Year
2000
Abstract
“Our cooperative work with Russia on plutonium disposition is a key element of U.S. efforts to reduce the global danger from weapons of mass destruction. We are conducting a number of technology demonstrations of key plutonium disposition technologies in Russia to enable the Russians to accelerate efforts to dispose of their surplus plutonium upon signature of the bilateral plutonium disposition agreement. Along with technology development, we have conducted extensive negotiations with Russia over the past year on a bilateral plutonium disposition agreement to dispose of 68 (34 U.S. plus 34 Russian) metric tons of weapon-grade plutonium withdrawn from nuclear weapon programs. This agreement is essential to enable surplus plutonium disposition to proceed in both countries and is a key objective of U.S. nonproliferation efforts.” The Office of Fissile Materials Disposition has come a long way in developing a path forward for disposing of surplus fissile materials, both in this country and in Russia. We are already disposing of surplus U.S. highly enriched uranium and are completing the groundwork for disposing of surplus U.S. plutonium. With the signature in July by the United States and Russia of a bilateral agreement on plutonium disposition, we are moving ahead promptly to complete the necessary designs, construct the facilities, and begin disposing of surplus U.S. and Russian plutonium. This important nonproliferation mission has received significant support from the United States Congress and from other nations. Our objectives, strategies, and goals reflect the collective input of a diverse group of interested parties. Congress, Federal, state, and local governments, Tribal officials, non-government organizations, and the public have all contributed to shaping this program through more than 90 public meetings and thousands of comments received by mail, phone, fax, and our web site, as well as through frequent meetings, conferences, and other public events.