US to cease purchasing uranium from Russia and transition to domestic production

President Joe Biden signed a new law aimed at bolstering the domestic supply chain of uranium by prohibiting the import of the mineral from Russia. The move comes as part of a broader effort to reduce dependence on foreign sources of uranium, especially from Russia, and jumpstart domestic mining to fuel nuclear reactors.

Historically, Russia has been one of the largest suppliers of uranium to the United States and other countries. However, with the ban on coal, oil, and gas imports in response to the conflict in Ukraine in 2022, the US excluded uranium from its sanctions, highlighting its reliance on foreign uranium imports, particularly from Russia.

The new law signed by President Biden unlocks $2.7 billion in federal funding to support domestic uranium mining and processing. The administration sees uranium as a crucial component in meeting US climate goals by complementing renewable energy sources like solar and wind with nuclear power.

Despite the potential benefits of nuclear energy in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conflicts persist with communities affected by uranium production and nuclear waste. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm emphasized the importance of building a secure nuclear fuel supply chain within the US, stating, “Our nation’s clean energy future will not rely on Russian imports.”

While nuclear energy advocates are optimistic about technological advancements improving safety standards, communities along the uranium supply chain remain concerned. The Biden administration’s decision to create a new national monument near the Grand Canyon to prevent uranium mining has stirred up controversy, with some state lawmakers pushing back against the move.