WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) questioned Secretary of Energy Rick Perry about the Department of Energy’s practice of bartering excess uranium and the administration’s Section 232 investigation into unfair uranium trade practices. Barrasso also questioned Perry about carbon capture technology.
Perry testified on the Department of Energy’s FY 2020 budget proposal at today’s Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing.
On DOE’s Bartering of Excess Uranium:
“Secretary great to be with you again.
“And as you and I have discussed in the past I’ll bring up again today, my opposition to the Department’s practice in the past of bartering excess uranium to fund the cleanup and decommissioning of the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant.
“GAO has repeatedly said that the barters are illegal.
“The barters have also contributed to record-low uranium prices and put uranium producers
in Wyoming and other states out of work.
“In 2018, U.S. uranium production was at its lowest level in the United States since 1950.
“Last year, I received your commitment to suspend the Department’s uranium barter because the Department’s practices were illegal and harmful to our domestic uranium producers.
“So I just ask Mr. Secretary, can you again commit to suspending the Department’s uranium barters and agree to working with Congress to fully fund the Portsmouth cleanup costs with congressional appropriations?
Click here for video of Sen. Barrasso questioning Sec. Perry on DOE’s practice of bartering excess uranium.
On Uranium and National Security:
“Uranium plays a vital role in maintaining America’s national security.
“It powers nearly a quarter of the U.S. Navy’s fleet. It keeps the lights on in around 20% of American homes and businesses.
“State-owned and state-subsidized uranium producers, though – in Russia, in Kazakhstan, in Uzbekistan –they’re using unfair trade practices to flood the U.S. with uranium to the detriment of producers in Wyoming and across the country.
“Based on industry projections for 2019, American uranium producers estimate they will supply less than 1 percent of American nuclear fuel.
“If this trend continues, we’re likely to find ourselves wholly reliant on foreign suppliers of this critical element.
“Last July, the Department of Commerce launched a Section 232 investigation into whether uranium imports threaten to impair U.S. national security.
“The investigation is wrapping up and Secretary Ross will soon be delivering the findings of that investigation to the President.
“So then I ask you, Mr. Secretary, do you believe that maintaining uranium production in the U.S. is critical to our national security?
“And have you and your staff urged the Department of Commerce to take meaningful action to address Russia and Kazakhstan’s unfair trade practices?
“As we are here discussing this, upstairs I am chairing a hearing of the Environment and Public Works Committee where we’re visiting with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, all five members, and the issue that you just raised about the importance of a stable work force is key to our agenda that we’re discussing as well upstairs.
“Do you know if you or anyone on your staff has had a chance to specifically speak with the Department of Commerce with regard to our concerns with the Section 232 investigations?
Click here for video of Sen. Barrasso questioning Sec. Perry on uranium and national security.
On Carbon Capture Technology:
“You know emerging technologies such as carbon capture, using that carbon, storing it, using it productively – these have all been potential we have to reduce carbon emissions while allowing for the use of the affordable, abundant sources of energy, such as coal.
“If we can commercialize these technologies, we can protect the environment, we can ensure that coal plants remain in service and competitive in energy markets.
“A recent report noted the increase in the construction of coal generation facilities in China.
“Last year, Chinese coal-fired power plant capacity under construction, just under construction, increased 12 percent.
“It is important that we develop and deploy effective carbon capture technologies for use
by growing economies.
“So I appreciate your Department’s support of carbon capture utilization and sequestration technologies.
“So, Mr. Secretary, can I count on your continued support of the development and deployment of these carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration technologies in the next fiscal year?”
Click here for video of Sen. Barrasso questioning Sec. Perry on carbon capture technology.
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