WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) released the following statement after Congress passed a government funding bill that includes key provisions from his bipartisan coal to products bill and his bipartisan bill to extend and expand limits on Russian uranium imports. Barrasso also praised the inclusion of $75 million in funding for a national uranium reserve.

“Wyoming energy scored two big wins today. Bipartisan legislation to promote new and innovative ways to use coal and help boost Wyoming’s uranium production is headed to the president’s desk.

“Wyoming has led the way in domestic coal production for decades. While coal continues to help keep the lights on across the county, it’s more than just a power source. Carbon from coal can be used in products as diverse as water filters, automobile bodies, bikes, and building products. The inclusion of key provisions of our coal to products bill will encourage investment and create new jobs in Wyoming and across the country.

“Russia continues to undercut Wyoming’s uranium producers by flooding the market with cheap nuclear fuel. Vladimir Putin also uses uranium as a geopolitical weapon. In order to stop this, our legislation sets clear limits on imports of uranium from Russia. This is a win-win for our energy security and national security.

“Finally, the creation and funding of a national uranium reserve is long overdue. This reserve will help preserve and strengthen uranium production in Wyoming and ensure America will always have the fuel it needs to power our nuclear reactors.”

Background:

On Dec. 12, 2019, Barrasso along with Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) introduced S. 3047, the Creating Opportunities And Leveraging Technologies for Coal Carbon Act, or COAL TeCC Act, to advance research and promote coal-derived carbon products. Some of these coal products include carbon fiber, graphite and carbon foam. The FY21 Omnibus contains key language contained in the COAL TeCC Act. The bill directs DOE to establish a 2-year pilot program, one in each of the two major coal-producing regions of the United States. The pilot programs are meant to help coal-derived carbon products reach the commercialization phase.

On Sept. 25, 2020, Barrasso and Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM) introduced S. 4694, the Russian Suspension Agreement Extension Act of 2020. The legislation extends and expands limits on Russian uranium imports. Barrasso and Heinrich’s bill is co-sponsored by Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Jim Risch (R-ID), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), and Tom Cotton (R-AR).

The Russian Suspension Agreement Extension Act of 2020 will:

• Reduce reliance on Russian uranium imports in order to protect national security;
• Strengthen the supply chain for nuclear fuel produced in the United States;
• Close loopholes that hurt American uranium producers; and
• Require the secretary of Energy to submit a report updating Congress on the steps being taken to accurately measure uranium imports.

###