The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a request for information on a consent-based siting process that would be used to identify sites to store the nation’s spent nuclear fuel. The information will be used to further develop DOE’s consent-based siting process and overall waste management strategy in an equitable way.

The agency seeks input from all interested stakeholders on a broad range of questions related to the consent-based approach. These include how barriers could impede successful siting of federal interim storage facilities, how development of interim storage facilities should relate to progress on establishing a permanent repository, and whether the DOE should include social equity and environmental justice considerations in its siting process. Responses will ultimately inform development of a consent-based siting process, an overall strategy for an integrated waste management system, and possibly result in a funding opportunity.

The push to revive long-stalled consent-based siting activities stems from the 2021 passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act that allots $27.5 million to DOE to conduct nuclear waste disposal activities.

All responses to the request for information must be received by 5:00 p.m. (ET) on March 4, 2022.