Final answer:
The 1980 Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Act allows states, with federal oversight, to manage low-level radioactive waste, but it does not give the federal government full regulatory power. Other laws like the RCRA and Atomic Energy Act also regulate radioactive waste, showing a multi-faceted approach to waste management.
Step-by-step explanation:
The 1980 Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Act does grant states the authority to manage the disposal of low-level radioactive waste with the federal government overseeing and encouraging states to form regional compacts for waste management.
However, it does not give the federal government the full authority to regulate and manage all US low-level radioactive wastes as implied in the question. In addition to the Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and the Department of Energy's Atomic Energy Act play significant roles in the regulation of different types of radioactive wastes, including mixed wastes.
Low-level radioactive waste includes items such as tools, protective clothing, wiping cloths, and other disposable items contaminated with small amounts of radioactive dust or particles. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides regulations for the safe handling, storage, and disposal of these materials to prevent contact with the environment. High-level radioactive waste, consisting of spent nuclear reactor fuel, presents more significant challenges for long-term storage and safety, which is an ongoing political and technical issue in the United States.