The US Senate has passed legislation to ban the import of enriched uranium from Russia, a move aimed at curbing the Kremlin's shipments of reactor fuel.

Prohibiting Russian Uranium Imports Act

The bill, known as the Prohibiting Russian Uranium Imports Act, received unanimous consent and is now headed to the White House for President Joe Biden's signature.

US imports of enriched uranium from Russia would be prohibited 90 days after enactment, with temporary waivers allowed until January 2028, according to a report by Bloomberg.  

Russia has been a significant supplier of enriched uranium to the United States, accounting for nearly a quarter of the fuel used in over 90 commercial reactors. These imports contribute an estimated $1 billion annually to Russia's economy. 

The White House views the ban on Russian uranium imports as a national security imperative, especially given the economic risks posed by reliance on Russian uranium, further exacerbated by Russia's actions in Ukraine. The legislation is aligned with efforts to develop a domestic uranium industry, backed by $2.7 billion in congressional funding.

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Could Russia Retaliate After the Ban?

The legislation includes provisions allowing the Department of Energy to issue waivers for Russian uranium imports, aligning with existing export limits established in an anti-dumping agreement between the Department of Commerce and Russia through 2027. 

If enacted, this import ban could prompt Russia to retaliate with its own export restrictions, potentially disrupting enriched uranium deliveries immediately. 

Nevertheless, the ban's impact on US nuclear power plants may take time, as fuel purchases are typically negotiated well in advance. 

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