This bill requires the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to establish a new Office of Public Engagement and Participation within 180 days to help members of the public participate in NRC proceedings and decisions. The office will be led by a Director and will provide educational support, guidance on submitting comments and hearing requests, and help coordinate financial assistance to participants who face significant hardship. The bill also creates an "Intervenor Trust Fund" to compensate eligible participants—including attorneys' fees and expert witness costs—if they make substantial contributions to NRC proceedings and cannot afford to participate otherwise. The legislation requires the NRC to develop compensation rules within 180 days, allow participants to request compensation when they file to intervene in proceedings, and provide an annual report to Congress on the office's activities. The bill authorizes whatever funding is necessary to pay approved compensation requests and emphasizes the office's independence from other NRC officials.
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