News that the Trump Administration may require the U.S. nuclear industry to use at least 25% American uranium is raising prospects and suspicions in southern Utah.
The reason given for this change is that it’s a matter of national security. The United States currently imports about 95% of uranium used in its nuclear power plants — including from Russia and China. A halt or reduction in imports could leave the nation vulnerable, the argument goes.
That would be more convincing if uranium was rare. But it’s mined across the globe. No single nation can control the market or decide who gets supplied.