H.B. 78

# H.B. 78 Plain-Language Summary H.B. 78 creates a new Nuclear Energy Regulatory Office within Utah's Division of Waste Management and Radiation Control to oversee and license nuclear fuel cycle activities, such as uranium enrichment, fuel fabrication, and nuclear waste storage. The bill grants the division rulemaking authority to establish licensing requirements, safety standards, and enforcement procedures for nuclear energy projects, along with the power to collect fees to cover regulatory costs. A key goal is to help Utah pursue "Agreement State" status with the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission, which would give the state expanded authority to regulate certain nuclear materials and activities within its borders. The legislation authorizes the director to hire necessary staff and enter cooperative agreements with federal agencies to carry out these expanded nuclear regulatory responsibilities.