Nuclear Advisory Committee Reform Act

This bill updates the role and operations of the Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards (ACRS) within the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). It changes how members are appointed, how long they serve, and what the committee focuses on, and it modifies when the committee must review license applications.

Sec. 2, Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards: This section amends the Atomic Energy Act to restructure the ACRS. It sets a maximum of 15 members appointed by the NRC, with diverse technical expertise. Members can serve up to two 4-year terms, unless the NRC finds a compelling need for longer service. The committee's duties are to review applications and submit reports when specifically requested by the NRC, advise on hazards and safety standards as requested, and perform other requested duties. The committee must focus on issues that are directly related to reactor design, safety significant, novel, and not previously acted on. The NRC must maintain policies for efficient and timely committee action. The committee can propose actions, but cannot take them unless the NRC specifically requests. The NRC designates the chairperson, and members receive per diem and travel compensation.

License Application Review: This section amends Section 182 b. of the Atomic Energy Act. It changes the ACRS's role from a mandatory review of all license applications to a review only if the NRC specifically requests it. The committee then submits a report to the NRC, which becomes part of the public record unless security classified.

Conforming Amendments: This section makes technical updates to other parts of the Atomic Energy Act to align with the changes. It removes references to the General Advisory Committee and updates cross-references in sections about advisory committees and temporary operating licenses.