Nuclear Safety Board Act of 1979

Nuclear Safety Board Act of 1979 - Establishes the Nuclear Safety Board as an independent executive agency. Provides for presidential appointment of three members of such board, and sets forth provisions relating to terms, compensation, and appointment of officers and support staff.

Sets forth the duties of such Board, including: (1) investigation of potentially hazardous events occurring at facilities regulated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission; (2) analysis of operational data reported to it by such facilities to determine the existence of patterns of events indicating safety problems; (3) conducting nuclear facility safety studies; (4) evaluation of suggestions received from the scientific and industrial community and others on improving nuclear facility safety; (5) recommendation to the Commission of specific measures to minimize the likelihood of events which could affect public health or safety; (6) assessment of the effectiveness of the Commission in monitoring facility operations and in providing safety procedures concerning construction and operation of such facilities; (7) monitoring the Commission's resolution of safety issues; (8) establishment of reporting requirements regarding facility design, construction, and operation, which shall be binding on the Commission, Federal, State, and local nuclear safety agencies, and private parties involved with facility construction or operation; and (9) issuance of periodic reports on nuclear facility safety.

Grants the Board specified powers relating to issuance of subpenas, inspection authority, enforcement authority, immunity, obtaining official data, delegation, contracting authority, and appointment of advisory committees.

Authorizes the Board to make any information not relating to trade secrets available to the public upon request, with exceptions.

Requires the Commission to provide written response to the Board to each recommendation submitted by the Board regarding nuclear safety.

Establishes civil penalties for violation of reporting requirements regarding facility design, construction, or operation.

Authorizes judicial review of any order issued by the Board under this Act.

Requires the Board to submit an annual report to the Congress on the activities conducted by the Board.

Terminates the existence of the Board six years after the date of enactment of this Act.