Mark Kelly Questions EPA & NRC Nominees on Nuclear Waste Cleanup and Tribal Policies

Addressing Abandoned Uranium Mines

• 💡 Senator Kelly highlighted the challenge of cleaning up thousands of abandoned uranium mines, particularly over 500 on the Navajo Nation.
• 🔑 A promising technology piloted by the EPA and Navajo Nation could reduce hazardous waste by 85%, but its wider use is pending an NRC licensing decision.

NRC Licensing Approach for Remediation Technologies

• 🎯 The core issue is whether remediation technologies can be licensed as a service or require a site-specific process.
• 🚀 NRC Commissioner Nominee David Wright supports licensing technologies as a service, viewing site-specific licensing as too slow and onerous.
• ⏳ Wright indicated that the first license for this technology is on track to be issued by September of the current year.

EPA's Role in Tribal Cleanup Efforts

• 📌 Usha-Maria Turner, EPA Assistant Administrator Nominee, acknowledged the long-standing issue of uranium contamination on the Navajo Nation.
• ✅ Turner committed to prioritizing engagement with the 10-year plan for cleanup efforts if confirmed, aiming to understand and address any delays.
• 🤝 She emphasized the need to understand the responsibilities of various agencies, including the NRC and EPA, and to consult with the tribe to meet their urgent needs.