NRC Office of Public Engagement and Participation Act of 2023

HR 4530 establishes the NRC Office of Public Engagement and Participation to help members of the public participate in Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) proceedings. The office provides free guidance on submitting comments, attending hearings, and understanding nuclear safety regulations, and can compensate individuals for legal costs if they face significant financial hardship while participating in important NRC decisions. The office is led by a Director appointed by the NRC Chairman (with a five-year term), and must submit annual reports to Congress detailing public assistance requests and common participation challenges. It does not change existing NRC public engagement standards but ensures the office operates independently within the Commission. This directly affects people and groups engaging with the NRC on nuclear energy and safety issues.