Sponsors (2)
The bill strengthens and institutionalizes public engagement—particularly for low-income and overburdened communities—by creating a permanent Office, funding participant assistance, and improving transparency, but does so at the cost of increased federal spending, added procedural complexity, and potential legal and administrative disputes.
Creates a permanent, independent Office and Director to institutionalize public engagement in NRC proceedings, making participation more consistent and accountable.
Low-income individuals and community groups gain clearer, plain-language guidance and assistance on eligibility, deadlines, and compensation, lowering barriers to meaningful participation.
Participants who incur attorney or expert fees can receive up-front grants or compensation when eligible, reducing financial barriers for low-income people and nonprofits to contest NRC actions.
Establishing and funding an Intervenor Trust Fund and a permanent Office will increase federal spending and could raise costs for taxpayers or require reallocations within NRC appropriations.
Providing compensation and up-front grants may be costly and contested, potentially diverting NRC resources away from core regulatory and licensing functions.
Expanded virtual participation options and extra administrative requirements could lengthen proceedings and add procedural complexity for licensees, applicants, local governments, and nonprofits.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Establishes an NRC Office to support, educate, and coordinate (including financial) assistance for public participants in NRC proceedings, led by a five-year-term Director.
Creates a new Office of Public Engagement and Participation inside the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to help members of the public take part in NRC proceedings. The Office will be led by a Director (five-year term, up to two terms) selected for experience in public engagement, public administration, or judicial proceedings and will provide plain-language guidance, act as a public-interest liaison, coordinate assistance (including financial assistance tied to an existing Intervenor Trust Fund), publish eligibility and compensation determinations, and expand virtual participation options within 180 days of enactment.
Introduced June 25, 2025 by Edward John Markey · Last progress June 25, 2025