2002 ANS legislative agenda
When the Second Session of the 107th Congress reconvenes in late January, there are a number of items that will be considered which will impact in some way nuclear science and technology. The leadership of the American Nuclear Society will continue its activism as these issues are debated in Congress and welcome the input, opinions and assistance from ANS members. While the congressional schedule is likely to be rather abbreviated due to the mid-term elections in November, there could be four issues critical to ANS which emerge among the list of "must-do" legislation. These four issues, Yucca Mountain suitability, Price-Anderson reauthorization, comprehensive energy legislation, and the annual spending bill for nuclear science and technology programs, will likely be considered in some form before the end of the session.
Yucca Mountain Suitability
On January 10, as required by the Nuclear Waste Policy Act, Secretary of Energy Abraham notified Nevada Governor Kenny Guinn that he intends to recommend to President Bush that the Yucca Mountain site is scientifically suitable for the receipt of long-term spent nuclear fuel. This activity sets in motion a series of events that will likely culminate in congressional consideration of the scientific suitability of the Yucca Mountain site. Assuming President Bush accepts the recommendation from Secretary Abraham, he will then convey that acceptance to Governor Guinn, who has 60 days to either accept or reject the position. Should Governor Guinn reject the proposal, Congress will be required to either approve or disapprove the Yucca Mountain recommendation within 90 legislative days following the conveyance of Governor Guinn's position. Most pundits believe the issue will ultimately become a congressional decision that could occur later this year.
The ANS website will be the site for information specific to the progress of this issue. It will be important for ANS members to weigh in with their congressional representatives and senators at the appropriate time. This issue will also be a priority for the ANS Congressional Visits Day on March 5 which President Marcus has described in her columns. Please make a point to monitor the website for updates on the issue.
Price-Anderson Reauthorization
Before adjournment of the First Session of the 107th Congress, the House of Representatives passed legislation that would reauthorize the Price-Anderson Act. The current law is set to expire in August. An ANS Position Statement on the need for continuation of this law can be found on our website. The Senate will consider a version of the legislation in some form later this year.
Energy Legislation
Based upon recommendations from the Bush Administration's Energy Task Force published last spring, the House of Representatives in August passed comprehensive five-year energy legislation. While the measure only authorizes funding for programs (it does not actually appropriate funding), it provides growth in many key research programs at the Department of Energy, including NERI, the University Research and Reactor Program, Generation IV and Nuclear Energy Technologies, and NEPO.
The Senate bill has not been brought to the chamber floor for consideration, but Majority Leader Daschle has indicated it will be a priority for consideration when Congress reconvenes. There is the likelihood that potentially objectionable provisions could be added to the Senate bill, including the federalization of security forces at nuclear plants, and items affecting Yucca Mountain. Updates on such items will be posted on the ANS website.
Fiscal Year 2003 Appropriations
Finally, it is almost certain that ANS will again be confronted with an Administration budget request for 2003 which will fail to meet the needs of the research community. While the official budget request will not be released and sent to Congress until February 4, it appears funding for most ongoing nuclear science and technology programs will be dismal.
ANS members have been instrumental in the past in conveying support for adequate funding of these programs to Congress and it will be critical that the same amount of effort, or more, be made this year. Once the requested levels become public, the information and recommendations on funding increases will be placed on the website.
Washington Office
As the need for information to help inform federal officials becomes known this year, ANS will continue to provide such assistance. Further, when opportunities arise for ANS members to communicate with lawmakers, the ANS officers and the Washington Office will be certain to make that need known.
