(a) There is established a Nuclear Energy Advisory Council which shall (1) hold regular public meetings for the purpose of discussing issues relating to the safety and operation of the nuclear power generating facilities located in this state and to advise the Governor, the General Assembly and municipalities within a five-mile radius of any nuclear power generating facility in this state of such issues, (2) work in conjunction with agencies of the federal, state and local governments to ensure the public health and safety, (3) discuss proposed changes in or problems arising from the operation of a nuclear power generating facility, (4) communicate with any company operating a nuclear power generating facility about safety or operational concerns at the facility, which communications may include, but not be limited to, receipt of written reports and presentations to the council, and (5) review the current status of facilities with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

(b) The advisory council shall consist of: (1) Two members appointed by the president pro tempore of the Senate and two members appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives; (2) the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection, or said commissioner’s designee; (3) one representative of an operator of a nuclear power generating facility located in the state, appointed by the Governor; (4) two electors from each municipality in which a nuclear power generating facility is located, appointed by the chief executive officers of said municipalities; and (5) four electors each of whom is from a municipality which is adjacent to a municipality in which a nuclear power generating facility is located, one appointed by the majority leader of the House of Representatives, one appointed by the majority leader of the Senate, one appointed by the minority leader of the House of Representatives, and one appointed by the minority leader of the Senate.

(c) All appointments to the advisory council shall be made not more than thirty days after June 6, 1996. Any vacancy shall be filled by the appointing authority.

(d) The council shall elect a chairperson from among its members, except that the speaker of the House of Representatives and the president pro tempore of the Senate shall select the chairpersons for the first meeting of the council. Such chairpersons shall schedule the first meeting of the council, which shall be held within sixty days after June 6, 1996.

(e) The membership of the council shall serve without compensation. The Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection shall provide clerical support to the council.

(f) On or before January 1, 1997, and annually thereafter, the advisory council shall report to the General Assembly concerning its activities for the preceding year.