US Regulators Approve Holtec International Facility to Store Nation's Spent Nuclear Fuel in New Mexico Despite State Opposition

US nuclear regulators have licensed a complex to temporarily store spent fuel in New Mexico from commercial nuclear power plants around the nation.
Holtec International, an energy company, will build and operate the facility to store up to 8,680 metric tons of used uranium fuel with possible future expansion.
New Mexico's governor and congressional delegation oppose the project, fearing the state will become a dumping ground for spent nuclear fuel.
Holtec argues a New Mexico law requiring consent for the project is preempted by federal law.
The licensing of the facility is the latest development in a decades-long battle over where to store spent nuclear fuel and other radioactive waste in the US.