U.S. Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH) recently led Republicans in introducing legislation that would require the U.S. Energy Secretary to carry out a program for operating a uranium reserve in America that consists of uranium produced and converted in the United States.
“The United States has lost our competitive edge in the development of nuclear energy,” Rep. Latta said. “Relying on foreign nations to support uranium energy supplies to the U.S. will never provide for a secure future, and the global conflict we are experiencing now further highlights the critical importance of becoming energy independent.”
The National Opportunity to Restore Uranium Supply Services In America Act of 2022, H.R. 7403, which Rep. Latta sponsored with seven original cosponsors, including U.S. Reps. Liz Cheney (R-WY), Buddy Carter (R-GA), and John Joyce (R-PA), also would require the secretary to establish a separate program to ensure the availability of uranium produced, converted and enriched in the U.S., according to the text of the bill.
Also known as the NO RUSSIA Act of 2022, H.R. 7403 is the companion bill to the same-named S. 3978, introduced on March 31 by U.S. Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY).
“It is an unfortunate reality that we have not kept pace with our allies and rivals in investing in nuclear power and building up our capacity to control all steps of the nuclear fuel cycle. This has been made abundantly clear in light of Russia’s despicable invasion of Ukraine,” said Rep. Latta. “That is why I am introducing the NO RUSSIA Act, which is critical to American energy independence. This bill will cut America’s reliance on Russian uranium and support nuclear innovation right here at home in the United States.”
H.R. 7403 would build upon legislation Rep. Latta introduced in February 2021, the Nuclear Prosperity and Security Act, H.R. 1351, which would direct the Energy Secretary to establish and operate a uranium reserve to ensure the availability of uranium mined in the U.S. in the event of a market disruption and to support strategic fuel cycle capabilities in the U.S., according to the congressional record bill summary. H.R. 1351 remains under committee consideration.