At WePlanet, we often hear this, and we want to address it. Spent nuclear fuel is safely stored, properly managed, and well-regulated. However, did you know that fuel deemed “waste” still retains 95% of its energy potential? That means the actual waste can be recycled into clean, reliable energy that helps combat climate change with a significantly smaller footprint than wind and solar.
Why is responsibly dealing with spent nuclear fuel so important? Our planet is in the midst of a climate crisis. President Trump continues to trash environmental protections, calling climate change a “hoax” and a “con job.” But science tells us that now is the time to act.
We can drastically reduce our environmental footprint by harnessing reliable energy with absolutely no carbon emissions, while powering cities that combat climate change. The solution? An advanced small modular reactor (SMR). It's a smaller nuclear reactor that can operate on spent fuel, often referred to as “waste.”
It’s true! These small power stations would occupy land the size of two football fields, while powering a city of 750,000 independently.
This innovative technology is still in its early stages, but it has the potential to be a comprehensive solution for a cleaner future. But if we want this clean future, we need to advocate for it.
Senator Mike Lee, who chairs the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, could be champion to fund for advanced SMR research before the Senate breaks for the Thanksgiving break and the 2026 budget is finalized.
Let’s not let myths and misinformation be the cause of concern for spent nuclear fuel. Let’s support science and combat climate change by fostering innovation to enhance nuclear capabilities.