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Emery County schedules June 17 public hearing on small modular nuclear reactors at county research center
Summary
Commissioners set a public hearing for June 17, 2025, 5:00 PM to collect public comment about small/modular nuclear reactor manufacturing at the county research center; staff and commissioners said industry presenters will explain safety and economic potential.
Emery County commissioners on June 3 scheduled a public hearing for June 17, 2025, at 5:00 PM in the commission chamber to hear presentations and public comment about proposed small or micro-modular nuclear reactors associated with the county research center.
Commissioners said they expect an industry presenter (Jaren Wallace) to describe manufacturing and safety features of small modular reactors, and outlined potential local economic benefits—an approximate estimate of "around 60 jobs" was mentioned—while noting community safety and siting concerns (several commissioners observed that downwind towns might be a consideration for siting and risk mitigation).
Commissioners and staff described the technology as smaller reactors that "fit in a shipping container" and can be transported by semi-trailer; they said the research center houses facilities for some types of nuclear and energy research and could support industry testing. The hearing will allow residents, local mayors and other stakeholders to offer feedback before the commission considers any local position or follow-up action.
