The University of Wyoming School of Energy Resources announced on Apr. 21 the release of new community information guides focused on nuclear energy in Wyoming.
The guides aim to help residents understand key issues about nuclear waste and how communities can participate in decisions regarding nuclear facilities. They address frequently asked questions as the state sees increased interest in nuclear industry development.
The publications, titled “What Every Wyoming Citizen Should Know About Nuclear Waste” and “Getting Involved: Community Guide to Participation in Nuclear Facility Authorizations,” were written by Scarlett Forrest, assistant research scientist at the Jurisprudence of Underground Law and Energy (JOULE) Research Group. Tara Righetti, JOULE director, law professor, and co-director of the Nuclear Energy Research Center (NERC), also supported their development. The materials were created after a county commissioner requested accessible information for the public about nuclear facilities and waste.
Forrest said, “The management of spent nuclear fuel remains one of the most significant technical, regulatory and sociopolitical hurdles for the industry, and communities proposed to host spent-fuel-generating projects deserve clear and credible information to evaluate a project’s risks and rewards.” She added that the guides are meant “to demystify the state and federal licensing processes” so that residents are equipped with knowledge “to participate meaningfully in discussions with policymakers regarding the authorization and siting of nuclear projects.” Forrest continued: “By providing accessible, science-based information, we empower local stakeholders to advocate for their interests in the state’s energy management.”
SER is building research capacity around topics such as uranium extraction, reactor siting impacts on communities, workforce needs, and regulatory frameworks through NERC’s interdisciplinary efforts. The school has funded seed projects like a new chemistry core facility for nuclear research as well as white papers addressing microreactor regulations.
Beyond academic work, SER is involved in public engagement activities including co-hosting events like the Nuclear Energy Emerging Issue Forum with other university partners. Righetti said: “A focus of my efforts as the co-director of NERC has been to address stakeholder appetite for accessible information about nuclear and projects in the states… By equipping Wyoming stakeholders with comprehensive, accessible data, these guides ensure that local leaders and citizens are well-positioned to make informed decisions regarding the state’s energy future.”
Residents can download these new resources from JOULE’s website along with other materials designed to help navigate developments related to energy across Wyoming.
