Add Art 30 30-0101 & 30-0103, Art 71 71-2801 - 71-2805, En Con L
Provides that it shall be unlawful to discharge any radiological substance into the Hudson River in connection with the decommissioning of a nuclear power plant; provides for attorney general enforcement.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A7208 Revised 5/15/2023
SPONSOR: Levenberg TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to
decommissioning nuclear power plant discharges into the Hudson River
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
The purpose of this bill is to protect the communities along the Hudson
River from the adverse economic impacts resulting from the discharge of
nuclear waste into the River by decommissioning nuclear power plants.
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
This bill would make it unlawful to discharge any radiological substance
into the Hudson River in connection with the decommissioning of a nucle-
ar power plant and subject violators to a civil penalty. Such civil
penalty would be equal to $37,500 for the first day on which the
violation occurs, $75,000 for the second day on which the violation
occurs and $150,000 for each day thereafter that a violation occurs.
This bill would also authorize the Attorney General to bring an action
to enforce and recover the civil penalties.
JUSTIFICATION:
The discharge of nuclear waste into the Hudson River poses a substantial
risk to real estate values and the economic development of those commu-
nities along the river. Penalizing the discharge of radiological
substances into the Hudson River is necessary to preserve the economic
vitality of this important region and other methods of waste management
from decommissioning nuclear power plants are available that would not
result in the same economic impacts
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
This is a new bill.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.
