Republican governors resist DOE nuclear waste requirements

Republican governors in Idaho and West Virginia are resisting a condition set by the Department of Energy (DOE) regarding the hosting of new federal nuclear campuses. The DOE has indicated that states interested in hosting a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus must also agree to accept spent reactor fuel from other states.

Idaho Governor Brad Little stated that disposing of spent fuel over the state’s main aquifer is ‘a nonstarter.’ His administration is seeking further clarification from the DOE before making any commitments. Similarly, West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey declared on social media that his state ‘will not be a dumping ground for nuclear waste.’

West Virginia is currently under a memorandum with the DOE that requires a legally binding host agreement by Wednesday, though the partnership can be terminated if no agreement is reached. Negotiations continue among six states interested in the potential campuses.