description: This report addresses an issue of critical importance to the national security interests of the United States. Is the United States now pursuing a well-conceived and effective program of cooperation with Russia in the disposition of those vast amounts of separated plutonium that have become excess to the nuclear weapons needs of the two countries? This report sets out the U.S. response to date, notes the challenges and difficulties facing both Russia and the United States, and outlines in detail those actions necessary if the safe, timely, and effective disposition of U.S. and Russian weapons-grade plutonium is to be realized. John Taylor is a consultant on nuclear power, having formerly held senior positions with the Nuclear Power Group at the Electric Power Research Institute and with Westinghouse Electric Corporation. Senator Pete V. Domenici (R-N.Mex.) is chairman of the Energy and Water Development Subcommittee of the Senate Appropriations Committee and vice chairman of the Energy Research, Development, Production, and Regulation Subcommittee of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Representative Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) serves on the House International Relations Committee and the House National Security Committee. Robert E. Ebel is director of the CSIS Energy and National Security Program.
language: English
title: Disposing of Weapons-Grade Plutonium
titlecomplete: Disposing of Weapons-Grade Plutonium
publisher: Center for Strategic & International Studies