Findlay Times

The Nuclear Fuel Security Act, a bipartisan legislation introduced by Congressman Bob Latta and Representative Jim Clyburn, has been approved by the Energy and Commerce Committee. The bill aims to strengthen and expand nuclear fuel programs in the United States, with a focus on uranium mining, production, enrichment, and conversion capacity.

Congressman Latta, a senior member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, expressed his satisfaction with the bill's passing, stating, "I've long advocated for an all-of-the-above energy strategy, which includes increasing domestic nuclear energy production to meet Americans' growing energy needs. I'm pleased that today, my bipartisan solution to expand nuclear fuel programs right here in the United States passed the Energy and Commerce Committee. With this solution continuing to advance in Congress, we are one step closer to reducing our energy reliance on foreign countries and securing American energy independence."

Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn also expressed his approval of the Nuclear Fuel Security Act, highlighting the need for energy independence and the benefits of investing in nuclear power. He stated, "The United States has overwhelmingly relied on foreign nations to meet our energy production needs for far too long. This passage marks a significant step towards establishing full energy independence, meeting our climate goals, and unlocking the economic and security benefits that only investments in nuclear power can achieve."

Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers commended Congressman Latta for his work on the legislation, emphasizing the importance of nuclear energy as a clean and reliable domestic energy source. She said, "The Nuclear Fuel Security Act will ensure America continues to lead in deploying safe, reliable nuclear energy—one of our largest domestic sources of clean energy. I thank Mr. Latta for his work on this legislation, which will contribute to a strong energy mix in the United States."

The Nuclear Fuel Security Act authorizes the Secretary of Energy to establish several key programs. These include the Nuclear Fuel Security Program, which aims to increase the production of high-assay, low-enriched uranium (HALEU) and, if necessary, low-enriched uranium (LEU) by U.S. nuclear energy companies. The American Assured Fuel Supply Program will be expanded to ensure the availability of domestically produced, converted, and enriched uranium in the event of a supply disruption. Additionally, the HALEU for Advanced Nuclear Reactor Demonstration Projects Program will be established to meet the needs and schedules of advanced nuclear reactor developers until commercial enrichment and deconversion capability for HALEU exists in the U.S.

With the passing of the Nuclear Fuel Security Act by the Energy and Commerce Committee, the legislation now moves forward in the congressional process. If enacted, this bill will play a vital role in enhancing U.S. nuclear energy production, reducing reliance on foreign countries, and strengthening American energy independence.

To learn more, click on this link: https://latta.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=404192