To require the Secretary of Energy to obtain the consent of affected State and local governments before making an expenditure from the Nuclear Waste Fund for a nuclear waste repository, and for other purposes.

Bill 119 hr 466, also known as the Nuclear Waste Fund Consent Act, aims to require the Secretary of Energy to seek approval from State and local governments before using funds from the Nuclear Waste Fund for the establishment of a nuclear waste repository. The bill emphasizes the importance of obtaining consent from the communities that will be directly impacted by the construction and operation of such facilities.

The Nuclear Waste Fund is a federal fund that was established to finance the long-term storage and disposal of nuclear waste generated by commercial nuclear power plants. Currently, the Secretary of Energy has the authority to use funds from this account without seeking approval from State and local governments.

If passed, this bill would require the Secretary of Energy to engage in a consultation process with affected State and local governments before making any expenditures from the Nuclear Waste Fund for a nuclear waste repository. This process would involve seeking input from these governments on the location, design, and operation of the repository, as well as addressing any concerns or objections raised by the communities. Overall, the Nuclear Waste Fund Consent Act aims to promote transparency and accountability in the decision-making process surrounding the establishment of nuclear waste repositories. By requiring the consent of affected State and local governments, the bill seeks to ensure that the interests and concerns of these communities are taken into consideration before any funds are allocated for such projects.