18. Radioactive waste disposal

RADIOACTIVE WASTE DISPOSAL. INITIATIVE STATUTE. Prohibits disposal of low-level radioactive waste by means of burial within state. Requires low-level radioactive wastes generated by medical, biomedical or biotechnical industries to be managed using retrievable and monitored facilities. Establishes third party liability fund for injury to persons or property from waste disposal, paid for through surcharge on waste generators. Exempts state from costs or liability for waste storage or disposal, except for wastes generated by state and local agencies. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local governments: Measure would result in one-time state and county costs ranging from $8 million to $13.5 million, and ongoing annual costs in the range of $1 million to $2 million.