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Radioactive Waste Policy and Nuclear Coordination

 

The New York State Low-Level Radioactive Waste Management Act (1986) charged NYSERDA with acquiring lands for, designing, obtaining necessary regulatory approvals for, constructing, and operating facilities for the disposal of low-level radioactive waste (LLRW) generated in New York State. These actions are predicated on the selection of a site and disposal methods by an ad hoc siting commission. The siting process has been suspended while the State reexamines its LLRW management alternatives and program strategy.

In the interim, NYSERDA will continue to play an important role by:

  • Monitoring generation and management of LLRW in the State, including collection of annual reports from generators and preparing an annual status report;
  • Managing the annual assessment on nuclear power plants that supports LLRW facility-development activities, and the LLRW surcharge rebate account; and
  • Maintaining technical files and records from the former Siting Commission for potential future application in meeting the State's LLRW management needs.

Additionally, Chapter 83 of the Laws of 1995 transferred certain responsibilities from the former New York State Energy Office to NYSERDA, including responsibility for serving as the State's principal coordinator for activities related to nuclear energy and radioactive materials control. Accordingly, NYSERDA's president serves as the "designated State Liaison Officer (SLO)" with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.