§ 42-27-2. Powers and duties of commission. (a) It shall be the duty of the Rhode Island atomic energy commission:

(1) To make studies as to need, if any, for changes in laws and regulations administered by any agency of the state that would arise from the presence within the state of special nuclear materials and by-product materials and from the operation herein of production or utilization facilities, and, on the basis of those studies, to make such recommendations to the governor and the general assembly for the enactment of laws or amendments to laws or the promulgation of regulations as may appear necessary and appropriate;

(2) To advise the governor and the general assembly with respect to atomic industrial development within the state;

(3) To coordinate the development and regulatory activities of the state relating to the industrial and commercial uses of atomic energy;

(4) To cooperate with the federal Atomic Energy Commission and with like commissions or agencies of the other states in all matters relating to the purposes herein set forth;

(5) To contract for, construct, and operate a nuclear reactor within the state for the purpose of research, experimentation, training personnel, testing of materials and techniques, and for such other purposes related thereto which the commission shall deem necessary for the health, welfare, and economy of the people of this state; and in this respect to cooperate with and make available, under proper safeguards, the use of the reactor by the colleges, universities, and industries of this state and to contract for and engage engineers, technicians, and other assistance.

(b) The commission may select a director of the commission and may charge fees for the use of reactor facilities.

History of Section. (P.L. 1955, ch. 3416, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 42-27-2; P.L. 1958, ch. 144, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 133, art. 15, § 1.)