Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to amend and pass a bill that expands the Radiation Protection Act of 1984 to include definitions of and regulations for nuclear microreactors and small modular reactors to increase accessibility in Pennsylvania.

Highlights:

• Defines a “microreactor” as an advanced nuclear reactor with a rated nameplate capacity of 100 electrical megawatts or less that can be constructed and operated in combination with similar reactors at a single site (Sec. 1).

• Defines a “small modular reactor” as an advanced nuclear reactor with a rated nameplate capacity of 400 electrical megawatts or less that can be constructed and operated in combination with similar reactors at a single site (Sec. 1).

• Requires anyone that holds a nuclear power reactor construction permit or operating license to pay fees to cover the costs of the programs under this Act (Sec. 2).

• Requires all nuclear power reactor construction permit or operating license holders to pay the amount deemed sufficient by the Department of Environmental Resources to cover the Act’s administrative costs within 30 days of the effective date and every following July 1 (Sec. 2).

• Prohibits the Department from imposing a fine that is less than $10,000 or more than $50,000 per site (Sec. 2).

• Requires all nuclear power reactor construction permit or operating license holders to pay the amount between $10,000-$50,000 to cover the Act’s provisions and other costs such as radiological emergency response equipment and exercise costs involving nonagency personnel (Sec. 2).

• Requires the Department and agency to conduct a review of the fees paid to them every three years beginning in 2030 (Sec. 2).

• Authorizes the Environmental Quality Board or Agency to introduce regulations to set new fee amounts if a change is necessary to cover administrative costs for the programs (Sec. 2).

• Establishes the Radiation Protection Fund, Radiation Emergency Response Fund, and Radiation Transportation Emergency Response Fund (Sec. 3).

• Specifies that this Act shall take effect in 60 days (Sec. 4).

Full Bill Text