Pete Domenici: “Now, Mr. President, Senator Rod Grams and I traveled to France to develop a better understanding of policies…”

“Now, Mr. President, Senator Rod Grams and I traveled to France to develop a better understanding of policies underpinning the utilization of nuclear energy for about 80 percent of their electricity. We visited several key French facilities, and Senator Fred Thompson joined us after the site visit and participated in several of the high-level meetings with elected and appointed Government officials. Observations from our trip provide some important perspectives for consideration in the United States: Nuclear energy has been implemented in France with strict attention to minimizing environmental consequences. Waste products are reduced at each step in their process. The French nuclear energy system enables them to achieve world-class standards for minimal environmental impact from power generation. They are justifiably proud of their record. Their carbon dioxide emissions per capita are about one-third those in the United States. French reliance on a 'closed fuel cycle' has enabled recycle and recovery of the energy content of spent fuel while also dramatically reducing the volume and toxicity of waste products below those in the United States with our 'open fuel cycle.' Transportation and interim storage of spent fuel are done carefully in France, with virtually no negative impacts. Interim storage is essential in implementing their fuel cycle. At each site in France, attention to protection of the environment is outstanding.”