Why Reprocess and Recycle?

• Original reason (1940s-1970s):

  • Believed demand for nuclear power would be far greater than it turned out to be
  • Believed world uranium reserves were far smaller than they turned out to be

• Current reason:

  • Reduce amount of nuclear waste
    • “Given the uncertainties surrounding the Yucca Mountain license application process…”
  • Additional uranium energy secondary