NNSA official praises Russian cooperation

WASHINGTON, Jan. 2 (UPI) -- A senior U.S. nuclear security official has praised Russian cooperation in dealing with surplus plutonium.

"The Russians are moving forward on their plans to dispose of surplus plutonium," William Tobey, deputy administrator in charge of defense non-proliferation programs at the National Nuclear Security Administration, an agency of the U.S. Department of Energy, said in a statement Dec. 13. "They are committed to this important nonproliferation goal, and the progress we have shown on our MOX -- mixed oxide -- facility shows them that we are committed to it as well."

Tobey said that the U.S. Congress had requested "that the MOX project achieve three milestones before proceeding. NNSA has completed all three," the NNSA said in a statement.

"First, there is a solid project baseline, with 90 percent of the design complete and conservative reserves for any contingencies or escalations. Preconstruction activity was completed under budget and ahead of schedule," the agency said.

"Second, NNSA has added to the mission of the MOX program. For instance, starter fuel could be produced for advanced fast reactors. Tobey added that it was important to note that Secretary Bodman announced in September the addition of nine more metric tons of weapons-grade plutonium for the MOX program," the NNSA said.

"Third, the recent Joint Statement with Russia means that there is now a Russian plutonium disposition plan that is technically and financially credible. The Russians are committed to this plan, because it is consistent with the current Russian energy program," the agency said.

"Established by Congress in 2000, NNSA is a separately organized agency within the U.S. Department of Energy responsible for enhancing national security through the military application of nuclear science. NNSA maintains and enhances the safety, security, reliability and performance of the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile without nuclear testing; works to reduce global danger from weapons of mass destruction; provides the U.S. Navy with safe and effective nuclear propulsion; and responds to nuclear and radiological emergencies in the United States and abroad," the agency said.