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Controversial nuclear waste storage proposal faces strong opposition in New Mexico

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Controversial nuclear waste storage proposal faces strong opposition in New Mexico


WEST TEXAS, Texas (KOSA) – A controversial nuclear waste storage proposal is facing significant opposition in the Permian Basin, particularly in New Mexico.

Background and Legal Battle:

The federal government is prohibited by law from engaging in temporary storage of nuclear waste without a permanent disposal plan. However, private companies like Holtec International have found a loophole that allows them to take on this responsibility. Holtec and the NRC have appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court to reinstate their storage license despite regional opposition.

Holtec’s Chief Communications Officer stated:

“The Fifth Circuit’s ruling that the NRC was not authorized to license and regulate nuclear fuel storage is like saying OSHA is unqualified for worker safety, the FAA for aviation safety, and the EPA for environmental safety. We urge the Supreme Court to overturn the Fifth Circuit’s legally unsound position.”

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Local Opposition:

This move has sparked outrage and concern among residents and stakeholders in the Permian Basin, who argue that their voices and way of life are being ignored. Monica Perales, counsel for the Permian Basin Coalition, said, “This federal agency, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, is acting like a rogue agency. They’re interpreting the law and deciding it’s within their power to issue a license to allow private companies to consolidate all of America’s spent nuclear fuel and store it in the Permian Basin.”

Environmental and Health Risks:

The Permian Basin Coalition, made up of ranchers, oil and gas operators, and local landowners, has taken their fight to the Supreme Court in hopes of stopping Holtec’s plan. They argue that allowing private companies to store nuclear waste indefinitely without a permanent disposal solution is illegal and poses significant environmental and health risks.

The coalition has raised over 100 contentions against the site, citing seismic risks, constant oil and gas activity in the region, corrosive dust and salt that can lead to corrosion at cracks in the stainless steel canisters, and the potential for dangerous releases of radioactive material. Monica Perales noted, “As these canisters travel on the rail line across the country, all destined for the Permian Basin, they are going ‘bumpity bump’ and developing cracks. Cracks that can’t be fixed, cracks that will corrode, and cracks that will eventually lead to release. Maybe not in my lifetime, maybe not in my son’s lifetime, but eventually, because this remains deadly for hundreds of thousands of years.”

The NRC has acknowledged that it has not solved the problem of chloride-induced stress corrosion cracking in the canisters but has still pushed forward with the licensing process. Holtec and the NRC argue that the storage is temporary, but opponents point out that there is no defined end date for the storage and no permanent disposal site available.

Future Implications:

The Supreme Court’s decision could have far-reaching implications for nuclear waste storage policies and the safety of communities across the country. CBS7 will continue to follow this story closely and bring you updates as they become available.

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New Mexico veteran cemetery coming to Carlsbad via $8M in federal funds – Carlsbad Current-Argus

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New Mexico veteran cemetery coming to Carlsbad via M in federal funds – Carlsbad Current-Argus


Adrian Hedden Carlsbad Current-Argusachedden@currentargus.com Mack Dyer served for 21 years in the U.S. Army. He fought in Operation Desert Storm in 1991 and Operation Iraqi…



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New Mexico spoils Nevada’s Senior Day as Lobos leave Reno with 63-56 win

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New Mexico spoils Nevada’s Senior Day as Lobos leave Reno with 63-56 win


The Nevada women’s basketball team dropped its final home contest of the 2025-26 season on Saturday with New Mexico spoiling Senior Day and pushing past the Wolf Pack for a 63-56 win.

The Wolf Pack led 36-34 at halftime behind a hot-shooting start. Skylar Durley, Imbie Jones and Ahrray Young each had six points as Nevada shot 14-of-25 from the field (56%). But things cooled off in the second half, with the Lobos outscoring the Wolf Pack 19-13 in the third quarter to take a four-point lead into the fourth. Nevada’s shooting woes only worsened in the final period when it made just three field goals, including none in the final four minutes.

Durley led Nevada with 16 points and six rebounds. Young finished with 10 points, three rebounds and three assists. The Wolf Pack made just one three-pointer out of its nine attempts.

The loss drops Nevada to 9-20 overall, 5-14 within the Mountain West Conference. The Wolf Pack now heads to Utah State for Tuesday’s regular-season finale before opening the Mountain West Tournament play next Saturday in Las Vegas.

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Watch our coverage of the game below.

Highlights and reaction from Nevada’s loss to New Mexico.



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San Diego State vs New Mexico Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today’s College Basketball Game

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San Diego State vs New Mexico Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today’s College Basketball Game


Expect the offenses to shine when SDSU visits New Mexico in The Pit today, per our college basketball betting picks.

Feb 28, 2026 • 10:23 ET

• 4 min read

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