NRC Office of Public Engagement and Participation Act of 2025

This bill establishes an Office of Public Engagement and Participation within the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to support public involvement in NRC proceedings and create a fund to compensate participants who face financial hardship and make substantial contributions.

Sec. 2, Office of Public Engagement and Participation: The NRC must create this office within 180 days. It will be led by a Director appointed by the Chair with Commission approval, serving a 5-year term (max two terms). The Director reports to the full Commission, not to any individual member or staff, and cannot be prevented from carrying out the office's functions.

The office's duties include helping the public participate in NRC proceedings, providing educational guidance, coordinating financial assistance, increasing virtual attendance options, implementing environmental justice recommendations, and facilitating transparency.

The bill creates an Intervenor Trust Fund administered by the office and the Atomic Safety and Licensing Board Panel. The Panel, consulting the office, can compensate participants for attorney fees, expert witness fees, and other costs if participation would cause significant financial hardship and likely provide a substantial contribution to the proceeding. The Commission must issue rules for this compensation within 180 days, including processes for eligibility determination and up-front grants. Compensation is not affected by the proceeding's outcome. Participants can appeal compensation decisions to the Commission.

The Director must submit an annual report to Congress covering requests for assistance, common public difficulties, compensation requests and payments, and activities related to environmental justice recommendations.

Nothing in this bill reduces existing NRC standards for public engagement.