PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Nov 14, 2002
Nuclear Waste Transportation Security Act of 2002 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to develop and implement a program for the transportation safety of high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel (waste and fuel) taking into consideration terrorist threats and other potential emergencies.Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States and local and tribal governments for activities to enhance the security of transporting nuclear waste, including emergency response.Directs the Secretaries of Transportation and Energy, in establishing routes for the transportation of nuclear waste through a State, to jointly consult with the State's chief executive officer regarding preferred or alternative routes. Requires the executive officer to be given 7 days' prior notice of any such transportation. Specifies requirements for particular shipments. Prohibits nuclear waste from being transported by vessel in the inland waters of the United States or the Great Lakes.Requires renewal every three years of a hazmat employee's certification of training to handle waste and fuel. Provides training grants for hazmat employees and instructors.Enhances civil penalties for violations in the transportation of waste and fuel.Requires: (1) a program of outreach regarding response to accidents, attacks, or other emergencies involving the transportation of waste and fuel; (2) a study regarding effects on public health of such transportation; and (3) a comprehensive program of testing the physical integrity and suitability of the packages used for such transportation.Requires the Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board to evaluate the validity of any activities undertaken by the Secretary or the Nuclear Regulatory Commission with respect to the transportation of waste or fuel.
People & committees
Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL] · D–IL
Legislative record
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Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S11081-11082)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Sep 8, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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