This UCS explainer argues against reprocessing spent nuclear fuel, contending it fails to solve the waste problem while increasing proliferation and terrorism risks. Key points: separated plutonium is far easier to steal (less than 20 lbs needed for a weapon); reprocessing would increase total nuclear waste volume by a factor of 20+; and cost estimates cited include up to $20 billion per reprocessing plant.
Relevant to SLF's work as a citable source for the "why not reprocess SONGS waste" argument and for economic/cost-of-alternatives framing.
