Energy Communities Alliance ECA Update December 17, 2020 National Nuclear Security Administration

 

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ECA UPDATE Dec 17, 2020

FEATURED NATIONAL NUCLEAR SECURITY ADMINISTRATION   Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Surplus Plutonium Disposition Program Federal Register | 12/16/20   The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), a semi-autonomous agency within the United States (U.S.) Department of Energy (DOE), announces its intent, consistent with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), to prepare a Surplus Plutonium Disposition Program (SPDP) Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to evaluate alternatives for the safe and timely disposition of plutonium surplus to the defense needs of the United States. NNSA will prepare a SPDP EIS to evaluate the dilute and dispose alternative, also known as “plutonium downblending,” and any other identified reasonable alternatives for the disposition of surplus plutonium. The dilute and dispose approach would require new, modified, or existing capabilities at the Savannah River Site (SRS), Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Pantex Plant (Pantex), and the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP). The purpose of this Notice is to invite public participation in the process and to encourage public involvement on the scope and alternatives that should be considered.   Continue reading >> Follow the latest DOE budget updates with ECA's budget tracker Monitor DOE spending bills, detailed site budgets, and more. Find everything you need to know about the DOE budget here! ADVANCED REACTORS   Energy Department’s Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program Awards $30 million in Initial Funding for Risk Reduction Projects Office of Nuclear Energy | 12/16/20   The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced $30 million in initial funding for one of three programs under its new Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP). DOE’s Office of Nuclear Energy (NE) has selected five teams to receive $30 million in FY20 funding for Risk Reduction for Future Demonstration projects. The awards are cost-shared partnerships with industry, and companies were chosen through a funding opportunity announcement issued in May 2020.   ARDP is designed to help domestic private industry demonstrate advanced nuclear reactors in the United States. DOE expects to invest approximately $600 million over seven years with our industry partners providing at least 20 percent in matching funds.   Continue reading >> IN OTHER NEWS LEGISLATION Congress prepares for weekend work as stimulus stalls  (Politico, 12/17)   NATIONAL LABORATORY New Idaho lab director expects more work on next wave of reactors (AP, 12/16)   DEFENSE BILL Will the NDAA cross the finish line? (Politico, 12/17) UPCOMING EVENTS Sept. 8-10, 2021 National Cleanup Workshop ECA PUBLICATIONS Read about DOE's High Level Waste Interpretation   Have questions about DOE’s recent high-level waste (HLW) interpretation? Download ECA’s Key Points and FAQs on the issue to better understand what ECA believes are the potential benefits of implementation. ECA's Key Points on DOE HLW Interpretation ECA's FAQs on DOE HLW Interpretation Interested in learning more? Read the ECA report “Making Informed Decisions on DOE's Proposed High Level Waste Definition” at www.energyca.org/publications ECA BULLETIN Stay Current on Activities in the DOE World   Read the latest edition of the ECA Bulletin, a regular newsletter providing a detailed brief of ECA activities, legislative news, and major events from across the DOE complex. Have suggestions for future editions? Email bulletin@energyca.org.    View current and previous editions of the ECA Bulletin at www.energyca.org/bulletin DOE SITE PROFILES  Learn More about Cleanup Sites with ECA's DOE Site Profiles   ECA's new site profiles detail DOE's 13 active Environmental Management cleanup sites and national laboratories, highlighting their history, missions, and priorities. The profiles are a key source for media, stakeholders, and the public to learn more about DOE site activities, contractors, advisory boards, and their surrounding local governments.    Access your community's profile by visiting: www.energyca.org/site-profiles

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