US, Russia Resolve Plutonium Dispute

[jpak]

http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/bw-other/2006/sep/15/091500815.html

WASHINGTON (AP) - The United States and Russia have resolved a major hurdle in their negotiations to dispose of tons of excess plutonium, announcing an accord Friday on a liability issue that has long stymied the program.

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However, there are other issues still to be worked out, including details on how Russia is going to dispose of its 34 metric tons of plutonium from its weapons stockpile under the agreement.

At the same time, the future of the U.S. disposal program also has become clouded.

The Energy Department said it is ready to break ground this fall on a South Carolina plant that would convert its 34 metric tons of excess plutonium into a mixed oxide, or MOX, fuel to be burned in a commercial power reactor. However, the House has eliminated funding for the program for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1.

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