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NRC Office of Public Engagement and Participation Act of 2025

USA119th CongressS-2161| Senate 
| Updated: 6/25/2025
Edward J. Markey

Edward J. Markey

Democratic Senator

Massachusetts

Cosponsors (1)
Peter Welch (Democratic)

Environment and Public Works Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill mandates the establishment of an Office of Public Engagement and Participation within the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) within 180 days of enactment. The Office's primary role is to enhance and support public participation in NRC proceedings, serving as a liaison for public interest advocates. It will provide educational and technical guidance, including assistance with submitting comments and hearing requests, and coordinate various forms of aid for participants. The Office will be led by a Director, appointed by the Chair with Commission approval, serving a five-year term. The Director will report to the Commission but maintain independence from individual members or staff, ensuring the Office can freely carry out its functions. A key responsibility includes facilitating the implementation of recommendations from the NRC's "Systematic Review of How Agency Programs, Policies, and Activities Address Environmental Justice" document. A significant provision is the creation of an Intervenor Trust Fund to provide financial compensation to eligible participants in NRC proceedings. Compensation will cover reasonable attorney's fees, expert witness fees, and other costs for participants who demonstrate significant financial hardship and whose involvement is determined to provide a substantial contribution to the proceeding record. The bill outlines a process for determining eligibility, including the possibility of up-front grants, and ensures that compensation claims are not affected by the outcome of the proceeding. The Commission is required to promulgate rules for this compensation process within 180 days. The Director of the Office must submit annual reports to Congress detailing the Office's activities, types of assistance requests received, common difficulties faced by the public, and an accounting of compensation requests and payments made. This Act explicitly states that it does not reduce existing public engagement standards for the Commission.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-5406
NRC Office of Public Engagement and Participation Act of 2024
Jun 25, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-4136
Introduced in House
Jun 25, 2025
Introduced in Senate
Jun 25, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-5406
    NRC Office of Public Engagement and Participation Act of 2024


  • June 25, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-4136
    Introduced in House


  • June 25, 2025
    Introduced in Senate


  • June 25, 2025
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Transportation and Public Works

NRC Office of Public Engagement and Participation Act of 2025

USA119th CongressS-2161| Senate 
| Updated: 6/25/2025
This bill mandates the establishment of an Office of Public Engagement and Participation within the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) within 180 days of enactment. The Office's primary role is to enhance and support public participation in NRC proceedings, serving as a liaison for public interest advocates. It will provide educational and technical guidance, including assistance with submitting comments and hearing requests, and coordinate various forms of aid for participants. The Office will be led by a Director, appointed by the Chair with Commission approval, serving a five-year term. The Director will report to the Commission but maintain independence from individual members or staff, ensuring the Office can freely carry out its functions. A key responsibility includes facilitating the implementation of recommendations from the NRC's "Systematic Review of How Agency Programs, Policies, and Activities Address Environmental Justice" document. A significant provision is the creation of an Intervenor Trust Fund to provide financial compensation to eligible participants in NRC proceedings. Compensation will cover reasonable attorney's fees, expert witness fees, and other costs for participants who demonstrate significant financial hardship and whose involvement is determined to provide a substantial contribution to the proceeding record. The bill outlines a process for determining eligibility, including the possibility of up-front grants, and ensures that compensation claims are not affected by the outcome of the proceeding. The Commission is required to promulgate rules for this compensation process within 180 days. The Director of the Office must submit annual reports to Congress detailing the Office's activities, types of assistance requests received, common difficulties faced by the public, and an accounting of compensation requests and payments made. This Act explicitly states that it does not reduce existing public engagement standards for the Commission.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-5406
NRC Office of Public Engagement and Participation Act of 2024
Jun 25, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-4136
Introduced in House
Jun 25, 2025
Introduced in Senate
Jun 25, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-5406
    NRC Office of Public Engagement and Participation Act of 2024


  • June 25, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-4136
    Introduced in House


  • June 25, 2025
    Introduced in Senate


  • June 25, 2025
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Edward J. Markey

Edward J. Markey

Democratic Senator

Massachusetts

Cosponsors (1)
Peter Welch (Democratic)

Environment and Public Works Committee

Transportation and Public Works

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted