The Lab-to-Institute Components—U.S. View

Abstract

The U.S.-Russian Nuclear Materials Safety (NMS) initiative is a proposed bilateral collaborative program to reduce the nuclear dangers associated with the treatment, storage, and disposition of excess highly enriched uranium (HEU) and plutonium from various origins, including dismantled warheads. The proposed program is based on the recognition that an accident in a nuclear facility in either country would have a significant detrimental impact in both countries including introducing major delays to the joint U.S.-Russian efforts for fissile materials disposition. The program would reduce the probability for potential accidents but also contribute to the transparency of U.S. and Russian nuclear facility safety practices and procedures and contribute to the global interests in national security and nuclear materials non-proliferation of both countries.