From Plutonium Policy to Rising Seas: Key Scientific and Political Shifts Unfold Globally

U.S. Senator Ed Markey has urged President Donald Trump to cancel a plan that would make surplus weapons-grade plutonium available to private companies, warning of serious proliferation, safety, and conflict-of-interest risks.

Markey argued the move would create significant national security risks.

In a letter to the president, Markey said the proposal could mark the first time the U.S. government has made weapons-grade plutonium available to private industry, Jake Johnson reported for Common Dreams.

He argued the move would create significant national security risks.

According to reporting cited from The New York Times, the Department of Energy holds more than 50 tons of surplus plutonium left over from Cold War-era weapons programs.

Previous plans reportedly involved diluting and permanently disposing of the material.

However, a revised directive issued under the Trump administration reportedly paused that disposal plan and directed the Energy Department to explore commercial uses of surplus plutonium, including advanced nuclear fuel applications.

The Department of Energy has also reportedly entered discussions with several nuclear technology firms regarding potential involvement in the program.

Markey raised concerns about conflicts of interest, noting that Energy Secretary Chris Wright previously served on the board of a company in the sector.