U.S. Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH) on June 12 sponsored a bipartisan bill that would allow nuclear operators to recycle and reuse spent fuel responsibly by creating a regulatory pathway to allow the practice, action that could increase investments in nuclear energy in America via streamlined regulatory licensing.
“It’s important that we make it easier to produce more energy in this country — not less,” said Rep. Latta, who introduced the Nuclear REFUEL Act, H.R. 3978, alongside lead original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Scott Peters (D-CA).
“The Nuclear REFUEL Act will streamline nuclear regulatory licensing and increase investment of nuclear energy right here in the United States, helping to unleash American energy,” the congressman added.
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.
Currently, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission 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 towards reactors (licensing utilization and production facilities), while Part 70 licensing focuses on fuel cycle (licensing uranium enrichment or fuel fabrication facilities), according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.
If enacted, H.R. 3978 would clarify that a U/TRU facility would be licensed only under Part 70, creating a single-step licensing process that would streamline the licensing requirements for fuel recycling facilities that could revitalize domestic investment in nuclear energy, the summary says.
“We 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,” Rep. Peters said. “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.”
Oklo Inc. and the United States Nuclear Industry Council support the measure, which has also been introduced in the U.S. Senate by U.S. Sens. Jon Husted (R-OH) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).