In this episode of Eye on the Issues, recorded in mid-May, we sat down with Anna Erickson, a professor of nuclear and radiological engineering at Georgia Tech. As someone who teaches and supports nuclear energy, Prof. Erickson offers an informed perspective—but even she raises concerns about how nuclear projects are being handled, particularly regarding community trust and transparency.

Her message is clear: local voices must be heard before projects move forward. Consent-based siting isn’t just a best practice—it’s a necessity. When developers or government officials skip that step, they risk public backlash, legal delays, and broken trust.

That warning couldn’t be more relevant in Wyoming today. In Barr Nunn, residents are raising objections to a proposed Radiant facility, yet their concerns are seemingly being brushed aside. Meanwhile, across the state, nuclear development continues to gain speed with very little public engagement, according to many.

Prof. Erickson also points out that the Kemmerer Natrium reactor is just a “drop in the bucket.” As the nation braces for a surge in power demand—driven largely by AI and data centers—Wyoming could see these kinds of projects multiply. Without a clear, transparent, and community-first approach, this trend could overwhelm local communities and sideline Wyoming residents in decisions that will shape their lives for generations.

If even a nuclear engineering professor is warning that this process is moving fast and without adequate safeguards, it’s time to ask hard questions—and insist that Wyoming put people before politics and profit.

In this episode of Eye on the Issues, we sit down with Mary Olson, founder of the Gender and Radiation Impact Project. With decades of experience in nuclear policy and radiation research, Mary offers a practical look at how radiation exposure affects the human body—and why understanding those risks is more important than ever as nuclear energy and waste storage debates continue. From routine reactor emissions to the long-term dangers of spent nuclear fuel, she explains why radiation isn't just a distant problem, but a real factor in cancer, infertility, and other health concerns happening today. She also shares her personal story of accidental exposure and what she believes communities like Wyoming should consider before agreeing to store nuclear waste.

In this episode of Eye on the Issues, we sit down with Dr. Allison Macfarlane, former Chair of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and Director of the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs at the University of British Columbia.

With decades of experience in nuclear oversight, Dr. Macfarlane brings a measured, practical perspective to the fast-moving conversations surrounding nuclear energy. While many discussions today are filled with excitement—and at times, hype—around small modular reactors and next-generation designs, Dr. Macfarlane offers a grounded view on what’s proven, what remains uncertain, and what communities like Wyoming should realistically consider.

During her time leading the NRC from 2012 to 2014, including in the wake of the Fukushima disaster and during new reactor construction in Georgia, Dr. Macfarlane saw firsthand both the promises and the challenges of nuclear development.

In this interview, she discusses:

* The economic and technical unknowns surrounding small modular reactors (SMRs)
* The complex realities of nuclear waste from emerging reactor designs, including those proposed for Wyoming
* Why keeping existing reactors running is vital, but nuclear is unlikely to deliver fast solutions for climate change
* How countries like Finland, Sweden, and Canada are outpacing the U.S. in responsible spent fuel management
* Her no-nonsense take on separating industry aspirations from scientific facts

Beyong the headlines and industry hype - hear from a former NRC Chair on what's real, what's unknown, and what comes next.