HB1142

This bill creates the 'Arkansas Nuclear Recycling Program' under the Department of Energy and Environment. The program is designed to study the technical and economic feasibility of interim storage and recycling of spent nuclear fuel within Arkansas. It authorizes the state to pursue a federal charter and federal funding to conduct research, site analysis, and engineering designs for potential facilities. The legislation requires the Division of Environmental Quality to report findings to the Legislative Council, which will hold hearings to determine if such a project is viable. Furthermore, the bill mandates a public outreach and education component, led by the University of Arkansas, to gauge community sentiment regarding potential facility locations. If deemed feasible and supported by the public, the act provides a framework for the construction and operation of such facilities using federal funds. Ultimately, the program aims to position Arkansas as a potential hub for nuclear fuel recycling.