Wyoming is gearing up to become a crucial player in the new U.S. nuclear power revolution, with plans to expand its energy regulatory authority to include uranium and rare earths mining, also known as “nuclear source material.” The Cowboy State is finalizing rules that could give it a competitive edge in the nuclear industry.
The state is preparing for the arrival of the first nuclear reactor in southwestern Wyoming in years, with TerraPower LLC set to build a reactor in Kemmerer. While the NRC will continue to oversee the permitting process for nuclear plants and the fuel cycle, Wyoming’s new rules will focus on regulating the radioactive minerals found within its borders, aiding in the production of nuclear fuel.
The state’s Department of Environmental Quality is set to present new draft rules expanding its self-regulating program on nuclear source material, aligning with the NRC’s requirements. The changes stem from a state law signed in 2023 by Governor Mark Gordon, laying out guidelines for regulating the rare earth and critical minerals industries.
Wyoming’s initiative comes as demand for rare earth minerals and uranium surges, driven by the need for materials essential to electric vehicles, wind turbines, consumer goods, and military technology. Spot prices for uranium have risen due to the push for a domestic supply, following efforts to reduce reliance on foreign sources.
As Wyoming prepares to solidify its role in the nuclear industry, the state emphasizes that the NRC will retain oversight of nuclear power plants, but Wyoming’s expanded regulatory authority signals a significant step towards establishing itself as a key player in the U.S. nuclear power landscape.
