Bill > HB2017

This bill amends the Radiation Protection Act to update definitions and modify fees for nuclear facilities, specifically focusing on small modular reactors (SMRs) and microreactors. The bill defines a microreactor as an advanced nuclear reactor with a rated capacity of 100 electrical megawatts or less, and a small modular reactor as an advanced nuclear reactor with a rated capacity of 400 electrical megawatts or less, both of which can be constructed and operated together at a single site. The bill gives the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources the discretion to lower fees for SMR and microreactor sites, ensuring that fees cover the department's administrative costs, including environmental monitoring, decommissioning oversight, and administrative oversight. The bill also allows the department to exempt these sites from certain fees that are not applicable to their activities and requires that operators of SMRs and microreactors holding construction permits or operating licenses from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) be subject to state regulations and orders. Any fees collected will be deposited into the Radiation Protection Fund, and the bill will take effect 60 days after its enactment.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hb2017