Wisdom from Experience: What Wyoming Must Know About Nuclear Waste Storage

In this episode of Eye on the Issues, we speak with Mary Beth Brangan, a longtime advocate and expert in the nuclear debate, about the dangers of nuclear waste storage and what she thinks Wyoming citizens and lawmakers should know before moving forward with any proposals. Mary Beth is the director and producer of "San Onofre Syndrome: Nuclear Power’s Legacy," a documentary that examines the troubling history of the San Onofre nuclear power plant in California. She shares firsthand knowledge of what went wrong at that facility and how it became a cautionary tale for communities across the country.
During the conversation, Mary Beth explains how San Onofre, situated between Los Angeles and San Diego, was shut down in 2013 due to serious safety concerns, including whistleblower reports of regulatory failures and dangerous radioactive leaks. However, even after the plant was closed, the problems didn’t end. The spent nuclear fuel was placed in thin-walled containers just 100 feet from the ocean, despite the rising sea levels and the increasing risk of environmental catastrophe. She describes how these containers were not designed for long-term storage, yet the industry continues to push for similar solutions across the country, including potential storage sites in places like Wyoming.
As Wyoming lawmakers consider allowing nuclear waste storage in the state, Mary Beth warns that history has shown time and again how the nuclear industry prioritizes cost-cutting over safety. She highlights how recent legislation, including the Nuclear Advance Act, has weakened regulations even further, placing efficiency for the industry above necessary safety measures. She also raises concerns about transporting this highly radioactive material across the country, pointing to the risks of train derailments and leaks during transit.
One of the biggest selling points for nuclear waste storage in Wyoming has been the claim that it could bring in up to four billion dollars annually. Mary Beth challenges this idea by emphasizing that no amount of money can undo the long-term health and environmental damage caused by radioactive contamination. She explains how exposure to nuclear waste leads to serious health risks, including thyroid disorders, kidney disease, heart problems, and reproductive issues. Once contamination occurs, it is nearly impossible to reverse, making it a permanent threat to land, water, and people.
She also discusses the broader nuclear energy debate, including the push for smaller reactors like the one being proposed in Kemmerer, Wyoming. While some argue that newer designs are safer, she points out that recent studies have shown these reactors could actually produce more waste and present even greater challenges for storage and disposal.
For Wyoming residents who care about protecting their state’s natural resources and communities, this interview provides an important perspective on the risks that come with nuclear waste storage. Mary Beth urges decision-makers to carefully examine the industry’s track record and recognize that the promises made today may not hold up when it comes to long-term safety and accountability.