GET INVOLVED

The permanent rules became effective on November 17, 2023. The revised rules are available on the Secretary of State's Oregon Administrative Rules Database.

With Senate Bill 246 (2021), the legislature enabled the Energy Facility Siting Council, with support from ODOE, to update and clarify the definition of radioactive waste subject to the disposal ban found in OAR 345 Division 50.

The rulemaking was undertaken to evaluate whether changes to rules are needed to protect public health and safety; consider what, if any, standards and rules are necessary to prevent disposal of radioactive waste in Oregon; and to align requirements with regulatory authority of other agencies and with practicable actions.

The proposed rulemaking language:

1. Improves how the process rules are organized and external Tables are referenced.

2. Adds two new exemptions to the ruleset: one for petroleum wastes enriched in Lead-210 and one for metabolized medical isotopes when the receiving facility has a work procedure approved by ODOE staff. 

Complete text of the proposed rules are available here.

The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking is also available from the Oregon Administrative Rules Database.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

A public comment period on the proposed rule change is now open. All written comments must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 27, 2023, to be considered.

ODOE has a new online portal for submitting public comments. The goal of the online portal is to provide members of the public with another convenient option to participate in Council rulemaking proceedings.

To comment on this project, select “Radioactive Waste Rulemaking" from the drop-down menu and follow the instructions. You will receive an email confirmation after submitting your comment.

Written comments may also be submitted by mail or email by sending them to:

EFSC Rules Coordinator
Oregon Department of Energy
550 Capitol St. NE
Salem, OR 97301
Email: EFSC.rulemaking@energy.oregon.gov 

RULEMAKING HEARING

An opportunity for oral comments will be provided at a rulemaking hearing on October 19, 2023. The hearing will be held both in person in Salem and virtually via Webex.

Hearing Details

Date/Time: Thursday, October 19, 2023 | 1:00 p.m.
In-Person Location: Oregon Department of Energy's Meitner Room
                                   550 Capitol St 
                                   Salem, OR NE 97301
Virtual Option: Join the meeting via Webex

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

If you have questions about these rules, or other Council rulemaking activities, please contact the Council's Rules Coordinator, Thomas Jackman, by email at tom.jackman@energy.oregon.gov or by phone at (503) 551-7603.

• Sept 22, 2023, Council Meeting, Agenda Item G

• Staff Report
• Attachment 1- Draft Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
• Attachment 2 - Older RAC Comments
• Attachment 3 - Recent RAC Comments
• Attachment 4 - RAC List
• Attachment 5 - Proposed Rules
  
  

This 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 any person interested in this rulemaking to provide public comment during the meeting.

Meeting Materials:

• Agenda
• Waste Management Presentation
  
• Meeting Recording
  

This 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 any person interested in this rulemaking to provide public comment during the meeting.

Meeting Materials:

• Agenda
• Meeting Presentation
  
• Meeting Recording​