HB1142 Summary

• Creates the Arkansas Nuclear Recycling Program within the Division of Environmental Quality to study the technical, economic, and commercial feasibility of interim storage and recycling of spent nuclear fuel at locations in Arkansas.

• Authorizes the Division of Environmental Quality to secure a federal charter and federal funding to contract with scientific and engineering organizations to conduct research on spent fuel recycling processes, market value, facility construction costs, and suitable facility sites.

• Requires the Division to identify federal standards for shipping spent nuclear fuel, recycling operations, interim storage of fuel and waste by-products, and acceptable methods for container return and waste disposal.

• Establishes a reporting and review process where the Legislative Council receives feasibility analysis results, holds hearings with five specified committees, and develops a recommendation to the Governor on whether to declare the state open to interim storage and recycling of spent nuclear fuel.

• Directs the University of Arkansas to conduct public outreach and education at selected sites, measure community support through surveys and polls, and potentially endow a nuclear science and engineering program chair if public support is demonstrated.