History, Structure and Institutional Overview of the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982

The Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 (NWPA) established a program to deal comprehensively with the waste byproducts of nuclear power generation, as well as defense-related radioactive wastes, if appropriate. Under this program, the federal Department of Energy (DOE) must locate and develop a site for disposal of high-level radioactive wastes in a geologic setting capable of isolating them from adverse public and environmental exposure for at least 10,000 and up to 100,000 years. The procedures outlined in the act and subsequent regulations involve extensive consultation and participation by other federal agencies--notably the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), affected state governments or Indian tribes, and the public--as a means of encouraging public confidence in and support for its implementation.