Low-Dose Radiation Research Act of 2018

“977A. Low-dose radiation research program

“(a) In general—The Secretary shall carry out a basic research program on low-dose radiation to—

“(1) enhance the scientific understanding of, and reduce uncertainties associated with, the effects of exposure to low-dose radiation; and

“(2) inform improved risk-assessment and risk-management methods with respect to such radiation.

“(b) Program components—In carrying out the program required under subsection (a), the Secretary shall—

“(1) formulate scientific goals for low-dose radiation basic research in the United States;

“(2) identify ongoing scientific challenges for understanding the long-term effects of ionizing radiation on biological systems;

“(3) develop a long-term strategic and prioritized basic research agenda to address such scientific challenges in coordination with other research efforts;

“(4) identify and, to the extent possible, quantify, potential monetary and health-related benefits to Federal agencies, the general public, industry, research communities, and other users of information produced by such research program;

“(5) leverage the collective body of knowledge from existing low-dose radiation research; and

“(6) engage with other Federal agencies, research communities, and potential users of information produced under this section, including institutions concerning radiation research, medical physics, radiology, health physics, and emergency response.

“(c) Coordination—In carrying out the program, the Secretary, in coordination with the Physical Science Subcommittee of the National Science and Technology Council, shall—

“(1) support the directives under section 106 of the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act (42 U.S.C. 6601 note);

“(2) ensure that the Office of Science of the Department of Energy consults with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the National Institutes of Health, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Defense, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and the Department of Homeland Security;

“(3) advise and assist the National Science and Technology Council on policies and initiatives in radiation biology, including enhancing scientific knowledge of the effects of low-dose radiation on biological systems to improve radiation risk-assessment and risk-management methods; and

“(4) identify opportunities to stimulate international cooperation relating to low-dose radiation and leverage research and knowledge from sources outside of the United States.

“(d) Research plan—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall transmit to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a 4-year research plan that identifies and prioritizes basic research needs relating to low-dose radiation. In developing such plan, the Secretary shall incorporate the components described in subsection (b).

“(e) Definition of low-Dose radiation—In this section, the term “low-dose radiation” means a radiation dose of less than 100 millisieverts.

“(f) Rule of construction—Nothing in this section shall be construed to subject any research carried out by the Secretary for the program under this section to any limitations described in 977(e) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16317(e)).

“(g) Funding—For purposes of carrying out this section, the Secretary is authorized to make available from funds provided to the Biological and Environmental Research Program—

“(1) $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2018;

“(2) $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2019;

“(3) $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2020; and

“(4) $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2021.”