Amendment #221 to H3900

Nuclear power plant wastewater discharge commission

Mr. Cutler of Pembroke moves to amend the bill by adding the following section:-

SECTION X. (a) There shall be a special commission to examine the potential environmental and economic impacts caused by the discharge of spent nuclear fuel pool water or other wastewater with both radiological and other pollutants associated with the decommissioning of any nuclear power plant, into the waters of the commonwealth. For the purposes of this section, “waters of the commonwealth” shall include all waters under the jurisdiction of the division of marine fisheries including, but not limited to, bays, coastal waters, canals, rivers and streams.

(b) The commission shall consist of: Two members designated by the senate president, one of whom shall serve as co-chair; two members designated by the speaker of the house of representatives, one of whom shall serve as co-chair;  the secretary of energy and environmental affairs or a designee; the secretary of health and human services or a designee; secretary of housing and economic affairs or a designee; the minority leader of the senate or a designee; the minority leader of the house of representatives or a designee; the commissioner of environmental protection or a designee; the commissioner of public health or a designee; the executive director of  travel and tourism or a designee; 1 designee of the Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce; 1 designee of the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce; and 5 members who shall be appointed by the governor, 3 of whom shall have background in marine radiochemistry, chemical or physical oceanography, health physics, or nuclear chemistry; and 2 of whom shall have background in economic development, tourism or commercial fishing.

(c) The commission shall: (i) examine and investigate the potential environmental and economic impacts, including impacts to consumer perception of the discharge of spent nuclear fuel wastewater or other wastewater with both radiological and other pollutants on the fishing, aquaculture, tourism and restaurant industries and any other sectors deemed appropriate by the commission; and (ii) make recommendations on measures to mitigate or avoid potential negative impacts on such industries.

(d) The commission shall hold not less than 4 listening sessions, with at least 1 listening session in each of the following counties: Dukes County, Plymouth, Bristol and Barnstable; provided, however, that upon the completion of its report under this section, the commission shall provide a public presentation in those counties. Not later than December 31, 2024, the commission shall file a report on the results of its study with the clerks of the house of representatives and the senate, the joint committee on environment and natural resources, the joint committee on public health, the joint committee on tourism, arts and cultural development, the joint committee on economic development and emerging technologies and the senate and house committees on ways and means.

Additional co-sponsor(s) added to Amendment #221 to H3900

Nuclear power plant wastewater discharge commission