Opinion: Water a missing element in Idaho National Laboratory expansion plan
An opinion piece criticizes Idaho Governor Brad Little's plan to expand the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) into a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Center, citing concerns about a lack of clear plans for water and electricity resources, especially with the anticipated addition of data centers. The author, former Idaho Attorney General Jim Jones, highlights the already overburdened East Snake River Plain Aquifer and recent state legislation aimed at protecting ratepayers and water users from large industrial consumers.
Former Idaho Attorney General Jim Jones has penned a commentary expressing significant concerns over Governor Brad Little's proposal to expand the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) into a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Center (NLIC). Jones argues that the Governor's plan lacks a clear strategy for sourcing the substantial water and electricity required for the INL's projected growth, particularly as it anticipates the addition of data centers.
Jones points out that the East Snake River Plain Aquifer (ESPA), the primary water source, is already severely over-burdened, leading to