Alaina Mencinger and Dan McKay of the Albuquerque Journal report on a spent nuclear fuel storage facility in New Mexico.
- After five years of review, Holtec has received approval from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to build a temporary storage facility for spent nuclear fuel on private lands near Hobbs, New Mexico.
- New Mexico’s governor has already signed legislation to block the project, which Holtec may challenge through legislation or litigation.
- Hobbs’ mayor and its residents are in favor of the spent fuel facility and have accurately labeled it as a safe and secure option for handling spent nuclear fuel.
- NIMBYism and government-imposed roadblocks are stifling innovation and clean energy progress.
“The license would allow the Florida-headquartered company to receive, possess, transfer and store 500 canisters of spent nuclear fuel — a total of 8,680 metric tons of spent fuel — for 40 years. Holtec plans to eventually store up to 10,000 canisters throughout 19 expansions phases, according to the NRC.”
The views and opinions expressed are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of C3.
