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Atomic rumblings: US and Europe disagree over nuclear-energy policies

Journal Article · · EUROPE; (United States)
OSTI ID:6310522

Nuclear cooperation limps along between the United States and Euratom, the nuclear arm of the European Community, while Congress seeks more export controls and Euratom fewer. The biggest irritant is the 1978 US Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act (NNPA) that requires US government approval for other nations to reprocess American-supplied uranium. Euratom members want a renegotiated agreement. They feel that NNPA restrictions are not appropriate and that the US, with its policy of annual waiver for Euratom to reprocess without approval, is reneging on a binding agreement. Euratom is cool to the President's announcement of a new plutonium policy offering it and Japan approval of up to 30 years for reprocessing US uranium. While Euratom is considering steps to control the spread of nuclear weapons and has supported US efforts to upgrade safeguarding technology, there is still disagreement over a crackdown on countries that pose serious proliferation risks and over US absence from the International Atomic Energy Agency. Continued failure to agree could undermine Reagan's ability to wind congressional support to ease export restrictions.

OSTI ID:
6310522
Journal Information:
EUROPE; (United States), Journal Name: EUROPE; (United States) Vol. 236; ISSN ERPED
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English