Crapo supports INL waste shipment

Talks about the Idaho National Laboratory getting two shipments of spent nuclear fuel has become very a controversial topic.

This has caused a stir because some say this violates a 1995 agreement to remove and keep waste out of Idaho.

Opponents worry these shipments would open the door to more waste coming into the state.

But advocates said Idaho will lose out on money without them being brought here.

“I think that, ultimately, we need to be sure that the Idaho National Lab continues to be the nation’s lead nuclear laboratory and to be able to do the research on spent nuclear fuel is an important part of that mission,” said U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo.

The INL said they can safely handle the shipments. This type of fuel stays in the reactor core longer to produce more energy. The INL would be studying and storing the rods to gain a better understanding.