By this part, Tennessee shall become a party to the southern states nuclear compact in accordance with the terms of the compact. “Compact” means the southern states nuclear compact. “Board” means the southern states energy board. The compact is as follows:
Article I. Policy and Purpose
The party states recognize that the proper employment and conservation of energy, and employment of energy-related facilities, materials, and products, within the context of a responsible regard for the environment, can assist substantially in the industrialization of the South and the development of a balanced economy for the region. They also recognize that the optimum benefit from the acquisition of energy resources and facilities requires systematic encouragement, guidance, and assistance from the party states on a cooperative basis. It is the policy of the party states to undertake such cooperation on a continuing basis; it is the purpose of this compact to provide the instruments and framework for such a cooperative effort to improve the economy of the South and contribute to the individual and community well-being of the region's people.
Article II. The Board
Article III. Finances
Article IV. Advisory Committees
The board may establish such advisory and technical committees as it may deem necessary, membership on which to include, but not to be limited to, private citizens, expert and lay personnel, representatives of industry, labor, commerce, agriculture, civic associations, medicine, education, voluntary health agencies, and officials of local, state and federal government, and may cooperate with and use the services of any such committees and the organization which they represent in furthering any of its activities under this compact.
Article V. Powers
The board has power to:
Article VI. Supplemental Agreements
Article VII. Other Laws and Relationships
Nothing in this compact shall be construed to:
Article VIII. Eligible Parties, Entry into Force and Withdrawal
Article IX. Severability and Construction
The provisions of this compact and of any supplementary agreement entered into hereunder shall be severable and if any phrase, clause, sentence or provision of this compact or such supplementary agreement is declared to be contrary to the constitution of any participating state or of the United States, or the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person, or circumstance is held invalid, the validity of the remainder of this compact or such supplementary agreement and the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person, or circumstance shall not be affected thereby. If this compact or any supplementary agreement entered into hereunder shall be held contrary to the constitution of any state participating therein, the compact or such supplementary agreement shall remain in full force and effect as to the remaining states and in full force and effect as to the state affected as to all severable matters. The provisions of this compact and of any supplementary agreement entered into pursuant hereto shall be liberally construed to effectuate the purposes thereof.