Katie Porter: “as we discuss the efficacy and safety of pyroprocessing, also known as electrometallurgical treatment, it is extremely…”

“as we discuss the efficacy and safety of pyroprocessing, also known as electrometallurgical treatment, it is extremely important to remember that this technology is still in its development phase. I find many of the arguments against pyroprocessing premature because we do not yet know how this technology may assist in reducing our country's nuclear waste. However, since 35 States currently host nuclear waste, and 22 percent of our Nation's electricity is generated by nuclear power, I think that it is imperative that we research new ways to dispose of our spent nuclear fuel. As we consider funding for further research into this technology and examine our options for safe disposal of nuclear waste, keep in mind that the National Academy of Sciences, which has been monitoring the progress of the pyroprocessing facility, recently gave a strong endorsement for further research into this technology and stressed that DOE should keep this program as a high priority.”