Chairman Hall, Ranking Member Boucher and distinguished members of the committee, I am Angie Howard, executive vice president at the Nuclear Energy Institute. I am pleased to have this opportunity to testify on legislation to restore the Nuclear Waste Fund to the purposes established in the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 and on the progress toward establishing appropriate funding for the used nuclear fuel repository at Yucca Mountain, Nev.

NEI is responsible for developing policy for the U.S. nuclear industry. Our organization’s 270 member companies represent a broad spectrum of interests, including every U.S. energy company that operates a nuclear power plant. NEI’s membership also includes nuclear fuel cycle companies, suppliers, engineering and consulting firms, national research laboratories, manufacturers of radiopharmaceuticals, universities, labor unions and law firms.

America’s 103 nuclear power plants are the most efficient and reliable in the world. Nuclear energy is the largest source of emission-free electricity generation in the United States, providing electricity for one of every five U.S. homes and businesses. Given this essential contribution to our nation’s energy security and economic growth, Congress should adopt policies that foster the further development of emission-free nuclear energy as a vital part of our nation’s diverse energy mix—and fulfill existing federal obligations, including the disposal of used nuclear fuel.

My testimony will focus on two issues. The first involves making necessary funding available in a timely manner to meet Yucca Mountain program milestones and maintain established operational schedules. NEI believes that legislation is needed to restore the clear link between electricity consumer fees and expenditures for the nation’s used nuclear fuel disposal program. The second is the industry’s assessment of the Department of Energy’s progress with the nuclear waste management program.