ANS is committed to advancing, fostering, and promoting the development and application of nuclear sciences and technologies to benefit society.
Explore the many uses for nuclear science and its impact on energy, the environment, healthcare, food, and more.
Division Spotlight
Decommissioning & Environmental Sciences
The mission of the Decommissioning and Environmental Sciences (DES) Division is to promote the development and use of those skills and technologies associated with the use of nuclear energy and the optimal management and stewardship of the environment, sustainable development, decommissioning, remediation, reutilization, and long-term surveillance and maintenance of nuclear-related installations, and sites. The target audience for this effort is the membership of the Division, the Society, and the public at large.
Meeting Spotlight
Utility Working Conference and Vendor Technology Expo (UWC 2022)
August 7–10, 2022
Marco Island, FL|JW Marriott Marco Island
Standards Program
The Standards Committee is responsible for the development and maintenance of voluntary consensus standards that address the design, analysis, and operation of components, systems, and facilities related to the application of nuclear science and technology. Find out What’s New, check out the Standards Store, or Get Involved today!
Latest Magazine Issues
Jun 2022
Jan 2022
Latest Journal Issues
Nuclear Science and Engineering
July 2022
Nuclear Technology
Fusion Science and Technology
Latest News
Carbon value: Lifetime extensions of nuclear reactors could save billions in climate mitigation costs
On the road to achieving net-zero by midcentury, low- or no-carbon energy sources that slash carbon dioxide emissions are critical weapons. Nevertheless, the role of nuclear energy—the single largest source of carbon-free electricity—remains uncertain.
Nuclear energy, which provides 20 percent of the electricity in the United States, has been a constant, reliable, carbon-free source for nearly 50 years. But our fleet of nuclear reactors is aging, with more than half of the 92 operating reactors across 29 states at or over 40 years old—the length of the original operating licenses issued to the power plants. While some reactors have been retired prematurely, there are two options for those that remain: retire them or renew their license.
The American Nuclear Society provides statements which reflect the Society's perspectives on issues of public interest that involve various aspects of nuclear science and technology. Position statements are prepared by key members whose relevant experience or publications inform the documents and then the documents are reviewed by ANS committees and divisions. The final position statements are approved by the Board of Directors.
The Use of Highly Enriched Uranium for the Production of Medical Isotopes — ANS-72-2022
Read the Statement
Nuclear Energy's Role in Climate Change Policy — ANS-44-2022
More:Platform
Assuring U.S. Global Nuclear Leadership — ANS-83-2021
Safety of Nuclear Power — ANS-51-2021
More:Background Information
Transportation of Radioactive Materials — ANS-18-2021
More:Backgrounder
The Use of Thorium as Nuclear Fuel — ANS-78-2020
Disposition of Surplus Weapons Plutonium — ANS-47-2020
Health Effects of Low-Level Radiation — ANS-41-2020
Small Modular Reactors — ANS-25-2020
Price-Anderson Act — ANS-54-2019
Nuclear Technology's Critical Role In The World's Future Energy Supply — ANS-43-2019
Diversity in the Nuclear Profession — ANS-66-2018
Advanced Reactors — ANS-35-2018
Licensing of Yucca Mountain as a Geological Repository for Radioactive Wastes — ANS-80-2017
Interim Storage of Used or Spent Nuclear Fuel — ANS-76-2017
Risk-Informed and Performance-Based Regulations for Nuclear Power Plants — ANS-46-2017
U.S. Commercial Nuclear Power Plants: A Vital National Asset — ANS-26-2017
Disposal of Low-Level Radioactive Waste — ANS-11-2017
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission — ANS-77-2016
Nuclear Engineering Licensure — ANS-61-2016
Food Irradiation — ANS-28-2016
Fusion Energy — ANS-12-2016
Creation of an Independent Entity to Manage U.S. Used Nuclear Fuel — ANS-22-2015
Decommissioning of Nuclear Power Reactors — ANS-13-2015
Nuclear Fuel Recycling — ANS-45-2014
Research and Training Reactors — ANS-53-2011
Nonproliferation — ANS-55-2009
Space Nuclear Power and Propulsion Systems — ANS-40-2009
Societal Benefits of Radiation — ANS-73-2008
Clearance of Solid Materials from Nuclear Facilities — ANS-50-2008
Stewardship of Nuclear Engineering Education — ANS-21-2007
Maintaining a Viable Nuclear Industry Workforce — ANS-29-2006
Nuclear Facility Safety Standards — ANS-24-2006
U.S. Radioisotope Supply — ANS-30-2004
