NUCLEAR »» NUCLEAR WEAPONS »» NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY EXPORTS »» Jul 04, 2022

As nuclear power has gradually lost favor among many Americans, our nuclear industry has stepped-up efforts to export nuclear equipment, fuel, technology and services to foreign nations. Russia and China are also aggressively selling and exporting these services and products. There are now more than 50 new nuclear power plants under construction worldwide, but only 2 of these are in the U.S. Another 170 foreign reactors are in advanced planning stages. Some of these nations look to nuclear power as a solution to our climate crisis. Industry advocates claim today’s reactors are safer and more efficient than the 40-year-old ones that are mostly in use here and now. They also claim American influence and technology is best suited to ensure countries acquiring nuclear technology use it only for peaceful purposes. Opponents of exporting nuclear technology claim there is still the problem of safely storing and securing nuclear waste for many centuries. They also worry these exports could enable rogue or unstable nations to acquire materials for dirty bombs or, through enrichment or reprocessing, build nuclear weapons. Proposed Legislation: S.2338 - Preventing Nuclear Proliferation in Saudi Arabia Act of 2019 Prospective Sponsor: Sen. Chris Van Hollen (MD)