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House-Passed Used Fuel Legislation Is an Important First Step

Both Chambers of Congress Must Act to End Stalemate

press release
Used Nuclear Fuel

WASHINGTON, D.C.—By a 340-72 vote the House of Representatives today passed the Nuclear Waste Policy Amendments Act of 2018. Following is a statement from Maria Korsnick, president and chief executive officer of the Nuclear Energy Institute. 

“Today’s bipartisan vote represents overdue progress towards solving a longstanding issue. House passage of the Nuclear Waste Policy Amendments Act begins a much needed step forward regarding reform to implement, at long last, the federal government’s statutory obligation to manage used nuclear fuel.

“We commend Chairman Walden, Ranking Member Pallone, Environment Subcommittee Chairman Shimkus and Environment Subcommittee Ranking Member Tonko for their bipartisan leadership in seeking workable solutions for used nuclear fuel management.

“The legislation includes provisions that would move the Yucca Mountain project forward by helping to resolve key issues such as land withdrawal and infrastructure issues. It also would clarify DOE’s authority to advance privately-owned consolidated interim storage facilities. Additionally, it provides a pathway for bringing Nevada and the local communities to the table to discuss benefits associated with these projects. 

“Earlier this year we marked a troubling milestone: 20 years of government failure to meet its legal obligation to take possession of used fuel. This abdication of responsibility has harmed electricity consumers and U.S. taxpayers. To date, electricity consumers have contributed more than $40 billion into the Nuclear Waste Trust Fund, and U.S. taxpayers have paid more than $6 billion in damages. Taxpayers will continue to pay more than $2 million a day until the federal government moves used nuclear fuel from plant sites. 

“We look forward to continuing to work with lawmakers to reach bipartisan consensus on the best approach for the long-term management of the nation’s used fuel. We urge lawmakers to ensure that resulting legislation protects both electricity consumers and taxpayers.”