GROUPS CALL FOR CANCELLATION OF PLUTONIUM DISPOSITION EIS

Given the Obama Administration’s intent to reassess its plans for disposition of surplus plutonium, a coalition of activist groups is calling for the cancellation of an Environmental Impact Statement on the topic. The National Nuclear Security Administration released a draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement in July that relies on converting surplus plutonium into Mixed Oxide fuel as part of an agreement with Russia. However, last month NNSA officials announced plans to slow down construction of the MOX plant and study alternatives for disposition. The release of the final SEIS is currently scheduled for June. 2013. “The scope of that document, which centers on MOX use, is limited and may well not cover options to be recommended as a result of the new plutonium disposition assessment. Noting that earlier dates for the release of the Final SPD Supplemental EIS have slipped, the document as prepared will not be able to be released due to potentially significant changes in the plutonium disposition program,” states a letter sent yesterday to the Department of Energy from 15 groups including Alliance for Nuclear Accountability and Friends of the Earth.