NEI President Predicts Congressional Attention on Nuclear Waste Policy

The nuclear industry expects legislative movement on nuclear waste policy from both chambers in the coming months, Nuclear Energy Institute President and CEO Marvin Fertel said yesterday in a Q&A with Nuclear Energy Overview, NEI’s news organization. Fertel predicted that the House would focus on funding for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s license review of the Yucca Mountain application while also working on an incentives package for Nevada. The Senate, Fertel said, would most likely continue its focus on consolidated interim storage. “On legislation, we expect that both the House of Representatives and the Senate will begin to hold hearings on [used fuel management] in the next few months and begin to craft legislation for consideration later in the Congress,” Fertel said. “The House likely will focus on completing the license review for the Yucca Mountain project, providing benefits to Nevada, and addressing other issues related to implementing the project. The Senate’s focus may be somewhat different, including the possibility of developing consolidated interim storage while work continues toward a repository program.” Fertel also said that establishing a new management organization to lead the government’s used fuel disposal program remained a top priority for industry.