ANS comments to Secretary Bill Richardson on restart of Fast Flux Test Facility
The American Nuclear Society has issued a statement in support of the restart of the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) if it does not affect the funding of other future looking nuclear energy programs. A letter from ANS President Andy Kadak was sent to Secretary of Energy Bill Richardson outlining the ANS position.In his letter, ANS President Kadak stated that a major concern "is based on the high degree of difficulty in obtaining even the small amount of money recommended by the President's Committee of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) for the Nuclear Energy Research Initiative (NERI) and to continue to provide the needed support for our university research reactors."
President Kadak also stated that "if nuclear energy is to continue to make a contribution to this nation's energy supply, we must look to the future and create a vision and opportunity for young people to come into the field."
ANS supports NERAC recommendation that a restart of the FFTF should be made in the context of a "long-term strategy in Nuclear Energy." ANS thinks it is vitally important "to develop an integrated nuclear energy plan to include all research, development, and deployment missions." PCAST also supports this position. A copy of the complete letter is attached.
