HCS HB 252 -- TRANSPORTATION OF RADIOACTIVE WASTE

SPONSOR:  Bivins (Robb)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Special Committee on
Energy and Environment by a vote of 10 to 1.

This substitute requires all entities which ship radioactive
waste to be assessed a fee for the waste transported through or
within the state except for universities which ship nuclear
waste.  Those universities will be required to reimburse the
Department of Transportation for the costs associated with
shipment escorts.  The types of radioactive waste and the fee
structure are specified in the substitute; and the Department of
Natural Resources, in coordination with the departments of Health
and Senior Services and Public Safety, may establish rules
regarding the collection and administration of the fees.

Any shipper who fails to pay a fee or provide notice of a
shipment to the Department of Natural Resources will be liable
for a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed 10 times the
amount of the original assessed fee.  Radioactive waste being
shipped by or for the federal government for military or national
defense purposes are exempt from the fees and notification
requirements.

The fees will be deposited into the Environmental Radiation
Monitoring Fund to enforce the provisions of the substitute.  The
eligible purposes for expenditures from the fund are specified,
and the Department of Natural Resources must prepare a report on
the activities of the fund for the General Assembly beginning
December 31, 2008, and every two years thereafter.

The provisions of the substitute will expire six years from the
effective date.

The substitute contains an emergency clause.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on General Revenue Fund in FY 2008,
FY 2009, and FY 2010.  Estimated Income on Other State Funds of
$19,310 to $45,057 in FY 2008, $19,800 to $46,199 in FY 2009, and
$20,302 to $47,372 in FY 2010.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the bill will ensure the safe
transportation of radioactive waste through Missouri and make our
fee structure similar to surrounding states.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Robb; Department of
Natural Resources; and Sierra Club.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Missouri House of Representatives
94th General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated July 25, 2007 at 11:18 am