Sec. 3117. Independent study on effects of use of nuclear weapons
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The Administrator for Nuclear Security shall seek to enter into an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine under which the National Academies conduct a study on the atmospheric effects of nuclear explosions. The study under subsection
(a)shall include the following: An evaluation of the non-fallout atmospheric effects of likely and plausible scenarios for nuclear war, ranging from relatively small, regional exchanges to large exchanges associated with nuclear war between major powers. An examination of the effects evaluated under paragraph
(1)by— the yield, type, and number of nuclear weapons; the types and locations of targets; the time distribution of the explosions; the atmospheric conditions; and other factors that may have a significant impact on the effects. An assessment of current models of nuclear explosions, including with respect to— the fires such explosions may cause; the atmospheric transport of the gases from such explosions; the radioactive material from such explosions; and the soot and other debris from such explosions and fires, the atmospheric effects of such soot and debris, and the consequences of such effects, including the consequences relating to extreme weather, air pollution, stratospheric ozone, agriculture, and marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Identification of the capabilities and limitations of the models described in paragraph
(3)for assessing the impacts of nuclear war, including— an evaluation of the relevant uncertainties; a highlight of the key data gaps; and recommendations for how such models can be improved to inform decision making. Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the National Academies shall submit to the Administrator for National Security and the congressional defense committees a report on the study under subsection (a). The report under paragraph
(1)shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex. The Secretary of Defense shall provide to the National Academies the information of the Department of Defense necessary for the National Academies to conduct the study under subsection (a), including information relating to relevant scenarios described in subsection (b).