(228c) Looking towards the Future of Nuclear Waste Management

Nuclear waste management is at the nexus of a complex set of technical and social issues, including the future of nuclear energy as part of a national portfolio of energy choices to address climate change and energy security needs, intrinsic hazards associated with the wastes and isolation technologies, risk perception, ethics regarding individual and collective benefits, risks and responsibilities over multiple generations. In addition, there are substantial quantities of nuclear waste generated from defense activities that require final disposition. The United States is at a critical juncture with evolving national policy, the planned repository for high level waste and used nuclear fuel uncertain, and alternative future nuclear fuel cycles that include varying types of recycling in active discussion. Furthermore, U.S. decisions made regarding the future of nuclear energy and nuclear waste management will likely have far reaching consequences with respect to national security and economic competitiveness. This presentation will provide an overview of these issues and important components to a productive path forward.