Findlay Times

Oct 24, 2023

Congressman Bob Latta’s bipartisan legislation, the Nuclear Fuel Security Act, has received approval from the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security. This bill aims to strengthen the United States' nuclear energy production by establishing and expanding critical nuclear fuel programs.

Latta, along with Representative Jim Clyburn, introduced the bill last month. Speaking about the legislation, Latta emphasized the importance of an all-of-the-above energy strategy and the need to expand nuclear energy capabilities within the country. He stated, "Rather than being forced to import mass quantities of uranium fuel from foreign countries to power our domestic nuclear reactors, my Nuclear Fuel Security Act will allow the United States to produce and stockpile our own source of nuclear energy."

The Nuclear Fuel Security Act authorizes the Secretary of Energy to establish several programs to bolster nuclear fuel production in the United States. These include 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 American Assured Fuel Supply Program will ensure the availability of domestically produced, converted, and enriched uranium in the event of a supply disruption.

Furthermore, the legislation establishes the HALEU for Advanced Nuclear Reactor Demonstration Projects Program. This program aims to meet the needs and schedules of advanced nuclear reactor developers until commercial enrichment and deconversion capability for HALEU is available at a scale sufficient to meet future needs. Latta also emphasized the potential for partnering with countries that are allies or partners of the U.S. to meet these needs and schedules until that time.

The approval of the Nuclear Fuel Security Act by the Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee is seen as a positive step towards strengthening the country's nuclear energy capabilities. This legislation has the potential to not only lower carbon emissions but also create new jobs, spur economic growth, and contribute to a safer America.

The support for this bill showcases the bipartisan efforts to prioritize and advance the U.S. nuclear energy sector. Congressman Latta's commitment to an all-of-the-above energy strategy is evident in his efforts to boost domestic nuclear energy production. With the approval from the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee, the Nuclear Fuel Security Act moves closer to becoming law and potentially revolutionizing the country's nuclear energy landscape.

Click this link to access more information: https://latta.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=404095