Support Oregon Dept. of Energy’s Radioactive Waste Transport Fee Increases
In anticipation of increased shipments of radioactive waste from the Hanford Nuclear Site, Oregon Dept. of Energy (“ODOE”) is proposing changes and fee increases for carriers of radioactive material through the state. Fee increases would support emergency preparedness response. The Energy Facility Siting Council (“EFSC”) is accepting comments now until July 31.
Ready to take action? Sign the petition below.
Dear Energy Facility Siting Council,
I am very supportive of the Oregon Department of Energy’s Radioactive Waste Transportation Fee Rulemaking. I also strongly support the inclusion of rail carriers within this rule, despite the industry pushback.
Shipments of nuclear waste from the Hanford Nuclear Site are expected to increase exponentially as tank operations advance. Somewhere between 60 to 110 shipments per year are expected to originate just from the 200 West project alone. In comparison, from 2023 to 2024, the Oregon Department of Transportation reported a total of 349 radioactive shipments through the state. It is imperative that the state of Oregon fund emergency preparedness and response in light of this increase.
I also urge EFSC to include a larger fee on carriers of liquid radioactive waste through the state, which poses a larger risk than solidified waste. In 2024, Governor Kotek wrote to the Tri-Party Agencies in response to Holistic Negotiations that, “Oregon has significant concerns about the inherent risk of transport of liquid waste.” It remains an open question whether increased waste shipments from Hanford will contain waste in a solid or liquid form and Oregon should be prepared to respond to either.
Sincerely,
Rulemaking Advisory Committee (RAC)
Columbia Riverkeeper actively participated in the RAC, one of the only representatives not associated with the trucking or rail industry, where we advocated for increased reporting, fees on rail carriers, and increased Tribal notification. Read the comments here.
Overall, we are very supportive of ODOE’s fee increase and of the inclusion of rail carriers, despite industry pushback. Shipments of nuclear waste from the Hanford Nuclear Site are expected to increase exponentially as tank operations advance. Somewhere between 60 to 110 shipments per year are expected to originate just from the 200 West project alone. In comparison, from 2023-2024, the Oregon Dept. of Transportation reported a total of 349 radioactive shipments through the state. Read the draft rule, RAC comments, and ODOE responses here.
Other Ways to Participate
Want to provide oral comments? EFSC will hold an in-person public hearing in Salem:
When: July 24, 2026 at 9:30 a.m.
Where: Meitner Room, Oregon Department of Energy, 550 Capitol St. NE, Salem, Oregon
Check out EFSC’s public participation page for additional information.