What does Preamble of HR 7796 do?

This bill is formally titled 'To assist communities affected by stranded nuclear waste, and for other purposes.'

What does SHORT TITLE. of HR 7796 do?

This bill is formally titled the Economic Recovery for Nuclear-Affected Communities Act.

What does FINDINGS. of HR 7796 do?

This section identifies communities across multiple states, including California, Connecticut, and Wisconsin, as facing the challenge of stranded nuclear waste. These communities are described as de facto interim nuclear waste storage sites. The Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 established impact assistance payments to affected communities, initially set at $15 per kilogram of spent nuclear fuel. Decommissioning nuclear power plants is stated to negatively impact host communities due to job losses and reduced tax revenue. Stranded nuclear waste is identified as an impediment to economic growth and redevelopment. The section highlights the need to provide resources to communities currently or potentially challenged by stranded nuclear waste within ten years of the Act's enactment.

What does DEFINITIONS. of HR 7796 do?

This section defines key terms used within the Act. The term 'Administrator' refers to the Administrator of the U.S. Economic Development Administration. An 'eligible civilian nuclear power plant' is defined as a decommissioned or in-process-of-being-decommissioned civilian nuclear power plant as defined in the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982. A 'nuclear affected community' is a local government determined by the Administrator to contain stranded nuclear waste or an eligible civilian nuclear power plant. ‘Stranded nuclear waste’ refers to nuclear waste or spent nuclear fuel stored in dry casks or spent fuel pools at the site of an eligible civilian nuclear power plant, as defined in the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982.

What does TAX INCENTIVES FOR AFFECTED COMMUNITIES. of HR 7796 do?

This section modifies the First-Time Homebuyer Credit as defined in Section 36 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. The credit is now specifically designated for 'nuclear affected communities'. The definition of 'nuclear affected community' references Section 3 of the Economic Recovery for Nuclear-Affected Communities Act. Paragraphs (2) and (3) of subsection (b) are removed, and paragraph (4) is redesignated as paragraph (2). Subsections (f), (g), and (h) of Section 36 are removed. A clerical amendment updates the table of sections to reflect the revised title of Section 36. The changes apply to the purchase of a principal residence after the enactment of this Act.

What does INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS PRIZE COMPETITION. of HR 7796 do?

This section establishes an 'Innovative Solutions Prize Competition' to award prizes for proposals related to alternatives to nuclear facilities, generating sites, and waste sites. The Administrator must establish the prize competition within 180 days of the Act's enactment. A 'Board' will advise the Administrator on the competition's design, implementation, and a subsequent pilot project. The Board will consist of at least nine members with expertise in areas like nuclear waste, workforce issues, technology development, and economic development. The prize amount for the competition is $500,000. The Administrator will develop a pilot project based on the winning proposal, using up to $500,000 from funds available under section 7. The Administrator must report to Congress within 60 days of awarding a prize, detailing the winning proposal.

What does ECONOMIC IMPACT GRANTS FOR AFFECTED COMMUNITIES. of HR 7796 do?

This section establishes a noncompetitive grant program administered by the Administrator to provide grants to nuclear-affected communities. Grants can be awarded to offset the economic and social impacts of stranded nuclear waste or to support communities decommissioning nuclear power plants facing decreased tax revenues. Communities with stranded nuclear waste are eligible for grants of $15 per kilogram of spent nuclear fuel stored, consistent with the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982. Communities facing lost tax revenue due to decommissioning must demonstrate a reduction of at least 20% in overall tax revenue and a 20% reduction attributable to the nuclear power plant compared to the previous 5 years. Financial assistance for lost tax revenue is provided over an 8-year period, with the amount decreasing annually from 80% to 10% of the loss. The amount of financial assistance is subject to appropriations Acts.

What does AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. of HR 7796 do?

This section authorizes appropriations to carry out the Act. A total of $110,000,000 is authorized for fiscal years 2026 through 2031. An additional $120,000,000 is authorized for fiscal years 2032 through 2036. Funds appropriated under this section cannot be used to offset funding for other federal programs. Nuclear affected communities are limited to one grant per calendar year. A nuclear affected community cannot receive grants under both sections 6(b) and (c) in the same calendar year.

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Economic Recovery for Nuclear-Affected Communities Act — HR. 7796

Last updated: 3/4/2026 · Introduced: 3/4/2026

Author: Michael Lawler (R-NY)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes economic impact grants for communities affected by stranded nuclear waste or decommissioning nuclear power plants, providing financial assistance to offset economic and social impacts and lost tax revenue.
The bill creates an 'Innovative Solutions Prize Competition' offering up to $500,000 in prizes for proposals addressing alternatives to nuclear facilities and waste management.
It modifies the First-Time Homebuyer Credit to specifically benefit individuals purchasing homes in designated 'nuclear affected communities'.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 6 more.

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