§ 23-19.11-1. Policy and purpose. The state recognizes that the congress has declared that each state is responsible for providing for the availability of capacity either within or outside its borders, for the disposal of low-level radioactive waste generated within its borders, except for those wastes which remain a federal responsibility as defined in the Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Act, 42 U.S.C. § 2021(b) et seq., or federal research and development activities. The state recognizes that the long term safe and effective management of low-level radioactive waste generated within the state requires that sufficient capacity to manage low-level radioactive waste be provided. In order to promote public health and safety in the state, it is the policy of the state to enter into a contract with a compact commission of a region in which a regional disposal facility is located to provide for the disposal of all low-level radioactive waste generated in the state, as provided under 42 U.S.C. § 2021(e)(1)(f). The state is required to compensate the compact commission of a region in which a regional disposal facility is located that will provide for the disposal of all low-level radioactive waste generated within the state. Therefore, Rhode Island as a service to its low-level radioactive waste generators, will provide access to a disposal facility with sufficient capacity for their needs and the generators of low-level radioactive waste will reimburse the state for providing this service as long as an agreement exists and is in compliance as defined by the Low-Level Radiation Waste Policy Act.

History of Section. (P.L. 1988, ch. 453, § 1.)