‘It should not be in Wyoming’ — Gray, constituents share concerns about Radiant project

CASPER — “I moved out here because it was a quiet community where our kids could run around and play.” 

That was what Laura Redmond said when asked about Radiant Nuclear possibly coming to Bar Nunn. 

Redmond moved to town 14 years ago for her husband’s job. For years, the Bar Nunn has been her home, where her five children could enjoy growing up away from the big city. Then it ended, she said. With Radiant Nuclear considering building a nuclear waste storage and manufacturing facility a few feet from the town limits, Redmond said she is moving to Cody with her family. 

Redmond supports nuclear manufacturing but is concerned about large trucks transporting nuclear waste into the area.

Now, she said she is seeking a new place for her kids reminiscent of the quiet peace and nature she found in Bar Nunn. 

“Sometimes I don’t think [economic] growth is worth it, when it comes to the freedom you have to be a child,” Redmond said. 

How we got here? 

Radiant hopes to build a manufacturing and refueling facility for nuclear microreactors on a plot of land located just feet from the Bar Nunn town limits. 

The microreactors would be filled with TRISO-fuel, which uses ceramic coated uranium pellets. Roughly every five years, the microreactors have to be emptied of nuclear waste; Radiant’s waste would be stored on the manufacturing site near town. 

Current Wyoming law dictates that spent nuclear fuel can only be stored at an operating reactor location. Radiant does not plan to operate nuclear microreactors, so storing fuel would require a change to state law. 

A survey conducted by the pollster Cygnal indicated that 70% of the 300 people surveyed in Natrona County support building this facility. The survey did not mention the waste storage facility and used unclear methodology. 

In contrast, a straw poll conducted at a town hall hosted by state Rep. Bill Allemand, R- Midwest, indicated that 93.75% of 64 people present were opposed to having the dry cask storage located near town. 

Secretary of State shares concerns 

Redmond was one of more than 60 attendees at the town hall Monday night. 

Hosted by Moms for Liberty, Liberty Place 4 U WY, and Natrona County Conservative Women, Secretary of State Chuck Gray discussed Radiant’s proposed plant, as well as other energy projects. 

“This nuclear waste is wrong for Wyoming, period. I want to thank Rep. Allemand and the entire Natrona delegation that’s taken a stand on this,” he said. 

Gray shared concerns about the potential impact Radiant’s waste storage facility could have on the water table, especially for communities downstream of Casper. He said he supports uranium extraction, as long as nuclear waste isn’t stored in Wyoming. 

During the question and answer period, Gray addressed constituent concerns about the proposed project. 

“The question is why is there legislation that makes it easy for nuclear companies to come here, but there’s no legislation to protect the people of Wyoming that are trying to be good stewards of the land and keep that stuff 10 miles away from people’s drinking water, their houses, their families?” one Bar Nunn resident asked.

Gray told the crowd that Radiant informed him the waste would be stored at the manufacturing facility to save on transportation costs, but that answer didn’t satisfy him. 

“We should pick a spot that seismologically (or whatever the word is) that’s stable and is in the middle of nowhere. And that’s where the waste can go,” he said. “And it should not be in Wyoming.” 

Applause broke out in response to Gray’s answer. 

Some attendees expressed dissatisfaction at such a short session. 

Constituent concerns about Radiant 

Gray isn’t alone in voicing concerns about Radiant. From Radiant’s town hall to the gathering hosted by Allemand, constituents expressed their concerns and opinions. 

Rozmaring Czaban, who has lived near the Shoshone International Airport since 2005, is opposed to both the manufacturing and storing of nuclear waste in Natrona County. Czban said she is concerned the potential risks brought to Bar Nunn by Radiant aren’t worth the economic pay off. 

At a recent town hall hosted by Radiant, Chief Operating Officer Tori Shivanandan told attendees the majority of microreactors would be sold to the U.S. military. 

Czban said she is concerned those sales will lead to minimal revenue streams for Natrona County. She noted she is also concerned about Radiant Nuclear’s lack of transparency. She said Radiant was dishonest about subsidies it potentially received from the U.S. Department of Energy. 

Czban clarified that her personal opinion from a conservative standpoint is that if Wyoming state statute has to be changed to allow Radiant, then it shouldn’t come to the state. 

“What Radiant’s proposing isn’t legal,” she said. “Why should we change state laws to accept a company?” 

Radiant officials said 14 other states were considered by the company. At least two other sites in Wyoming were also considered. 

Czban said she is opposed to manufacturing or producing nuclear waste in the United States until a recycling or repurposing process exists to make the waste non-radioactive and safe for humans without a need for special storage facilities. 

Dacia Edwards, speaking as a private citizen, has lived in Evansville for nine years. She opposes both the proposed manufacturing and waste storage facilities and believes a site farther away from populated areas, such as past the Midwest exit, would be more beneficial for local communities and Radiant. 

“My dad lives in Bar Nunn,” she said. “I think if it gets in the water system, that affects everybody, not just Bar Nunn, (but) everyone in Casper.” 

Edwards shared concerns about negative impacts in Glenrock and other areas of Wyoming if nuclear waste from Radiant’s storage facilities leaches into the water table. 

“I hope that they reconsider it in Bar Nunn and move it out farther or take it out of Wyoming,” she said. 

Radiant comment 

Hayley McKee, a Radiant Nuclear spokeswoman, issued the following statement late Monday night in response to Gray’s comments: “Natrona County has been the heart of American energy production since statehood. Now, Radiant is building on that legacy, bringing hundreds of good-paying, long-term jobs to Wyoming workers and advancing President Trump’s vision for a strong nuclear industry. The Cowboy State has never shied away from energy ingenuity, and Radiant is committed to helping Wyoming lead the charge.”

This story was published on July 24, 2025.