Oklahoma Among Finalists for Proposed Nuclear Waste Storage Campus

Tulsa, OK, September 30, 2026 —

Oklahoma has been named a finalist in the selection process for a proposed nuclear waste storage and reprocessing facility, potentially bringing the Oklahoma Nuclear Innovation Campus (ONIC) to the state.

State Energy Secretary Jeff Starling is leading the advocacy efforts, highlighting Oklahoma’s established energy sector and extensive experience in deep drilling operations. These capabilities are considered relevant to the technical requirements for managing and storing nuclear materials.

Representatives from companies involved in the proposal, including Deep Isolation, are collaborating with state officials. Deep Isolation is known for its work in geological storage solutions for hazardous materials. The company’s involvement suggests a focus on advanced containment technologies for the proposed campus.

The U.S. Department of Energy is overseeing the site selection process for such innovative nuclear facilities. The department is expected to announce its final selections of three states to host these sites by the end of the current year. The final decision will depend on a thorough evaluation of each finalist state’s proposal and suitability for hosting the complex operations required for nuclear waste management and reprocessing.

The potential benefits of hosting such a campus, including economic development and advancements in energy technology, are key points being emphasized in Oklahoma’s bid. The state’s historical presence in resource extraction and energy production is being presented as a strong foundation for undertaking this advanced energy infrastructure project.

Story summarized from the original created by Samson Tamijani on www.kjrh.com, see more information here.

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