Fact Check: Supreme Court backs federal agency on nuclear waste facility license

Fact Check: Supreme Court Backs Federal Agency on Nuclear Waste Facility License

What We Know

On January 22, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), affirming its authority to approve a facility in Texas for the storage of spent nuclear fuel. The court's decision was a response to a challenge brought by the state of Texas and other parties, who argued against the NRC's licensing decision. The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that these parties could not pursue their claims because they had failed to intervene at an earlier stage of the NRC's licensing process (NBC News, E&E News).

The facility, operated by Interim Storage Partners, is permitted to store spent nuclear fuel for up to 40 years, with the potential for indefinite extensions (NBC News). This ruling is significant as it comes amidst ongoing debates about nuclear waste management in the U.S., particularly given the absence of a permanent storage solution like the proposed Yucca Mountain facility in Nevada, which has faced political opposition (NBC News).

Analysis

The Supreme Court's ruling is based on procedural grounds rather than a substantive evaluation of the NRC's authority to license nuclear waste storage facilities. The justices did not address whether the NRC's decision to allow the storage site was legally sound; instead, they focused on the failure of the challengers to intervene properly during the NRC's review process (NBC News, E&E News).

The sources reporting on this decision, including NBC News and E&E News, are reputable outlets known for their coverage of legal and environmental issues, enhancing the reliability of the information provided. However, it is important to note that the ruling does not imply an endorsement of the NRC's policies or the safety of the storage facility itself. Critics of the decision, including environmental groups, argue that the ruling sets a concerning precedent for nuclear waste management and could lead to increased risks associated with spent nuclear fuel storage (Beyond Nuclear).

The Supreme Court's decision could also have implications for similar proposals in other states, such as New Mexico, where the NRC has also approved a storage site (NBC News). This broader context highlights the ongoing challenges and controversies surrounding nuclear waste management in the U.S.

Conclusion

The claim that the Supreme Court backed the federal agency on the nuclear waste facility license is True. The court's ruling upheld the NRC's authority to approve the facility in Texas, affirming the procedural aspects of the agency's licensing process. While the ruling does not address the substantive safety or environmental concerns related to nuclear waste storage, it confirms the NRC's role in regulating such facilities.

Fact Check: Supreme Court backs federal agency on nuclear waste facility license