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In her Letter on behalf of the American Nuclear Society (ANS), Marshall suggests that the United States should not unilaterally determine security policy with regard to high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU). However, it is established by international treaty that nuclear security is the sovereign responsibility of individual states (1). It is also incumbent on the United States to help inform the development of international standards by carrying out early studies. This has historically been the case, as, for example, when the United States initially established standards to restrict the dissemination of HALEU to quantities less than the amount sufficient to make a nuclear weapon (2).

In their Policy Forum “The weapons potential of high-assay low-enriched uranium” (7 June 2024, p. 1071), R. S. Kemp et al. describe the potential misuse of high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU). The American Nuclear Society (ANS)—a professional nuclear science and technology society representing more than 10,000 members worldwide—acknowledges the importance of continually evaluating the proliferation risks associated with nuclear materials. However, we disagree with Kemp et al.’s implied recommendation that the United States decide international nuclear security policy by unilaterally redefining HALEU enriched above 10% as “weapons usable.” ANS’s position on HALEU aligns with the stance of the United Nations’ International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA): HALEU enriched up to 20% is not considered “direct-use” material (1).

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HomeScienceVol. 387, No. 6733Rising seas endanger maritime heritageBack To Vol. 387, No. 6733 Full accessLetter Share on Rising seas endanger maritime heritageJon M. Erlandson [email protected], Scott M. Fitzpatrick, [...] , Kristina M. Gill, Patrick V. Kirch, [...] , John T. Ruiz, Victor D. Thompson, and Jason Younker+4 authors +2 authors fewerAuthors Info & AffiliationsScience30 Jan 2025Vol 387…

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