Senate Bill
Catherine Cortez Masto
D - NV
Cosponsors
1
Policy Area
Summary
This bill requires DOE to obtain written consent from state governors, affected local governments, and Indian tribes before using the Nuclear Waste Fund to develop a nuclear waste repository in their area.
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Plain-English explanation of this bill
This bill requires DOE to obtain written consent from state governors, affected local governments, and Indian tribes before using the Nuclear Waste Fund to develop a nuclear waste repository in their area.
Last updated: 1/5/2026
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><strong>Nuclear Waste Informed Consent Act</strong></p><p>This bill prohibits the Department of Energy (DOE) from using the Nuclear Waste Fund for certain activities related to radioactive waste disposal unless DOE has entered into a written agreement for a repository with (1) the governor of the state in which the proposed repository will be located, (2) affected local governments, (3) local governments contiguous to the affected local governments if spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive waste will be transported through them for disposal at the repository, and (4) affected Indian tribes.</p>
Main provisions of the bill
Potential effects on citizens and communities
States and communities could block nuclear waste repositories without their consent, giving local residents effective veto power over hosting facilities. This addresses concerns about forcing waste on unwilling communities.
Primary Policy Area
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
101, 119th Congress (2025). "Nuclear Waste Informed Consent Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-s-101