Rep. Mike Levin Reintroduces Bill to Improve Public Engagement on Nuclear Safety & Waste Removal Issues

Rep. Mike Levin Reintroduces Bill to Improve Public Engagement on Nuclear Safety & Waste Removal Issues | U.S. Congressman Mike Levin Skip to content I Want to Hear from You About Your Health Care Concerns. NEW: Rep. Levin Announces New District Data Map to Showcase Federal Project Funding. Close About Services Federal Project Funding Map Federal Policy Impact Resources Clean Energy Tax Credits Help With A Federal Agency Constituent Success Stories Grants Applicants Commendations and Greetings Tours and Tickets Military Academy Nominations Internships Flags Surplus Books Program Art Competition Constituent of the Month Congressional App Challenge Vietnam War 50th Commemoration Program Member-Designated Transportation Projects Community Project Funding Requests The Congressional Award News Press Releases In The News Op-Eds Contact Email Me Newsletter Subscription Offices Internships Request a Meeting with Rep. Levin Website Problem I Want To Hear From You Español Close Search Site SEARCH About Services Federal Project Funding Map Federal Policy Impact Resources Clean Energy Tax Credits Help With A Federal Agency Constituent Success Stories Grants Applicants Commendations and Greetings Tours and Tickets Military Academy Nominations Internships Flags Surplus Books Program Art Competition Constituent of the Month Congressional App Challenge Vietnam War 50th Commemoration Program Member-Designated Transportation Projects Community Project Funding Requests The Congressional Award News Press Releases In The News Op-Eds Contact Email Me Newsletter Subscription Offices Internships Request a Meeting with Rep. Levin Website Problem I Want To Hear From You MENU Español Search Instagram Icon Twitter Icon Facebook Icon Youtube Icon Bluesky Icon Home News Press Releases June 25, 2025 Rep. Mike Levin Reintroduces Bill to Improve Public Engagement on Nuclear Safety & Waste Removal Issues Washington, D.C .—Today, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) and Sen. Ed Markey (MA) reintroduced the bicameral NRC Office of Public Engagement and Participation (NRC OPEP) Act to establish an Office of Public Engagement and Participation at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). The Office would help the public better understand and participate in the decision-making process on nuclear energy issues. Every American should have a say when government agencies make decisions that affect our health and safety. The NRC considers public opinion in their nuclear regulatory decisions, but oftentimes the public does not understand how to engage with the complicated administrative processes at the Commission to offer their opinions. The proposed independent Office of Public Engagement and Participation would create opportunities for the public to be better informed and weigh in on the Commission’s work while streamlining processes for the NRC. The Office would provide educational, legal, and technical guidance and assistance to members of the public who want to comment on nuclear issues. “Communities across the country impacted by nuclear power, safety, and waste deserve to have their voices heard by the regulatory agency in charge of handling important nuclear safety issues. Unfortunately, too often there is no clear line of communication between the public and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. That must change,” said Rep. Levin . “This bill could not be more necessary as the Trump Administration is encroaching on the independence of the NRC and seeking to build out more nuclear power while cutting communities out of the process. I thank Senator Markey for his partnership, and I look forward to building bipartisan support for this bill.” “As independent agencies like the NRC come under attack by the Trump administration, we must defend open and transparent federal decision-making. The NRC should proactively and meaningfully work with communities living at the frontline of nuclear energy infrastructure and make its regulatory processes more accessible,” said Senator Markey . “The NRC OPEP Act would enable the Commission to carry out these responsibilities by creating a new, independent office dedicated to centering and uplifting community voices, while also breaking down financial barriers that limit public participation through needs-based, up-front compensation.” The Trump Administration has undertaken a number of concerning actions that could compromise the safety of nuclear energy in America. The Administration’s plans to build out more nuclear power and unleash a “nuclear renaissance” are premised on “reducing unnecessary burdens” and undermining the federal government’s ability to protect public health and safety. Further, President Trump’s recent illegal firing of NRC Commissioner Christopher Hanson undermines the independence of the agency in an attempt to consolidate his power. The public must have a clear pathway to provide input on decisions related to nuclear issues in their communities in light of these actions. Since entering Congress in 2019, Rep. Levin has fought for federal action and resources to address the challenges at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) and remove thousands of metric tons of nuclear waste out of the region. Rep. Levin has secured over $148 million to expand the DOE’s nuclear waste removal program, and continues to fight as a member of the House Appropriations Committee for resources to address spent nuclear fuel challenges. ### Print Email Share Tweet Next Article Previous Article About Serving You News Contact Issues Privacy Policy Twitter Icon Facebook Icon Youtube Icon Bluesky Icon