A group of 19 organizations are calling on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to undertake a formal nuclear proliferation assessment on GE-Hitachi’s proposed Global Laser Enrichment plant in North Carolina before granting it an operating license. The NRC is in the final stages of licensing the plant, and is expected to make a decision later this month. However, a letter sent late last week to NRC Chairman Allison Macfarlane expresses “grave concern that licensing technology for laser enrichment of uranium poses a serious threat to our security.” It adds, “We request an adequate Nuclear Proliferation Assessment before a licensing decision is made by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission on the newly developed laser technology for enrichment of uranium.” The letter was signed by individuals and representatives from 19 groups including Arms Control Association, Federation of American Scientists, Natural Resources Defense Council, Physicians for Social Responsibility the Alliance for Nuclear Accountability and Frank von Hippel from Princeton University.
The groups argue not just for an assessment due to proliferation concerns related to the SILEX technology proposed by GE-Hitachi, but suggest that the agency could be setting a dangerous precedent by allowing new technology to be approved without an adequate proliferation review. “The pursuit of sound, consistent and effective U.S. nonproliferation policies is an important role of the Commission. We believe that it is clear what action you must take on behalf of the entire U.S. Government in this matter,” the letter states. “Your requirement for the preparation of an adequate Nuclear Proliferation Assessment will not only strengthen U.S. nonproliferation policies but also garner widespread support for the Commission’s work in promoting ‘the Nation’s common defense and security.’”
