WISCASSET, Maine - A proposal before the U.S. Senate would seek to help communities around the country that face the expensive problem of storing spent nuclear fuel. Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine and Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois are calling the proposal "the STRANDED Act." That stands for "Sensible, Timely, Relief for America's Nuclear Districts' Economic Development."
The proposal calls for economic impact grants to local governments to offset the impacts of stranded waste. Communities would be eligible for $15 per kilogram of spent nuclear fuel stored.
Collins says the town of Wiscasset has endorsed the proposal. Wiscasset is the location of decommissioned Maine Yankee nuclear plant. Collins says a permanent solution for the waste is also needed.
The co-sponsors of the bill include Maine's other senator, independent Sen. Angus King.