Bill > HB2426

This bill modifies Oregon's laws related to nuclear-fueled thermal power plants by repealing several existing statutes that previously required specific conditions for siting and operating such facilities. Specifically, the bill eliminates previous requirements that a licensed radioactive waste repository must exist before a nuclear power plant can be sited in the state and removes the previous mandate that proposed nuclear power plant site certificates must be submitted to state voters for approval. The bill defines key terms like "high-level radioactive waste" and "spent nuclear fuel" and ensures that nuclear power plant operators remain responsible for temporary storage of radioactive materials at their sites even after their operating license expires. The legislation continues to require nuclear power plant operators to maintain property insurance and provides the Energy Facility Siting Council with ongoing authority to monitor and inspect nuclear facilities. Most significantly, the bill refers itself to Oregon voters for their approval or rejection at the next regular general election, allowing the public to directly decide whether these changes to nuclear power plant regulations should take effect.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/HB2426