1. The State of South Carolina claims – in a May 22 letter linked here – that it will bring a lawsuit to try and save MOX, but on what grounds? If it involves non-compliance with the US-Russia Plutonium Management and Disposition Agreement, then good luck. That “agreement” is not a treaty and has provisions in it, such as Section IX.6, that will trip up the state. No surprise that Attorney General Alan Wilson, son of top MOX booster Rep. Joe Wilson, is engaged in this last-ditch futile effort.
Of note – the letter mentions an anticipated DOE stop-work order at the MOX debacle on or about June 11 (a month after Secretary Perry’s issuance of the “waiver” of spending o n construction). That mention should cause the worker stampede to increase.
2. The Senate Energy and Water Appropriations mark up – to fund DOE – of May 22, 2018 does not bode well for Senator Graham’s belated effort to save MOX.
Hear audio webcast:
https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/hearings/subcommittee-markup-of-the-fy2019-energy-and-water-development-appropriations-bill
In his opening statement, Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN) asked that amendments be saved for consideration for the full committee mark up on Thursday, May 24. Given the bit below, will they allow Graham to try and revive the zombie? Likely not.
At about 28’30”, Alexander mentions the NDAA for FY 2018 that MOX could be terminated and that the Energy & Water FY 2018 bill included similar language. He mentions that on May 10 that Secretary Perry “canceled” MOX and that he looks forward to working with Senator Graham so that plutonium is removed from SC “sooner” and at a lower cost.
Alexander said that the record will note that Graham voted “pass” on recommending the bill to the full committee. Graham didn’t say anything and it appears that he may not have bothered attend.