Science

90,000 Tons of Nuclear Waste: Where Is It All Going?

2025-05-25

Author: Jia

The Nuclear Waste Dilemma: A Growing Crisis

Across the United States, a staggering 90,000 tons of nuclear waste are stored at over 100 locations across 39 states. This issue has plagued the nation for decades, as there remains no definitive solution for safe, long-term disposal.

Yucca Mountain: A Promise Unkept

In 1987, the U.S. government designated Yucca Mountain in Nevada as the official burial site for nuclear waste. Unfortunately, a series of political and legal hurdles caused significant construction delays, leading Congress to terminate funding for the project in 2011 after only minimal work had been done.

Increasing Demand for Nuclear Power