Transportation of Spent Nuclear Fuel: the Need for a Flexible Regulatory System

The risks involved in transporting spent nuclear fuel by highway are detailed. The current federal regulatory scheme regarding spent fuel transport is discussed, and provisions of DOT regulations and the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act of 1976 are explained. Barging or shipping is a possible means of increasing transportation flexibility, thereby reducing the present controversy between the federal and state governments in regulating nuclear waste transport. A flexible regulatory system promotes federal, state, and local cooperation, and is necessary to maximize safety in transporting spent nuclear fuel. ( 46 references, )