H.R. 6613

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 6613 Introduced in House (IH)]

<DOC>

119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 6613

To amend the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to provide for consultation with 
State, Tribal, and local governments, the consideration of State, 
Tribal, and local concerns, and the approval of post-shutdown 
decommissioning activities reports by the Nuclear Regulatory 
Commission.

_______________________________________________________________________

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

December 11, 2025

Ms. Balint introduced the following bill; which was referred to the 
Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on 
Transportation and Infrastructure, and Financial Services, for a period 
to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for 
consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the 
committee concerned

_______________________________________________________________________

A BILL

To amend the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to provide for consultation with 
State, Tribal, and local governments, the consideration of State, 
Tribal, and local concerns, and the approval of post-shutdown 
decommissioning activities reports by the Nuclear Regulatory 
Commission.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``Nuclear Plant Decommissioning Act of 
2025''.

SEC. 2. POST-SHUTDOWN DECOMMISSIONING ACTIVITIES REPORTS.

(a) In General.--Chapter 10 of title I of the Atomic Energy Act of 
1954 (42 U.S.C. 2131 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the 
following:

``SEC. 113. POST-SHUTDOWN DECOMMISSIONING ACTIVITIES REPORTS.

``a. Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Affected state.--The term `affected State' means--
``(A) the host State of a covered facility; and
``(B) each State located within 50 miles of a 
covered facility.
``(2) Commission.--The term `Commission' means the Nuclear 
Regulatory Commission.
``(3) Covered facility.--The term `covered facility' means 
a facility of a licensee for which a PSDAR is required.
``(4) Covered material.--The term `covered material' 
means--
``(A) high-level radioactive waste;
``(B) spent nuclear fuel;
``(C) transuranic waste;
``(D) byproduct material that meets the 
requirements of section 11 e. (2); and
``(E) any other nuclear or radioactive waste or 
material for which the Commission determines that a 
material change by the licensee in the manner of 
handling, storing, or disposing of that waste or 
material should be preceded by consultation under 
subsection b.
``(5) Covered psdar.--The term `covered PSDAR' means--
``(A) the initial PSDAR for a covered facility; and
``(B) any subsequent PSDAR for a covered facility 
in which the licensee proposes, as determined by the 
Commission--
``(i) a significant update to the 
decommissioning strategy; or
``(ii) a material change in the manner in 
which covered material is handled, stored, or 
disposed of.
``(6) Host state.--The term `host State' means the State in 
which a covered facility is located.
``(7) License; licensee.--The terms `license' and 
`licensee' have the meanings given those terms in section 50.2 
of title 10, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor 
regulations).
``(8) PSDAR.--The term `PSDAR' means a post-shutdown 
decommissioning activities report submitted to the Commission 
and affected States under section 50.82(a)(4)(i) of title 10, 
Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations).
``(9) Transferee.--The term `transferee' means an entity to 
which a licensee proposes to transfer a license for a covered 
facility.
``(10) Tribal government.--The term `Tribal government' 
means the governing body of an Indian Tribe (as defined in 
section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education 
Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304)).
``b. Consultation Required.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
law (including regulations), a licensee may not submit to the 
Commission a proposed covered PSDAR, or transfer to another entity the 
license, for a covered facility until the licensee and the transferee, 
if applicable, conduct consultation regarding the development of the 
proposed covered PSDAR or the proposed license transfer, as applicable, 
with--
``(1) each affected State; and
``(2) each unit of State government or Tribal government 
that--
``(A) is located in an affected State; and
``(B) has jurisdiction over land located within 50 
miles of the covered facility.
``c. Submission to Commission; Public Availability.--
``(1) In general.--After carrying out the consultation 
required under subsection b. with respect to a proposed covered 
PSDAR or transfer of a license for a covered facility, the 
licensee shall--
``(A) submit to the Commission, as applicable--
``(i) the proposed covered PSDAR; or
``(ii) an application for transfer of a 
license; and
``(B) subject to paragraph (3), make the proposed 
covered PSDAR or application for transfer of a license, 
as applicable, available to the public.
``(2) Public availability.--On receipt of a proposed 
covered PSDAR or application for transfer of a license under 
paragraph (1)(A), the Commission shall, subject to paragraph 
(3), make the proposed covered PSDAR or application for 
transfer of a license, as applicable, available to the public.
``(3) Exclusion of certain information.--In making a 
proposed covered PSDAR or application for transfer of a 
license, as applicable, available to the public under paragraph 
(1)(B) or (2), the Commission or the licensee, as applicable, 
may redact such information as the Commission or the licensee, 
as applicable, determines to be necessary to protect--
``(A) trade secrets and commercial or financial 
information under section 552(b)(4) of title 5, United 
States Code; or
``(B) national security.
``d. Public Participation.--For a period of not less than 90 days 
beginning on the date on which a licensee submits a proposed covered 
PSDAR to the Commission under subsection c. (1)(A) or the date on which 
the Commission dockets an application for transfer of a license under 
section 2.101 of title 10, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor 
regulations), as applicable, the Commission shall solicit in the host 
State public comments regarding the proposed covered PSDAR or notice of 
proposed license transfer, including through--
``(1) the solicitation of written comments; and
``(2) the conduct of not fewer than 2 public meetings.
``e. Support, Conditional Support, or Nonsupport by Host State.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 60 days after the date of 
receipt of a proposed covered PSDAR or the date on which the 
Commission dockets an application for transfer of a license 
under section 2.101 of title 10, Code of Federal Regulations 
(or successor regulations), as applicable, for a covered 
facility, the Commission shall notify the host State of the 
opportunity to file with the Commission, by the date that is 60 
days after the date on which the host State receives the 
notification--
``(A) a statement of support for the proposed 
covered PSDAR or license transfer;
``(B) a statement of conditional support for the 
proposed covered PSDAR or license transfer, together 
with specific recommendations for changes that could 
lead the host State to support the proposed covered 
PSDAR or license transfer; or
``(C) a statement of nonsupport for the proposed 
covered PSDAR or license transfer.
``(2) Statement of support or nonsupport; failure to 
submit.--
``(A) In general.--If the host State files with the 
Commission a statement of support under paragraph 
(1)(A) or a statement of nonsupport under paragraph 
(1)(C), or fails to file a statement with the 
Commission by the deadline specified in paragraph (1), 
the Commission shall issue a determination regarding 
whether the proposed covered PSDAR is adequate or 
inadequate or a determination regarding whether to 
provide consent for the proposed license transfer, as 
applicable--
``(i) based on the considerations described 
in subparagraph (B); and
``(ii) after taking into consideration--
``(I) any written comments 
submitted by the host State, other 
affected States, and local communities 
with respect to the proposed covered 
PSDAR or license transfer; and
``(II) any input from the public 
under subsection d.
``(B) Considerations.--The Commission shall 
consider a proposed covered PSDAR or license transfer 
to be adequate under subparagraph (A) if the Commission 
determines that--
``(i) the proposed covered PSDAR or license 
transfer provides for--
``(I) the overall protection of 
human health and the environment; and
``(II) adequate protection to the 
health and safety of the public and the 
common defense and security;
``(ii) the licensee (and, if applicable, 
the transferee) has a substantial likelihood of 
implementing the proposed covered PSDAR or 
license transfer within the timeframe described 
in the proposed covered PSDAR or license 
transfer application;
``(iii) the proposed covered PSDAR or 
license transfer is in accordance with 
applicable law (including regulations); and
``(iv) the licensee (and, if applicable, 
the transferee) has demonstrated that the 
licensee has, or will have, the funds required 
to fully implement the proposed covered PSDAR 
or license transfer within the timeframe 
described in the proposed covered PSDAR or 
license transfer application, based on--
``(I) a comprehensive radiological 
site assessment and characterization; 
and
``(II) a nonradiological site 
assessment and characterization 
conducted by the host State.
``(C) Determination of adequacy.--Subject to 
paragraph (4), if the Commission determines that a 
proposed covered PSDAR or license transfer is adequate 
under subparagraphs (A) and (B), the Commission shall 
issue a decision document approving the covered PSDAR 
or license transfer.
``(D) Determination of inadequacy.--
``(i) In general.--If the Commission 
determines that a proposed covered PSDAR or 
license transfer is inadequate under 
subparagraphs (A) and (B)--
``(I) the Commission shall issue a 
decision document rejecting the 
proposed covered PSDAR or license 
transfer, including a description of 
the reasons for the decision, by the 
applicable deadline under paragraph 
(4); and
``(II) the licensee may develop and 
submit to the Commission a new proposed 
covered PSDAR or license transfer 
application in accordance with this 
section.
``(ii) Certain covered psdars.--If the 
Commission rejects a proposed covered PSDAR 
that is the initial PSDAR for a covered 
facility, the licensee shall develop and submit 
to the Commission a new proposed covered PSDAR 
in accordance with this section not later than 
2 years after the date of cessation of 
operations at the covered facility.
``(3) Conditional support by host state.--
``(A) In general.--In any case in which the host 
State files with the Commission a statement of 
conditional support of a proposed covered PSDAR or 
license transfer under paragraph (1)(B), the Commission 
shall determine whether the proposed covered PSDAR or 
license transfer is permissible under applicable law 
(including regulations).
``(B) Changes.--Notwithstanding the adequate 
protection of public health and safety or the common 
defense and security, for each change recommended by 
the host State under paragraph (1)(B), the Commission 
shall--
``(i) provide for the inclusion of the 
change into the final covered PSDAR or license 
transfer, unless the Commission determines the 
change to be inappropriate for inclusion, based 
on clear and convincing evidence that--
``(I) the change violates 
applicable law; or
``(II) the total costs of the 
change substantially outweigh the 
safety, economic, or environmental 
benefits of the change to the host 
State; and
``(ii) if applicable, provide the rationale 
for each determination of inappropriateness 
under clause (i).
``(C) Decision document.--
``(i) In general.--Subject to paragraph 
(4), based on the determinations made under 
subparagraphs (A) and (B), the Commission shall 
issue a decision document relating to a 
proposed covered PSDAR or license transfer 
that, as applicable--
``(I) approves the proposed covered 
PSDAR or license transfer with any 
changes recommended by the host State 
that are not determined to be 
inappropriate under subparagraph (B); 
or
``(II) rejects the proposed covered 
PSDAR or license transfer.
``(ii) Applicable law.--A decision document 
issued under clause (i) or subparagraph (C) or 
(D)(i) of paragraph (2) shall be considered to 
be a final order entered in a proceeding under 
section 189 a.
``(D) Treatment on approval.--On approval by the 
Commission of a proposed covered PSDAR or license 
transfer under subparagraph (C)(i)(I) or paragraph 
(2)(C)--
``(i) the covered PSDAR or approval of the 
license transfer by the Commission shall be 
final; and
``(ii) the licensee may begin 
implementation of the covered PSDAR.
``(E) Rejection.--
``(i) In general.--If the Commission 
rejects a proposed covered PSDAR or license 
transfer under subparagraph (C)(i)(II), the 
licensee may develop and submit to the 
Commission a new proposed covered PSDAR or 
license transfer application in accordance with 
this section.
``(ii) Certain covered psdars.--If the 
Commission rejects a proposed covered PSDAR 
that is the initial PSDAR for a covered 
facility, the licensee shall develop and submit 
to the Commission a new proposed covered PSDAR 
in accordance with this section not later than 
2 years after the date of cessation of 
operations at the covered facility.
``(4) Deadline for decision document.--
``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraphs (B) and 
(C), the Commission shall issue a decision document 
relating to a proposed covered PSDAR or license 
transfer under subparagraph (C) or (D)(i)(I) of 
paragraph (2) or paragraph (3)(C)(i) by not later than 
1 year after the date on which the proposed covered 
PSDAR or an application for transfer of a license, as 
applicable, is submitted to the Commission under 
subsection c. (1)(A).
``(B) Proposed intermediate license transfers.--
``(i) Definition of proposed intermediate 
license transfer.--In this subparagraph, the 
term `proposed intermediate license transfer' 
means a proposed transfer of license--
``(I) for a covered facility on 
behalf of which a proposed covered 
PSDAR has been submitted by the 
licensee to the Commission under 
subsection c. (1)(A)(i); and
``(II) the notice of which is 
submitted to the Commission under 
subsection c. (1)(A)(ii) before the 
applicable deadline under subparagraph 
(A) for the issuance by the Commission 
of a decision document relating to the 
proposed covered PSDAR described in 
subclause (I).
``(ii) Deadline.--Subject to subparagraph 
(C), in any case in which a licensee submits to 
the Commission a notice of a proposed 
intermediate license transfer of a covered 
facility, the Commission shall issue a decision 
document relating to the proposed covered PSDAR 
of the covered facility by not later than 1 
year after the date of receipt of the 
application for transfer of a license.
``(C) Extension.--If there are unforeseen 
circumstances, including unexpected technical issues, 
site-specific characteristics, or other external 
factors that could affect the ability of the Commission 
to issue a decision document by a deadline specified in 
subparagraph (A) or (B)(ii), the Commission may extend 
the applicable deadline for a reasonable period of 
time, as determined by the Commission.
``f. Additional Requirements.--
``(1) Action by transferees.--On transfer of a license for 
a covered facility by a licensee to a transferee in accordance 
with this section, the transferee shall conduct consultation in 
accordance with subsection b. with respect to each proposed 
covered PSDAR developed by the transferee for the covered 
facility.
``(2) State environmental law compliance.--Notwithstanding 
any other provision of this section, the Commission shall not 
approve a proposed covered PSDAR or license transfer under this 
section unless the proposed covered PSDAR or license transfer 
for a covered facility includes a requirement that the licensee 
and the transferee, if applicable, shall comply with applicable 
State law relating to air, water, or soil quality or 
radiological standards with respect to the implementation of 
the proposed covered PSDAR or license transfer in any case in 
which the applicable State law is more restrictive than an 
applicable Federal law.
``g. Application to Existing Decommissioning Activities.--
``(1) In general.--The Commission shall notify--
``(A) each licensee or transferee, if applicable, 
of the opportunity to develop and submit to the 
Commission for approval a revised covered PSDAR for any 
covered facility of the licensee for which, as of the 
date of enactment of this section--
``(i) decontamination and dismantlement 
activities described in an existing covered 
PSDAR have not commenced at the covered 
facility; or
``(ii) decontamination and dismantlement 
activities described in an existing covered 
PSDAR have been commenced at the covered 
facility for a period of less than 5 years; and
``(B) each affected State with respect to a covered 
facility described in subparagraph (A) of the 
opportunity to consult with a licensee or transferee 
described in that subparagraph in accordance with 
subsection b.
``(2) Process.--
``(A) In general.--Except as provided in paragraphs 
(3) and (4), if a licensee or transferee described in 
paragraph (1)(A) elects to submit to the Commission a 
revised covered PSDAR under that paragraph, the process 
for consideration and approval of the revised covered 
PSDAR shall be carried out in accordance with--
``(i) the process for consideration and 
approval of a proposed covered PSDAR for a 
covered facility under subsections b., c., d., 
and f.; and
``(ii) the process for support, conditional 
support, or nonsupport by the host State under 
subsection e.
``(B) Nonselection.--If a licensee or transferee 
described in paragraph (1)(A) elects not to revise an 
existing covered PSDAR under that paragraph, the host 
State may file a statement of support, conditional 
support, or nonsupport for the existing covered PSDAR 
in accordance with the process for support, conditional 
support, or nonsupport by a host State under subsection 
e.
``(3) Decision document.--A decision document for a revised 
covered PSDAR submitted under paragraph (1)(A), or for an 
existing covered PSDAR in any case in which the licensee or 
transferee elects not to revise the existing covered PSDAR, 
shall be issued in accordance with subparagraph (C) or 
(D)(i)(I) of subsection e. (2) or subsection e. (3)(C), as 
applicable, except that the Commission shall issue the decision 
document by the date that is 1 year after the date on which the 
applicable decontamination and dismantlement activities 
commence at the applicable covered facility.
``(4) Revision after determination of inadequacy.--If the 
Commission rejects a revised covered PSDAR submitted by a 
licensee or transferee under paragraph (1)(A) in accordance 
with subsection e. (2)(D)(i)(I) or subsection e. (3)(C)(i)(II), 
the licensee or transferee shall develop and submit to the 
Commission a new revised covered PSDAR in accordance with this 
subsection by not later than 2 years after the date of the 
rejection.''.
(b) Technical and Conforming Amendments.--
(1) In general.--The Atomic Energy Act of 1954 is amended--
(A) in section 103 (42 U.S.C. 2133), by 
redesignating subsection f. as subsection e.; and
(B) in section 111 (42 U.S.C. 2141), by striking 
the section designation and all that follows through 
``The Nuclear'' in subsection a. and inserting the 
following:

``SEC. 111. LICENSING BY NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION OF DISTRIBUTION 
OF CERTAIN MATERIALS BY DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY.

``a. The Nuclear''.
(2) Table of contents.--The table of contents of the Atomic 
Energy Act of 1954 (68 Stat. 919; 126 Stat. 2216) is amended by 
striking the items relating to chapter 10 of title I and 
inserting the following:

``Chapter 10. Atomic Energy Licenses

``Sec. 101. License required.
``Sec. 102. Utilization and production facilities for industrial or 
commercial purposes.
``Sec. 103. Commercial licenses.
``Sec. 104. Medical therapy and research and development.
``Sec. 105. Antitrust provisions.
``Sec. 106. Classes of facilities.
``Sec. 107. Operators' licenses.
``Sec. 108. War or national emergency.
``Sec. 109. Component and other parts of facilities.
``Sec. 110. Exclusions.
``Sec. 111. Licensing by Nuclear Regulatory Commission of distribution 
of certain materials by Department of 
Energy.
``Sec. 112. Domestic medical isotope production.
``Sec. 113. Post-shutdown decommissioning activities reports.''.

SEC. 3. GRANT PROGRAMS TO SUPPORT THE ACTIVITIES OF COMMUNITY ADVISORY 
BOARDS.

(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Community advisory board.--The term ``community 
advisory board'' means a community committee or other advisory 
organization that aims to foster communication and information 
exchange between--
(A) a licensee planning for and involved in 
decommissioning activities; and
(B) members of a community that may be affected by 
the decommissioning activities of that licensee.
(2) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the Nuclear 
Regulatory Commission.
(3) Decommission.--The term ``decommission'' has the 
meaning given the term in section 50.2 of title 10, Code of 
Federal Regulations (or successor regulations).
(4) Licensee.--The term ``licensee'' has the meaning given 
the term in section 50.2 of title 10, Code of Federal 
Regulations (or successor regulations).
(5) Small, rural, or disadvantaged community.--The term 
``small, rural, or disadvantaged community'' means an area 
that--
(A) has a population of fewer than 50,000 
individuals; or
(B) is disadvantaged with respect to geographic, 
socioeconomic, public health, or environmental hazard 
criteria, as determined by the Commission.
(b) Short-Term Grant Program.--
(1) Definition of eligible entity.--In this subsection, the 
term ``eligible entity'' means--
(A) a State in which a civilian nuclear power plant 
or nuclear power generation unit, as determined by the 
Commission, is decommissioned or is in the process of 
being decommissioned during the 3-year period beginning 
on the date of enactment of this Act; and
(B) an Indian Tribe the land of which contains a 
civilian nuclear power plant or nuclear power 
generation unit, as determined by the Commission, that 
is decommissioned or is in the process of being 
decommissioned during the 3-year period beginning on 
the date of enactment of this Act.
(2) Establishment.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Commission shall establish a 
grant program under which the Commission shall award grants to 
eligible entities to support the activities of community 
advisory boards.
(3) Applications.--An eligible entity desiring a grant 
under this subsection shall submit to the Commission an 
application at such time, in such manner, and containing such 
information as the Commission may require.
(4) Use of funds.--
(A) Awarding of subgrants.--An eligible entity 
shall use a grant awarded under this subsection to make 
subgrants to community advisory boards for use in 
accordance with subparagraph (B).
(B) Use of subgrants.--A community advisory board 
may use a subgrant awarded under subparagraph (A)--
(i) to hire or consult with experts;
(ii) for administrative costs;
(iii) to cover travel expenses;
(iv) for website and social media 
maintenance;
(v) for the preparation of annual reports 
and other communications;
(vi) to contract for services;
(vii) to reimburse volunteers; and
(viii) to cover other reasonable and 
necessary expenses of the community advisory 
board, as determined to be appropriate by the 
Commission.
(5) Distribution of funds.--The Commission shall establish 
a formula to ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, 
geographic diversity among grant recipients under this 
subsection.
(6) Requirement.--In carrying out this subsection, the 
Commission, to the maximum extent practicable, shall implement 
the recommendations described in the report submitted to 
Congress under section 108 of the Nuclear Energy Innovation and 
Modernization Act (Public Law 115-439; 132 Stat. 5577) entitled 
``Best Practices for Establishment and Operation of Local 
Community Advisory Boards Associated with Decommissioning 
Activities at Nuclear Power Plants''.
(7) Cost sharing.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
law, with respect to a subgrant awarded under this subsection, 
neither the Commission nor an eligible entity may impose a 
cost-sharing requirement on a community advisory board with 
respect to--
(A) any activity that is carried out on behalf of, 
for the benefit of, or to foster communication and 
information exchange with, a small, rural, or 
disadvantaged community; or
(B) any activity of the community advisory board 
if--
(i) the applicable nuclear power plant or 
nuclear power generation unit is located in a 
small, rural, or disadvantaged community; or
(ii) a small, rural, or disadvantaged 
community may be disproportionately impacted by 
the applicable decommissioning activities of 
the licensee.
(8) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized 
to be appropriated to the Commission to carry out this 
subsection $12,500,000 for the period of fiscal years 2026 
through 2028, to remain available until the date that is 5 
years after the date of enactment of this Act.
(c) Long-Term Grant Program.--
(1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
(A) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' 
means--
(i) a State in which a civilian nuclear 
power plant or nuclear power generation unit, 
as determined by the Commission, is 
decommissioned or is in the process of being 
decommissioned more than 3 years after the date 
of enactment of this Act; and
(ii) an Indian Tribe the land of which 
contains a civilian nuclear power plant or 
nuclear power generation unit, as determined by 
the Commission, that is decommissioned or is in 
the process of being decommissioned more than 3 
years after the date of enactment of this Act.
(B) Fund.--The term ``Fund'' means the Community 
Advisory Board Fund established under paragraph (2).
(C) PSDAR.--The term ``PSDAR'' means a post-
shutdown decommissioning activities report submitted to 
the Commission and affected States under section 
50.82(a)(4)(i) of title 10, Code of Federal Regulations 
(or successor regulations).
(2) Community advisory board fund.--
(A) Establishment.--There is established in the 
Treasury of the United States a fund, to be known as 
the ``Community Advisory Board Fund''.
(B) Deposits.--Each fiscal year, there shall be 
deposited in the Fund an amount equal to the total 
amount collected by the Commission pursuant to the 
regulations promulgated under paragraph (7) for the 
fiscal year.
(C) Use of fund.--Amounts in the Fund shall be 
available to the Commission, without further 
appropriation or fiscal year limitation, for making 
grants under this subsection.
(3) Establishment of grant program.--Not later than 1 year 
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commission shall 
establish a grant program under which the Commission shall 
award grants to eligible entities to support the activities of 
community advisory boards.
(4) Applications.--An eligible entity desiring a grant 
under this subsection shall submit to the Commission an 
application at such time, in such manner, and containing such 
information as the Commission may require.
(5) Use of funds.--
(A) Awarding of subgrants.--An eligible entity 
shall use a grant awarded under this subsection to make 
subgrants to community advisory boards for use in 
accordance with subparagraph (B).
(B) Use of subgrants.--A community advisory board 
may use a subgrant awarded under subparagraph (A)--
(i) to hire or consult with experts;
(ii) for administrative costs;
(iii) to cover travel expenses;
(iv) for website and social media 
maintenance;
(v) for the preparation of annual reports 
and other communications;
(vi) to contract for services;
(vii) to reimburse volunteers; and
(viii) to cover other reasonable and 
necessary expenses of the community advisory 
board, as determined to be appropriate by the 
Commission.
(6) Cost sharing.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
law, with respect to a subgrant awarded under this subsection, 
neither the Commission nor an eligible entity may impose a 
cost-sharing requirement on a community advisory board with 
respect to--
(A) any activity that is carried out on behalf of, 
for the benefit of, or to foster communication and 
information exchange with, a small, rural, or 
disadvantaged community; or
(B) any activity of the community advisory board 
if--
(i) the applicable nuclear power plant or 
nuclear power generation unit is located in a 
small, rural, or disadvantaged community; or
(ii) a small, rural, or disadvantaged 
community may be disproportionately impacted by 
the applicable decommissioning activities of 
the licensee.
(7) Rulemaking.--
(A) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Commission shall 
promulgate regulations requiring a licensee submitting 
to the Commission a PSDAR relating to the 
decommissioning of a nuclear power plant or a nuclear 
power generation unit, as determined by the Commission, 
for which consultation is required under section 113 b. 
of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to certify that the 
licensee has paid to the Commission for deposit into 
the Fund--
(i) in the case of a PSDAR relating to the 
decommissioning of 1 or more nuclear power 
plants, $500,000 for each of those power 
plants; or
(ii) in the case of a PSDAR relating to the 
decommissioning of 1 or more nuclear power 
generation units, as determined by the 
Commission, $500,000 for each nuclear power 
plant in which those units are located.
(B) Requirements.--The regulations promulgated 
under subparagraph (A) shall provide that--
(i) for each subsequent PSDAR relating to a 
nuclear power plant for which a PSDAR was 
previously submitted relating to the power 
plant or any nuclear power generation unit 
located in the power plant--
(I) if consultation is required 
under section 113 b. of the Atomic 
Energy Act of 1954 with respect to the 
subsequent PSDAR or any decommissioning 
activities relating to the subsequent 
PSDAR, the licensee submitting the 
subsequent PSDAR shall certify that the 
licensee has paid to the Commission for 
deposit into the Fund $500,000, which 
shall be in addition to any amounts 
previously paid to the Commission for 
deposit into the Fund relating to any 
previously submitted PSDAR; and
(II) if consultation under section 
113 b. of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 
is not required with respect to the 
subsequent PSDAR or any decommissioning 
activities relating to the subsequent 
PSDAR, the licensee submitting the 
subsequent PSDAR shall certify that 
such consultation is not required;
(ii) a licensee may pay to the Commission 
the amounts described in clause (i) or (ii) of 
subparagraph (A) or in subclause (I) of clause 
(i) at any time prior to the submission of a 
PSDAR relating to those amounts; and
(iii) with respect to a merchant power 
plant, no amounts may be withdrawn from the 
decommissioning trust fund relating to that 
merchant power plant for the purpose of paying 
to the Commission an amount described in--
(I) clause (i) or (ii) of 
subparagraph (A); or
(II) subclause (I) of clause (i).
(C) Limitation.--A licensee that has paid to the 
Commission the amount described in clause (i) or (ii) 
of subparagraph (A) with respect to a nuclear power 
plant shall not be required to pay that amount with 
respect to the same power plant on submission of any 
subsequent PSDAR relating to the decommissioning of 
that power plant or any nuclear power generation unit 
located in that power plant if consultation is not 
required with respect to that PSDAR or any 
decommissioning activities relating to that PSDAR under 
section 113 b. of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954.
(8) Requirement.--In carrying out this subsection, the 
Commission, to the maximum extent practicable, shall implement 
the recommendations described in the report submitted to 
Congress under section 108 of the Nuclear Energy Innovation and 
Modernization Act (Public Law 115-439; 132 Stat. 5577) entitled 
``Best Practices for Establishment and Operation of Local 
Community Advisory Boards Associated with Decommissioning 
Activities at Nuclear Power Plants''.

SEC. 4. ASSISTANCE FOR NUCLEAR HOST COMMUNITIES.

(a) Funding.--Section 701(f)(1) of the Public Works and Economic 
Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3231(f)(1)) is amended by striking 
``2029'' and inserting ``2034''.
(b) Additional Activities.--Section 209(e)(2)(A) of the Public 
Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3149(e)(2)(A)) is 
amended by inserting ``, including through capacity building and 
economic resilience activities'' after ``communities''.
(c) Federal Share.--Section 204(c) of the Public Works and Economic 
Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3144(c)) is amended by adding at the 
end the following:
``(5) Certain nuclear host communities.--
``(A) In general.--In the case of a grant to a 
nuclear host community under section 209(e) that is a 
small, rural, or disadvantaged community, the Federal 
share of the cost of the project or activity carried 
out with the grant shall be 100 percent.
``(B) Definitions.--In this paragraph:
``(i) Nuclear host community.--The term 
`nuclear host community' has the meaning given 
the term in section 209(e)(1).
``(ii) Small, rural, or disadvantaged 
community.--The term `small, rural, or 
disadvantaged community' means an area that--
``(I) has a population of fewer 
than 50,000 individuals; or
``(II) is disadvantaged with 
respect to geographic, socioeconomic, 
public health, or environmental hazard 
criteria, as determined by the 
Secretary.''.

SEC. 5. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR COMMUNITIES WITH STRANDED NUCLEAR 
WASTE.

(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Affected community.--The term ``affected community'' 
means a unit of local government, including a county, city, 
town, village, school district, or special district, that 
contains stranded nuclear waste within the boundaries of the 
unit of local government, as determined by the Secretary.
(2) Eligible civilian nuclear power plant.--The term 
``eligible civilian nuclear power plant'' means a nuclear power 
plant that--
(A) has been decommissioned; or
(B) is in the process of being decommissioned.
(3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
of Energy.
(4) Stranded nuclear waste.--The term ``stranded nuclear 
waste'' means nuclear waste or spent nuclear fuel stored in dry 
casks or spent fuel pools at a decommissioned or 
decommissioning nuclear facility.
(b) Establishment.--Not later than 60 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish and carry out a 
noncompetitive grant program to provide financial assistance to units 
of local government within the jurisdictional boundary of which an 
eligible civilian nuclear power plant is located to offset the economic 
and social impacts of stranded nuclear waste in affected communities.
(c) Eligibility.--A unit of local government that is an affected 
community shall be eligible to receive a grant under this section for a 
fiscal year.
(d) Awards.--
(1) Amount.--The amount of a grant awarded under subsection 
(b) shall be equal to $15 for each kilogram of spent nuclear 
fuel stored at the eligible civilian nuclear power plant in the 
affected community.
(2) Number and frequency.--With respect to each eligible 
civilian nuclear power plant, the Secretary may only award 1 
grant under subsection (b) to each eligible unit of local 
government for each fiscal year.
(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--
(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to 
the Secretary such sums as are necessary to carry out this 
section for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2035.
(2) No offset.--None of the funds made available under this 
subsection may be used to offset the funding for any other 
Federal program.

SEC. 6. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN HOST COMMUNITIES.

(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Certification of permanent cessation of operations.--
The term ``certification of permanent cessation of operations'' 
means a written certification of the determination of a 
licensee to permanently cease operations of a civilian nuclear 
power plant required to be submitted to the Commission under 
section 50.82 of title 10, Code of Federal Regulations (or 
successor regulations).
(2) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the Nuclear 
Regulatory Commission.
(3) Covered facility.--The term ``covered facility'' means 
a civilian nuclear power plant for which decommissioning 
activities will be carried out after the date of enactment of 
this Act, including--
(A) new and existing civilian nuclear power plants 
for which decommissioning activities have not begun as 
of that date of enactment; and
(B) existing civilian nuclear power plants for 
which decommissioning activities have begun as of that 
date of enactment.
(4) Decommission.--The term ``decommission'' has the 
meaning given the term in section 50.2 of title 10, Code of 
Federal Regulations (or successor regulations).
(5) Host community.--The term ``host community'' means a 
State, unit of Tribal government, or unit of local government, 
including a county, city, town, village, school district, or 
special district, that contains a decommissioning civilian 
nuclear power plant within the boundaries of the State, unit of 
Tribal government, or unit of local government, as determined 
by the Secretary.
(6) Host community economic recovery account.--The term 
``host community economic recovery account'' means a host 
community economic recovery account established by the 
Secretary under subsection (b)(1).
(7) Licensee.--The term ``licensee'' has the meaning given 
the term in section 50.2 of title 10, Code of Federal 
Regulations (or a successor regulation).
(8) Nuclear decommissioning trust.--The term ``nuclear 
decommissioning trust'' means a nuclear plant decommissioning 
trust fund described in section 35.32 of title 18, Code of 
Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation).
(9) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
of Commerce, acting through the Assistant Secretary of Commerce 
for Economic Development.
(b) Host Community Economic Recovery Accounts.--
(1) Establishment.--For each covered facility, the 
Secretary of the Treasury shall establish in the Treasury of 
the United States an account, to be known as a ``host community 
economic recovery account''.
(2) Management.--Each host community economic recovery 
account shall be administered by the Secretary.
(3) Funding.--
(A) In general.--Not less frequently than annually, 
each licensee of a covered facility shall--
(i) if a nuclear decommissioning trust has 
been established for the covered facility, 
transfer to the Secretary, from that nuclear 
decommissioning trust, an amount sufficient to 
ensure that the balance of the host community 
economic recovery account relating to that 
covered facility is not less than 2 percent of 
the sum obtained by adding--
(I) the balance of that nuclear 
decommissioning trust; and
(II) the balance of that host 
community economic recovery account; or
(ii) if a nuclear decommissioning trust has 
not been established for the covered facility, 
transfer to the Secretary an amount sufficient 
to ensure that the balance of the host 
community economic recovery account relating to 
that covered facility is not less than 2 
percent of the greater of--
(I) the sum obtained by adding--
(aa) the total amount of 
financial assurance for 
decommissioning of that covered 
facility provided by the 
licensee using a method other 
than a nuclear decommissioning 
trust; and
(bb) the balance of that 
host community economic 
recovery account; and
(II) the sum obtained by adding--
(aa) the applicable minimum 
amount determined under section 
50.75(c) of title 10, Code of 
Federal Regulations (or a 
successor regulation), for the 
covered facility; and
(bb) the balance of that 
host community economic 
recovery account.
(B) Limitation.--Any amounts distributed by the 
Secretary to host communities under subsection (c)(1) 
from a host community recovery account shall be 
considered to be part of the balance of that host 
community recovery account for purposes of subparagraph 
(A).
(4) Deposits.--Amounts transferred to the Secretary under 
paragraph (3) shall be deposited in the applicable host 
community economic recovery account.
(c) Use of Funds.--
(1) In general.--Amounts deposited in a host community 
economic recovery account under subsection (b)(4) shall be used 
by the Secretary to provide grants to host communities within 
the boundaries of which the applicable covered facility is 
located.
(2) Economic development.--Amounts provided to a host 
community under paragraph (1) shall be used for--
(A) economic development planning (as defined by 
the Secretary); or
(B) carrying out a comprehensive economic 
development strategy (as defined in section 3 of the 
Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 
U.S.C. 3122)).
(d) Availability of Funds.--
(1) In general.--Amounts deposited in a host community 
economic recovery account under subsection (b)(4) shall be 
available to the Secretary without appropriation or fiscal year 
limitation for providing grants in accordance with this 
section.
(2) Deadline.--The Secretary shall begin the process for 
making grants to applicable host communities under subsection 
(c)(1) not later than the earlier of--
(A) the date that is 5 years before scheduled 
shutdown of the applicable covered facility; and
(B) the date on which the applicable licensee 
submits to the Commission a certification of permanent 
cessation of operations with respect to the applicable 
covered facility.
(3) Cost sharing.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
law, the Secretary may not impose a cost-sharing requirement 
with respect to--
(A) a grant provided under subsection (c)(1) to a 
host community that is a small, rural, or disadvantaged 
community (as defined in section 4(a)); or
(B) any activity carried out by, or for the benefit 
of, a small, rural, or disadvantaged community (as so 
defined) using a grant provided under that subsection.
(e) Certain Covered Facilities.--
(1) Definition of currently decommissioning facility.--In 
this subsection, the term ``currently decommissioning 
facility'' means a covered facility for which decommissioning 
activities have begun as of the date of enactment of this Act.
(2) Funding of host community economic recovery accounts.--
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, 
each licensee of a currently decommissioning facility shall--
(A) if a nuclear decommissioning trust has been 
established for the currently decommissioning facility, 
transfer to the Secretary, from that nuclear 
decommissioning trust, an amount equal to 2 percent of 
the balance of that nuclear decommissioning trust as of 
that date of enactment for deposit in accordance with 
subsection (b)(4); or
(B) if a nuclear decommissioning trust has not been 
established for the currently decommissioning facility, 
transfer to the Secretary, for deposit in accordance 
with subsection (b)(4), an amount equal to 2 percent of 
the greater of--
(i) the total amount of financial assurance 
for decommissioning of that covered facility 
provided by the licensee using a method other 
than a nuclear decommissioning trust as of that 
date of enactment; and
(ii) the applicable minimum amount 
determined under section 50.75(c) of title 10, 
Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor 
regulation), for the covered facility as of 
that date of enactment.
(3) Deadline.--With respect to a currently decommissioning 
facility, the Secretary shall begin the process for making 
grants to applicable host communities under subsection (c)(1) 
not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act.
(4) Clarification.--Subsections (b)(3) and (d)(2) shall not 
apply in the case of a currently decommissioning facility.
(f) Rulemaking.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Commission shall revise such regulations as 
are necessary (including, if applicable, section 50.75(c) of title 10, 
Code of Federal Regulations) to ensure, to the maximum extent 
practicable, that nuclear decommissioning trusts will contain 
sufficient amounts to carry out this section without compromising the 
ability of the nuclear decommissioning trust to fund other legitimate 
decommissioning activities.
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