Not everyone realizes Wyoming is the nation’s largest uranium producer, but it’s true. Our state is fortunate to be home to the country’s largest-known uranium ore reserves.
For decades we have safely and responsibly developed and produced these resources, creating jobs in mining, energy and related industries while powering a stronger, more resilient economy. We’ve been part of protecting America’s energy independence.
However, in recent years Russia and its puppet states have massively increased their dominance over global uranium production. This has depressed prices and undermined Wyoming’s energy and economic potential.
These unfair practices have left our country more reliant on hostile foreign nations as we face growing energy needs, which is a significant national security risk. Wyoming’s congressional delegation fully recognizes this problem and is working diligently toward solutions.
In particular, Senator John Barrasso’s legislation to ban Russian uranium imports into the United States was recently signed into law. Senator Barrasso’s bipartisan bill (s. 763), which passed as part of the Nuclear Fuel Security Act, will help revitalize the industry by ensuring the uranium used to produce American energy and fuel comes from right here in the United States.
This new law will help spur growth in Wyoming’s uranium mining sector, support new jobs and generate revenue to create economic and quality-of-life benefits for communities across the state. The law is also a crucial step to securing the raw materials needed to advance Wyoming’s and America’s growing nuclear power infrastructure. But, perhaps most importantly, it will stop our dependence on foreign adversaries.
Further, both Senators Barrasso and Lummis voted for congressional passage of the ADVANCE Act as a part of s. 870 just a few weeks ago. This noteworthy nuclear permitting bill represents an America-first, common-sense energy solution that will restore America’s nuclear energy dominance, encourage innovation, and streamline permitting while maintaining top safety standards. The United States ceded its leadership in the nuclear space a long time ago and we need to get it back.
Finally, the U.S. Senate recently passed Senator Barrasso’s bill, s. 912, the Mining Schools Act of 2023. The vote was unanimous. This legislation will ready the next generation of miners by equipping schools with the resources they need to train and develop tomorrow’s mining workforce.
Wyoming has the energy resources America and the world need. The Wyoming uranium industry has weathered some very difficult years. But thanks to the work of our Wyoming leadership in Washington, DC, the tide is beginning to turn. Our operators are once again ramping up production and hiring. With a renewed national focus on nuclear power, we are on the cusp of a uranium boom.
Wyoming’s uranium recovery industry is grateful to our congressional delegation for helping to craft and pass a strong energy policy that creates jobs and generates revenue for our state and communities. They’re helping to keep the tax burden low for all Wyomingites, while also protecting and promoting democracy. Wyoming’s role as a national and global energy leader has a bright future.
Travis Deti is the Executive Director of the Wyoming Mining Association.
