Opinion ID: 608109
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The Atomic Energy Act and Part 61 Regulations

Text: 5 The purpose of the Atomic Energy Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 2011 et seq., is to promote the use and development of atomic energy. This Act provides the basic authority for federal regulation and licensing of nuclear energy and nuclear materials. In December 1982, under the rule-making authority of the Atomic Energy Act, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission promulgated regulations for radioactive waste disposal. 10 C.F.R. Pt. 61. These Part 61 regulations set forth the procedures, criteria, and terms and conditions upon which the Commission issues licenses for the disposal of radioactive wastes. Id. The Part 61 regulations resulted from rule-making proceedings, which included the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's preparation of a 1982 Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). This 1982 EIS provided a general evaluation of the environmental effects of the Part 61 regulations. 6