nbc39.com · Forrest Jones, 39 News · September 8, 2026
Rural lawmakers oppose storing nuclear waste in local Tennessee towns | News | nbc39.com
# Rural lawmakers oppose storing nuclear waste in local Tennessee towns
- Forrest Jones, 39 News
#### Forrest Jones
Digital Content Producer
- Author email (dmorris@wgbctv.com) - Sep 8, 2026 - 3 hrs ago - 0
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Tennessee has been selected by the U.S. Department of Energy to develop a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus aimed at boosting state economic growth and creating thousands of jobs through advanced research and fuel development in Oak Ridge.
However, the project's potential plan to store nuclear waste at satellite locations across rural counties—such as Pickett, Scott, Fentress, Clay, and Morgan—has sparked significant pushback from local lawmakers and officials.
Opponents, including State Rep. Kelly Keisling and local county commissioners, cite health, safety, and a lack of transparency as major concerns, demanding the state remove these rural communities from consideration and keep Tennessee from becoming a long-term "dumping site."
While state officials emphasize that site assessments are still in preliminary stages and no final storage locations have been chosen, local leaders continue urging residents to speak out as Tennessee refines its proposal with federal partners.
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