Karl Herchenroeder
RW Monitor
2/12/2016

Nuclear Regulatory Commission Chairman Stephen Burns said Wednesday the agency in its fiscal 2017 budget request is preparing for one license application for interim storage of nuclear waste, and regulators are prepared to shift appropriated funds if needed.

Burns, who appeared with his fellow commissioners for a budget hearing before the House Appropriations Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, was referring to a pending license application from Waste Control Specialists. The company plans to submit its license application for a site in West Texas in April. The NRC has said in the past that it expects a second application from Holtec International this summer for a site in New Mexico.

“My understanding is that we do have the money available in the current budget to address the (WCS) application,” Burns told the subcommittee. “It may require some reprogramming of funds and then if it triggers the marks, we would come to the committee. … We may be able to shift some funds and to be able to cover that.”

Any reprogramming of appropriated funds would need to be approved by the subcommittee.

According to budget documents, NRC expects to spend approximately $1.4 million on license review for WCS’ application to build an independent spent fuel storage installation pad in West Texas.

WCS spokesman Chuck McDonald said in a statement that the line item means everyone is taking the proposal seriously, and regarded it as a good sign for the solution to the waste scattered around the country.

“Fortunately, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has been budgeted the necessary funds to begin reviewing the WCS license application this year,” McDonald said. “Securing a license is the first critical step. At the same, Congress is going to have to act soon and come up with a plan to take title to the spent nuclear fuel.”

In its budget proposal for fiscal 2017, NRC requested $970.2 million in total funding. Because the agency recovers about 90 percent of its budget from license fees, the net appropriation request is about $124 million, compared to $154 million in fiscal 2016.

In discussing the reduction in potential funding, panel Chairman Mike Simpson (R-Idaho) asked commissioners during the hearing if the budget request will impact safety at nuclear sites. The four commissioners all agreed that it would not, with Burns saying, “It will not have an adverse effect on safety.” The fiscal 2017 budget request represents a decrease of $73.7 million and about 280 employees since fiscal 2014 was enacted, according to agency budget documents released Tuesday.