H.R. 4136 — NRC Office of Public Engagement and Participation Act of 2025

This section establishes in the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) the Office of Public Engagement and Participation, to be headed by a Director appointed by the NRC Chairman (subject to Commission approval) who serves a five-year term (renewable once), is compensated at the maximum Senior Executive Service rate, and may be removed only for inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance. The Office supports public participation in NRC proceedings (e.g., guidance on submitting comments, contentions, and hearing requests), advocates for the public interest, coordinates available assistance, and ensures its independence within the NRC. Notwithstanding section 502 of the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, 1993 (a note to 5 U.S.C. 504 prohibiting such payments), this section authorizes the NRC to compensate persons for reasonable attorney fees, expert witness fees, and other participation costs in significant proceedings if their involvement substantially contributed to a favorable outcome and would otherwise impose significant financial hardship. This section further requires the Director to submit annual reports to Congress on assistance requests received and common public participation difficulties; and clarifies that the office does not reduce existing NRC public engagement standards.