Idaho, DOE Waive 1995 Nuclear Fuel Agreement

The State of Idaho and the U.S. Department of Energy have approved a targeted waiver of the 1995 Settlement Agreement, enabling new shipments of spent nuclear fuel to Idaho National Laboratory (INL) for research. The waiver allows transport of a high-burnup nuclear fuel cask from Virginia and small amounts of fuel from university reactors, addressing research needs not foreseen in the original agreement. This research supports licensing for extended storage of spent fuel at over 50 nuclear power plants across the United States, helping sustain the nation's reactor fleet, which provides around 20% of U.S. electricity. Officials, including Governor Brad Little, stress that the action bolsters national security, energy independence, and maintains Idaho's leadership in nuclear research, while upholding strict environmental safeguards. The waiver also prevents university research reactors from potential closure due to storage limitations. The move reflects a collaborative balance between advancing nuclear innovation and maintaining Idaho's environmental protections.