Revised Proposed Policy For Implementing Section 180(C) Of The Nuclear Waste Policy Act

On July 23, 2007, the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management (OCRWM) published in the Federal Register its Notice of Revised Proposed Policy for Section 180(c) of the Nuclear Waste Policy Act (NWPA). In developing this document, OCRWM worked closely with stakeholders to seek their input on DOE's implementation of Section 180(c). This paper discusses the degree to which DOE incorporated stakeholder input into the document, initial stakeholder reactions to the published draft policy, and DOE's next steps as it works to implement Section 180(c). In conclusion: Many stakeholder participants have expressed their enthusiastic support of the work accomplished through the Section 180(c) Topic Group. The stakeholder input was very valuable for DOE as it considered how to structure the Revised Proposed Policy. In turn, DOE has been able to develop a working relationship with the stakeholders that allows for greater trust and resultant problem-solving as the program progresses. The Department intends to continue to seek stakeholder input into the development of the pilot program and future planning for the OCRWM transportation program. The timing of OCRWM's future work for the 180(c) program will depend on schedule considerations and be subject to available appropriations. Formore » fiscal year 2008, OCRWM will wrap-up the Section 180(c) comment period and begin discussions with stakeholders regarding the pilot program. However, implementation of the pilot program may be two or more years in the future. (authors)« less