Idaho and the Trump Administration signal that the future is nuclear energy

The State of Idaho and the Trump Administration have taken another step towards advancing nuclear energy research. The two parties agreed to waive the previously established mandate that put restrictions on Idaho’s role in storing spent nuclear fuel. Energy demands are rapidly rising nationwide, and studies have shown that the popular renewable sources of wind and solar can’t reliably bear the load. Idaho and the federal government understand just how important clean nuclear advancement is to American energy independence and dominance.

The original 1995 settlement agreement was initially due to rapid nuclear research around the Cold War. There were lots of advancements happening within Idaho, but after the Cold War ended, there was a national discussion on what should happen with the toxic waste and spent fuel. This agreement set some ground rules for nuclear activity in Idaho and originally aimed to make sure Idaho didn’t become a dumping ground. The agreement made between Idaho, the U.S. Navy, and the federal government prevented the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) from being a permanent storage place for spent nuclear fuel. Stakeholders thought that this struck a good balance between nuclear advancements and environmental stewardship.

This initial agreement was not made with the possibilities of the future of the energy sector in mind. Now, there is a push to transition away from coal and fossil fuels to more “green” forms of energy, but wind and solar are far too intermittent and not reliable. A recent example of this was the massive power outage in Spain a couple of weeks ago. That country transitioned over the last 15 years from powering 31% of the grid with renewable sources to 57% in 2025. The result left a huge strain on the intermittent "green” sources, and eventually, a collapse of the grid. Multiple regions have also found that during extreme weather events such as hail and wind, solar and wind power simply can’t hold up. Not only does the initial production decrease, but studies have shown that it has lasting impacts. This leaves nuclear and hydro as possible alternatives to boost baseload power.

This new agreement specifically allows North Anna Power Plant, a Virginia-based operation, to send its spent nuclear fuel to INL for further research. INL is the leading lab in the country when it comes to nuclear research. Its 6,400 employees work in Twin Falls to diligently perform groundbreaking research in fission power. The INL will look at the nuclear fuel cycle, electrochemistry, and fueling options to better serve the 93 plants around the country that produce roughly 50% of the nation’s carbon-free electricity.

Idaho Governor Brad Little celebrated the waiver saying, “The collaborative effort between the State of Idaho, the U.S. Department of Energy, and the Idaho National Laboratory showcases our commitment to advancing nuclear energy research while upholding the goals of the 1995 Settlement Agreement. We are proud to support innovation in nuclear energy that will support national security and energy independence into the future.” 

Chris Wright, the U.S. Secretary of Energy said, “Idaho National Laboratory is DOE’s lead lab for nuclear energy research and development, and it is critical that we continue to grow this research capacity and maintain American competitiveness. This agreement between the State of Idaho and DOE ensures the lab can continue its cutting-edge research to advance nuclear technology, helping to meet President Trump’s commitment to unleash American energy dominance.”

The director for the INL, John Wagner, commented, “As the nation’s center for nuclear energy research and development, we look forward to utilizing our unique facilities and expertise to support this critical national need. We are thankful to the Department of Energy and the state of Idaho for entrusting us with the safe and secure execution of our vital mission.” 

This waiver comes right after Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming teamed up to collaborate in advancing nuclear energy infrastructure in late April. The recent memorandum of understanding between the states takes multiple angles at progressing nuclear energy. It links up all of the states’ universities, labs, and industry partners together, along with the INL, to advance this baseload clean power source of the future. It also focuses on working on advocating for private investment and innovation, successfully navigating the regulatory system, and ensuring that the environment stays protected.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox said, “The West will lead the next chapter of energy abundance and American prosperity. Today, we brought together industry leaders, investors, and policymakers to chart the course for nuclear energy. Our new compact strengthens our shared commitment to aggressively pursue more affordable, reliable energy across state lines.”

In Kuna, Idaho alone, Meta is building a nearly 1 million square foot data center, and Diode Ventures is expected to invest at least $1 billion in their data center complex. Idaho has proven to be a fantastic location for these centers. The Gem State has affordable energy and wants to make sure these new companies don’t run into problems straining the local energy grid. A prudent way to accommodate this new business is by investing in nuclear advancements, which is exactly what this new waiver agreement does.

This research will help support the existing U.S. nuclear reactors, which make up nearly 20% of the nation’s overall electricity base. Idaho’s collaboration with neighboring states and the federal government should prove to be effective. The country is searching for power sources to meet the energy and environmental demands of the future. Idaho and the federal government believe that they have found the answer and will continue to invest in nuclear energy.