IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter has created a new panel to investigate how to keep the 63-year-old Idaho National Laboratory and its nuclear energy mission alive and relevant.
Otter’s executive order on Wednesday reinforces his support of the industry’s presence in eastern Idaho — even amid concern that a French company, Areva, could abandon plans to build a $3 billion uranium enrichment facility west of Idaho Falls.
The Idaho Leadership in Nuclear Energy will be headed by Department of Commerce Director Jeff Sayer.
It will provide recommendations to Otter on how the INL can continue playing an important role in economic growth and energy security.
The panel will also explore ways to strengthen the broader nuclear industry in Idaho, as well as how to train workers for jobs in the sector.
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