H.R. 4136: NRC Office of Public Engagement and Participation Act of 2025

This bill, known as the NRC Office of Public Engagement and Participation Act of 2025, proposes the creation of a new office within the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) called the Office of Public Engagement and Participation. The key aspects of this bill include:

Establishment of the Office

• A new office named the Office of Public Engagement and Participation will be established within the NRC.

Appointment and Structure

• The office will be led by a Director, who will be appointed by the Chairman of the NRC, with the Commission's approval.
• The Director will serve a term of five years, with the possibility of serving no more than two terms.
• The Director can hire staff and assign duties to meet the office's goals.
• The Director's compensation will align with the pay for senior executives in the federal government.
• There will be specific processes for removing the Director for instances of inefficiency or misconduct.

Functions of the Office

• The primary role of this office will be to promote and facilitate public participation in NRC proceedings.
• The office will also advocate for public interests related to the NRC's jurisdiction.
• It will provide educational and technical assistance to help the public engage in NRC processes, including guidance on how to submit comments and proposals.
• Coordination of resources and assistance will be a central function to help individuals or groups participate in NRC proceedings effectively.

Fee Compensation

• The bill allows for compensation of reasonable attorney's fees and other costs incurred by individuals who contribute significantly to NRC proceedings if participation poses a financial hardship.

Independence

• The office is to operate independently within the NRC, separate from other departments and officials to ensure unbiased public engagement.

Reporting Requirements

• The Director must submit an annual report to Congress detailing the office's activities, including the types of assistance requested and challenges faced by the public in engaging with NRC proceedings.

No Impact on Existing Standards

• The bill states that it will not lower existing standards for public engagement in NRC processes.

Definitions

• The bill defines key terms such as "Chairman," "Commission," and "Office" to clarify the text.

Relevant Companies

None found