This bill makes minor revisions to the state's authority to regulate certain nuclear materials. It replaces language in section 16a-100 of the general statutes to state that the state's regulatory authority should be compatible with the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 and its regulations, rather than conform to them. It also replaces language in section 22a-6 of the general statutes to clarify that the commissioner of the department has the power to initiate and receive complaints, and that the commissioner may disclose certain information to the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Additionally, the bill allows the commissioner to require the payment of fees to cover the cost of responding to requests for information concerning compliance with environmental statutes, regulations, permits, or orders.

Substitute House Bill No. 6810 makes several amendments to current law regarding the regulation of sources of ionizing radiation. The bill allows the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection to adopt regulations for the licensing of sources of ionizing radiation and devices or equipment utilizing such sources. The commissioner is also given the authority to issue, deny, renew, modify, suspend, or revoke licenses and impose necessary terms and conditions. The bill clarifies that the commissioner does not have authority to regulate materials or activities reserved to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Additionally, the bill grants the commissioner the power to impound sources of ionizing radiation without prior hearing if there is an imminent threat to human health or the environment, a violation of permit or license conditions that is substantial and continuous, or an activity that will result in imminent damage to the environment or public health. The impoundment can be held until a hearing is conducted, during which the person responsible for the violation can present their case. The bill also establishes that any person found to have violated the law resulting in impoundment is liable for the costs of impoundment, and the Attorney General can initiate a civil action to recover those costs.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
ENV Joint Favorable Substitute:
File No. 538:
ET Joint Favorable:
PH Joint Favorable:
Public Act No. 23-153: