This bill establishes new regulations regarding the siting of installations for the storage of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste associated with advanced nuclear reactor manufacturers in Wyoming. It introduces definitions for "advanced nuclear reactor manufacturer" and "installation," specifying that these facilities must be located in Wyoming and comply with industrial siting requirements. The bill authorizes the siting of temporary storage facilities, contingent upon the submission of a report detailing job creation, tax generation, and community impacts prior to construction. Additionally, it mandates that operators provide timely reports to the Department of Environmental Quality and local emergency management departments regarding any communications with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

The legislation also outlines the conditions under which installations can be authorized, including compliance with federal licensing requirements and financial assurance for decommissioning and reclamation. It allows the Department of Environmental Quality to engage experts for the review process and requires that any spent nuclear fuel remains the property of the manufacturer until it is transferred to permanent storage. The bill includes conforming amendments to existing laws and mandates the promulgation of necessary rules by the Environmental Quality Council and the Industrial Siting Council. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, with certain sections becoming effective immediately upon the bill's passage.

Statutes affected:
26LSO-0073 v0.5: 35-11-1501, 35-11-1506, 35-12-102, 35-12-107