WASHINGTON, D.C. - Key provisions of legislation introduced by Congressman Jim Saxton to improve the security of the nation's 103 nuclear reactors, including four in New Jersey, was passed by the House of Representatives last night.

"The Nuclear Infrastructure Security Act of 2003," H.R. 2708, was introduced by Saxton in July. The bulk of the bipartisan bill was folded into H.R. 6, the energy policy bill, which passed last night 246-180.

"These plants must be made as secure as possible," Saxton said. "In New Jersey, many people live close to the plants. Every precaution must be taken to protect communities across the country which are near nuclear power plants. I'm pleased that many of the provisions of H.R. 2708 are on their way to the White House to be signed into law."

Congressman Saxton worked with Sen. Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma, who sponsored a similar bill in the Senate. The Senate is considering the bill today, and could vote on the measure in days ahead.

Saxton said that because New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the nation, security at these plants is a major concern for state residents. He met with the Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), Dr. Nils J. Diaz, about security at the nation's nuclear power stations, including the Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station in Lacey Township, N.J.

The bill would expand the NRC�fs role in areas of nuclear plant security, and includes key provisions from Saxton's bill:
�Allows the NRC to make regulations allowing for safeguarding of classified national security information. The NRC will deploy a regional Federal Security Coordinator created to communicate with federal, state and, local authorities about threats. The provision requires the NRC to maintain levels of security consistent at all sites and assist private guard forces with security coordination;
�Directs the President to create response program. The provision provides training to Federal agencies and the National Guard to respond to threats;
�Triggers tougher fingerprinting for criminal history checks. Persons must be fingerprinted and granted approval before being granted access to unescorted areas. Fingerprints and background checks must be done on those who will be in close contact with nuclear materials and sensitive documents. Fingerprinting costs will now be incurred by the entity requiring the check instead of by the licensee or applicant, and alternative biometric methods to be used instead of fingerprints will be permitted;
�Improves firearm policy of plant security personnel. This provision allows security personnel to receive, possess, transport and import weapons such as a handgun, rifle or shotgun, short-barreled shotgun, short-barreled rifle, machine gun, semi-automatic assault weapon or a large capacity ammunition feeding device.  Authorization for weapons must be made by the NRC, and security personnel are not bound by state laws pertaining to possession of firearms. Guards must participate in training exercises, and undergo background checks established by the Brady Handgun Violence Protection Act;
�Tightens policy regarding unauthorized dangerous weapons. The bill criminalizes the introduction of unauthorized firearms on facility grounds;
�Toughens penalties for sabotage of nuclear facilities or Fuel. Makes a federal crime for knowingly or willfully intending to sabotage any type of nuclear facility, whether it is under construction or fully operational. This provision changes maximum fines from $10,000 and/or imprisonment up to 20 years, to a new penalty of $1,000,000 or imprisonment for life without parole; and
�Mandates studies of potential attack. The bill requires the President, NRC and state and local entities to conduct studies to identify types of potential threats such as water and air-based threats, potential for attacks on spent and stored fuel and the adequacy of planning to protect public health and safety at and around nuclear facilities.

Saxton said that in the aftermath of the events of Sept. 11, 2001, Congress must act to secure the plants from possible attacks by terrorists. New Jersey has four reactors in several locations: the Oyster Creek generating station in Ocean County, and Salem I and II and Hope Creek stations in Salem County.