Legislators make case for nuclear campus + Candidate forums for gubernatorial, Senate races coming up

By Christina Lords | Editor-in-Chief

“We will prioritize legislation needed to strengthen Idaho’s position, including funding mechanisms, permitting authority and workforce investments that keep pace with the timeline (the U.S. Department of Energy) has set.” -Aug. 17 letter signed by 46 of Idaho’s 105 state legislators in support of a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus

Idaho state Sen. Dave Lent, R-Idaho Falls, makes an announcement from the Senate floor on Jan. 7, 2025, at the State Capitol Building in Boise. (Phot by Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun)

GOVERNMENT + POLITICS

State legislators make the case for a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus in Idaho

By Clark Corbin

Idaho is in a uniquely strong position to host a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus because of the 75-year track record of research, safety and innovation at Idaho National Laboratory, says state Sen. Dave Lent.

Lent, R-Idaho Falls, is a retired nuclear facility training manager whose career was focused on protecting workers and the environment from radioactive materials at Idaho National Laboratory, or INL for short.

But if Idaho is one of the handful of states selected for the federal U.S. Department of Energy project, it would require the state to accept and store spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste.

“If you look at all of the aspects, and that includes the workforce, the location, facilities and expertise, we are a standout (potential host site) there,” Lent said in an interview with the Idaho Capital Sun. “Our challenge is going to be helping our citizenry understand what high level waste is and how it can be handled safely.”

Lent isn’t the only legislator supporting bringing a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus to Idaho. Dozens of other lawmakers do, too.

“I voted” stickers sit ready for voters during the May 19, 2026, primary election at The Waterfront in Idaho Falls. (Photo by Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun)

ELECTION 2026

League of Women Voters of Idaho announces candidate forums for state’s governor, US Senate races

By Christina Lords

Incumbents U.S. Sen. Jim Risch and Idaho Gov. Brad Little, both Republicans, did not respond to the invitation for the forums, according to the League of Women Voters of Idaho.

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ICYMI

Shining a light on other Idaho politics reporting

Note: Some links may lead to stories behind a news organization's paywall

Boise State Public Radio: Federal deregulation could jeopardize how Nez Perce Tribe handles ancient remains
Coeur d’Alene Press: CDA School District warns of K-Tech cuts
Idaho EdNews: Legislators abruptly stop a school behavioral health program
Idaho State Journal: Longtime district judge and Pocatello native Jason Scott named to Idaho Supreme Court
KMVT: Blaine County fire districts to consolidate Oct. 1
Local News 8: Idaho doctors debate over Proposition One

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