Understanding Special Nuclear Material: Definition and Importance
Definition & Meaning
Special nuclear material refers to specific types of nuclear materials that are regulated due to their potential use in nuclear weapons or reactors. According to U.S. law, this includes:
- Plutonium
- Uranium enriched in the isotope 233 or 235
- Any other material designated as special nuclear material by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission
- Materials artificially enriched by the above substances
However, it does not include source material, which is defined separately under U.S. law.
Legal Use & context
The term "special nuclear material" is primarily used in the context of nuclear energy regulation and national security. It is relevant in:
- Regulatory compliance for nuclear facilities
- Criminal law, particularly in cases involving nuclear proliferation or unauthorized possession
- Environmental law, concerning the safe handling and disposal of nuclear materials
Users can manage related legal matters using templates available through US Legal Forms, which can assist in ensuring compliance with applicable regulations.
Real-world examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Here are a couple of examples of special nuclear material:
- A nuclear power plant using enriched uranium-235 as fuel is handling special nuclear material.
- A research facility conducting experiments with plutonium for scientific purposes is also regulated under special nuclear material laws.
Relevant laws & statutes
Key statutes related to special nuclear material include:
- 42 U.S.C. § 2014 - Definitions related to atomic energy
- 42 U.S.C. § 2071 - Authority of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission