ML20236F660
| ML20236F660 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 06/24/1998 |
| From: | Shirley Ann Jackson, The Chairman NRC COMMISSION (OCM) |
| To: | Goodlatte B HOUSE OF REP. |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 9807020270 | |
| Download: ML20236F660 (1) | |
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UNITED STATES f
NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION i
0-WASHINGTON, D.C. 20555-0001 5
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June 24, 1998 CHAIRMAN
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The Honorable Bob Goodlatte United States House of Representatives Washington, D.C. 20515-4606
Dear Congressman Goodlatte:
! refer to your letter dated Ma; 29,1998, urging expedited Commission review of two license applications for exports of high enriched uranium to Canada for use in medical isotope production. I am pleased to inform you that the Commission approved the licenses on June 5, 1998. The licenses were issued by the NRC staff on June 8.
Sincerely, k
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CORRESPONDENCE PDR Cwm5
COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY BOB GOODLATTE 67H DISTWICT, VIRGlWIA h.
123 CIWNON HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING ASSISTANT MAJORITY WHIP WASHmoTo 2 154606 g
FAX (202) 225-9681 i
Congress of the United States l
House of Representatives May 29,1998 The IIonorable Shirley A. Jackson Chairman U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission l
Washington, D.C. 20555 l
Dear Chairman Jackson,
I am writing to express concern regarding the current delay in the Commission's review of two licenses (License Nos. XSNM-03012 and XSNM-03013) for the export of high enriched uranium to Canada for the purpose of assuring a reliable supply of certain life-saving radiopharmaceuticals. It is my understanding that on March 13,1998, the State Department (on behalf of the executive branch) recommended that these export licenses be granted. Therefore,in accordance with Section 126 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, the NRC was to have completed action on these applications by May 12,1998. Unfortunately, however, NRC action has been delayed beyond the statutory sixty day period for its review.
As you know, the pending license applications would permit exports to Atomic Energy of Canada, l.imited (AECL) of nuclear material for use in its existing reactor (to assure a continued supply of these radiopharmaceuticals in the near-term). More importantly, approval would allow AECL to continue its program to construct two new MAPLE reactors. The MAPLE reactors are small, highly specialized reactors that will assure the reliable supply of medical isotopes derived from molybdenum to hospitals and medical clinics in North America for the next twenty years.
It appears that AECL's existing reactor is the only North American source of these important medial isotopes, and the pending exports are critical to the current schedule for constructing and operating the new, more reliable MAPLE reactors. Until these reactors begin operation, the United States must depend primarily upon just one existing 40 year-old AECL reactor for these medically needed radiopharmaceuticals.
The reliable supply of radiopharmaceuticals is of critical importance to countless medical patients throughout North America who are in need of diagnostic and/or therapeutic treatment.
These medical isotopes have a very short "shelflife" Therefore,it is essential that a continugg 6 # 3 supply be available for treatment of patients with bone cancer, kidney disease, AIDS, heart disease, lung disorders, and other illnesses. Moreover, these medical isotopes are used for diagnostic' purposes, which reduces the need for costly, invasive surgery for medical diagnosi&3lt Ja o,on many illnesses. Disruption in the supply of these medical isotopes is costly both iu te:ms of increased medical expense and the heahh of thousands of patients who depend on them.
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talk 2 bob @m.il. house gow f
PmWED ON RECYCLED PAPE R MmW J
www.housa gov /goodlatte
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I urge you to expedite your review and consideration of the pending export licenses in order to assure an uninterrupted supply of these important radiopharmaceuticals, in the short term, and to assure a reliable supply of these isotopes for medical uses during the next twenty years.
Sincerely, 81r&dse Bob Goodlatte Member of Congress 1
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