"The Trump administration is seeking to move past Yucca Mountain as the nation’s sole repository and store waste in willing states."

"The White House is pushing Congress to break a decades-long impasse around the handling of nuclear waste and entice states to get on board, according to a document obtained by POLITICO.

The Trump administration is seeking changes to federal law to allow the Department of Energy to partner with states willing to store waste generated at the nation’s nuclear reactors, according to the document laying out “legislative principles.” It has been circulating on Capitol Hill and among nuclear industry leaders.

When asked about the document, a White House official said Monday that the administration “is always looking for ways to advance our civil nuclear energy sector.”"

Hannah Northey and Francisco "A.J." Camacho report for E&E News July 27, 2026. [2]