Pete Domenici: “I rise to discuss provisions in the Omnibus Appropriations bill relating to Price-Anderson nuclear liability. As you…”

“I rise to discuss provisions in the Omnibus Appropriations bill relating to Price-Anderson nuclear liability. As you know Price-Anderson coverage for NRC licensees ended last August 1. Extension of Price-Anderson had been agreed upon by conferees on last Session's Comprehensive Energy Bill, but the demise of that Bill ended hopes of extension of Price-Anderson before it lapsed. I've discussed this situation with Senator Inhofe and Senator Voinovich, from their perspectives involving the Environment and Public Works Committee with jurisdiction over Nuclear Regulatory Commission issues. I'm pleased that they concur that the nation is best served by prompt renewal of Price-Anderson legislation, retroactive to August 1 of last year, to ensure that both NRC licensees and Department of Energy contractors are subject to its full provisions. I believe we agreed that the language agreed to by the energy bill conferees last year was adequate to accomplish this goal.”