NRC Approves TerraPower Nuclear Reactor

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission unanimously voted to grant a construction permit to TerraPower to build its new smaller, advanced nuclear reactors.

The permit allows TerraPower to begin pouring concrete and building the components of its proposed nuclear plant in Kemmerer, Wyo. The plant is currently expected to come online in 2031.

The 345-MW reactor is the first new U.S. commercial reactor in nearly a decade to receive clearance to begin construction.

More: The New York Times

Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Keep Colorado Uranium Disposal Site Running

A group of lawmakers introduced a bill that would extend the operations of the Grand Junction uranium disposal site.

The bill would amend the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act of 1978 to extend operations at the site until it reaches capacity. The 1978 legislation currently lists Sept. 30, 2031, as a deadline to shut down the site. The site currently has room for 200,000 more cubic yards of radioactive material.

More: The Daily Sentinel

Oil Prices Soar Past $100/Barrel

Oil prices on March 9 soared above $100/barrel as the conflict between the U.S. and Iran escalates.

Gasoline prices neared $3.50/gallon on average and were up nearly 50 cents from a week ago. Compared to a month ago, before the conflict began, gas prices were up about 58 cents on average. Diesel prices were $4.66/gallon on average, up about 23% over the course of a week.

More: The Hill; The New York Times