State shall make available to

the President, upon written request from the President and if the President
Volume 1, Page 9–23

requires the information to carry out this section, the names and Social

Security account numbers of individuals confined, for conviction of a

felony, in a jail, prison, or other penal institution or correctional facility

under the jurisdiction of that agency.

Sec. 3651. Coordination with Other Federal Radiation Compensation

Laws.

Except in accordance with section 3630, an individual may not receive

compensation or benefits under the compensation program for cancer and

also receive compensation under the Radiation Exposure Compensation

Act (42 U.S.C. 2210 note) or section 1112(c) of title 38, United States

Code.

SUBTITLE D--ASSISTANCE IN STATE WORKERS'

COMPENSATION PROCEEDINGS

Sec. 3661. Agreements with States.

(a) AGREEMENTS AUTHORIZED.–The Secretary of Energy

(hereafter in this section referred to as the ``Secretary'') may enter into

agreements with the chief executive officer of a State to provide

assistance to a Department of Energy contractor employee in filing a

claim under the appropriate State workers' compensation system.

(b) PROCEDURE.–Pursuant to agreements under subsection (a), the

Secretary may–

(1) establish procedures under which an individual may submit an

application for review and assistance under this section; and

(2) review an application submitted under this section and

determine whether the applicant submitted reasonable evidence that–

(A) the application was filed by or on behalf of a Department

of Energy contractor employee or employee's estate; and

(B) the illness or death of the Department of Energy contractor

employee may have been related to employment at a Department

of Energy facility.

(c) SUBMITTAL OF APPLICATIONS TO PANELS.–If provided in

an agreement under subsection (a), and if the Secretary determines that

the applicant submitted reasonable evidence under subsection (b)(2), the

Secretary shall submit the application to a physicians panel established

under subsection (d). The Secretary shall assist the employee in obtaining

additional evidence within the control of the Department of Energy and

relevant to the panel's deliberations.

(d) COMPOSITION AND OPERATION OF PANELS.–

(1) The Secretary shall inform the Secretary of Health and Human

Services of the number of physicians panels the Secretary has

determined to be appropriate to administer this section, the number of

physicians needed for each panel, and the area of jurisdiction of each

panel. The Secretary may determine to have only one panel.

(2)(A) The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall

appoint panel members with experience and competency in

diagnosing occupational illnesses under section 3109 of title 5,

United States Code.

(B) Each member of a panel shall be paid at the rate of pay

payable for level III of the Executive Schedule for each day
Volume 1, Page 9–24

(including travel time) the member is engaged in the work of a

panel.

(3) A panel shall review an application submitted to it by the

Secretary and determine, under guidelines established by the

Secretary, by regulation, whether the illness or death that is the subject

of the application arose out of and in the course of employment by the

Department of Energy and exposure to a toxic substance at a

Department of Energy facility.

(4) At the request of a panel, the Secretary and a contractor who

employed a Department of Energy contractor employee shall provide

additional information relevant to the panel's deliberations. A panel

may consult specialists in relevant fields as it determines necessary.

(5) Once a panel has made a determination under paragraph (3), it

shall report to the Secretary its determination and the basis for the

determination.

(6) A panel established under this subsection shall not be subject

to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 USC App.).

(e) ASSISTANCE.–If provided in an agreement under subsection (a)–

(1) the Secretary shall review a panel's determination made under

subsection (d), information the panel considered in reaching its

determination, any relevant new information not reasonably available

at the time of the panel's deliberations, and the basis for the panel's

determination;

(2) as a result of the review under paragraph (1), the Secretary

shall accept the panel's determination in the absence of significant

evidence to the contrary; and

(3) if the panel has made a positive determination under

subsection (d) and the Secretary accepts the determination under

paragraph (2), or the panel has made a negative determination under

subsection (d) and the Secretary finds significant evidence to the

contrary–

(A) the Secretary shall assist the applicant to file a claim under

the appropriate State workers' compensation system based on the

health condition that was the subject of the determination;

(B) the Secretary thereafter–

(i) may not contest such claim;

(ii) may not contest an award made regarding such claim;

and

(iii) may, to the extent permitted by law, direct the

Department of Energy contractor who employed the applicant

not to contest such claim or such award, unless the Secretary

finds significant new evidence to justify such contest; and

(C) any costs of contesting a claim or an award regarding the

claim incurred by the contractor who employed the Department of

Energy contractor employee who is the subject of the claim shall

not be an allowable cost under a Department of Energy contract.

(f ) INFORMATION.–At the request of the Secretary, a contractor

who employed a Department of Energy contractor employee shall make

available to the Secretary and the employee information relevant to

deliberations under this section.

(g) GAO REPORT.–Not later than February 1, 2002, the Comptroller

General shall submit to Congress a report on the implementation by the
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Department of Energy of the provisions of this section and of the

effectiveness of the program under this section in assisting Department of

Energy contractor employees in obtaining compensation for occupational

illness.

* * * *

4. NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR

FISCAL YEAR 2000

Public Law 106-65 113 Stat. 927

October 5, 1999

* * * *

Sec. 3134. Procedures for Meeting Tritium Production

Requirements.

(a) PRODUCTION OF NEW TRITIUM–The Secretary of Energy

shall produce new tritium to meet the requirements of the Nuclear

Weapons Stockpile Memorandum at the Tennessee Valley Authority

Watts Bar or Sequoyah nuclear power plants consistent with the

Secretary’s December 22, 1998, decision document designating the

Secretary’s preferred tritium production technology.

(b) SUPPORT–To support the method of tritium production set forth

in subsection (a), the Secretary shall design and construct a new tritium

extraction facility in the H-Area of the Savannah River Site, Aiken, South

Carolina.

(c) DESIGN AND ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT–The Secretary

shall–

(1) complete preliminary design and engineering development of

the Accelerator Production of Tritium technology design as a backup

source of tritium to the source set forth in subsection (a) and

consistent with the Secretary’s December 22, 1998, decision

document; and

(2) make available those funds necessary to complete engineering

development and demonstration, preliminary design, and detailed

design of key elements of the system consistent with the Secretary’s

decision document of December 22, 1998.

* * * *
Volume 1, Page 9–26

5. STROM THURMOND NATIONAL DEFENSE

AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR

FISCAL YEAR 1999

Public Law 105-261 112 Stat. 2247

October 17, 1998

* * * *

Sec. 3134. Licensing of Certain Mixed Oxide Fuel Fabrication and

Irradiation Facilities

(a) LICENSE REQUIREMENT–Section 202 of the Energy

Reorganization Act of 1974 (42 USC 5842) is amended by adding at the

end the following new paragraph:

“(5) Any facility under a contract with and for the account of the

Department of Energy that is utilized for the express purpose of

fabricating mixed plutonium-uranium oxide nuclear reactor fuel for

use in a commercial nuclear reactor licensed under such Act, other

than any such facility t hat is utilized for research, development,

demonstration, testing, or analysis purposes.”.

42 USC 5842 note. (b) AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS FOR LICENSING BY

NRC–Section 210 of the Department of Energy Authorization Act of

1981 (42 USC 7272) shall not apply to any licensing activities required

pursuant to section 202(5) of the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 (42

USC 5842), as added by subsection (a).

42 USC 5842 note. (c) APPLICABILITY OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS TO ACTIVITIES UNDER LICENSE–Any

activities carried out under a license required pursuant to section 202(5)

of the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 (42 USC 5842), as added by

subsection (a), shall be subject to regulation under the Occupational

Safety and Health Act of 1970 (29 USC 651 et seq.).

* * * *

Sec. 3155. Disposition of Surplus Defense Plutonium at Savannah

River Site, Aiken, South Carolina.

(a) CONSULTATION REQUIRED.–The Secretary of Energy shall

consult with the Governor of the State of South Carolina regarding any

decisions or plans of the Secretary related to the disposition of surplus

defense plutonium and defense plutonium materials located at the

Savannah River Site, Aiken, South Carolina.

(b) NOTICE REQUIRED.–For each shipment of defense plutonium

or defense plutonium materials to the Savannah River Site, the Secretary

shall, not less than 30 days before the commencement of such shipment,

submit to the congressional defense committees a report providing notice

of such shipment.

(c) PLAN FOR DISPOSITION.–The Secretary shall prepare a plan

for disposal of the surplus defense plutonium and defense plutonium

materials currently located at the Savannah River Site and for disposal of

defense plutonium and defense plutonium materials to be shipped to the

Savannah River Site in the future. The plan shall include the following:

(1) A review of each option considered for such disposal.
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(2) An identification of the preferred option for such disposal.

(3) With respect to the facilities for such disposal that are required

by the Department of Energy's Record of Decision for the Storage and

Disposition of Weapons-Usable Fissile Materials Final Programmatic

Environmental Impact Statement dated January 14, 1997–

(A) a statement of the cost of construction and operation of

such facilities;

(B) a schedule for the expeditious construction of such

facilities, including milestones; and

(C) a firm schedule for funding the cost of such facilities.

(4) A specification of the means by which all such defense

plutonium and defense plutonium materials will be removed in a

timely manner from the Savannah River Site for storage or disposal

elsewhere.

(d) PLAN FOR ALTERNATIVE DISPOSITION.–If the Secretary

determines not to proceed at the Savannah River Site with construction of

the plutonium immobilization plant, or with the mixed oxide fuel

fabrication facility, the Secretary shall prepare a plan that identifies a

disposition path for all defense plutonium and defense plutonium

materials that would otherwise have been disposed of at such plant or

such facility, as applicable.

Deadline. (e) SUBMISSION OF PLANS.–Not later than February 1, 2002, the

Secretary shall submit to Congress the plan required by subsection (c)

(and the plan prepared under subsection (d), if applicable).

(f) LIMITATION ON PLUTONIUM SHIPMENTS.–If the Secretary

does not submit to Congress the plan required by subsection (c) (and the

plan prepared under subsection (d), if applicable) by February 1, 2002,

the Secretary shall be prohibited from shipping defense plutonium or

defense plutonium materials to the Savannah River Site during the period

beginning on February 1, 2002, and ending on the date on which such

plans are submitted to Congress.

(g) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.–Nothing in this section may be

construed to prohibit or limit the Secretary from shipping defense

plutonium or defense plutonium materials to sites other than the Savannah

River Site during the period referred to in subsection (f) or any other

period.

(h) ANNUAL REPORT ON FUNDING FOR FISSILE MATERIALS

DISPOSITION ACTIVITIES.–The Secretary shall include with the

budget justification materials submitted to Congress in support of the

Department of Energy budget for each fiscal year (as submitted with the

budget of the President under section 1105(a) of title 31, United States

Code) a report setting forth the extent to which amounts requested for the

Department for such fiscal year for fissile materials disposition activities

will enable the Department to meet commitments for the disposition of

surplus defense plutonium and defense plutonium materials located at the

Savannah River Site, and for any other fissile materials disposition

activities, in such fiscal year.