The Department of Energy — a mainstay of the West’s economy — is in serious trouble.


WIPP misses its fall debut

The U.S. Department of Energy and its private contractors aren’t ready to open the first nuclear waste dump in the world. Today, nearly 10 years old, almost fully constructed and containing $700 million in hardware, the Waste Isolation Pilot Project lies in a state of limbo. Download entire issue to view this article: http://www.hcn.org/issues/20.24/download-entire-issue

INEL: Beating plowshares into swords

INEL employs more than 10,000 workers, or 2.5 percent of Idaho’s work force. Only the state government itself employs more people. But it comes with a legacy of pollution. Download entire issue to view this article: http://www.hcn.org/issues/20.24/download-entire-issue

INEL puts Idaho’s political hypocrisy to a rough test

The Idaho National Energy Lab is the biggest blind spot in Idaho politics. Politicians who rail against the evils of big government while pulling every string for INEL projects are faithfully reflecting those who elect them. Download entire issue to view this article: http://www.hcn.org/issues/20.24/download-entire-issue

The West’s nuclear revolt

Plagued by mistakes, accidents and incompetence, the Department of Energy’s nuclear weapons production system is grinding to a halt, and the West, alarmed by the pollution in its midst, has begun to revolt. Download entire issue to view this article: http://www.hcn.org/issues/20.24/download-entire-issue