Emery County schedules public hearing on small modular nuclear industry at research center

The Emery County Commission scheduled a public hearing for 5 p.m. on June 17, 2025, to receive public comment and hear presentations about the potential for micro modular nuclear reactors and related manufacturing at the county research center.

Commissioners said they invited a representative of the industry to present and identified Jaren Wallace (research center director/safety officer) as the contact who will speak on behalf of the facility and the industry at the hearing. The presentation will cover what proponents describe as small modular or micro modular reactors — units small enough to be transportable in a freight container or pulled behind a semi — and the types of manufacturing, testing and research activities that could locate at the facility.

At the meeting commissioners noted the research center already hosts a range of energy and materials research, including coal combustion units and facilities for handling radioisotopes in shielded glove rooms. Commissioners said the county’s existing research infrastructure is a reason proponents are interested in Emery County. Discussion addressed possible economic benefits — an estimated several dozen manufacturing jobs — and community concerns, including safety and the towns that would be downwind of a site. Commissioners said they want public input before deciding how aggressively to pursue the industry.

The commission invited public comment and said the June 17 hearing will include an industry presentation and time for resident questions and statements. No final policy decision was taken at the meeting; commissioners said a public hearing will help clarify community sentiment and next steps.