(1) There is created the Nuclear Energy Consortium to advise the office and the Legislature on nuclear energy development in the state.
(2) The consortium consists of:
(a) one member of the Senate, appointed by the president of the Senate;
(b) one member of the House of Representatives, appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives;
(c) the following members or designees:
(i) the director of the Office of Energy Development, who shall serve as chair;
(ii) the executive director of the Department of Environmental Quality;
(iii) the chair of the Public Service Commission; and
(iv) the executive director of the Department of Natural Resources; and
(d) additional members with expertise in nuclear energy development appointed by the director, including representatives from areas or entities such as:
(i) public and private institutions of higher education;
(ii) the Idaho National Laboratory;
(iii) the Nuclear Regulatory Commission;
(iv) other federal entities as determined by the director;
(v) nuclear fuel mining and milling;
(vi) nuclear fuel manufacturing;
(vii) nuclear technology providers;
(viii) utility companies;
(ix) energy off-takers;
(x) workforce development;
(xi) nuclear safety;
(xii) research and development; and
(xiii) nuclear waste management.
(3)
(a) A member appointed under Subsection (2)(a) may be removed by the president of the Senate.
(b) A member appointed under Subsection (2)(b) may be removed by the speaker of the House of Representatives.
(c) A member appointed under Subsection (2)(d) may be removed by the director.
(4) The consortium shall meet at least quarterly.
(5) A majority of consortium members constitutes a quorum for conducting consortium business.
(6) The office shall provide staff support to the consortium.
(7) A consortium member may not receive compensation or benefits for the member's service but may receive per diem and travel expenses in accordance with:
(a) Sections 63A-3-106 and 63A-3-107; and
(b) rules made by the Division of Finance under Sections 63A-3-106 and 63A-3-107.