STORE Nuclear Fuel Act of 2024

The STORE Nuclear Fuel Act of 2024 establishes a federal program to create interim storage facilities for spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste, primarily affecting nuclear power plant operators (contract holders) and communities hosting potential sites. It requires the Secretary to prioritize "priority waste" (including waste from permanently shut-down reactors and emergency deliveries) and mandates a consent-based approval process requiring agreements with states, local governments, and tribes before selecting a site. The bill also delays fee collection from nuclear waste generators until the Nuclear Regulatory Commission approves repository construction, and limits annual funding for interim storage to 25% of interest from the nuclear waste fund. This addresses the lack of long-term disposal options while providing a temporary storage solution for waste currently stored at power plants.