Blue Ribbon Commission on America's Nuclear Future

Blue Ribbon Commission on America's Nuclear Future (BRC) was a high-level commission established by the United States Department of Energy in January 2010. The commission was tasked with providing recommendations for creating a safe, long-term solution for managing and disposing of the nation's spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste. The creation of the BRC was in response to the ongoing challenges and controversies surrounding nuclear waste disposal in the United States, notably the difficulties surrounding the Yucca Mountain nuclear waste repository project.

Background

The United States has utilized nuclear energy for commercial electricity generation since the mid-20th century, which has resulted in the accumulation of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste. For decades, the federal government sought a permanent disposal solution, with the Yucca Mountain site in Nevada being the most prominent proposal. However, political, technical, and social challenges have stalled the Yucca Mountain project, leading to the need for new strategies and solutions.

Formation

The Blue Ribbon Commission on America's Nuclear Future was formed by the Secretary of Energy at the time, Steven Chu, under the directive of President Barack Obama. The commission was chaired by Lee H. Hamilton, a former Congressman, and Brent Scowcroft, a former National Security Advisor. It comprised members from a range of disciplines, including nuclear physics, environmental policy, and public administration.

Objectives

The primary objective of the BRC was to review the entire back-end of the nuclear fuel cycle and recommend a comprehensive strategy for the safe, secure, and efficient management and disposal of nuclear waste in the United States. This included considerations for temporary storage solutions, transportation of nuclear materials, and the exploration of alternative disposal technologies beyond the deep geological repository model exemplified by Yucca Mountain.

Recommendations

In January 2012, the BRC released its final report, which included several key recommendations:

• Prompt efforts to develop one or more deep geological repositories for the disposal of high-level nuclear waste.
• Creation of a new, independent organization dedicated to managing the nuclear waste management program, separate from the Department of Energy.
• Encouragement for the development of interim storage facilities to allow for the consolidation of spent nuclear fuel from reactor sites.
• Support for continued research and development in nuclear technology, including recycling and reprocessing strategies, to reduce the volume and toxicity of waste.
• Engagement with local communities, states, and tribal governments in the site selection process for future waste management facilities, ensuring transparency and consent-based siting.

Impact

The BRC's report has been influential in shaping discussions and policies regarding nuclear waste management in the United States. Its recommendations have informed legislative proposals and have been cited in debates about the future of nuclear energy and waste disposal. However, the implementation of its recommendations has faced challenges, including political opposition and the technical complexities of establishing new waste management facilities.

See Also

• Nuclear energy in the United States
• Radioactive waste
• Yucca Mountain nuclear waste repository
• Nuclear Regulatory Commission