Bill > HB3548

This bill proposes significant changes to Oregon's laws regarding nuclear-fueled thermal power plants by repealing several existing statutes and modifying requirements for nuclear energy facilities. Specifically, the bill removes previous legal requirements that a licensed radioactive waste repository must exist before a nuclear power plant can be sited in Oregon, and eliminates the previous mandate that proposed nuclear power plant sites must be submitted to voters for approval. The bill maintains existing provisions about property insurance for nuclear facilities and continues to require that nuclear power plant operators remain responsible for temporary storage of high-level radioactive materials at their sites after license termination. The legislation also preserves the Energy Facility Siting Council's authority to determine suitable sites for thermal power plants and ensures that nuclear power plant operators must still obtain and maintain appropriate property insurance. Importantly, the bill includes a provision to refer itself to Oregon voters for their approval or rejection at the next regular general election, allowing the public to have the final say on these proposed changes to nuclear energy regulations.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/HB3548