Number: RL32811
Title: Republic of the Marshall Islands Changed Circumstances Petition to Congress
Authors: Thomas Lum, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division; Kenneth Thomas, American Law Division; C. Stephen Redhead, Domestic Social Policy Division; and David Bearden, Mark Holt, and Salvatore Lazzari, Resources, Science, and Industry Division 
Abstract: This report summarizes U.S. nuclear testing on the Marshall Islands, U.S. compensation efforts to date, relevant provisions in the Compact of Free Association, and the Changed Circumstances Petition. It analyzes several issues related to the personal injury, health care, and property damages claims in the Petition. These issues include estimated occurrence of radiation-related illnesses in the Marshall Islands; the methodology for determining the value of "lost use" of damaged properties; the appropriate standard of risk (annual dose limit) for determining cleanup levels; and the extent of radioactive fallout. This report discusses possible legal options for the RMI in pursuing nuclear test damages claims and suggests policy options for the 109th Congress.
Pages: 46
Date: August 30, 2005