Findlay Times

Today, U.S. Representatives Bob Latta (R-OH5) and Jim Clyburn (D-SC6) announced the re-introduction of the Nuclear Fuel Security Act, a bipartisan legislation aimed at strengthening domestic nuclear energy capabilities and reducing reliance on foreign countries for uranium fuel. The act seeks to expand critical U.S. nuclear fuel programs to boost domestic uranium mining, production, enrichment, and conversion capacity.

"The demand for domestic energy grows day by day, but without further investments in U.S. energy production, we will continue to struggle to meet that demand," said U.S. Representative Bob Latta. "To mitigate this issue, we should harness the power of nuclear fuel – which is both clean and renewable – to meet the energy needs of the American people. Right now, unfortunately, we import 90 percent of the uranium fuel used in our domestic nuclear reactors from foreign countries. To avoid threats to our nuclear supply chain, it’s critical we take action to reinvest in our domestic nuclear energy capabilities – and it begins with shoring up our domestic uranium mining, production, enrichment, and conversion capacity. That’s why I’m pleased to re-introduce the bipartisan Nuclear Fuel Security Act with Congressman Clyburn which will strengthen our nuclear energy capabilities, create new jobs, and grow our economy."

Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn emphasized the importance of investing in a strong domestic nuclear industry. "The United States has overwhelmingly relied on foreign nations to meet our energy production needs since 1953," said Clyburn. "We will not achieve full energy independence or unlock the economic and security benefits that come with it without investing in a strong domestic nuclear industry. Strengthening our ability to produce nuclear fuel on American soil will reduce our reliance on Russia and bring us one step closer towards detangling our web of energy dependence in an ever-changing world."

The Nuclear Fuel Security Act, if passed, would authorize the Secretary of Energy to establish the Nuclear Fuel Security Program, which aims to increase the quantity of high-assay, low-enriched uranium (HALEU) and, if necessary, low-enriched uranium (LEU) produced by U.S. nuclear energy companies. Additionally, the act seeks to expand the American Assured Fuel Supply Program to ensure the availability of domestically produced, converted, and enriched uranium in the event of a supply disruption. It also establishes the HALEU for Advanced Nuclear Reactor Demonstration Projects Program to meet the needs and schedules of advanced nuclear reactor developers until commercial enrichment and deconversion capability for HALEU exists in the U.S.

U.S. Representative Bob Latta had previously introduced the Nuclear Fuel Security Act as the House companion to legislation introduced in the U.S. Senate. The version of the legislation introduced today reflects feedback received from the energy industry, and a legislative hearing was held in July to discuss the updated version.

This re-introduction of the Nuclear Fuel Security Act demonstrates bipartisan efforts to strengthen the U.S. nuclear energy capabilities, create new jobs, and bolster the domestic energy production. By reducing reliance on foreign countries for uranium fuel, the United States can enhance its energy security and contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable future.

For more information on the Nuclear Fuel Security Act, please visit: https://latta.house.gov/UploadedFiles/LATTA_Nuclear_Fuel_Security_FINAL.pdf

To learn more about U.S. Representative Bob Latta, please visit: https://latta.house.gov/

To learn more about U.S. Representative Jim Clyburn, please visit: https://clyburn.house.gov/