(a) The office is responsible for the coordination and integration of all emergency planning programs and response plans under this chapter. If there is a nuclear powerplant accident, the office shall coordinate information and resources to support local governments in a joint state and local government decisionmaking process.

(b) The office shall perform all of the following duties and functions:

(1) Coordinate the activities of all state agencies relating to preparation and implementation of the State Nuclear Power Plant Emergency Response Plan. The office shall be the focal point for coordinating nuclear powerplant emergency preparedness activities with local governments, other state agencies, federal agencies, and other organizations.

(2) Exercise explicit ultimate authority for allocating funds from the Nuclear Planning Assessment Special Account to local governments.

(3) Coordinate and participate in exercises of the state’s nuclear emergency response plan with each site during its federally evaluated exercise.

(4) Ensure that state personnel are adequately trained to respond in the event of an actual emergency. The exercises shall include the department and other relevant state agencies.

(5) In consultation with the department, review protective action recommendations developed by the utilities and local government representatives.

(6) Coordinate planning guidance to state agencies and local governments.

(7) Ensure the development and maintenance of the State Nuclear Power Plant Emergency Response Plan and procedures necessary to carry out those responsibilities and review and approve state agency plans in draft prior to publication.

(8) Exercise discretionary authority regarding the formation of interagency agreements with state agencies having local emergency responsibilities, to ensure state agencies have updated emergency plans and trained emergency response personnel to respond during the plume emergency phase.

(9) Conduct a study similar to that described in Section 8610.3 of the Government Code, for any nuclear powerplant with a generating capacity of 50 megawatts or more that is proposed for licensing in this state.

(Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 352, Sec. 389. (AB 1317) Effective September 26, 2013. Operative July 1, 2013, by Sec. 543 of Ch. 352.)