Secures commitment from Sec. Perry to suspend DOE’s practice of bartering excess uranium to fund the cleanup and decommissioning of the Portsmouth Plant
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) questioned Secretary of Energy Rick Perry about ending the department’s practice of bartering excess uranium and the importance of funding for innovative clean coal technologies.
Perry testified on the Department of Energy’s (DOE) budget proposal at today’s Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing.
On Ending DOE’s Practice of Bartering Excess Uranium:
“Secretary Perry thanks for coming back. It’s always good to see you.
“As you and I have discussed, I am strongly opposed to the department’s practice of bartering excess uranium to fund the cleanup and decommissioning of the Portsmouth Plant.
“We’ve talked about that and that’s not something that you or this administration have begun. We’ve talked about the need to get rid of it because the GAO has repeatedly said the barters are illegal.
“The barters have also contributed to record-low uranium prices and put uranium workers certainly in Wyoming, as well as other states who are producing uranium, out of work.
“Last year, U.S. uranium production was at the lowest level since 1950.
“We are on the cusp of losing our ability to produce our own nuclear fuel.
“The administration, I think, in terms of our own national security cannot let that happen.
“Can you commit to ending these barters, funding the cost of cleanup and decommissioning services at Portsmouth exclusively with the congressional appropriations?”
Click here for video of Sen. Barrasso questioning Sec. Perry on ending DOE’s practice of bartering excess uranium
On Funding Innovative Clean Coal Technologies:
“In your testimony, you express support for advancing America’s coal industry through innovative clean coal technologies.
“The department proposes in its budget, however, to cut funding for carbon capture, utilization, and storage research and development by about 80 percent.
“I think now is not the time to cut this funding for carbon capture, utilization, and storage.
“Expanded use of these technologies are going to help us protect our environment and support the continued use of America’s abundant fossil resources that we have.
“Just over a month ago, I worked with a bipartisan group of colleagues to pass legislation
extending and expanding tax credits for carbon capture utilization and sequestration.
“We should, I believe, build upon the success of this legislation by maintaining a robust research and development program to support the expanded development of this technology.
“What assurances can you give me that the department’s budget request is sufficient to support the development and commercialization of clean coal technologies?”
Click here for video of Sen. Barrasso questioning Sec. Perry on funding innovative clean coal technologies
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