The Dept. of Energy has asked USEC Inc. to withdraw its application for a loan guarantee to build an advanced-technology uranium- enrichment plant at the site of a former enrichment facility in Piketon, Ohio. However, DOE will give USEC the chance to reapply at a later date. The agency says it plans to defer review of the application until a series of specific technology and financial milestones have been met. USEC says it is committed to developing the plant.

DOE also says it will spend an additional $150 million to $200 million to accelerate cleanup at the former uranium-enrichment plant at Piketon. The new funding will supplement $118 million provided under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. DOE says the total funding for the cleanup should produce 800 to 1,000 new jobs at the location.