The U.S. government has decided to provide weapon-grade plutonium to nuclear energy companies for fuel in nuclear reactors. The reason why is because the US is trying to support nuclear energy companies and use excess weapon-grade plutonium.

After the Cold War, the US had many excess nuclear warheads which contain weapon-grade plutonium. As a result, the US was planning to store it and let it deplete in New Mexico, but turning it into fuel was decided to be a better way of disposing of the plutonium.

The government officials say the plutonium will only be used in advanced reactors that are built to safely use plutonium fuel. Supporters of the plan believe that it could decrease the amount of plutonium stored by the government while also being able to producing clean electricity.

The proposal is still being considered, and government officials have not made a final decision. If approved, the plan would move to the next stage. This stage includes developing a plutonium-based reactor, conducting safety testing, and undergoing government review. Only after these steps are complete will the government give the weapon-grade plutonium to be used as nuclear fuel.