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WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH-5) and Congressman Scott Peters (D-CA-50) released the following statements after the passage of their bipartisan Nuclear REFUEL Act on the floor of the House of Representatives by a vote of 397 to 2:

"The nuclear industry will continue to play a vital role in meeting the rising demand for power across our country," said Congressman Latta. "The Nuclear REFUEL Act will help streamline nuclear licensing for nuclear fuel recycling facilities and foster increased growth for this critical component of our power generation base. It is critical we work to promote safe nuclear technologies to advance American innovation, increase energy production, and lower costs. I'm proud to see my and Congressman Peters' legislation pass the House, and I'm thankful for Senators Husted and Whitehouse for their partnership on this bill in the Senate. I urge the Senate to take up this legislation and pass it expediently."

“Our bipartisan Nuclear REFUEL Act transforms what was once a liability into a resource. Reusing spent nuclear fuel for emission-free power is a win for clean energy, a win for the environment, and a win for public health. I’m glad to see this bill pass the House with support from both parties and bring us one step closer to a cleaner future,” said Congressman Peters.

Background:

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 they 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).

The Nuclear REFUEL Act will clarify that a U/TRU facility would be licensed only under Part 70, which is a single-step licensing process and would significantly streamline the licensing requirements for fuel recycling facilities which will revitalize domestic investment in nuclear energy.