The need to come up with a rule governing conditions for storage of depleted uranium is the result of the country increasingly turning its attention to nuclear power as an energy source.

In 2006 and 2007, the commission issued licenses to two commercial uranium enrichment facilities that are expected to generate significant quantities of depleted uranium.

Regulations adopted in 1985 didn't contemplate such storage so the commission — while not seeking to change depleted uranium's classification as low-level radioactive waste — is seeking input on what site-specific conditions should be imposed for storage.

The commission is accepting comments in advance of the workshops on the issues and questions slated for discussion and is also accepting comments after the workshops are held. Additionally, the public can request to participate in the roundtable discussions, but participation is limited.

For more information, go to nrc.gov.

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