ANS Nuclear Policy Wire Januaary 27, 2021

ANS Nuclear Policy Wire January 27, 2021 Senate Committee Considers Nomination of Jennifer Granholm for Secretary of Energy Today, the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources held a hearing to consider the nomination of former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm to be Secretary of Energy. Some notable highlights from today's hearing included Sen. Lee (R-UT) mentioning that in light of Congresses inclusion of $75 million in FY21 funding for the domestic uranium reserve more must be done in the area of legislative reforms to help the U.S. uranium industry. Sen. Barrasso (R-WY) acknowledged that nuclear energy is the “largest source of carbon-free electricity” in the country while also underscoring the importance of the uranium reserve. Sen. King (I-ME) expressed his concern over stranded nuclear waste across the U.S. and highlighted the importance of addressing waste storage. Senator Cortez Masto (D-NV) followed Sen. King by asking for, and receiving, a commitment from Granholm that the Biden administration oppose the use of Yucca Mountain for long-term spent fuel storage. Granholm also stated that she will support recommendations of the Obama-era Blue Ribbon Commission, particularly on consent-based interim storage. Click HERE to watch today's nomination hearing. A vote on whether to advance Granholm's nomination to the full Senate has not yet been scheduled.