The Energy Facility Siting Council (EFSC) has completed its rulemaking to update Oregon's rules for fees associated with the transportation of radioactive materials. EFSC approved the final rules on August 21, 2026. The permanent rules were filed with the Oregon Secretary of State on August 25 and became effective that same day. The amendments update the radioactive material transportation fee structure and expand the rules to address applicable shipments transported by rail. The updated rules are intended to modernize how Oregon's radioactive material transportation program applies across different types of shipments and transportation modes. Among the key changes, the final rules: - Increase the standard transportation fee to $125 per placarded shipment. For placarded shipments of well-logging material, radiographic material, and radiopharmaceuticals, carriers will pay $750 annually or $135 per shipment, whichever is less.
- Establish a $1,250 fee for certain higher-level radioactive material shipments, including spent nuclear fuel, Highway Route Controlled Quantities, and high-level radioactive waste. The fee applies per truck or railcar.
- Extend the fee requirements to applicable rail shipments. Rail carriers will be invoiced quarterly based on reported shipments. The rules recognize that rail transportation operates under a different regulatory structure and do not require rail carriers to obtain the motor-carrier permit required for applicable highway shipments.
- Update other provisions to account for rail transportation, including references to applicable Federal Railroad Administration requirements and insurance and financial assurance requirements for rail carriers.
- Establish a regular review of the fee schedule. EFSC will review the fees every four years and update them as necessary to reflect changes in the cost of services. The first review is to be calculated on or before January 15, 2028.
The final amendments also update the definition of a radioactive material shipment to expressly include railcars, railroad cars, and other rolling stock, and clarify that the Division 60 rules apply to transportation of radioactive material in Oregon. The Oregon Department of Energy appreciates everyone who participated in the rulemaking and provided input as the Department and Council considered these updates. Questions about the final rules may be directed to Tom Jackman, EFSC Rules Coordinator, at tom.jackman@energy.oregon.gov.
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The Energy Facility Siting Council and the Nuclear Safety and Emergency
Preparedness Team plan to hold their second Rulemaking Advisory Committee (RAC)
meeting for the Radioactive Transport Fee rulemaking on
October 24, 2025, from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
The meeting is open to the public, but only appointed RAC members are
invited to participate in the committee's discussion. There will be an
opportunity for public comment during the meeting. Details for how to join
the meeting are available in the
meeting agenda.
Meeting Details: October 24, 2025 | 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. |
The Energy Facility Siting Council and the Nuclear Safety and Emergency
Preparedness Team plan to hold their first Rulemaking Advisory Committee
(RAC) meeting for the Radioactive Transport Fee rulemaking on
May 28, 2025, from 9 -11 a.m.
The meeting is open to the public, but only appointed RAC members are
invited to participate in the committee's discussion. There will be an
opportunity for public comment during the meeting.
Meeting Details: May 28, 2025 | 9 -11 a.m. |