Blue Ribbon Commission released its final report

The U.S. Blue Ribbon Commission on America's Nuclear Future released its Final Report to the Secretary of Energy. The commission was established in January 2010 to provide the Secretary of Energy with "recommendations for developing a safe, long-term solution to managing the Nation's used nuclear fuel and nuclear waste." Draft report of the commission was released in July 2011.

The commission outlined a strategy that includes the following key elements:

1. A new, consent-based approach to siting future nuclear waste management facilities.

2. A new organization dedicated solely to implementing the waste management program and empowered with the authority and resources to succeed.

3. Access to the funds nuclear utility ratepayers are providing for the purpose of nuclear waste management.

4. Prompt efforts to develop one or more geologic disposal facilities.

5. Prompt efforts to develop one or more consolidated storage facilities.

6. Prompt efforts to prepare for the eventual large-scale transport of spent nuclear fuel and high-level waste to consolidated storage and disposal facilities when such facilities become available.

7. Support for continued U.S. innovation in nuclear energy technology and for workforce development.

8. Active U.S. leadership in international efforts to address safety, waste management, non-proliferation, and security concerns.