Trump Administration's Plan to Use Bomb-Grade Plutonium for Energy Sparks Controversy
The Trump administration has issued Executive Order 14302, directing the U.S. Department of Energy to provide weapons-grade plutonium to private industries for use in nuclear reactors. This initiative aims to utilize 20 metric tons of plutonium, enough for thousands of nuclear bombs, to generate electricity. The plan has faced criticism from U.S. Senator Ed Markey, who raised concerns about national security, potential conflicts of interest, and the economic viability of the proposal. The administration's move marks a significant departure from longstanding U.S. policy against the commercial use of plutonium, which has been avoided to prevent nuclear proliferation.