Update: Senate includes $250k for EPA generic repository

The U.S. Senate's proposed Department of the Interior funding package provides $250,000 to develop a generic, technology-neutral standard for future high-level nuclear waste disposal facilities.

The goal is for the Environmental Protection Agency to use modern and international practices in creating new plans to store U.S. nuclear waste. This spring, the EPA had requested $635,000 to fund this work-but even the proposed $250,000 would help get the process moving.

So far, funding has been included only in the Senate's version of the appropriations bill, but supporters hope it makes the final package when Senate and House lawmakers conference on the final fiscal year 2025 appropriations legislation this fall.

For more details, see the original story below from June 28.

[Original June 28 article follows]

A subcommittee markup of the House energy and water fiscal year 2025 appropriations bill was scheduled for June 28. The appropriations package would fund energy and water development and related agencies through Sept. 30, 2025.

"I'm proud that [the bill] continues to build off the work of our FY 2024 bill to strengthen America's strategic nuclear stockpile, revitalize our ability to enrich uranium domestically, invest in our long-term energy security, and maintain our country's ports and inland waterways," said Rep. Chuck Fleischmann (R., Tenn.), chair of the energy subcommittee.

What's in it for nuclear? Report language is not yet available, but here's what we know so far:

• $25.47 billion for the National Nuclear Security Administration.
• $8.39 billion for the Department of Energy's Office of Science, including funding for advanced fusion research and development and support for the national laboratories.
• $1.79 billion for nuclear energy, with funding for HALEU development.
• $8.32 billion for environmental management and cleanup activities.
• $12 million for nuclear waste disposal.

Quotable: "The FY 2025 bill strengthens our national security, economy, and energy sector. . . . Investments for the enhancement and expansion of domestic energy sources are supported, while programs with no accountability and progressive bloat are rejected. Now more than ever, we need to lead in cutting-edge research and our nuclear deterrence," said Rep. Tom Cole (R., Okla.), chair of the appropriations committee.

Fleischmann added, "Our nation faces many challenges. Three of the most critical challenges we face are maintaining a safe and reliable nuclear deterrent, advancing American energy security, and supporting robust water resources improvements nationwide."

A closer look: The bill's discretionary allocation of nearly $51.2 billion is $999 million above the FY 2024 enacted level, though $139 million below President Biden's budgetary request.

The non-defense portion of the spending plan includes just under $25 billion-which is $93 million above the FY 2024 enacted level and $353 million below Biden's budget request.

Check back with Nuclear Newswire for updates on the energy budget.