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Idaho, DOE agree to boost nuclear research at INL

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Idaho, DOE agree to boost nuclear research at INL


Key Highlights

  • Idaho and DOE waive part of 1995 settlement agreement
  • INL gains support for advanced nuclear energy research
  • Waiver allows safe handling of university reactor fuel
  • Supports U.S. energy innovation and national security

The targeted waiver of a settlement agreement made in 1995 will help researchers at Idaho National Laboratory address a national need.

On April 29, the State of Idaho and the U.S. Department of Energy agreed to the waiver of the 1995 Settlement Agreement, which stemmed from a lawsuit filed by Idaho to limit the shipment of spent nuclear fuel to the DOE’s Idaho site for storage.

According to a release, the agreement set up milestones to remove “legacy waste” at Idaho National Laboratory while also allowing for nuclear research and development at INL.

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In the 1995 agreement, the amount of spent nuclear fuel entering INL was limited to 55 metric tons and required the DOE to report on the amount received each year. It also excluded shipments of spent fuel from commercial power plants, imposed a deadline of Dec. 31, 2012, to complete treatment of sodium-bearing waste at the site, and allowed Idaho to suspend shipments if the DOE failed to meet any of its deadlines or obligations, according to the INL website.

“Idaho National Laboratory is DOE’s lead lab for nuclear energy research and development, and it is critical that we continue to grow this research capacity and maintain American competitiveness,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. “This agreement between the State of Idaho and DOE ensures the lab can continue its cutting-edge research to advance nuclear technology, helping to meet President Trump’s commitment to unleash American energy dominance.”

INL stated that the waiver enables it to play a critical role in supporting a national need with research that will help sustain the current nuclear reactor fleet in the U.S., which produces nearly 20% of the country’s electricity.

“As the nation’s center for nuclear energy research and development, we look forward to utilizing our unique facilities and expertise to support this critical national need,” said John Wagner, director of INL. “We are thankful to the Department of Energy and the state of Idaho for entrusting us with the safe and secure execution of our vital mission.”

Additionally, the waiver helps to support research reactors at universities in the U.S., educating up-and-coming nuclear scientists and engineers by allowing “INL to safely manage small amounts of spent nuclear fuel from domestic university reactors, preserving this crucial national research and talent pipeline.”

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“The collaborative effort between the State of Idaho, the U.S. Department of Energy, and the Idaho National Laboratory showcases our commitment to advancing nuclear energy research while upholding the goals of the 1995 Settlement Agreement,” said Gov. Brad Little. “We are proud to support innovation in nuclear energy that will support national security and energy independence into the future.”





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Idaho politicians respond to Trump authorizing U.S military force in Iran

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Idaho politicians respond to Trump authorizing U.S military force in Iran


On Saturday, the United States and Israel launched major strikes in Tehran, with President Trump calling for an Iranian regime change.

RELATED | Trump announces ‘major combat operations’ in Iran, reportedly killing hundreds

President Trump authorized the U.S military operation without congressional approval, a decision that Democrats in Congress are arguing is unconstitutional.

RELATED | Trump’s Iran attack raises legal concerns among Democrats in Congress

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Idaho Democratic Party Chair Lauren Necochea says Democrats are “demanding answers and accountability on behalf of the American people, who are being dragged toward another open-ended war they do not support.”

Necochea says her greatest concern lies with American troops, contractors and civilians who she says “did not choose this conflict.”

“Idaho has thousands of active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, and military families who live with the consequences when leaders make reckless choices,” she says.

However, not all lawmakers share Necochea’s sentiments.

Idaho Republican representative Mike Simpson commends President Trump’s “decisive action” in Iran.

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“Iran was given every opportunity to resolve this peacefully through negotiations but chose not to,” Simpson said in a post to Facebook. “I commend President Trump for taking decisive action against a regime responsible for decades of terror. May God protect our men and women in uniform on this vital mission.”





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Town Hall to address future of Medicaid expansion in Idaho – Local News 8

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Town Hall to address future of Medicaid expansion in Idaho – Local News 8


POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Nearly two-thirds of Idaho voters approved Medicaid expansion, but local leaders say that coverage is now at risk.

According to the organizers of a town hall set for Saturday, February 28, proposed changes could severely impact Idaho’s rural hospitals and leave thousands of residents without access to healthcare.

The town hall, titled “Protecting What Works: Medicaid Expansion in Idaho,” will take place at Chubbuck City Hall from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

A panel of representatives from across the healthcare sector — including home health, hospitals, and public and community health — will answer questions about how Medicaid expansion works in Idaho and how potential cuts could affect communities. Organizers say there will also be time for audience questions.

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One of the event organizers told Local News 8 why the discussion is important:

“There have been conversations in the last couple of legislative sessions about either fully repealing Medicaid expansion or making significant cuts to Medicaid,” Shantay Boxham, the organizer, said. “This is an educational forum to ensure voters and community members have the information they need about what the program is, what’s at stake, and how it supports Idaho and Idahoans.”

There are limited seats available for the meeting. To reserve a spot, visit members.pocatello.com.

Local News 8 will continue to follow this story and have updates tomorrow.

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Idaho CBD retailers navigating uncertainty under new hemp rules

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Idaho CBD retailers navigating uncertainty under new hemp rules


Idaho takes pride in being a no-THC zone. Unlike our neighbors on all sides, the Gem State has taken a firm stance not to legalize marijuana for medicinal or recreational use for years. This opposition long extended to the legalization of hemp, a plant relative of marijuana with far lower levels of the intoxicating chemical […]



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