Unveiling the Flaws: Gary Headrick Discusses Nuclear Waste Cask Dangers

02/13/25 • 21 min

In this compelling episode of Eye on the Issues, we delve into the urgent and unavoidable dangers of nuclear waste storage with Gary Headrick, founder of San Clemente Green. As Wyoming contemplates opening its doors to become a repository for nuclear waste, this conversation is a stark warning about the industry’s long-standing failures and unresolved issues.
Gary shares his firsthand experience with the decommissioning of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station in California, where 3.6 million pounds of nuclear waste remain perilously stored just 100 feet from the Pacific Ocean. Despite assurances from the industry, this waste is housed in thin-walled canisters that were never designed for long-term safety. These canisters, plagued by risks of corrosion, stress fractures, and hydrogen buildup, represent a ticking time bomb that could have catastrophic consequences if even one fails.
The industry’s approach to nuclear waste management has consistently prioritized cost-cutting and expediency over safety and transparency. Gary recounts the troubling experiences of whistleblowers at San Onofre, who were retaliated against for raising concerns about safety violations. These revelations, combined with the failures of poorly designed steam generators that lasted only 11 months instead of 40 years, highlight the systemic negligence that plagues the nuclear industry.
As Wyoming considers becoming a storage site for nuclear waste, Gary emphasizes the critical lessons that must be learned. Currently under consideration, the Nuclear Waste Administration Act of 2024 is presented as a solution, but it fails to address fundamental safety and environmental concerns. Instead, it shifts liability away from the industry and onto taxpayers, while limiting public input in decision-making. This dangerous precedent puts profits ahead of people and the environment.
Gary cautions Wyoming not to accept nuclear waste under the current conditions. The industry remains unsettled on the type of casks necessary to store these materials safely, and the thin-walled canisters currently in use are insufficient for safe transport or long-term storage. Until the industry adopts more robust solutions, such as thick, bolted casks used successfully in countries like Switzerland, Wyoming would be taking on an unacceptable risk with no clear path to resolution.
This episode is a call to action for lawmakers and citizens to demand accountability and transparency from the nuclear industry. The dangers of nuclear waste storage are not hypothetical—they are real and imminent and have the potential to render entire regions uninhabitable for tens of thousands of years. Wyoming must heed the warnings from places like San Onofre and refuse to become a dumping ground for the industry’s unresolved problems.

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Legislating with Common Sense: Rep. Martha Lawley on Wyoming's Priorities

In this episode of Eye on the Issues, we sit down with Representative Martha Lawley of House District 27 to explore the critical legislative issues facing Wyoming as the state prepares for its next session. Representative Lawley, who also serves as Vice Chair of the House Education Committee and is a member of the Minerals, Business, and Economic Development Committee, shares her thoughtful and principled approach to problem-solving and policymaking.
Representative Lawley discusses her legislative priorities, including protecting privacy and safety in schools and public spaces. Among the bills she is championing are measures to ensure fairness in women’s sports, enhance privacy protections in schools and other institutions, and safeguard children online. Drawing from what she heard on the campaign trail, she emphasizes the importance of creating policies that reflect the values of Wyoming residents and are legally defensible in the face of challenges.
The conversation also touches on Wyoming’s energy landscape. Representative Lawley shares her perspective on the future of coal, the potential of nuclear energy, and the complexities of nuclear waste storage. A staunch supporter of Wyoming’s legacy energy industries, she stresses the importance of protecting and advancing coal, oil, and gas while exploring innovative uses for these resources, such as coal-based asphalt and building materials.
As Vice Chair of the Education Committee, Representative Lawley discusses the opportunities for advancing school choice in Wyoming, including charter schools and educational savings accounts, to give parents and students more options. She highlights the importance of fostering unity within the legislature while maintaining a focus on serving her constituents’ best interests.
Throughout the interview, Representative Lawley reflects on what makes Wyoming special, from its strong sense of community and family values to its breathtaking natural beauty. Her deep connection to her district and her optimism for the upcoming session shine through as she discusses her plans to collaborate with her colleagues to achieve meaningful results for Wyoming residents.

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Early Session Highlights: What's Moving In the Legislature with Rep. Rodriguez-Williams

Shortly before the halfway point of the 2025 Wyoming legislative session, we caught up with Representative Rachel Rodriguez-Williams (HD 50) for a session update. As Chairman of the Wyoming Freedom Caucus, Rep. Rodriguez-Williams shared insights on how the session unfolded, highlighting key legislative victories and ongoing debates. With a conservative majority in the House, bills that previously faced roadblocks are gaining momentum, making this a pivotal session for Wyoming.
In this episode, we discuss:
- The Five and Dime Plan's key bills on election integrity, banning DEI, stopping ESG investing, immigration accountability, and property tax relief.
- The status of property tax relief efforts and the People's Initiative to provide a 50% exemption.
- Election integrity bills requiring proof of residency and citizenship for voting.
- The debate over HB 16 on nuclear waste storage in Wyoming.
- Rep. Rodriguez-Williams sponsored bills, including protections for pregnancy resource centers, banning DEI in state government, and ensuring fair competition in women's sports.
With hundreds of bills introduced this session, a lot is happening. Check WyLiberty's homepage for a list of intriguing bills and their current status.
For the complete list of 2025 bills, please visit wyoleg.gov.