Supreme Court Approves Temporary Nuclear Waste Storage in Texas and New Mexico
The Supreme Court has authorized temporary nuclear waste storage facilities in Texas and New Mexico, reversing previous rulings and addressing a growing waste crisis.
Overview
- The Supreme Court has approved temporary nuclear waste storage in rural Texas and New Mexico, reversing a federal appeals court ruling.
- This decision allows companies to operate storage facilities for 40 years, with a potential 40-year renewal option.
- Approximately 100,000 tons of spent nuclear fuel are accumulating nationwide, necessitating new storage solutions.
- Opposition from Nevada has stalled permanent storage plans at Yucca Mountain, leading to the current temporary solution.
- The ruling, decided 6-3, impacts ongoing legal challenges and future proposals for nuclear waste sites in the region.
Content generated by AI—learn more or report issue.
Get both sides in 5 minutes with our daily newsletter.
Analysis
Emphasizes the Supreme Court's approval for temporary nuclear waste storage in Texas and New Mexico.
The Supreme Court rejected challenges to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's approval of a nuclear waste storage site near the Texas-New Mexico border.
Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote the 6-3 court ruling in favor of the federal government.
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission granted Interim Storage Partners a license to store nuclear waste in Texas in response to the need for temporary storage sites due to nuclear power plants reaching capacity.
A facility is planned to be built in Andrews County, Texas, near the New Mexico border, potentially impacting a similar proposal in New Mexico.
The Supreme Court has resumed plans to temporarily store nuclear waste in rural areas of Texas and New Mexico.
The Supreme Court, in a 6-3 decision, overturned a federal appeals court ruling that had invalidated the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's license for a private company's facility in southwest Texas.
The companies have been granted licenses to operate facilities for 40 years, with the option of a 40-year renewal.
Approximately 100,000 tons of spent fuel is accumulating at nuclear plant sites nationwide, increasing by over 2,000 tons annually.
Opposition from Nevada residents and officials has stalled plans for a permanent underground storage facility at Yucca Mountain.
Articles (6)
Center (5)
"…The high court determined that Texas and the landowners could not seek judicial review of the commission's decision to issue Interim Storage Partners its license."
CBS News·1M·"…The Supreme Court on Wednesday restarted plans to temporarily store nuclear waste at sites in rural Texas and New Mexico, even as the nation is at an impasse over a permanent solution."
ABC News·1M·"…The court’s decision is not a final ruling in favor of the licenses, but it removes a major roadblock."
Associated Press·1M·"…The Supreme Court on June 18 rejected challenges to a nuclear waste storage site near Texas’ border with New Mexico, a win for the federal government in a decadeslong struggle over what to do with waste that is byproduct of nuclear power plants."
USA TODAY·1M·"…The Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected a challenge to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's authority to approve a facility in Texas to store spent fuel."
NBC News·1M·FAQ
The Supreme Court ruled that Texas and Fasken Land and Minerals were not entitled to judicial review because they did not successfully intervene in the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's licensing proceeding.
Approximately 100,000 tons of spent nuclear fuel are accumulating nationwide, highlighting a pressing need for storage solutions.
This decision could impact ongoing legal challenges and future proposals for nuclear waste sites, as it establishes a precedent for licensing private off-site storage facilities.
History
- This story does not have any previous versions.