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Tooele County backs state response to DOE’s energy lifecycle campus RFI
Summary
The council adopted Resolution 2026-07 to support the state's response to a U.S. Department of Energy request for information on a Nuclear Energy Lifecycle Innovation Campus; Jake Garfield of the Utah Office of Energy Development described the RFI as a first, nonbinding step and cited Senate Bill 135 and possible local economic benefits if the project moves forward.
The Tooele County Council on March 24 adopted Resolution 2026-07 declaring the county’s intent to support the state's response to a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) request for information for an Energy Lifecycle Innovations Campus.
Jake Garfield, deputy director for the Utah Office of Energy Development, told the council the DOE initiative seeks co-location of parts of the nuclear fuel cycle (conversion, enrichment, fuel fabrication, recycling) to spur efficiency and innovation. Garfield said the Utah Legislature passed Senate Bill 135 directing agencies to prepare a response and that the governor supports exploring sites. He said the state plans to submit an RFI response to DOE by April 1; selection by the DOE would be an early step, not a commitment to construction.
Garfield noted Tooele County’s existing energy-related facilities in the Clive/Clyde area and highlighted site characteristics the state values—arid climate, minimal freshwater aquifers and low nearby population—making the area technically attractive for some nuclear-related activities. He said potential benefits include high-paying jobs and tax revenue but framed the RFI as exploratory: "It would be an invitation to dance, essentially. It would not be an engagement to get married," he said.
Council procedure: The council heard the presentation from county staff and Jake Garfield, then moved and adopted the resolution (motion by Councilman Hoffman; second by Councilman Wardle, per the meeting record).
What this means: Adoption of the resolution signals county-level cooperation with state efforts to pursue the DOE RFI, but it does not authorize construction or commit county funds. Any future proposals would require additional review, permits and public processes.
