The bill establishes new requirements and standards for the storage of spent nuclear fuel by advanced nuclear reactor manufacturers in Wyoming. It creates two new sections in the law, W.S. 35-11-2201 and 35-11-2202, which define key terms such as "advanced nuclear reactor manufacturer," "installation," and "spent nuclear fuel." The bill mandates that any person planning to site a storage installation must submit various documents to the relevant department, including applications to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and an acknowledgment that the installation will be temporary and utilize dry cask storage. Additionally, the bill outlines the responsibilities of the installation operator, including reporting requirements and the retention of ownership of the spent nuclear fuel until it is transferred to permanent storage.

The bill also amends existing definitions and provisions in current law to incorporate the new regulations. Notably, it clarifies that "high-level radioactive waste storage facility" does not include facilities owned or operated by advanced nuclear reactor manufacturers for the storage of spent nuclear fuel, which is regulated under the new sections. Furthermore, it authorizes the siting of temporary high-level radioactive waste storage facilities under specific conditions, including those related to advanced nuclear reactor manufacturers. The Environmental Quality Council is tasked with promulgating necessary rules to implement the act, which is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, with certain sections effective immediately upon the bill's passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 35-11-103, 35-11-1501, 35-11-1506
Engrossed: 35-11-103, 35-11-1501, 35-11-1506