$7-Billion Nuclear Mishap Fund

The Senate approved and sent to the White House today legislation to increase the liability of nuclear power plant operators to about $7.2 billion in the event of an accident.

The bill, approved by voice vote, was passed 346 to 54 in the House earlier this week. The legislation would raise to about $7.2 billion, from the current $700 million, the pool of money that must be provided by the nation’s 112 nuclear plants for compensation in the case of an accident at a commercial reactor. The bill also provides fines of up to $100,000 a day for private contractors at federal weapons plants who violate safety regulations.