Given the political cycle and strong differences on both sides of the aisle in Washington, we do not anticipate any material tax law changes over the near term that would prompt material overseas cash repatriation, whether in the form of a 2004-style Homeland Investment Act of more fundamental long-term tax reform.

FORBES: U.S. Companies Stashing More Cash Abroad As Stockpiles Hit Record $1.45T

Given a start with some other fissile material (U-233, U-235 or Pu-239) as a driver, a breeding cycle similar to but more efficient than that with U-238 and plutonium (in normal, slow neutron reactors) can be set up. (The driver fuels provide all the neutrons initially, but are progressively supplemented by U-233 as it forms from the thorium.) However, there are also features of the neutron economy which counter this advantage.

FORBES: Is Thorium the Biggest Energy Breakthrough Since Fire? Possibly.