“Nuclear energy is an essential part of our energy mix…it provides clean baseload generation of electricity” – Energy Secretary Steven Chu, Wednesday, March 11
Energy Secretary Steven Chu (photo courtesy Obama-Biden Transition Team)
Energy Secretary Steven Chu agreed with assertions from both Democrats and Republicans that nuclear energy should be a continuing part of the U.S. clean energy mix. He said he is prepared to act on the DOE loan guarantees for new reactors and encouraged the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to move forward on licensing new plants. He reiterated the Administration’s position published in the budget outline that Yucca Mountain is not a workable solution. However, he also admitted that a long-term used-fuel strategy is the obligation of the federal government and that he will convene a blue ribbon panel to study the issue this year. He added that closing the fuel cycle should be studied as part of that strategy.
Share TAGS: AREVA Inc., AREVA North America, Clean Energy, Department of Energy, Energy Security, Fuel Cycle, Government & Policy, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Recycling, Spent Fuel Recycling, Steven Chu, Used Nuclear Fuel, Yucca Mountain
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