An Act to authorize appropriations for financial assistance to limit radiation exposure to the public from uranium mill tailings used for construction, and for other purposes.

Summary

Authorizes the appropriation of the following sums to the Energy Research and Development Administration for fiscal year 1977: (1) for nuclear energy research and development, $5,271,679,000; and (2) for environmental research and safety, basic energy sciences, and related programs, $227,553,000. Amends prior appropriation authorizations Acts to increase the amount authorized for specific energy research projects. Extends such authorizations through fiscal year 1977. Title I: For Nuclear Energy Research and Development, Basic Research, Space Nuclear Systems and Other Technology, Uranium Enrichment, National Security and Related Programs - Authorizes the appropriation of $3,390,051,000 in operating expenses for nuclear energy research and development programs. Lists authorizations for additional plant and capital expenditures. Imposes limits and conditions on such expenditures. Places percentage limitations on the amount of cost overruns allowable without additional Congressional authorization. Prohibits exports of nuclear fuel to nonnuclear-weapon states which have not ratified the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty without approval by the Congress. Authorizes exceptions to such prohibition where deemed necessary by the Executive in accordance with prescribed criteria. Title II: For Environmental Research and Safety, Basic Energy Sciences, Program Support,and Related Programs - Authorizes the appropriation of the following sums for operating expenses: (1) for biomedical and environmental research, $85,900,000; (2) for operational safety, $4,300,000; (3) for environmental control technology, $8,900,000; (4) for basic energy sciences, $19,400,000 for material sciences and $11,800,000 for molecular, mathematical, and geosciences; and (5) for program support $88,035,000. Lists authorizations for additional plant and capital expenditures. Places percentage limitations on cost overruns. Stipulates that determination of the extent and amount of remedial payments for radiation exposure from uranium mill tailings in Colorado shall be based on the recommendation of the State of Colorado. Increases the amount of appropriations authorized for such purposes from $5,000,000 to $8,000,000. Title III: General Provisions - Stipulates that amounts appropriated to the Administration for operating expenses may remain available until expended. Authorizes transfers and mergers of funds for related purposes. Authorizes use of research budgets for the funding of employee-suggested research projects up to the pilot stage of development. Authorizes the Administrator of Energy Research and Development to perform construction design services where the Administrator determines that such project is of such urgency as to require prompt completion upon its approval by Congress. Requires officers or employees of the Energy Research and Development Administration involved in administering programs authorized by this Act to disclose all known financial interests in energy-related businesses. Imposes criminal penalties for knowing violations of such disclosure requirements. Prohibits the use of funds by the Administrator for contracting the services of the Lawrence Livermore Laboratory unless any such contract provides specific guarantees of self-organization to the employees of such laboratory. Title IV: Basis for Government Charge for Uranium Enrichment Services - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to transfer authority over contracts for uranium enrichment services from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to the Energy Research and Development Administration. Requires that Government charges for uranium enrichment services be on such a basis as to allow recovery of Government costs over a reasonable period of time. Revises procedures for Congressional review of criteria to be used in contracting for such services.

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3 official files

• Public Law (PDF)

  Public Law · EN · 22 February 1978

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• Reported to House amended, Part I

  summary · EN · 29 September 1977

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• Introduced in Senate

  summary · EN · 14 January 1977

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