Idaho under the waiver will temporarily suspend parts of the 1995 Settlement Agreement that limits the transportation and storage of spent nuclear fuel in the state.
BOISE, Idaho — The State of Idaho and the U.S. Department of Energy have signed a waiver agreement that will allow new shipments of spent nuclear fuel to the Idaho National Laboratory for research purposes.
Federal and Idaho officials say the move supports national security, scientific advancement and job creation, while maintaining the state’s long-standing protections against becoming a permanent nuclear waste repository.
In the early 90s, Idahoans mobilized to stop what they saw as a critical wrongdoing. The Gem State had become a storage facility or dumping ground for spent nuclear fuel from around the country, creating concerns about the impact on the environment and the people of Idaho.
In the dark of night they gathered, pointing out trains packed with nuclear waste heading to the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) for treatment and storage. Some Idahoans called foul, creating the “Stop the Shipments” campaign.
The group had allies all the way to the top – Gov. Phil Batt spoke out and the state filed a lawsuit to stop nuclear waste from coming into Idaho, also calling for spent nuclear fuel to be sent out of the state.
A major agreement in 1995 between Idaho and the federal government – specifically the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the Navy – set clear rules for nuclear waste handling at INL. The agreement capped what could come in and required removal and treatment of what was already there.
Waivers have been approved over the years to exceed limits from the 1995 agreement for things like further research. Notable events on the timeline – 2011, 2014, 2019, 2023 and the latest just hours ago.
The agreement was officially signed on Tuesday, April 24, by Idaho Gov. Brad Little, Attorney General Raúl Labrador and Dr. Michael Goff, acting assistant secretary for nuclear energy at the DOE.
Under the waiver, Idaho will temporarily suspend parts of the 1995 Settlement Agreement that limits the transportation and storage of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) in the state.
Idaho will allow limited shipments of SNF through 2032, including fuel from both commercial and university research reactors.
State officials emphasized in a news release and within the waiver that the new exceptions include strict oversight. The DOE must notify Idaho at least 240 days before each new shipment, confirm sufficient federal funding and provide detailed documentation of how the SNF will be handled, stored and researched.
Idaho retains the right to reject any proposed shipment with 180 days notice or to terminate the entire waiver if funding lapses or safety protocols are not met. In such cases, DOE would be required to pay Idaho annual penalties of $100,000 per metric ton of SNF remaining in the state.
Balancing Innovation and Environmental Protection
Idaho Gov. Brad Little issued the following statement on the waiver:
“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.”
Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador added the following on the agreement between the state and DOE:
“This agreement protects Idaho’s interests and supports important research that will strengthen America’s energy security. We’re grateful for the Trump Administration’s work with Idaho to honor the 1995 Settlement Agreement and advance innovation safely and responsibly. Idaho will always protect our land, our people, and our future.”
Federal partners also wrote in support of the targeted waiver of the 1995 Settlement Agreement, including U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright:
“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.”