Low-Dose Radiation Research Act of 2019

To amend the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to provide for a low-dose radiation basic research program. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Low-Dose Radiation Research Act of 2019 2. Low-dose radiation research program (a) In general Subtitle G of title IX of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 ( 42 U.S.C. 16311 42 U.S.C. 16317 977A. Low-dose radiation research program (a) In general The Secretary shall carry out a basic research program on low-dose and low dose-rate radiation to— (1) enhance the scientific understanding of, and reduce uncertainties associated with, the effects of exposure to low-dose and low dose-rate radiation; and (2) inform improved risk-assessment and risk-management methods with respect to such radiation. (b) Program components In carrying out the program required under subsection (a), the Secretary shall— (1) formulate scientific goals for low-dose and low dose-rate radiation basic research in the United States; (2) identify ongoing scientific challenges for understanding the long-term effects of ionizing radiation on biological systems; (3) develop a long-term strategic and prioritized basic research agenda to address such scientific challenges in coordination with other research efforts; (4) identify and, to the extent possible, quantify, potential monetary and health-related benefits to Federal agencies, the general public, industry, research communities, and other users of information produced by such research program; (5) leverage the collective body of knowledge from existing low-dose and low dose-rate radiation research; and (6) engage with other Federal agencies, research communities, and potential users of information produced under this section, including institutions concerning radiation research, medical physics, radiology, health physics, and emergency response. (c) Coordination In carrying out the program, the Secretary, in coordination with the Physical Science Subcommittee of the National Science and Technology Council, shall— (1) support the directives under section 106 of the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act ( 42 U.S.C. 6601 (2) ensure that the Office of Science of the Department of Energy consults and coordinates with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the National Institutes of Health, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Defense, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and the Department of Homeland Security; (3) advise and assist the National Science and Technology Council on policies and initiatives in radiation biology, including enhancing scientific knowledge of the effects of low-dose and low dose-rate radiation on biological systems to improve radiation risk-assessment and risk-management methods; and (4) identify opportunities to stimulate international cooperation relating to low-dose and low dose-rate radiation and leverage research and knowledge from sources outside of the United States. (d) Research plan Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall transmit to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a 4-year research plan that identifies and prioritizes basic research needs relating to low-dose and low dose-rate radiation. In developing such plan, the Secretary shall incorporate the components described in subsection (b). (e) Definitions In this section: (1) Low-dose radiation The term low-dose radiation (2) Low dose-rate radiation The term low dose-rate radiation (f) Rule of construction Nothing in this section shall be construed to subject any research carried out by the Secretary for the program under this section to any limitations described in 977(e). (g) Funding For purposes of carrying out this section, the Secretary is authorized to make available from funds provided to the Biological and Environmental Research Program— (1) $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2020; (2) $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2021; (3) $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2022; and (4) $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2023. . (b) Conforming amendment The table of contents for subtitle G of title IX of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 977 the following: 977A. Low-dose radiation research program. . 3. Spending limitation No additional funds are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act and the amendments made by this Act, and this Act and such amendments shall be carried out using amounts otherwise available for such purpose.

Summary: Low-Dose Radiation Research Act of 2019 This bill requires the Department of Energy to conduct a research program on low-dose and low-dose-rate radiation to enhance the scientific understanding of the effects of exposure and to improve risk-assessment and risk-management methods. Low-dose radiation means a dose of less than 100 millisieverts. Low-dose-rate radition means a radiation dose rate of less than 5 millisieverts per hour. (For comparison, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission limits an adult's annual occupational radiation dose to 50 millisieverts and dose rate to approximately .025 millisieverts per hour.)