Earth Protect Blog

State opts for veto power on spent nuclear fuel

ALBUQUERQUE>> New Mexico’s governor has signed legislation aimed at keeping spent nuclear fuel produced by commercial U.S. nuclear power plants from being shipped to the state, just hours after the measure cleared its final legislative hurdle.

Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham wasted no time adding her signature after the New Mexico House voted 35-28 in favor of the bill following a lengthy debate. Five Democrats joined Republicans in opposition, arguing that the measure would challenge longstanding federal authority over nuclear safety matters and lead to new court challenges.

The bill from Democratic state Sen. Jeff Steinborn of Las Cruces will impact a proposed multibillion-dollar facility in southeastern New Mexico that would have the capacity to store up to 8,680 metric tons of used uranium fuel. Future expansion could make room for as many as 10,000 canisters of the spent fuel over six decades.