U.S. regulatory perspectives on the back end of the fuel cycle

• Published in: Progress in nuclear energy (New series) 2015-09, Vol.84, p.74-78
• Main Authors: Ostendorff, William C., Bloomer, Tamara E.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 2012 Blue Ribbon Commission on America's nuclear future; High-level waste disposal; Storage of spent nuclear fuel; Waste confidence
• ISSN: 0149-1970
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pnucene.2015.02.001

For the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the reactor licensees it regulates, there are a number of contemporary issues associated with the back end of the fuel cycle including, the agency's revision to its “Waste Confidence” decision and the path-forward for high-level waste disposal. Additionally, the 2012 Blue Ribbon Commission on America's Nuclear Future recommendations, the future of reprocessing, consolidated interim spent fuel storage, and maintaining technical competence within the NRC in challenging budgetary conditions are addressed. I conclude that there is confidence in the feasibility of safe storage of spent nuclear fuel following the licensed operational life of a reactor and any change in high-level waste policy will require Congressional action to amend the Nuclear Waste Policy Act. •The NRC has addressed its “Waste Confidence” determination by promulgating its Continued Storage Rule and Generic Safety Evaluation Report.•I am confident in the feasibility of safe and secure storage of spent nuclear fuel following the licensed operational life of a reactor.•The NRC has completed the Safety Evaluation Report for the DOE Yucca Mountain Construction Application.•The NRC staff did not identify any safety or environmental concerns.•Any change in high-level waste policy will require Congress to amend the Nuclear Waste Policy Act because Yucca Mountain is the law.