Clarifying Authority to Dispose of Foreign Radiological Materials (Americium-241).
This bill aims to enhance public safety by clarifying the Department of Energy's authority to permanently dispose of dangerous foreign-origin radioactive sources, specifically Americium-241, at the WIPP facility. These materials pose a significant risk for use in a "dirty bomb." Establishing a clear disposal path accelerates their removal from circulation, reducing the threat of radiological terrorism.
Key points
Increased Security: The Act allows for the rapid removal of dangerous foreign Americium-241, a material that could be used to construct a radiological dispersal device ("dirty bomb").
Disposal of Foreign Waste: It authorizes the disposal of foreign-origin transuranic radiological materials similar to those already accepted at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP).
Nonproliferation Mission: This change supports the National Nuclear Security Administration's mission to recover and secure thousands of disused sealed sources globally.
Introduced
Additional Information
Print number: 119_HR_4236
Sponsor: Rep. Mills, Cory [R-FL-7]
Process start date: 2025-06-27