WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today released a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) analyzing potential impacts of the Department’s proposed action to acquire high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU). The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to securing a domestic supply of HALEU, a key material needed for most U.S. advanced reactors to achieve smaller designs, longer operating cycles, and increased efficiencies over current nuclear energy technologies. HALEU is not currently available from domestic suppliers, which could significantly impact the deployment of advanced reactors.
DOE is seeking public comment on the draft EIS, which evaluates the impacts of DOE’s plans to acquire HALEU for use in commercial nuclear energy production or demonstration projects, as well as establish commercial production of HALEU in the United States.
“Establishing a secure, domestic HALEU supply is an important step in demonstrating and commercializing advanced nuclear reactors, which are key to meeting the Biden-Harris Administration’s clean energy goals by 2035,” said U.S. Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy Dr. Kathryn Huff. “Public feedback on the draft EIS will strengthen the process and help ensure we’re considering all the environmental effects of commercial HALEU production.”
The Energy Act of 2020 directs DOE to establish and carry out a program to support the availability of HALEU for civilian, domestic research, development, demonstration, and commercial use. Consistent with this direction, the proposed action of this draft EIS focuses on the acquisition of HALEU produced by commercial entities using enrichment technology and making it available for commercial use or demonstration projects.
DOE will host three virtual public hearings to share information on the process used to analyze the proposed action and alternatives, gather oral comments and feedback on the draft EIS, and enhance opportunities for public participation. The public hearings will be held on April 3, 2024.
DOE invites all interested parties to comment on the draft EIS now through April 22, 2024. Written comments received through the mail must be postmarked by April 22, 2024, to ensure consideration.
Written comments can be submitted by mail and email to the following addresses:
Mail:
Mr. James Lovejoy
DOE EIS Document Manager
U.S. Department of Energy,
Idaho Operations Office,
1955 Fremont Avenue, MS 1235,
Idaho Falls, Idaho 83415
E-mail: HALEU-EIS@nuclear.energy.gov
The comments received will help DOE refine its analysis, identify new information, and consider additional alternatives in preparation of the final EIS. Responses to comments and any associated revisions will be included in the final EIS.
For more information on the draft EIS and to register for the virtual public hearings, visit HERE.
