Security at nuclear plants part of House committee bill
In addition to addressing issues ranging from aviation security to bioterrorism, the House of Representatives last week readied two measures that pertain to the nuclear industry.
Included in an anti-terrorism package reported out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee is a section focused on security at nuclear power plants. In his opening statement at the full committee markup last week, Chairman Billy Tauzin (R-LA) stated this effort reflects language provided by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in response to a letter from himself and Rep. Dingell, the Committee's top Democrat, asking for recommendations to assist the regulatory body in its ability to respond to terrorist threats. The sections are included in H.R. 3016.
The proposals in the relevant sections would increase arrest authority for plant guards and broaden the plant personnel allowed to carry firearms. The bill would also increase penalties for attempts to gain unauthorized entrance to a plant while armed. An amendment at the markup to require the NRC to provide a report on its assessment of vulnerabilities at nuclear plants within 90 days of enactment. Another amendment which was adopted would require the NRC to conduct a rulemaking to consider changes to the design basis threat for NRC-licensed facilities. This amendment was subject to partisan debate and will most likely be reformed during consideration on the House floor.
Elsewhere on the Hill last week, the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality reported out of the subcommittee legislation to reauthorize the Price-Anderson Act. The bill, H.R. 2983, would reauthorize the Act for 15 years. The current law is to expire next August. In addition to carrying the provisions under current law, the bill contains a section which would help to spur the construction of small, modular nuclear power reactors.
No action has been scheduled for consideration by the full Energy and Commerce Committee, which must occur before it moves to the House floor.
