Biden administration revives deep borehole disposal approach for nuclear waste amid Yucca Mountain debates

Deep borehole disposal of nuclear waste emerged as a pivotal topic during the North Dakota State Legislature's House Energy and Natural Resources meeting on March 14, 2025. The discussion highlighted the ongoing debate over the best methods for managing high-level nuclear waste, particularly in light of the historical context surrounding the Yucca Mountain site in Nevada.

The Energy and Environmental Research Center (EERC) presented its findings on deep borehole disposal, which involves drilling holes approximately 5 kilometers deep into the Earth's crust to store spent nuclear fuel in robust steel containers. This method could potentially require around 800 boreholes to accommodate the current stockpile of nuclear waste in the United States.

Historically, Yucca Mountain was designated as the sole national repository for commercial spent nuclear fuel under the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982. However, political opposition, particularly from former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, stalled progress on this site. The Obama administration shifted focus to deep borehole research, a direction that was later reversed under the Trump administration, which sought to revive Yucca Mountain.

The Biden administration has since reinstated support for deep borehole disposal, creating a complex landscape for nuclear waste management. Advocates for Yucca Mountain argue that pursuing deep borehole research could undermine efforts to establish Yucca as the primary storage site.

The meeting underscored the urgency of addressing the nation’s nuclear waste dilemma, with calls for a unified approach to support the development of Yucca Mountain as a viable solution. As discussions continue, the future of nuclear waste disposal remains a critical issue for lawmakers and environmental advocates alike.