Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act of 1978

The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act of 1978, 22 U.S.C. § 3201, was a declaration that nuclear explosive devices posed a perilous threat to the security interests of the United States and continued international progress towards world peace and the development of nations.

The H.R. 8638 legislation was passed by the 95th U.S. Congressional session and signed into law by the 39th President of the United States Jimmy Carter on March 10, 1978.

Provisions of the Act
The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act provided several policy elements for the control and limitations of nuclear technology.


 * United States is to pursue the fuel supply assurances with developing nations through international initiatives. The establishment of more effective international controls over the transfer and use of nuclear materials, equipment, and nuclear technology for peaceful purposes to prevent proliferation, including the establishment of common international sanctions.


 * United States is to take such actions as required to confirm the reliability of the nation meeting its commitments to supply nuclear reactors and fuel to nations which adhere to effective non-proliferation policies by establishing procedures to facilitate the timely processing of requests for subsequent arrangements and export licenses.


 * The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act strongly encourage nations, which have not ratified the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, to do so at the earliest possible date.


 * United States is to cooperate with foreign nations in identifying and adapting suitable technologies for energy production and, in particular, to identify alternative options to nuclear power in aiding such nations to meet their energy needs, consistent with the economic and material resources of those nations and environmental protection.