Department of Energy Nuclear Transparency Act

Department of Energy Nuclear Transparency Act

This bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to report actions related to its authorization of DOE nuclear facilities and other related DOE actions on a public website within 72 hours of those authorizations or actions occurring.

Specifically, DOE must post information about agreements to authorize nuclear facilities that fall under Hazard Category 1, 2, or 3. Hazard categories are based on the radioactive material inventories of the facilities and the potential consequences to the public, workers, and the environment. Hazard Category 1 represents the highest potential consequence.

DOE must also post a summary of any actions it took to alter a directive or safety standard relating to such facilities.

Further, DOE must post any preliminary documented safety analysis or documented safety analysis that it issues for such facilities. A preliminary documented safety analysis means documentation prepared in connection with the design and construction of a new Hazard Category 1, 2, or 3 DOE nuclear facility or a major modification to such nuclear facility already in existence that provides a reasonable basis for the preliminary conclusion that the nuclear facility can be operated safely through the consideration of certain factors. A documented safety analysis means a documented analysis of the extent to which a nuclear facility can be operated safely with respect to workers, the public, and the environment.

DOE must also issue an annual report detailing any activities it took to authorize such DOE nuclear facilities during the previous year.