On behalf of the nuclear energy industry, thank you for your oversight of the federal government’s used nuclear fuel management program and funding for the Department of Energy’s nuclear technology-related programs. My statement for the record addresses three key points:

1. Congress should fully fund the Yucca Mountain program to provide secure, environmentally responsible management of used nuclear fuel. NEI recommends that the program be funded at the president’s request of $544.5 million to enable DOE to submit a license application for Yucca Mountain to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission next year.
2. The industry urges continued support for DOE’s nuclear energy programs at $560 million. NEI supports higher funding for DOE’s Office of Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology to support the new Global Nuclear Energy Partnership and to sustain existing programs. To achieve its objectives, DOE must have additional funding for Nuclear Power 2010, Generation IV reactor programs and the Nuclear Hydrogen Initiative. We strongly recommend full restoration of the University Infrastructure and Assistance Program, along with continued funding of the Nuclear Energy Research Initiative, and initiating the Nuclear Energy Systems Support Program.
3. The NRC’s budget request of $777 million should be reviewed for efficiencies. NEI urges Congress to thoroughly examine the NRC’s increased budget request to ensure proper resource allocation and to recognize reduced demands due to delays in Yucca Mountain licensing.

The Nuclear Energy Institute is responsible for developing policy for the U.S. nuclear energy industry. NEI’s 250 corporate and other members represent a broad spectrum of interests, including every U.S. utility that operates a nuclear power plant. NEI’s membership also includes nuclear fuel cycle companies, suppliers, engineering and consulting firms, national research laboratories, manufacturers of radiopharmaceuticals, universities, labor unions and law firms.