A few weeks ago we covered two former Governors who voiced strong concern about a plan to import spent nuclear fuel into Idaho. Governors Phil Batt and Cecil Andrus say allowing commercial spent nuclear fuel into Idaho goes against the spirit of a 1995 settlement agreement under then Governor Batt. The agreement bans import of commercial spent nuclear fuel into the state.
The two at the center of this debate is current Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter and Attorney General Lawrence Wasden. Governor Otter explained his position, saying the small amount of nuclear fuel under 150 pounds isn’t enough to be a problem. Adding that scientist and engineers at the Idaho National Laboratory in Eastern Idaho have the expertise to handle it safely.
This week we invited Attorney General Lawrence Wasden to explain how this deal is supposed to work. Here is what he had to say.