In this episode of Eye on the Issues, we speak with Diane D’Arrigo of the Nuclear Information and Resource Service (NIRS). This organization has worked with communities and policymakers on nuclear waste issues since the late 1970s.

This conversation explores how radioactive waste is generated through nuclear power, the types of materials it leaves behind, and how these materials interact with the human body and the environment. Diane also discusses the process of fuel reprocessing, the history of storage proposals, such as Yucca Mountain, and the regulatory framework for transporting spent nuclear fuel.

This interview is part of our ongoing effort to explore the whole landscape of nuclear energy policy—past, present, and proposed—especially as it relates to emerging developments in Wyoming.

In this episode of Eye on the Issues, recorded in mid-May, we sat down with Anna Erickson, a professor of nuclear and radiological engineering at Georgia Tech. As someone who teaches and supports nuclear energy, Prof. Erickson offers an informed perspective—but even she raises concerns about how nuclear projects are being handled, particularly regarding community trust and transparency.

Her message is clear: local voices must be heard before projects move forward. Consent-based siting isn’t just a best practice—it’s a necessity. When developers or government officials skip that step, they risk public backlash, legal delays, and broken trust.

That warning couldn’t be more relevant in Wyoming today. In Barr Nunn, residents are raising objections to a proposed Radiant facility, yet their concerns are seemingly being brushed aside. Meanwhile, across the state, nuclear development continues to gain speed with very little public engagement, according to many.

Prof. Erickson also points out that the Kemmerer Natrium reactor is just a “drop in the bucket.” As the nation braces for a surge in power demand—driven largely by AI and data centers—Wyoming could see these kinds of projects multiply. Without a clear, transparent, and community-first approach, this trend could overwhelm local communities and sideline Wyoming residents in decisions that will shape their lives for generations.

If even a nuclear engineering professor is warning that this process is moving fast and without adequate safeguards, it’s time to ask hard questions—and insist that Wyoming put people before politics and profit.

In this episode of Eye on the Issues, we sit down with Mary Olson, founder of the Gender and Radiation Impact Project. With decades of experience in nuclear policy and radiation research, Mary offers a practical look at how radiation exposure affects the human body—and why understanding those risks is more important than ever as nuclear energy and waste storage debates continue. From routine reactor emissions to the long-term dangers of spent nuclear fuel, she explains why radiation isn't just a distant problem, but a real factor in cancer, infertility, and other health concerns happening today. She also shares her personal story of accidental exposure and what she believes communities like Wyoming should consider before agreeing to store nuclear waste.

In this episode of Eye on the Issues, we sit down with Dr. Allison Macfarlane, former Chair of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and Director of the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs at the University of British Columbia.

With decades of experience in nuclear oversight, Dr. Macfarlane brings a measured, practical perspective to the fast-moving conversations surrounding nuclear energy. While many discussions today are filled with excitement—and at times, hype—around small modular reactors and next-generation designs, Dr. Macfarlane offers a grounded view on what’s proven, what remains uncertain, and what communities like Wyoming should realistically consider.

During her time leading the NRC from 2012 to 2014, including in the wake of the Fukushima disaster and during new reactor construction in Georgia, Dr. Macfarlane saw firsthand both the promises and the challenges of nuclear development.

In this interview, she discusses:

* The economic and technical unknowns surrounding small modular reactors (SMRs)
* The complex realities of nuclear waste from emerging reactor designs, including those proposed for Wyoming
* Why keeping existing reactors running is vital, but nuclear is unlikely to deliver fast solutions for climate change
* How countries like Finland, Sweden, and Canada are outpacing the U.S. in responsible spent fuel management
* Her no-nonsense take on separating industry aspirations from scientific facts

Beyong the headlines and industry hype - hear from a former NRC Chair on what's real, what's unknown, and what comes next.

As Wyoming considers its role in the future of nuclear energy—including proposals around spent nuclear fuel storage—it’s essential to examine how other countries have approached the same challenge.

In this episode of Eye on the Issues, we welcome Johan Swahn, former director of Sweden’s NGO Office for Nuclear Waste Review and longtime advisor on nuclear transparency and safety. With decades of experience reviewing the science, regulation, and engineering behind Sweden’s nuclear waste program, Johan offers a grounded look at how Sweden and Finland have approached permanent repository development, the science behind copper canisters, and the complexity of planning for 100,000-year containment.

Johan also discusses the public trust dynamics in Scandinavia, the role of environmental watchdogs in technical review processes, and why some of the choices made decades ago are still being debated today.

At Wyoming Liberty Group, our role is to inform, clarify, and support good public policy decisions. We believe it’s vital for Wyoming citizens and lawmakers to have access to complete, honest information—especially when the issues are as long-lasting and complex as nuclear waste. This interview is part of our effort to bring global lessons into Wyoming’s local conversation.

Spent nuclear fuel from reactors is just one part of the nuclear fuel cycle—but what happens at the front end of the cycle? In this episode of Eye on the Issues, we look at uranium milling, a process that can leave enormous amounts of radioactive waste behind.

Our guest, Jeri Fry, co-founder of Colorado Citizens Against Toxic Waste, walks us through the history of uranium processing at the Cotter Uranium Mill in Cañon City, Colorado, now a "Superfund site". She details how uranium tailings, radioactive waste, and toxic chemicals were left exposed to the environment for decades—leading to groundwater contamination, livestock deaths, and long-term health concerns for local residents.

Jeri also discusses:
- The Cold War uranium rush and how Cotter Corporation became a uranium milling hub
- The lack of early regulation that allowed massive environmental contamination
- The 42-year-long cleanup battle, why it's stalled, and the role of the EPA and Colorado regulators
- The broader implications for states like Wyoming, where policymakers are considering storing spent nuclear fuel

This conversation serves as a cautionary tale about what happens when industry outpaces regulation and why Wyoming lawmakers and communities should ask tough questions about nuclear waste storage before making commitments.

Shortly before the halfway point of the 2025 Wyoming legislative session, we caught up with Representative Rachel Rodriguez-Williams (HD 50) for a session update. As Chairman of the Wyoming Freedom Caucus, Rep. Rodriguez-Williams shared insights on how the session unfolded, highlighting key legislative victories and ongoing debates. With a conservative majority in the House, bills that previously faced roadblocks are gaining momentum, making this a pivotal session for Wyoming.

In this episode, we discuss:

- The Five and Dime Plan's key bills on election integrity, banning DEI, stopping ESG investing, immigration accountability, and property tax relief.

- The status of property tax relief efforts and the People's Initiative to provide a 50% exemption.

- Election integrity bills requiring proof of residency and citizenship for voting.

- The debate over HB 16 on nuclear waste storage in Wyoming.

- Rep. Rodriguez-Williams sponsored bills, including protections for pregnancy resource centers, banning DEI in state government, and ensuring fair competition in women's sports.

With hundreds of bills introduced this session, a lot is happening. Check WyLiberty's homepage for a list of intriguing bills and their current status.

For the complete list of 2025 bills, please visit wyoleg.gov.

Over the last several days, we've received calls and emails from people around Wyoming and beyond—citizens and lawmakers alike—who want a deeper understanding of nuclear power risks and, most importantly, what is spent nuclear fuel and what it has to do with small modular reactor manufacturing in regards to SF186. With projects like TerraPower in Kemmerer and our state's potential new SMR manufacturing industry, these questions should be front and center.

In this episode of Eye on the Issues, we sit down with a well-known voice in the world of nuclear risk education: Dr. Gordon Edwards, president and co-founder of the Canadian Coalition for Nuclear Responsibility. With decades of research and advocacy, Dr. Edwards has been at the forefront of educating on the actual risks and realities of nuclear power, nuclear waste, and the long-term consequences of storing radioactive materials.

The discussion includes:

- The hidden dangers of nuclear waste and why the problem was dismissed for decades
- The history of misinformation surrounding nuclear power's safety and "clean energy" claims
- Why existing deep geological repositories for waste disposal have failed
- The alarming risks of plutonium production and its connection to nuclear weapons proliferation
- The reality of "temporary" storage solutions and how vague legal definitions could leave Wyoming holding the bag for radioactive waste for generations
- The Natrium reactor in Wyoming—what's not being told about its highly concentrated radioactive byproducts
- How small modular reactors (SMRs) produce more radioactive waste per unit of energy than conventional nuclear plants
- Why the United States uses thin-walled nuclear waste storage canisters
- Dr. Edwards recounts his historic televised 1974 debate with Edward Teller, the father of the hydrogen bomb

We hope this information assists in your pursuit of a deeper understanding of the issue. Be sure to view our full assortment of information on this topic and others at www.wyliberty.org.

For additional interview requests, please reach out with your requests to interviews@wyliberty.org

Dr. Gordon Edwards' "Nuclear 101" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wD2ixadwXW8&t=744s

1974 Nuclear Debate: G Edwards v E Teller https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZy10obDkoo