S. 3594

Secure Nuclear Facilities Act of 2006

Latest

II

109th CONGRESS

2d Session

S. 3594

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

June 28, 2006

Mrs. Boxer introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs

A BILL

To help protect the public against the threat of attacks targeting nuclear power plants.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Secure Nuclear Facilities Act of 2006.

2.

Definitions

In this Act:

(1)

Nuclear power plant

The term nuclear power plant means any civilian nuclear power facility required to be licensed under section 103 or 104 b. of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2133, 2134(b)).

(2)

Secretary

The term Secretary means the Secretary of Homeland Security.

3.

Communication system and medical treatment grants

(a)

Grant program

(1)

In general

The Secretary may make grants, on a competitive basis, for activities described in paragraph (2)—

(A)

to any State in which a nuclear power plant is located; and

(B)

to local governments, local law enforcement agencies, local fire departments, and hospitals that are located within 20 miles of a nuclear power plant.

(2)

Use of funds

A State, local government, local law enforcement agency, local fire department, or hospital shall use funds received under paragraph (1)—

(A)

to assist in purchasing or improving communication systems to allow for real-time, interoperable communication between State and local first responders and nuclear power plant representatives; or

(B)

for expenditures that would improve the ability of communities to facilitate evacuations and provide medical treatment in the event of an emergency at a nuclear power plant.

(b)

Application

To receive a grant under subsection (a), a State, local government, local law enforcement agency, local fire department, or hospital shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require.

4.

Design basis threat

As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this Act, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission shall promulgate regulations requiring all nuclear power plants to comply with the design basis threat level under section 73.1(a) of title 10, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation), applicable to facilities designated by the Secretary as Threat Level 1(b) facilities.

5.

No effect on requirements under other law

Nothing in this Act affects any duty or other requirement imposed under any other Federal or State law.

6.

Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this Act.