WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Nuclear Fuel Security Act has received broad support from various stakeholders, marking a significant step towards securing the future of American nuclear fuel production. The inclusion of this legislation in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) emphasizes the importance of a domestic nuclear fuel supply chain and aims to decrease reliance on foreign sources, particularly Russia.

U.S. Senator John Barrasso, ranking member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, expressed his satisfaction with the inclusion of the Nuclear Fuel Security Act in the NDAA. Senator Barrasso, along with other advocates for nuclear energy, worked diligently to ensure the legislation's incorporation. He stated, "The Nuclear Fuel Security Act will help secure the future of American nuclear fuel production. We are stronger and safer as a nation when our nuclear fuel supply chain starts and ends here at home. The inclusion of this legislation in the NDAA is the first step towards taking uranium production out from under the thumb of Vladimir Putin and his corrupt regime. Russian energy has no place in the American marketplace."

Jeff Navin, Director of External Affairs at TerraPower, highlighted the significance of the Nuclear Fuel Security Act for advanced nuclear technologies. He stated, "The Nuclear Fuel Security Act is a key step in ensuring America's leadership in advanced nuclear and ensuring the success of TerraPower's Natrium project in Wyoming. Next-generation nuclear needs next-generation nuclear fuel, and enabling a domestic advanced fuel supply chain allows us to end our dependence on foreign sources of advanced nuclear fuel."

The importance of reducing reliance on Russian uranium imports was emphasized by Scott Melbye, President and Executive Vice President of Uranium Energy Corp. He commended the inclusion of the Nuclear Fuel Security Act in the NDAA and urged Congress to implement a ban on Russian uranium imports. Melbye stated, "The U.S. nuclear fuel industry has significant untapped licensed capacity and is poised to invest billions of dollars in domestic production, conversion, and enrichment capacity to meet our needs well into the future. But a Russian uranium ban is critical to unlocking these investments and ensuring they are not undercut by Russia flooding the U.S. market."

Josh Freed, Senior Vice President for the Climate and Energy Program at Third Way, emphasized the importance of energy security and the need for a reliable and secure nuclear fuel supply. He said, "The Nuclear Fuel Security Act is a pivotal step towards establishing a domestic nuclear fuel supply. America and its allies cannot continue to rely on unreliable, autocratic regimes like Vladmir Putin’s Russia to fuel our nuclear plants."

The inclusion of the Nuclear Fuel Security Act in the NDAA was also praised by various industry leaders and organizations. Rich Powell, CEO of ClearPath Action, highlighted the importance of the act in maintaining and expanding the nuclear energy fleet in the United States. He stated, "Energy security is national security. The Nuclear Fuel Security Act addresses both, so the U.S. can maintain and expand its nuclear energy fleet, as well as support our allies who are looking to stop using Russian nuclear fuel."

The National Mining Association also expressed support for the Nuclear Fuel Security Act, with President and CEO Rich Nolan emphasizing the need to strengthen economic, energy, and national security. He stated, "Doing so will strengthen our economic, energy, and national security for generations to come."

The passage of the Nuclear Fuel Security Act in the NDAA was applauded by numerous industry leaders and organizations, highlighting its significance in ensuring a secure and reliable nuclear fuel supply chain for the United States. The act aims to reduce dependence on foreign sources, particularly Russia, and promote the development of advanced nuclear technologies. With broad support from stakeholders, the Nuclear Fuel Security Act takes a crucial step towards securing America's nuclear fuel production and energy independence.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://www.energy.senate.gov/2023/12/barrasso-hails-broad-support-for-bipartisan-nuclear-fuel-security-act