IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — The State of Idaho and the U.S. Department of Energy have agreed to waive certain parts of the 1995 Settlement Agreement, according to a release by Idaho National Laboratory.
The 1995 Settlement Agreement was an agreement on a lawsuit, that was filed by the state of Idaho, to limit the shipment of used nuclear fuel to the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Idaho Site for storage as well as removing various forms of waste from Idaho.
“Idaho National Laboratory is DOE’s lead lab for nuclear energy research and development, and it is critical that we continue to grow this research capacity and maintain American competitiveness,” U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright stated.
This waiver will allow the Idaho Nuclear Laboratory (INL) to conduct research on a nuclear fuel container storing fuel that has generated more energy and has stayed in the reactor longer than it should. The research will provide data to support the possibility of extending the time used fuel is stored at 54 of the nuclear power plants in 28 states.
“As the nation’s center for nuclear energy research and development, we look forward to utilizing our unique facilities and expertise to support this critical national need. We are thankful to the Department of Energy and the state of Idaho for entrusting us with the safe and secure execution of our vital mission,” INL Director John Wagner said.
Modern nuclear fuels are more efficient, thus lowering costs. To ensure they are safe, data is required to confirm the waste will hold up during long-term storage. The waiver also supports the research of reactors for American universities that will help with the education of nuclear scientists and engineers in future generations.
“Thanks to the state of Idaho’s foresight, INL will continue to uphold and expand its legacy as the nation’s premier nuclear energy research, development, and demonstration laboratory,” DOE-Idaho Operations Manager Robert Boston explained.
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