Bipartisan, NAM-Supported Nuclear REFUEL Act Passes House

The bipartisan, NAM-supported Nuclear Recycling Efficient Fuels Utilizing Expedited Licensing (REFUEL) Act would strengthen the domestic nuclear supply chain by simplifying the licensing process for advanced nuclear fuel recycling technologies, the NAM told House lawmakers this week.

The details: The measure, which passed in the House on Monday, “would amend the Atomic Energy Act to exclude advanced fuel recycling technologies from the definition of ‘production facility’ as long as the process does not separate plutonium from other transuranium elements.”

• By streamlining licensing for nuclear fuel recycling sites, the measure “will open up new pathways to the commercialization of exciting new advancements that will help secure the nuclear fuel supply chain and will add a new tool to help manage and beneficially use stored spent nuclear fuel across the country,” the NAM said.
• Finding solutions for managing spent nuclear fuel has been a longstanding challenge for policymakers.

Why it matters: Manufacturers use one-third of America’s energy, and supporting the industry’s growth and competitiveness requires new sources of reliable, clean, abundant and safe power.

• Nuclear power fits that bill. Nuclear fuel recycling, meanwhile, “would make it easier to meet fuel demand by reprocessing and recycling existing spent nuclear fuel,” the NAM said.

NAM at work: The NAM has long urged Congress to pass the Nuclear REFUEL Act, part of its wider advocacy for bolstering nuclear investment in the U.S.

The NAM says: “We thank Reps. Bob Latta and Scott Peters for their leadership and urge the Senate to build on this bipartisan momentum. This is an important win that demonstrates a shared commitment to tackling two longstanding challenges: securing America’s domestic nuclear fuel supply chain and managing our spent nuclear fuel stockpiles,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons.

• “Manufacturers use one-third of America’s energy, and nuclear power is critical to meeting our growing demand for reliable, affordable and abundant energy. By streamlining licensing for advanced nuclear fuel recycling technologies, this legislation would address both challenges, unlock innovation and strengthen manufacturing competitiveness. Now the Senate must act to advance the REFUEL Act and help secure America’s nuclear energy future.”