The Issue — Utah Might Become the World’s Dumping Ground for Nuclear Waste
EnergySolutions, a Utah-based company that operates a radioactive and hazardous waste facility, is seeking approval through the NorthWest Interstate Compact or NWIC to import nuclear waste from Canada into Utah for disposal at its Clive facility in Tooele County.
EnergySolutions brings in various types of radioactive waste for disposal at their facility in the West Desert, and is one of the facilities within the Compact’s jurisdiction on low-level radioactive waste. As of right now, Utah residents have no way to express concerns or stand up for their public and environmental health because Utah’s Division of Waste Management and Radiation Control (DWMRC) does not intend to hold a public comment period on the issue.
EnergySolutions has a long history of trying to profit from bringing in harmful forms of waste like depleted uranium, as well as radioactive waste from international sources; the last attempt occurred in 2007 when they proposed to bring in 20,0000 tons of low-level radioactive waste from Italy. If approved, this request would mark the first time international civilian nuclear waste has ever been disposed of in Utah.
While EnergySolutions claims the material would be “low-level” radioactive waste, this proposal opens the door to a dangerous precedent: Utah becoming a global destination for nuclear waste.
HEAL Utah's Concerns
HEAL Utah and community advocates urge public involvement and transparency before any decisions are made. Despite the enormous implications, Utah’s Division of Waste Management and Radiation Control has not allowed for public comment on the proposal.
This is unacceptable, especially when international radioactive waste could end up in our backyard in perpetuity. Utah residents have always stood up against bringing international radioactive waste to our state because we know that it poses unacceptable hazards to our public health and the environment of our beautiful state. For too long, Utah was treated as a sacrifice zone. Our vibrant communities, businesses, and outdoor lovers have made it clear that this cannot happen again.
We Are Asking Utahns To...
- Demand transparency from the state and federal agencies involved.
- Reject the idea of Utah as the world’s nuclear dumping ground.
- Speak up about health and safety concerns tied to waste transport and disposal.
The NorthWest Interstate Compact will vote on the proposal to bring in international radioactive waste on November 25th. This is our chance to make our voices heard.
Why You Should Care
Utahns have a proud history of protecting our health, land, and communities from unnecessary radioactive risks. Allowing international waste sets a dangerous precedent, and weakens our state’s ability to say “no” to future nuclear projects and waste dumping. This decision affects:
Radioactive materials pose long-term risks, especially if accidents occur during transport or disposal.
Approving this proposal would signal that Utah is open to becoming the world’s nuclear waste destination.
Utah communities already bear the burden of toxic and radioactive waste.
Take Action!
Use this action alert to email the NorthWest Interstate Compact and your legislators today. Ask them to vote NO on the EnergySolutions proposal on November 25.
- You can also contact your Utah Division of Waste Management and Radiation Control: dwmrcpublic@utah.gov
- Attend the Meeting: Speak up at the NorthWest Interstate Compact’s meeting on November 25th where the vote will take place. Urge them to reject EnergySolutions’ international waste proposal!
- Share this alert on social media and with your community. Together, we have protected Utah’s people, land, and future from becoming a global nuclear dump in the past, and we need to do that again today.
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