ABSTRACT

Public utilities, the prime users of nuclear energy, appear to be in a wait-and-see mood--waiting for federal encouragement of a more favorable regulatory climate before making a commitment to nuclear energy. It appears likely that the US Department of Energy will assist in developing this favorable climate, but it is not clear how long this will take. Producers are going forward enthusiastically, forward motion being based more on expectation than fact. Mills and mines are operating at near maximum capacity, but the grade of ore mined is decreasing; therefore, it is likely that in 1979 even with three more mills and supporting mines coming into operation, the increase in production will be less than that in 1978.