SB 360

This bill establishes a regulatory framework for siting small modular reactors (nuclear reactors with 300 megawatts or less capacity) in Oregon, exempting them from certain existing restrictions on nuclear power plants while adding new local approval requirements. The legislation requires that before small modular reactors can be approved, local voters must first approve their siting through a referendum at the next general election - both in the city or county where the reactor would be located and in any county containing the emergency planning zone. Additionally, the bill requires that any disposal of high-level radioactive waste from these reactors must comply with processes approved by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, while exempting small modular reactors from several existing state nuclear facility restrictions outlined in ORS 469.595-469.601.