In January, 2012, Rep. Markey expressed his opposition to the continued support of the floundering United States Enrichment Corporation (USEC), following steps by the Department of Energy to free up $44 million for USEC to keep itself afloat.
Rep. Markey, in a letter sent to Energy Secretary Steven Chu, cited the poor bond rating, significant problems with the technology, and concerns about USEC’s partnerships with Russia and their ties to the Iranian nuclear program as reasons that the facility may never reach full commercialization.
Timeline of Rep. Markey's work:
Oct. 14, 2011: Video - Rep. Markey highlights Republican hypocrisy in case of energy loan guarantees
January 20, 2012: Rep. Markey’s letter to Secretary Chu
January 20, 2012: Press Release - Markey to DOE: USEC Support is Suspect
January 31, 2012: Email from NRC to Rep. Markey Staff confirming tritium not covered Washington Agreement
May 8, 2012: Reps. Markey, Pearce letter House Transportation conferees urging rejection of USEC earmark
May 15, 2012: Press Release - Markey: U.S.E.C. Stands for United States Earmark Corporation
June 5, 2012: Video - Rep. Markey speaks against support of the floundering United States Enrichment Corp
June 12, 2012: Rep. Markey letter to GAO regarding USEC
June 12, 2012: Press Release - Markey, Burgess Call For GAO Investigation of DOE Support for Near-Bankrupt USEC
Documents:
July 24, 1992: The Washington Agreement, the treaty that governs the use of uranium enrichment technology
Dec. 13, 2007: H.R. 4700, legislation to suspend tariffs on imports of USEC's foreign technology
May 15, 2012: CRS report describing potential sources of tritium
May 21, 2012: CRS report containing a legal analysis of U.S. Treaty obligations related to the production of tritium