Supreme Court Blocks Texas Challenge on Nuclear Waste Licensing
The U.S. Supreme Court dismissed Texas's challenge to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's licensing of nuclear waste storage facilities. The court ruled Texas was not authorized to challenge the NRC licensing. Justice Brett Kavanaugh led the decision, which supports NRC's authority over nuclear energy regulation.

The U.S. Supreme Court dismissed a legal challenge by Texas and oil industry stakeholders against the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's (NRC) authorization of certain nuclear waste storage facilities. In a 6-3 decision, penned by Justice Brett Kavanaugh, the court overturned a previous ruling that had invalidated the NRC's 2021 license to operate a nuclear waste facility in Texas.
The license in question was granted to Interim Storage Partners, a venture between Orano and Waste Control Specialists, for a facility in western Texas. Kavanaugh's ruling noted that Texas and its allies lacked the standing to sue as they were not parties to the NRC's initial licensing proceedings, as required by the Atomic Energy Act.
The Supreme Court's decision left the matter of the NRC's licensing authority undecided, stressing that the issue could emerge again. Dissenting Justice Neil Gorsuch argued for the challengers' right to court proceedings, indicating ongoing debate over federal agency powers. The court's conservative majority has restricted agency authority in past rulings.
(With inputs from agencies.)
ALSO READ
Wimbledon Expansion Faces Legal Challenge: Preservation vs. Progress
Cricket Star Files Legal Challenge to Sexual Exploitation Allegations
Delhi Streamlines Factory Licensing: MCD Introduces New Rules
ICE's Sweeping Detention Strategy Unveiled: Legal Challenges Mount
Central Government Defends PFI Ban Amid Legal Challenge in Delhi High Court