Welcome, Why Nuclear, Why Wyoming? - Nuclear Energy Forum

Why Nuclear and Why Wyoming? Birch Malotky, Emerging Issues Initiative Coordinator, University of Wyoming's Ruckelshaus Institute Tara Righetti, Co-director, Nuclear Energy Research Center, University of Wyoming School of Energy Resources Sean Schaub, Nuclear Industry Coordinator, Wyoming Energy Authority The Nuclear Energy Emerging Issue Forum occurred April 13-14, 2026 in Laramie Wyoming. Convened by the University of Wyoming Haub School's Ruckelshaus Institute, in partnership with the School of Energy Resources and the Wyoming Energy Authority, the forum explored the full fuel cycle of nuclear energy—from uranium mining, through fuel refinement and energy generation, to spent fuel storage, as well as supporting industries. Two days of speakers, panels, discussions, and workshops were aimed at achieving the following goals: 1) Build a shared understanding of all parts of the nuclear energy fuel cycle, including the cultural and historical context, the potential risks and benefits, and the regulatory framework. 2) Equip participants with the knowledge and tools to engage in informed decision-making around current and future development of nuclear energy industries in Wyoming. 3) Identify policy, community engagement, research, planning, and other needs or opportunities and begin to develop strategies to address them. More information, including a full agenda with speakers and bios, can be found here: https://www.uwyo.edu/haub/ruckelshaus...