The Nuclear Waste Policy Act

The Nuclear Waste Policy Act (NWPA) is a U.S. law enacted in 1982 that establishes a framework for managing the disposal of nuclear waste from power plants and other sources. The act mandates the federal government to develop a deep geological repository for long-term waste storage, primarily at Yucca Mountain in Nevada. It aims to ensure that nuclear waste is safely stored away from the public and the environment, outlining responsibilities for waste management and requiring public participation in decision-making. The NWPA represents a critical step in addressing the challenges of nuclear waste disposal.