Wyoming is special. We have grit and determination that not many states have. We’re not afraid to roll up our sleeves, dig into something, and make a future for our families. The energy industry, including nuclear energy, provides this opportunity not only for us today, but for generations to come. We need to fight for the Wyoming we want, and that is one that has safe communities, stable economic opportunity, and lives by the Code of the West.

We are starting this petition and speak from a place of logic and fact rather than a place of fear. Our goal is to let our representatives know the true feelings of Natrona County. Natrona County has a rich history that includes deep ties to the energy industry. Just as the Salt Creek Oil Field of the early 1900’s brought employment, innovation and progress to Natrona County, Raidant Energy can do the same.

Natrona County is at risk of having our youth leave their home town to find employment. This phenomenon is found in many rural communities that lack high paying jobs and varied employment opportunities. This leads to decreased population, reduced workforce, loss of tax revenue, increase in poverty and challenges to attract other businesses to come to the community in the future. We cannot afford to lose our talented youth and we cannot afford to allow fear to limit the possibilities for the future. We must act to secure employment opportunities for the future, not only for the benefit of our children, but for the benefit of our whole community.

This factory, which could be built on 130 acres in Natrona County and outside of both Casper and Bar Nunn city limits, would bring hundreds of good-paying jobs to the region that will keep our children and grandchildren staying here. This factory will offer more diversity to the employment opportunities in Natrona County which will strengthen our economy.

Radiant Energy has hosted multiple town halls, offering accurate, transparent information. The town of Bar Nunn has hosted many of these town hall meetings, and their website includes links to peer-reviewed sources. One of these sources proves that housing developments near nuclear facilities, such as the one Radiant plans, have increased property values compared to other housing developments in the same counties. Information from Raidant, the Town of Bar Nunn and other reputable resources show that these types of facilities are safe and improve the communities they are in.

Our current administration has taken a specific interest in nuclear energy, and Donald Trump has signed executive orders that highlight nuclear energy as a “safe, secure and sutable long-term fuel option.” (US Department of Energy). Portable microreactors, such as the ones Raidant plans to build at their Natrona County site, are a key element in President Trump’s executive order. These micro-reactors are a fuel source that offer portable, zero emission power that can be used to support our military, hospitals, and disaster relief efforts. As these fuel sources are used all around the globe, our community has the opportunity to play a central role in helping others who may not otherwise have access to energy sources.

Wyoming has a long history with the energy industry that continues today. The uranium we mine in our state doesn’t have to be shipped to another location for that community to benefit from its use. We can use Wyoming resources to benefit Wyoming. Radiant Energy plans to use Wyoming natural resources, Wyoming workforce, and Wyoming dedication to build our economy, create jobs, and secure a future for our families.

Fear has led some to ignore the research on similar facilities and this industry. Fear has led some to ignore the clear benefits to our community and our future. While fear of the unknown is something we may all experience, we must lead with logic and look to accurate research to help us make the best decisions for our families, our community and our future. Help preserve our state and region’s identity with a solid economy, diverse employment opportunities, and security for the future. Tell your local and state representatives that you want them to support our desire for more energy jobs in Natrona County.

The Decision Makers:

Rep. Heiner

Rep. K. Campbell

Rep. Knapp

Rep. JT Larson

Rep. Lawley

Rep. Riggins

Rep. Schmid

Rep. Tarver

Rep. Webber

Sen. Anderson

Sen. Cooper

Sen. Jones

Sen. Nethercott

Sen. Rothfuss