The Obama Administration has dismissed spent-fuel reprocessing systems already used in France and Japan because of security and environmental risks.

FORBES: U.S. nuclear fuel rods to sit in pools -- like those that failed in Japan -- until 2050

Would it make sense to embrace some sort of closed-fuel cycle, with limited reprocessing of spent fuel?

WSJ: What Should the U.S. Do With Nuclear Waste?

In a study completed late last year, Oak Ridge officials determined that the U.S. is at least 20 years away from large-scale reprocessing of used nuclear fuel, if it decides to pursue such technologies.

FORBES: U.S. To Bury Almost All Existing Used Nuclear Fuel; Recycling Deferred At Least 20 Years

While the report focuses more on finding long-term storage for radioactive waste, it also considered the reprocessing of such fuel.

FORBES: Nuclear Energy Radiating on Capitol Hill

Creating international nuclear fuel banks and shared management of enrichment, reprocessing and spent fuel storage facilities would make nonproliferation sense as well as supporting civil nuclear power in energy-thirsty Asia.

WSJ: U.S. Disarmament Is Dangerous for Asia

South Korean negotiators had been seeking a new nuclear-cooperation agreement with the U.S. that would allow it to begin enriching uranium and reprocessing spent reactor fuel, arguing these technologies are crucial for Seoul to expand and secure its civilian nuclear-power program.

WSJ: U.S. Opposes Japan's Nuclear Plan