Statement by the President on Nuclear Policy

The provided text is a press release from October 28, 1976, summarizing a statement by the President on nuclear policy. The President called for a cooperative effort among nations to preserve the benefits of peaceful nuclear energy while preventing nuclear proliferation. The key decisions announced were:

1. Accelerating diplomatic initiatives with nuclear supplier and customer nations to control the spread of plutonium and plutonium separation technologies.
2. Changing the U.S. policy on reprocessing nuclear fuel to only proceed if the world community can effectively overcome the associated risks of proliferation.
3. Emphasizing that the U.S. and other nations can increase their use of nuclear power for peaceful purposes even if reprocessing and recycling of plutonium are found to be unacceptable.

The objectives of these actions were to strengthen the commitment to non-proliferation, change and strengthen domestic nuclear policies, and establish a foundation for continued and increased use of nuclear energy. The press release outlined various specific actions to implement these policies, including changes in U.S. domestic policies, international cooperation to control sensitive exports, efforts to assure a reliable supply of fuel services, upgrading international safeguards, controlling U.S. nuclear exports, and evaluating reprocessing and recycle programs. The press release also highlighted the importance of nuclear waste management facilities and the exploration of multi-nationally controlled repositories.

Overall, the President's statement aimed to balance the benefits and risks of nuclear energy, promote non-proliferation, and foster international cooperation in nuclear policy.