The U.S. Department of Energy's Implementation of the Consultation Provisions of the Nuclear Waste Policy Act

The Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 (NWPA) directed the Department of Energy (DOE) to proceed with the siting of two nuclear waste repositories, and the construction of one repository. Under the provisions of the Act, DOE was also directed to conduct a program of consultation and cooperation with each of the potentially affected states and Indian tribes. The Act also states that "State and public participation is essential in order to promote public confidence in the safety of disposal of ..."waste and spent fuel."

This report was prepared for the Utility Nuclear Waste Management Group (UNWMG), an association of forty-six nuclear (investor-owned and public) utilities, and provides an independent assessment of the adequacy of DOE's consultation and cooperation and public participation programs to date. It also contains recommendations for a program to develop agreements among all the parties for improvements in that program.