Heinrich Bipartisan Legislation to Ban Russian Uranium Passes Both Chambers of Congress
WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. SenatorMartin Heinrich (D-N.M.) announced the unanimous passage of his legislation in the Senate to ban imports of Russian uranium to the United States. The bill now heads to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law.
In addition to Heinrich, the legislation was led in the Senate by U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), and cosponsored by Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), and Roger Marshall (R-Kan.).
The companion legislation previously passed theHouse of Representatives in December 2023by voice vote.
“Banning imports of Russian uranium will strengthen our nation’s energy security, reduce our reliance on Russia for nuclear fuels, and prevent American dollars from funding Vladimir Putin’s unjustified war in Ukraine,” said Heinrich, a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. “Now that both chambers of Congress have passed this legislation,wewill be able to shore up our nuclear fuel supply chain and invest in American producers like Urenco in Lea County, New Mexico.”
“It is unconscionable for the United States of America, as the superpower of the world, to contribute to Vladimir Putin's ability to finance his unlawful war against Ukraine through our reliance on Russia for the uranium we need to power our nuclear reactors. I am proud to have worked on this legislation with Ranking Member Barrasso to put an end to Russian uranium imports, which simultaneously unlocks $2.72 billion to ramp up domestic uranium fuel production. Building on initiatives I worked to include in the Energy Act of 2020, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the Inflation Reduction Act, this legislation is one more critical step toward reshoring our nuclear supply chains,” said Manchin, Chair of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
“I have fought for years to end America’s reliance on Russian nuclear fuel. Our efforts have finally paid off with passage of our bill to ban these imports once and for all,” said Barrasso, Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. “Wyoming has the uranium to replace Russian imports, and we’re ready to use it. Our bipartisan legislation will help defund Russia’s war machine, revive American uranium production, and jumpstart investments in America’s nuclear fuel supply chain. This is a tremendous victory. I’m grateful to members of both parties for helping get this over the finish line.”
“America’s dangerous reliance on Russian enriched uranium must come to an end—our national security depends on it,” said Risch. “With the passage of our legislation, America is taking an important step to spur uranium conversion and enrichment in the U.S., support advanced nuclear development and energy independence, and end Russian control of the global nuclear fuel supply chain.”
“Wyoming’s energy industry plays an integral role in powering not only our nation but the world,” said Lummis. “We should be capitalizing on Wyoming’s vast resources and boosting domestic mining, not jeopardizing our national security. I am proud to join my friend and colleague Senator Barrasso to deliver a bipartisan solution to unleash American energy.”
“Cutting off Russian uranium imports is one way we can disrupt Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine while promoting investment in supply chains for American nuclear technology,” said Coons. “I’m glad that both chambers of Congress have passed this bipartisan bill that demonstrates our commitment to secure nuclear energy and increases our capacity for clean energy leadership around the world.”
"Nuclear energy is the way of the future," said Marshall. "Its growing influence cannot be understated, as it proves to be a reliable solution that meets the escalating demand for base-load energy to power our communities in a decarbonized economy. However, we must put forth commonsense guardrails that end the United States' reliance on hostile powers like Russia for the fuel needed to power America. The passage of our legislation to block Russian imports is vital for our national security interests and our efforts to unleash American energy."
###
