Rep. Bob Latta
U.S. Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH) on Dec. 6 sponsored bipartisan legislation that would streamline licensing requirements for nuclear fuel recycling facilities in an effort to improve how they recycle and reuse nuclear fuel for advanced reactors.
Rep. Latta introduced the Nuclear REFUEL (Recycling Efficient Fuels Utilizing Expedited Licensing) Act, H.R. 10321, alongside bill cosponsor U.S. Rep. Scott Peters (D-CA).
“Restoring U.S. energy dominance is a top priority of mine on the Energy and Commerce Committee, and by advancing an all-of-the-above energy strategy that embraces nuclear power — I’m confident we will reach that goal,” said Rep. Latta. “I’m committed to advancing common-sense policies that make it easier to produce more energy in this country — not less. That’s exactly what the Nuclear REFUEL Act will accomplish.”
Nuclear fuel recycling technology, known as pyroprocessing, creates a uranium-transuranic (U/TRU) mixed fuel that can be used by advanced fast reactors to make energy while reducing the amount of nuclear waste, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.
Currently, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) does not clearly state which regulatory pathway it will use to license recycling facilities that do not separate plutonium. They could be licensed under two categories: Part 50 or Part 70.
Part 50 is typically targeted toward reactors (licensing utilization and production facilities), while Part 70 licensing focuses on fuel cycle (licensing uranium enrichment or fuel fabrication facilities), the summary says.
If enacted, the Nuclear REFUEL Act would clarify that a U/TRU facility would be licensed only under Part 70, a single-step licensing process that would streamline the licensing requirements for fuel recycling facilities, in turn revitalizing domestic investment in nuclear energy, the lawmakers say.
Rep. Peters noted that the United States must find a way to recycle nuclear fuel to reduce nuclear waste and make nuclear power — which can help reduce air pollution — more economically viable.
“Right now, nuclear operators are not allowed to recycle and reuse spent fuel responsibly, but our bill will change that by creating a regulatory pathway to allow the practice,” said the congressman. “While we work toward a permanent long-term solution to nuclear waste storage and disposal, proposals like this will help us safely utilize nuclear waste.”
H.R. 10321, which has garnered support from Oklo Inc., ClearPath Action, and Curio, has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee.