A new Office of Public Engagement and Participation would be created inside the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), the agency that licenses and oversees nuclear power plants. The office would help members of the public take part in NRC proceedings by providing educational, legal, and technical guidance on filing comments, contentions, and hearing requests. In significant proceedings, it could reimburse reasonable attorney and expert-witness fees for participants who substantially contribute and would otherwise face financial hardship. The office's director would serve a five-year term and report to Congress each year on the office's activities.
Transparency & Accountability
- Public participation support — New NRC office created to help the public engage in agency proceedings
- Reporting requirements — Office director must report to Congress annually on activities and public-access difficulties
Congressional Summary
NRC Office of Public Engagement and Participation Act of 2025This bill establishes an independent office within the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to advocate for the public within NRC jurisdiction and support public participation in NRC proceedings and activities. The bill also authorizes the NRC to compensate certain persons for reasonable attorney’s fees, expert witness fees, and other costs of participating in NRC proceedings in certain circumstances where participation in the proceeding without compensation constitutes a significant financial hardship.
Details
- Congress
- 119th
- Chamber
- House
- Status
- summarized
- Action
- Introduced in House
- Action Date
- 2025-06-25
- Date Added
- 2026-05-14
- Source
- Congress.gov →
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