The State of Idaho and the U.S. Department of Energy have reached an agreement to slightly adjust the terms of a 1995 Settlement Agreement. This amendment will facilitate important research at the Idaho National Laboratory concerning a high burnup nuclear fuel cask sourced from a commercial nuclear power facility. The research aims to provide necessary data for licensing that extends the storage of spent fuel across 54 nuclear plants in 28 states.
Governor Brad Little emphasized the importance of the partnership, 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."
Attorney General Raúl Labrador remarked on the strategic benefit of the agreement, stating, “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.”
U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright commented on the future implications for American competitiveness, noting, “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.”
Idaho National Laboratory Director John Wagner expressed appreciation for the agreement: “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.”
DOE-Idaho Operations Manager Robert Boston pointed to INL’s role, saying, “Thanks to the state of Idaho's foresight, INL will continue to uphold and expand its legacy as the nation’s premier nuclear energy research, development and demonstration laboratory.”
The waiver is designed to address an evolving national need that wasn't anticipated when the original Settlement Agreement was enacted three decades ago. It supports the operation of the current U.S. nuclear reactor fleet, which contributes nearly 20% of the nation's power, and maintains Idaho’s significant role in backing the U.S. nuclear sector.
In addition to its impact on the commercial sector, the waiver also sustains research within American universities by allowing INL to manage small amounts of spent nuclear fuel from domestic university reactors. This provision aims to prevent potential shutdowns of university research reactors due to regulatory storage limits, thus preserving essential academic and research efforts.