Latest news with #INL
Business Wire
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Oklo's Atomic Alchemy Begins Site Characterization Work at Idaho National Laboratory
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oklo Inc. (NYSE: OKLO), an advanced nuclear technology company, announced today that its subsidiary Atomic Alchemy Inc. ('Atomic Alchemy') has commenced site characterization work at a potential location for a commercial radioisotope production facility in Idaho, at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). This milestone builds on Atomic Alchemy's progress with prior approvals and agreements, including a Memorandum of Understanding secured in 2020 with the U.S. Department of Energy Idaho Operations Office (DOE-ID) to identify a suitable location to site the project at INL, as well as a license in late November that authorized initial site characterization activities. The site characterization activities include core borings to collect soil and rock samples that will provide essential data on subsurface composition and ensure that the production facility meets stringent safety and building code requirements while supporting the design of a robust structural foundation. 'This milestone reflects the incredible partnership between INL, DOE, and Atomic Alchemy,' said Thomas Eiden, Founder and CEO of Atomic Alchemy. 'We're proud to advance a reliable domestic supply of essential radioisotopes and help restore U.S. leadership in this critical field.' Atomic Alchemy is establishing one of the most advanced radioisotope production sites in the world, positioning the U.S. at the forefront of next-generation nuclear technology. The world is facing a shortage of many critical radioisotopes. These materials are vital for life-saving diagnostics, targeted cancer therapies, AI chip manufacturing, national security, and advanced R&D. Radioisotopes are expected to represent a $55.7 billion market opportunity by 2026, according to Research Nester, and demand is projected to increase significantly over the next decade. 'Oklo aims to address this growing market demand through reliable, U.S.-based radioisotope production facilities that leverage our nuclear reactor and fuel recycling technologies,' said Jacob DeWitte, Co-Founder and CEO of Oklo. 'Through Atomic Alchemy, we aim to execute transformative projects that will expand our capabilities in commercial radioisotope production.' The site characterization activities for Atomic Alchemy's radioisotope facility build on the recent DOE approval of site characterization activities for Oklo's Aurora Powerhouse project in Idaho, underscoring continued momentum in the development of advanced nuclear facilities. About Idaho National Laboratory Battelle Energy Alliance manages INL for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Nuclear Energy. INL is the nation's center for nuclear energy research and development and also performs research in each of DOE's strategic goal areas: energy, national security, science, and the environment. For more information, visit About Oklo Inc.: Oklo Inc. is developing fast fission power plants to deliver clean, reliable, and affordable energy at scale; establishing a domestic supply chain for critical radioisotopes; and advancing nuclear fuel recycling to convert nuclear waste into clean energy. Oklo was the first to receive a site use permit from the U.S. Department of Energy for a commercial advanced fission plant, was awarded fuel from Idaho National Laboratory, and submitted the first custom combined license application for an advanced reactor to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Oklo is also developing advanced fuel recycling technologies in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy and national laboratories. About Atomic Alchemy Inc.: Atomic Alchemy Inc. is pioneering a resilient U.S.-based radioisotope supply chain to meet essential demands across healthcare, industry, research, and defense. With its proprietary VIPR® technology, Atomic Alchemy is building the first scalable production facility to provide a reliable, sustainable source of high-value radioisotopes. Using a vertically integrated model and fuel recycling, in partnership with Oklo, Atomic Alchemy is transforming isotope production to address global shortages, support critical applications, and strengthen national security. Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes statements that express Oklo's opinions, expectations, objectives, beliefs, plans, intentions, strategies, assumptions, forecasts or projections regarding future events or future results and therefore are, or may be deemed to be, 'forward-looking statements.' The words 'anticipate,' 'believe,' 'continue,' 'can,' 'could,' 'estimate,' 'expect,' 'intends,' 'may,' 'might,' 'plan,' 'possible,' 'potential,' 'predict,' 'project,' 'should,' 'would' or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology, and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements include all matters that are not historical facts. They appear in a number of places throughout this press release and include statements regarding our intentions, beliefs or current expectations concerning, among other things, the benefits of the proposed acquisition, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, prospects, growth, strategies and the markets in which Oklo operates. Such forward-looking statements are based on information available as of the date of this press release, and current expectations, forecasts and assumptions, and involve a number of judgments, risks and uncertainties. As a result of a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, the actual results or performance of Oklo may be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. The following important risk factors could affect Oklo's future results and cause those results or other outcomes to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements: risks related to the development and deployment of Oklo's powerhouses; the risk that Oklo is pursuing an emerging market, with no commercial project operating, regulatory uncertainties; risks related to acquisitions, divestitures, or joint ventures we may engage in; the potential need for financing to construct plants; market, financial, political and legal conditions; the effects of competition; risks related to accessing HALEU and recycled fuels; risks related to our supply chain; risks related to power purchase agreements; risks related to human capital; risks related to our intellectual property; risks related to cybersecurity and data privacy; changes in applicable laws or regulations; the outcome of any government and regulatory proceedings and investigations and inquiries; the risk that the acquisition of Atomic Alchemy fails to produce the expected benefits; and those factors in the other documents filed by Oklo from time to time with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties of the other documents filed by Oklo from time to time with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release and in any document incorporated by reference are based on current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on Oklo. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting Oklo will be those that Oklo has anticipated. Oklo undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.
Sustainability Times
06-06-2025
- Business
- Sustainability Times
'Pentagon Goes Nuclear Again': U.S. Deploys Microreactor Test Beds to Secretly Power Remote Military Bases Without the Grid
IN A NUTSHELL 🔋 The U.S. Department of Energy is advancing the development of microreactor test beds at Idaho National Laboratory to innovate nuclear energy. at Idaho National Laboratory to innovate nuclear energy. 🚀 The test beds, named DOME and LOTUS , are designed to accelerate testing and deployment of small, factory-built reactors. and , are designed to accelerate testing and deployment of small, factory-built reactors. 🛡️ These microreactors can provide between 1 to 50 megawatts of reliable power to remote locations and military bases. and military bases. 📈 The initiative aligns with the U.S. strategy to enhance energy infrastructure and foster innovation in nuclear technology. The U.S. is embarking on a groundbreaking journey to revolutionize energy production through the deployment of microreactor test beds. This ambitious project, spearheaded by the Department of Energy (DOE) at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), aims to establish the world's first two microreactor test beds, named DOME and LOTUS. By leveraging existing infrastructure, the initiative seeks to expedite the development and testing of new microreactor technologies. This move is set to transform energy production, with the potential to supply reliable power to remote locations and military bases, while also boosting U.S. energy dominance and innovation. Microreactors: Powering the Future Microreactors are small-scale nuclear reactors, designed to provide between 1 to 50 megawatts of reliable power. As articulated by Rian Bahran, DOE Deputy Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Reactors, the deployment of these reactors is a strategic move to unleash American energy abundance and dominance. With a priority rating under the Defense Production Act, these test beds at INL are critical in starting what is being termed the American nuclear renaissance. INL has taken proactive measures by submitting a special priorities request to the DOE, securing a priority rating authorization. This authorization is vital for contracts and orders related to constructing the DOME and LOTUS microreactor test beds. The microreactors, being factory-built, are not only efficient but also versatile, capable of providing power to a variety of locations, from remote areas to military installations and commercial operations. Living Skin for Buildings: Smart Facade in Germany Moves Like an Organism to Slash Cooling Needs and Energy Use World's First Fast-Spectrum, Salt-Fueled Reactor The DOME and LOTUS test beds are being developed under the DOE's National Reactor Innovation Center (NRIC), with the goal of accelerating the demonstration and deployment of advanced reactor systems. The DOME test bed is repurposing the lab's Experimental Breeder Reactor-II containment structure, aimed at reducing the risk associated with developing microreactor designs. These designs are capable of producing up to 20 megawatts of thermal energy. LOTUS, on the other hand, will be part of the world's first fast-spectrum, salt-fueled reactor test, a collaboration between Southern Company and TerraPower. Brad Tomer, Director of NRIC, emphasizes the importance of the priority rating in reducing time frames for securing necessary components and services, helping reactor developers stick to their timelines. This effort is a stepping stone toward a comprehensive reactor testing ecosystem, supporting developers from design through testing and decommissioning. 'China Risks $117 Billion Collapse': This Scientist's Rare-Earth-Free Super Magnet Could Wreck an Entire National Industry Testing and Application Process The DOME test bed is expected to host experimental reactors up to 20 megawatts thermal. It will use high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) in an environment that supports nuclear systems going critical for the first time. Developers interested in scheduling their microreactor experiments can submit applications to the NRIC DOME test bed facility. The DOE has released an application guide to assist developers through the submission process. The criteria for sequencing reactor experiments include technology readiness, fuel type and availability, regulatory approval plans, and the developer's capabilities. This structured approach ensures that the most viable technologies are prioritized, fostering innovation and strategic growth in the nuclear energy sector. Japan Stuns the World with 310,000-Ton Oil Behemoth That Shatters Records and Reinvents the Future of Energy Transport Implications for U.S. Energy Strategy By prioritizing the development of microreactors, the U.S. is taking a bold step toward energy independence and security. These reactors promise to provide a consistent and reliable power source, which is crucial for remote military bases and other isolated locations. Furthermore, this initiative aligns with broader governmental goals to enhance energy infrastructure and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The potential success of the DOME and LOTUS test beds could pave the way for widespread adoption of microreactor technology, potentially transforming the energy landscape. As the U.S. continues to innovate and lead in nuclear technology, the rest of the world will be watching closely. How will these advancements shape the future of global energy production and security? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.5/5 (20)
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lightbridge Expects to Benefit from Advanced Expedited Testing Method in its Planned Irradiation Testing in the Advanced Test Reactor
RESTON, Va., June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lightbridge Corporation (Nasdaq: LTBR), a leader in advanced nuclear fuel technology, today announced it expects to benefit from a groundbreaking testing method developed by Idaho National Laboratory (INL), known as the Fission Accelerated Steady-state Test (FAST). This pioneering method utilizes increased enrichment levels to expedite the irradiation testing of fuel samples in the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR). Use of Highly Enriched Uranium (HEU) in private sector fuel testing is exceedingly rare. HEU, defined as uranium enriched to 20% or more uranium-235, is tightly controlled and legally accessible only through government-operated facilities. The enrichments in the 26-30% range for each set of Lightbridge coupon samples were selected to yield the required linear heat generation rates based on the specific core position within the Advanced Test Reactor where the experiment is planned to be inserted for irradiation testing. 'Lightbridge is thrilled to benefit from the FAST method at INL,' said Dr. Scott Holcombe, Vice President of Engineering at Lightbridge. 'This advanced technique enables achieving burnup targets faster than using conventional testing methods, which means we can acquire necessary performance data in an accelerated time frame.' The planned irradiation testing program, along with post-irradiation examination activities (the scope of which will be detailed in a future Project Task Statement), is aimed at generating critical irradiation performance data for Lightbridge's advanced fuel. This data will play a key role in supporting the company's regulatory licensing through the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the company expects this data to contribute to streamlined, expedited licensing under the ADVANCE Act. The company also expects to share this data with utilities to assist in their analyses of Lightbridge Fuel for use in commercial nuclear power plants. Seth Grae, CEO of Lightbridge, added: 'We are grateful to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for providing the HEU and to INL and DOE for enabling Lightbridge fuel material samples to be tested using this innovative FAST method. It reflects the importance of strong public-private partnerships in advancing clean energy technologies. This is an excellent example of the U.S. government using its advanced technologies and resources, particularly HEU and the Advanced Test Reactor, to support commercialization of advanced nuclear fuel technologies potentially on accelerated timelines.' This work is conducted under an existing Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) between Lightbridge and Idaho National Laboratory. More details on FAST can be found at: • • About Idaho National LaboratoryBattelle Energy Alliance manages INL for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Nuclear Energy. INL is the nation's center for nuclear energy research and development, and also performs research in each of DOE's strategic goal areas: energy, national security, science and the environment. For more information, visit Follow us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X. About Lightbridge Corporation Lightbridge Corporation (NASDAQ: LTBR) is focused on developing advanced nuclear fuel technology essential for delivering abundant, zero-emission, clean energy and providing energy security to the world. The Company is developing Lightbridge Fuel™, a proprietary next-generation nuclear fuel technology for existing light water reactors and pressurized heavy water reactors, significantly enhancing reactor safety, economics, and proliferation resistance. The Company is also developing Lightbridge Fuel for new small modular reactors (SMRs) to bring the same benefits plus load-following with renewables on a zero-carbon electric grid. Lightbridge has entered into two long-term framework agreements with Battelle Energy Alliance LLC, the United States Department of Energy's operating contractor for Idaho National Laboratory, the United States' lead nuclear energy research and development laboratory. DOE's Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear program has twice awarded Lightbridge to support the development of Lightbridge Fuel over the past several years. Lightbridge is participating in two university-led studies through the DOE Nuclear Energy University Program at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Texas A&M University. An extensive worldwide patent portfolio backs Lightbridge's innovative fuel technology. Lightbridge is included in the Russell Microcap® Index. For more information, please visit To receive Lightbridge Corporation updates via e-mail, subscribe at Lightbridge is on YouTube. Subscribe to access past demonstrations, interviews, and other video content at Lightbridge is on X (formerly Twitter). Sign up to follow @LightbridgeCorp at Forward Looking Statements With the exception of historical matters, the matters discussed herein are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations on the date of this news release and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ significantly from such estimates. The risks include, but are not limited to: Lightbridge's ability to commercialize its nuclear fuel technology; the degree of market adoption of Lightbridge's product and service offerings; Lightbridge's ability to fund general corporate overhead and outside research and development costs; market competition; our ability to attract and retain qualified employees; dependence on strategic partners; demand for fuel for nuclear reactors; Lightbridge's ability to manage its business effectively in a rapidly evolving market; the availability of nuclear test reactors and the risks associated with unexpected changes in Lightbridge's fuel development timeline; the increased costs associated with metallization of Lightbridge's nuclear fuel; public perception of nuclear energy generally; changes in the political environment; risks associated with war in Europe; changes in the laws, rules and regulations governing Lightbridge's business; development and utilization of, and challenges to, Lightbridge's intellectual property; risks associated with potential shareholder activism; potential and contingent liabilities; as well as other factors described in Lightbridge's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the 'SEC'). Lightbridge does not assume any obligation to update or revise any such forward-looking statements, whether as the result of new developments or otherwise, except as required by law. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. A further description of risks and uncertainties can be found in Lightbridge's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, and in its other filings with the SEC, including in the sections thereof captioned 'Risk Factors' and 'Forward-Looking Statements', all of which are available at and Investor Relations Contact: Matthew Abenante, IRC Director of Investor Relations Tel: +1 (347) 947-2093 ir@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Oklo vs. NuScale: Which Nuclear Startup Stock is the Better Player Now?
As the global clean energy sector continues to evolve, nuclear energy stocks like Oklo Inc. OKLO and NuScale Power Corporation SMR have started gaining attention. With rising government support and increased investment in small modular and advanced nuclear technologies, both companies are well-positioned to contribute to the future energy Oklo is focused on developing next-generation fission powerhouses and compact fast reactors that can recycle used nuclear fuel, NuScale is working on small modular reactors that use light water nuclear reactor technology to deliver carbon-free power. With industries across the board shifting toward clean and reliable energy and the U.S. nuclear capacity boasting the potential to triple by 2050, both OKLO and SMR have strong potential for long-term leads to a key question for investors: which of these two stocks to buy right now? Let's take a closer look. Recent Achievements: Oklo recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power ('KHNP'), which should support the development and global deployment of its Aurora powerhouse by advancing design verification, manufacturing and supply-chain planning. In addition, the company successfully completed borehole drilling at the onset of May 2025 for site characterization at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), marking another key milestone in the development of its first Aurora in March, the company signed an Interface Agreement with INL, to ensure its strict adherence to environmental regulations throughout the site investigation process, and also finalized a Memorandum of Agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy, as part of its progress toward deploying its first commercial powerhouse in in February, Oklo acquired Atomic Alchemy to combine its reactor and fuel recycling expertise with Atomic Alchemy's radioisotope production. The merger aims to meet the growing demand for radioisotopes across multiple industries and thereby enhance the company's market Stability: The company ended first-quarter 2025 with cash and cash equivalents (including marketable debt securities) worth $201 million, lower than its 2024-end figure of $228 million. However, as of March 2025, it did not report any notable debt. So, its financial stability seems to be solid at the moment, which, in turn, should enable Oklo to reliably fund its Aurora powerhouses, operations and growth plans in the coming to Note: One key concern for investors is that Oklo has not yet started generating revenues, as its first Aurora powerhouse is expected to go live in 2027. This means limited income in the near future. At the same time, the company continues to face high operating costs as it works to develop its reactors, which might put pressure on its bottom-line performance in the near term. Recent Achievements: NuScale Power ended the first quarter of 2025 on a solid note, with its loss per share being narrower than the prior-year quarter by 10 cents. The company also reported massive year-over-year revenue growth of 857.1%. Moreover, currently SMR is the only small modular reactor company with U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) design approval and is on track to receive final clearance by July 2025 to upgrade its module output from 50 MW to 77 with NuScale in advanced discussions with around 10 potential customers, along with multiple customer site visits for its manufacturing facilities, its future revenue generation prospect remains Stability: The company ended first-quarter 2025 with cash and cash equivalents (including short-term investment) worth $527 million, higher than its 2024-end figure of $447 million. However, as of March 2025, the company did not report any notable debt. So, its financial stability seems to be solid at the moment, which, in turn, should enable SMR to reliably fund its operations and growth plans in the coming to Note: While NuScale's technology is advanced and customers are showing interest, it is yet to secure a firm commercial order (with its expectation of the first firm order this year) . NuScale continues to incur operating losses as it invests in supply-chain development and long-lead components that may hurt its bottom-line. Like others in the nuclear space, it also faces industry-wide challenges such as tight supply chains and complex project coordination, which an investor should consider before investing in SMR. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Oklo's 2025 earnings per share (EPS) is pegged at a loss of 42 cents, which implies an improvement from the year-ago reported loss of 74 cents per share. The company's EPS estimates have also been trending upward over the past 60 days. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research The Zacks Consensus Estimate for SMR's 2025 EPS is pegged at a loss of 41 cents, which implies a deterioration from the year-ago reported earnings of 42 cents per share. The company's EPS estimates have been constant over the past 60 days. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research SMR (up 128.9%) has outperformed OKLO (up 88%) over the past three months. Yet, in the past year, OKLO rallied 437.4% compared with SMR's 306.1% growth. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research OKLO shares are expensive on a relative basis, with its trailing 12-month Price/Book (P/B TTM) being 28.55X compared with SMR's P/B TTM of 18.97X. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research While both companies operate in promising corners of the nuclear energy space, NuScale currently appears to be the more attractive investment Oklo, which is still in the pre-revenue stage, NuScale has already started generating revenues through its RoPower project in Romania. The company also has a much stronger cash position, giving it more financial flexibility to manage operations and support future growth. Additionally, NuScale's valuation is more favorable, suggesting the stock may be more reasonably has shown notable development, but the lack of revenues and continued operating losses might encourage investors to keep a cautious stance on this stock for the time being. For investors looking for a nuclear stock with solid liquidity and near-term growth potential, NuScale stands out as the better choice for Oklo and NuScale Power carry a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report NuScale Power Corporation (SMR) : Free Stock Analysis Report Oklo Inc. (OKLO) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Legislators tour Idaho National Laboratory nuclear research facilities as lab plans new reactors
Idaho state Rep. Steven Miller, R-Fairfield, looks through protective glass into a hot room while touring facilities at Idaho National Laboratory in southern Idaho. (Photo courtesy of the Idaho National Laboratory) IDAHO FALLS – Members of the Idaho Legislature's budget committee toured Idaho National Laboratory research facilities Wednesday as the lab is in the process of building its first new nuclear reactors in 50 years. Some of INL's top officials told the Idaho Legislature's Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee they expected the next four years to usher in a new nuclear renaissance that INL will be at the center of. 'It's really intended to get INL back into the role of building and operating new reactors on site and supply chains that need to be exercised, getting us back into design and then ultimately building them and operating them,' INL Deputy Director Todd Combs said. The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee, or JFAC for short, is a powerful legislative committee that sets all of the budgets for every state agency and department. JFAC's tour included stops at Idaho National Laboratory's Research and Education Campus located in Idaho Falls as well as the Hot Fuel Examination Facility and the Sample Preparation Laboratory located at the Materials and Fuels Complex. The Materials and Fuels Complex is part of a vast 890 square-mile research complex located in the desert west of Idaho Falls that is often referred to simply as 'the site.' INL currently operates four nuclear reactors and is considered the country's leading nuclear energy research and development national laboratory. But Combs told JFAC members INL does a lot more than nuclear energy and fuels research. INL researchers and staff also focus on cyber security, electric vehicle infrastructure, artificial intelligence, or AI, homeland security and defense. INL has built armor for the Abrams tanks and conducted research into vulnerabilities in the electric grid and how to combat those vulnerabilities. INL teams have conducted research on electric vehicle infrastructure like charging stations and built the system that powered the Mars Perseverance rover. 'One might ask, how does this align currently with what the Trump administration is trying to accomplish?' Combs said. 'And if you look at executive orders like Unleashing American Energy, and if you look at Secretary of Energy (Chris Wright), his initial memo, and everything he's been talking about since he took over as secretary of energy, we fall right in line with what they're trying to accomplish.' INL celebrated its 75th anniversary last year, and Combs told legislators the lab is growing and ramping up research and operations. Since 2017, INL has grown from about 3,750 employees to 6,500 employees today. Since what is now known as INL was founded in 1949, 52 reactors have been built and demonstrated on the site, Combs said. INL currently operates four nuclear reactors, but the lab is in the process of building its first new reactors in 50 years. 'We've got a number of projects right now over the next decade that are coming online as well that are going to be reactors, 53 and 54 and beyond,' Combs said. INL made headlines last month when state officials and Department of Energy officials announced a waiver to a 1995 nuclear waste settlement agreement that allows for the shipment of spent nuclear fuel into Idaho for research at INL. A waiver was necessary because the 1995 settlement agreement called for limiting new shipments of spent nuclear fuel into Idaho and removing certain types of spent nuclear fuel in order to prevent the state from becoming a dumping ground for the nation's spent nuclear fuel. Although the Idaho Legislature adjourned the 2025 legislative session on April 4 and is not in session now, JFAC regularly conducts interim meetings to keep an eye on the state budget and learn about how different agencies and organizations spend the money that JFAC approves in the budget every year. 'I've never been out there (to INL's site),' Sen. Scott Grow, R-Eagle, said. 'Born and raised in Idaho. You would think I would have (visited before), but no. I loved it, and it was fascinating. The thing that really grabbed me was they did so much more than just the nuclear energy. I had no idea about the tanks and all that kind of stuff they're doing, and the AI. It's just cutting-edge scientific stuff going on out there.' CONTACT US 'It's good, I think, for the whole JFAC bench to get a chance to see that and to see we've been involved in buying buildings (that INL uses),' Grow added. 'The state is involved in this, even though we tend to think that it's a federal (facility).' A clear highlight for several JFAC members was entering a hot room at the Sample Preparation Laboratory that is under construction at the site. There isn't yet any nuclear material in the hot room because it is under construction. But once nuclear materials enter the facility, the public won't be able to enter the hot room that JFAC members entered Wednesday. Legislators did not vote on any bills or budgets during the three-day interim meeting tour. The tour kicked off Monday at College of Eastern Idaho, where two health care officials told legislators that Idaho's near total abortion ban has caused OB-GYNs and other medical professionals to leave the state. JFAC members may conduct a fall interim tour this year as well, although a legislative staffer told the Idaho Capital Sun on Wednesday that plans are not finalized. The next regular session of the Idaho Legislature is scheduled to begin in January. Rep. Wendy Horman, an Idaho Falls Republican who serves as a JFAC co-chair with Grow, said the entire three-day spring tour was valuable. Horman said the tour gave legislators who normally work out of the Idaho State Capitol in Boise a rare opportunity to get a closer look at important facilities and programs located in eastern Idaho that they might not have otherwise seen. 'I was so proud to see the way our community here welcomes legislators from across the state, and wanted to share with us the great things they're doing to help the citizens of Idaho,' Horman said. An Idaho Capita Sun reporter participated in the entirety of Wednesday's tour of INL facilities, and the reporter agreed not to take any photos, in accordance with INL's photo policy. Instead, an INL photographer documented the JFAC tour. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
