Sec. 4. Reducing American reliance on radiation technology in favor of lower-risk alternatives
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Section 81 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 ( 42 U.S.C. 2111 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: In this subsection: The term radiation source has the meaning given the term in section 170H a. The term radionuclide of concern means a radionuclide that, in the determination of the Commission, is sufficiently attractive for use in a radiological dispersal device or for any other malicious purpose such that an alternative to the use of that radionuclide by a licensee under this section should be considered.
In issuing licenses under this section, the Commission shall consider alternatives to devices or processes that employ radionuclides of concern as a radiation source. Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Commission shall publish a notice of proposed rulemaking describing how the Commission will incorporate into the licensing process of the Commission under this section consideration of alternatives to devices or processes that employ radionuclides of concern as a radiation source.
In carrying out subparagraph (A), the Commission shall consider, at a minimum— directing potential licensees to justify any need for technologies employing a radiation source when a nonradiological alternative is available and viable; and directing potential licensees to consult with other Government agencies about alternative technologies before the Commission will consider the application of the potential licensee. In developing regulations under this paragraph, the Commission shall consult and coordinate with the task force established by section 170H h.(2), as necessary. .
Section 170H of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 ( 42 U.S.C. 2210h ) is amended by adding at the end the following: It is the sense of Congress that Government agencies should— exercise the authorities provided to those agencies to achieve maximum reduction in the use of devices or processes that employ radiation sources; and wherever possible, promote the use of comparable alternatives to those devices or processes that do not employ radiation sources. There is established a task force on alternatives to devices or processes that employ radiation sources (referred to in this subsection as the alternatives task force ).
The chair of the alternatives task force shall be the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (or a designee) (referred to in this subsection as the Chair ). The membership of the task force shall consist of— the Chair; the Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (or a designee); the Secretary of Agriculture (or a designee); the Secretary of Energy (or a designee); the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (or a designee); the Secretary of Health and Human Services (or a designee); the Commissioner of Food and Drugs (or a designee); and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (or a designee).
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this subsection, the alternatives task force shall develop, publish, and implement a national strategy— to maximally reduce the use of devices or processes that employ radiation sources; and to promote the use of alternatives to those devices or processes that perform some or all of the same functions. The strategy developed under subparagraph
(A)shall include all the desirable characteristics of national strategies that have been identified by the Government Accountability Office, including— specific goals and performance measures; clear roles for government and nongovernment entities; and proposals to provide relevant authorities to execute those roles. .
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Sec. 4
Reducing American reliance on radiation technology in favor of lower-risk alternatives
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