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House committee approves HB 623 to permit on‑site spent nuclear fuel storage with state oversight
Summary
Rep. Gary Perry said HB 623 signals Montana’s readiness to host on‑site spent nuclear fuel storage at in‑state generating facilities and to participate in federal processes; testimony split between tribal and environmental opponents warning of health and sovereignty risks and proponents emphasizing jobs and reliability. Committee approved the bill as amended and will transmit it forward.
Representative Gary Perry opened the hearing on House Bill 623, describing the measure as a legislative authorization that would allow the state to provide a recommendation and statutory framework for siting spent nuclear fuel storage facilities on the site of a nuclear power generating facility operating in Montana. Perry framed the bill as preparatory work to show the Nuclear Regulatory Commission that the state is prepared to work with licensees and to protect long‑term energy reliability.
Opponents included tribal leaders and environmental groups. Stephanie Vielle of the American Indian Movement of Montana urged a “do not pass” vote, saying the bill risks undermining tribal sovereignty and could expose indigenous communities to long‑term harms. “The impact of natural resource development has not always been fully recognized in terms of its cultural and health effects on indigenous people,” she said. The Montana Environmental Information Center and other opponents argued the bill could create implementation gaps in the Major Facility Siting Act and that short‑term storage proposals often become long‑term defaults.
Proponents, including labor representatives and some former legislators, emphasized economic opportunity and the need for firm baseload power. Danny Tenenbaum, a former legislator, said safe on‑site storage is a prerequisite for developing nuclear generation and that modern storage systems are engineered to withstand extreme events. DEQ staff told the committee that a state recommendation would not replace federal licensing but would allow the state to identify issues and hire outside technical expertise paid for by applicants when needed.
After questions and discussion about definitions, security, and review capacity, the committee adopted a technical amendment recommended in consultation with DEQ and voted to pass HB 623 as amended. Committee members recorded a roll‑call result in favor of the amended bill; it will be transmitted to the House for further consideration.
