Bipartisan Nuclear REFUEL Act introduced in the U.S. House

To streamline the licensing requirements for nuclear fuel recycling facilities and help increase investment in nuclear energy in the United States, U.S. Reps. Bob Latta (R., Ohio) and Scott Peters (D., Calif.) have introduced the bipartisan Nuclear REFUEL Act in the House of Representatives.

The bill, introduced on December 6, would amend the definition of "production facility" in the Atomic Energy Act, clarifying that a reprocessing facility producing uranium-transuranic mixed fuel would be licensed only under 10 CFR Part 70. According to the lawmakers, this single-step licensing process would significantly streamline the licensing requirements for fuel recycling facilities.

The Nuclear REFUEL Act follows the Advancing Research in Nuclear Recycling Act, introduced in the Senate by Sens. Ted Cruz (R., Texas) and Martin Heinrich (D., N.M.) on September 24. That bill would require the Department of Energy to create an independent committee of experts to study new technologies and opportunities for recycling the country's inventory of spent nuclear fuel.

Quotes: "Restoring U.S. energy dominance is a top priority of mine on the Energy and Commerce Committee, and by advancing an all-of-the-above energy strategy that embraces nuclear power, I'm confident we will reach that goal," Latta said. "That's why I'm proud to introduce this bipartisan solution with my colleague, Rep. Peters, which will streamline nuclear regulatory licensing and increase investment of nuclear energy right here in the United States."

"We must find a way to recycle nuclear fuel to reduce nuclear waste and make nuclear power, which can help reduce air pollution, more economically viable," Peters said. "Right now, nuclear operators are not allowed to recycle and reuse spent fuel responsibly, but our bill will change that by creating a regulatory pathway to allow the practice. While we work toward a permanent long-term solution to nuclear waste storage and disposal, proposals like this will help us safely utilize nuclear waste."

Industry response: Jacob DeWitte, cofounder and chief executive officer of Oklo, is quoted as saying, "The changes proposed in this legislation will facilitate efficient [Nuclear Regulatory Commission] licensing for facilities that recycle used nuclear fuel and produce fuel for advanced reactors. Domestic recycling of used nuclear fuel also enhances the supply chain resilience and security of nuclear fuel for advanced nuclear power plants, like Oklo's powerhouse, securing America's future of clean energy abundance."

ClearPath Action CEO Jeremy Harrell said, "Rep. Latta's Nuclear REFUEL Act will clear the path for used nuclear fuel recycling for advanced reactors. Innovative recycling technologies, which are more proliferation resistant, could get more clarity at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission with a simple definition change."

"Curio commends Congressman Latta for his strong support of the U.S. nuclear energy sector including an efficient and cost-effective regulatory process," said Ed McGinnis, president and CEO of Curio. "To unlock the full potential of nuclear energy, it is essential that we address the challenges of the back end of the nuclear fuel cycle by recycling the spent nuclear fuel."