Bill Caption

Relating to the operations of the Texas Low-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Compact waste disposal facility.

Fiscal Notes

Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for SB 1021, Committee Report 1st House, Substituted: a negative impact of ($3,000,000) through the biennium ending August 31, 2021. In addition, a negative impact of ($5,250,000) through the biennium ending August 31, 2021 to General Revenue-Dedicated Environmental Radiation and Perpetual Care Account No. 5158. The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill.

Bill Analysis

By way of background we will quote from the bill author's statement of purpose: "The Texas Low-Level Radioactive Waste Compact Agreement between Texas and Vermont established a low-level radioactive waste facility in Andrews, Texas. The facility is operated by a private operator. Economic restrictions placed on the facility by the legislature have caused the facility to perpetually lose money."

SB 1021 would increase the amount of nonparty compact waste that can be accepted for disposal at the low-level radioactive waste disposal facility located in Andrews, Texas. It would also decrease the surcharge on the disposal of nonparty compact waste.

Vote Recommendation Notes

Texas Action supports SB 1021 which would somewhat reduce the regulatory burden placed on this facility and reduce the cost of the nonparty compact waste surcharge.