– The US Senate passed a bill banning the import of low-enriched uranium (LEU) from Russia or Russian entities
– The bill allows for waivers by the Department of Energy for specific cases where no alternative source is available or if imports are in the national interest
– The ban will come into effect 90 days after enactment and will last until 2040
The US Senate has passed the Prohibiting Russian Uranium Imports Act, banning the import of low-enriched uranium produced in Russia or by a Russian entity. The bill also prohibits the import of unirradiated LEU obtained in a manner to circumvent the ban. The Department of Energy can waive the bill under certain conditions such as national interest or if no alternative source of uranium is available to sustain nuclear reactors.
The ban will come into effect 90 days after enactment and will end in 2040. Wyoming Senator John Barraso has expressed support for the bill, citing the need to end America’s reliance on Russian nuclear fuel. He believes the legislation will help defund Russia’s war machine, boost American uranium production, and stimulate investments in the nuclear fuel supply chain.
West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin worked on the legislation with Barraso to stop Russian uranium imports and unlock $2.72 billion for domestic uranium fuel production. The move to reduce reliance on Russian nuclear fuel comes amidst the conflict in Ukraine, with Western nations seeking alternative sources. US company Westinghouse has been leading efforts to shift countries away from dependence on Russian nuclear resources, as seen in the construction of new reactors in Ukraine.