Energy Secretary Steven Chu yesterday announced the creation of a "Commission on America's Nuclear Future" and charged it with developing recommendations for a long-term solution for the management of the Nation's used nuclear fuel and high-level nuclear waste. The panel, to be co-chaired by former Congressman Lee Hamilton and former National Security Advisor Brent Scowcroft, has been asked to develop an interim report in 18 months and a final report in 24 months. A total of 15 members will serve on the Commission.

The announcement has been expected for some time, and was necessitated by the decision of the Administration to wind down the Yucca Mountain project in Nevada. The Administration is expected to seek a full termination of that project in the fiscal year 2011 budget, to be released on February 1.

The DOE announcement, and a complete listing of the Commission membership, can be found by clicking here.

Update on Saturday, March 13, 2010 at 7:28PM by Timothy Smith

The Blue Ribbon Commission on America's Nuclear Future will hold it's first meeting on March 25th and 26th. The meeting will be held at the Willard Intercontinental in Washington DC. The Federal Register notice can be found by clicking here.

Update on Tuesday, April 13, 2010 at 4:21PM by Timothy Smith

The Blue Ribbon Commission on America's Nuclear Future now has it's web site up and running. It can be found by clicking the link here.