09/23/26
Western Governors affirm state supremacy when locating nuclear waste facilities
In correspondence with the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, Western Governors recognized the important role of nuclear energy in meeting growing demand and enabling more reliable, affordable, and abundant energy, but affirm that “no consolidated facility for nuclear waste, whether interim or permanent, or privately or federally owned and operated, shall be located within the geographic boundaries of a western state or U.S. territory without the written consent of the current Governor in whose state or territory the facility is to be located," as stated in WGA Policy Resolution 2025-07 Radio Active Materials Management.
"As Congress and the Department of Energy develop Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses and consider durable nuclear waste disposal strategies, Governors emphasize that these strategies should be developed in close coordination with states and should appropriately consider state involvement, expertise, and consent in nuclear fuel cycle activities." read the letter of September 23, signed by WGA Executive Director Jack Waldorf.