Nicholas P. Gartner Henderson

August 10, 2026 - 9:00 pm

The federal government spent lots of taxpayer money developing Yucca Mountain in Nevada as a nuclear waste depository. The U.S. Department of Energy even applied for a permit to start using the site for its intended purpose. But despite billions spent and more money coming, the state and local powers that be fought tooth and nail to stop all that revenue from coming Nevada’s way.

Now, all these years later, the Review-Journal reported last week that five states are trying to get the deal of a lifetime and are angling for a “nuclear lifecycle innovation campus” in their state. Who knew someone might want to get all that money?

Just imagine. Nevada was way out in front, and the feds were already spending money like drunken sailors on shore leave. But it would have been even better with a little negotiation. Money for education, roads and — heaven forbid — an alternative water supply.