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Section 123 Agreement With the UK Critical for US Nuclear Exports, Jobs

The president yesterday transmitted to Congress for review a bilateral agreement for peaceful nuclear energy cooperation, known as a Section 123 Agreement, between the United States and United Kingdom. Following is a statement from Dan Lipman, vice president of suppliers, new reactors, and international programs at NEI.

“We commend the Trump administration for submitting to Congress for review a 123 Agreement with the United Kingdom, which facilitates trade in nuclear technology between our countries. America has always maintained a special relationship with the United Kingdom, one that extends to our partnership in commercial nuclear energy technology.

“This new agreement will establish U.S.-U.K. nuclear cooperation on a bilateral basis, independent of British membership in Euratom, and re-affirms America’s close partnership with the U.K. nuclear energy sector. Because the United Kingdom has announced significant plans to develop new nuclear plants in the years ahead, including possibly small modular reactors, this Section 123 agreement is critical for U.S. nuclear exports and American jobs.

“The U.K. government’s decision to invest in new nuclear power generation is based on recognition that nuclear energy is a clean, reliable and emissions-free energy source that reduces the nation’s reliance on imported fossil fuels. The U.K. government’s ambitious development plans have made it the most important nuclear technology export market after China, according to a U.S. Department of Commerce report, making the Section 123 agreement welcome news for U.S. firms.”

Source: NEI Media