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Texas Low-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Compact
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| Texas Low-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Compact | |
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| Formation date: | 1985 |
| Member jurisdictions: | 2 |
| Issue(s): | Waste; Public health |
| Compact website | |
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The Texas Low-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Compact is an interstate compact between Texas and Vermont. The compact ensures bi-state cooperation regarding the proper management and disposal of low-level radioactive waste (LLRW).[1]
History
In the late 1970s, there were three LLRW disposal facilities in the United States. Governors in two of the host states, Nevada and Washington, temporarily closed their facilities to waste from other states, citing growing concerns that their states were disproportionately burdened with the nation's waste.[2]
On the recommendation of the National Governors Association, Congress passed the Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Act in 1980, shifting the responsibility of waste disposal back to individual states. Their goal was to spur the development of smaller, regional facilities. This resulted in the creation of the Texas Low-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Compact and other regional waste disposal compacts.[2]
Governance
The compact created the Texas Low-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Compact Commission to enact the compact. It is composed of eight members: six from Texas and two from Vermont.[1]
The commission is responsible for ensuring the safe disposal of all LLRW generated within member states. It identifies a host state to receive and dispose of the waste from the other member states, conducts research, establishes relevant regulations, and provides public information about the entire process.[1]
Text of the compact
The legislature of each member state passes the laws with certain modifications, but the core of the legislation remains the same.
See also
External links
- The Council of State Governments - National Center for Interstate Compacts
- Texas States Low-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Compact Commission
Footnotes
