DOE DIRECTED TO CONTINUE MOX CONSTRUCTION IN SENATE NDAA

The Department of Energy would be required to continue construction of the Mixed Oxide Fuel Fabrication Facility until it completes an assessment of alternatives in language in the Senate Armed Services Committe’s release of the Fiscal Year 2015 National Defense Authorization Act. DOE currently plans to put the plant into “cold standby” in FY’15 and complete its options study in 12 to 18 months. “Until such time as the committee receives and evaluates a final report listing alternatives to reducing the 34 metric tons of weapons grade plutonium to MOX, the NNSA is directed to continue construction of the facilities,” states report language accompanying the bill. The legislation would also increase authorized construction funding for the plant $145 million to a total of $456.1 million.