The U.S. Senate passed legislation on Tuesday (April 30th) banning the import of enriched uranium from Russia. The bill has been sent to the White House awaiting President Biden’s signature. The White House had previously expressed support for this Russian uranium ban.
The legislation, named “The Prohibiting Russian Uranium Imports Act,” aims to reduce Russia’s income and limit the war funds it can use on the Ukrainian battlefield.
Ninety days after the enactment of the law, the U.S. will be prohibited from importing Russian enriched uranium. However, temporary exemptions are allowed until January 2028 to prevent supply issues for U.S. reactors.
The bill also releases $2.7 billion previously passed in legislation for constructing domestic uranium processing facilities.
The Senate unanimously approved the measure, while the House passed the legislation in December.
Shortly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the U.S. banned Russian oil imports and set price caps on certain crude oil and petroleum products.
According to data from the U.S. Department of Energy, Russia provides nearly a quarter (24%) of enriched uranium, making it the largest foreign supplier. These sales are estimated to bring Russia $1 billion in revenue annually.
However, replacing these supplies may pose a challenge and could potentially increase the cost of enriched uranium.
John Barrasso, the chief Republican on the Senate Energy Committee, stated in a release, “Wyoming has alternative uranium sources to replace Russian imports, and we are ready to utilize these resources.”
He added, “Our bipartisan legislation will help curb Russia’s war machine, revive U.S. uranium production, and kickstart investments in America’s nuclear fuel supply chain.”
Last week, President Biden signed a foreign aid bill providing $6 billion in assistance to Ukraine. It is expected that Biden will also sign the Russian uranium ban.
In an earlier briefing document, the White House stated, “This is a national security priority as reliance on Russian uranium poses risks to the U.S. economy and civil nuclear industry.”
The White House mentioned, “Failure to act would allow Russia to continue controlling the global uranium market, harming America’s allies and partners.”
On Monday, a spokesperson for the U.S. National Security Council called on Congress to implement the ban, stating that the legislation “will assure industry, allies, and partners that the U.S. has made a clear decision to establish a secure nuclear fuel supply chain independent of hostile influences for the decades to come.”