NE Washington News

House Energy and Commerce Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee Chair Jeff Duncan (R-SC) emphasized the importance of improving the management of spent nuclear fuel during a recent subcommittee hearing in Washington D.C. Duncan highlighted Congress's bipartisan approach to advancing nuclear energy in the United States, stating, "This Congress, the Energy and Commerce Committee has taken a bipartisan approach to advancing and expanding nuclear energy here in the United States."

Duncan pointed out the historical context of Congress's approach to nuclear waste management, noting the establishment of a comprehensive strategy over 40 years ago with the Nuclear Waste Policy Act. He expressed disappointment in the political obstacles that have hindered progress, particularly in the case of the Yucca Mountain repository in Nevada.

Addressing the current state of play, Duncan highlighted the significant financial contributions made by ratepayers towards establishing a permanent repository, with South Carolina being one of the top contributors. He also raised concerns about the financial burden on taxpayers due to the government's failure to follow the law in managing nuclear waste.

Duncan acknowledged the technological advancements in spent nuclear fuel management, citing companies like Oklo, Curio, and SHINE that are exploring reprocessing and recycling technologies. He emphasized the potential for these advancements to support the development of advanced nuclear reactors in the United States.

Looking towards the future, Duncan urged for responsible and effective spent nuclear fuel management to be a critical component of expanding nuclear energy in the country. He expressed optimism about the opportunities for nuclear energy advancement in the United States and called for a collaborative effort to address the challenges associated with spent nuclear fuel management.

With the House recently passing the Atomic Energy Advancement Act, Duncan sees a path forward for enhancing nuclear energy policies. He concluded by expressing his anticipation to hear from witnesses about the opportunities and challenges related to spent nuclear fuel management in the context of nuclear energy expansion.