Keith Ridler

Associated Press

This Nov. 14, 2017, file photo, provided by the Idaho National Laboratory, shows the Idaho National Laboratory Transient Reactor Test Facility in Idaho Falls, Idaho.

Military Wants to Build Mobile Microreactor

It wants to reduce reliance on local electric grids.

This Nov. 29, 2018, file photo shows the Transient Test Reactor at the Idaho National Laboratory about 50 miles west of Idaho Falls, in eastern Idaho. The director of the Idaho National Laboratory says the U.S. Department of Energy and Idaho will need another supplemental agreement involving spent nuclear fuel so the lab can continue its mission past 2035. Mark Peters on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2020, told lawmakers on the House Environment, Energy and Technology Committee that the 1995 agreement between the Energy Department and Idaho could stop nuclear research.

Nuclear Lab Needs 2035 Deadline Extended

The lab's nuclear research work is part of a strategy to reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by generating carbon-free electricity with nuclear power.

In this May 11, 2015 file photo, nuclear waste is stored in underground containers at the Idaho National Laboratory near Idaho Falls, Idaho.

Idaho, Energy Department Ink Deal

The future is clearer for a test reactor that develops fuel for the nation's fleet of nuclear-powered warships.

This May 11, 2015 file photo shows nuclear waste stored in underground containers at the Idaho National Laboratory near Idaho Falls, Idaho. Federal authorities want to store the partially melted core from one of the United States' worst nuclear power accidents for another 20 years in Idaho. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission said Monday, Sept. 16, 2019 it's considering a request from the U.S. Department of Energy to renew a license to store the radioactive debris from the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant. The core of a reactor south of Harrisburg, Pa., partially melted in 1979.

Nuclear Debris Stay in ID

The core from Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania partially melted in 1979, an event that changed the way Americans view nuclear technology.

Illuminated Nuclear Power Plant At Night 146807010 2971x1975

First Smaller Nuclear Reactors

The small modular reactors will usher 'in a new generation of smaller, safer, more flexible, less expensive, carbon-free nuclear energy.'

Progress Made at Nuclear Waste Plant

They are removing high-level liquid radioactive waste stored in tanks above a massive aquifer.

In this Nov. 29, 2018 photo, J.R. Biggs stands in front of the Transient Test Reactor he manages about 50 miles west of Idaho Falls, Idaho. The test reactor at the Idaho National Laboratory has been restarted to test nuclear fuels as the U.S. tries to revamp a fading nuclear power industry with safer fuel designs and a new generation of power plants.

Test Reactor is Pivotal to US Nuclear Strategy

Officials face two main challenges: making plants economically competitive and changing public perception among some that nuclear power is unsafe.

The U.S. Department of Energy in documents made public this week says the Advanced Mixed Waste Treatment Project that employs 650 workers will end next year.

Nuclear Waste Processing Project Shut Down

The $500 million treatment plant handles waste like machine parts and tools that have been contaminated with plutonium.

Explosion Warning

Explosion at Hazardous Waste Site

The building where the explosion occurred was used to process powdered magnesium products.

This 2016 photo provided by U.S. Department of Energy shows the Radioactive Waste Management Complex at the federal Nuclear site in eastern Idaho, A barrel containing radioactive sludge ruptured at the facility, federal officials said Thursday, April 12, 2018, resulting in no injuries and no risk to the public but possibly slowing progress in shipping waste out of the state.

Radioactive Barrel Ruptures at Nuclear Site

When the firefighters left the building, emergency workers detected a small amount of radioactive material on their skin.

In this May 11, 2015, file photo, nuclear waste is stored in underground containers at the Idaho National Laboratory near Idaho Falls, Idaho. U.S. officials are considering extending the use of the eastern Idaho nuclear waste treatment facility beyond its scheduled closure this year so it can repackage radioactive waste brought in from other states before it's sent to a permanent disposal site in New Mexico.

Nuclear Waste Facility Might Extend Operation

It was set to close this year, but the Energy Department is considering keeping the $500 million plant that employs about 600 workers running.

In this May 11, 2015, file photo, nuclear waste is stored in underground containers at the Idaho National Laboratory near Idaho Falls, Idaho. A federal judge says the U.S. Department of Energy doesn't need to make public documents involving spent commercial nuclear fuel shipments to eastern Idaho sought by former Idaho Gov. Cecil Andrus.

Nuke Docs Won't Be Made Public

This is a major setback after a long history of legal battles over nuclear waste entering the state.