The United States has been utilizing nuclear energy for decades, which inevitably leads to the production of nuclear waste, a byproduct of the energy generation process. The amount of nuclear waste in any given state can vary significantly based on several factors, including the presence and number of nuclear power plants, historical storage practices, and state regulations.

At the forefront of states with the highest amounts of nuclear waste is Illinois. Home to six nuclear power plants with a total of eleven reactors – the most reactors in any state – it holds more used nuclear fuel than any other state. Following Illinois are Pennsylvania with nine reactors, and South Carolina with seven.

However, measuring just by reactors does not present a complete picture. The Department of Energy (DOE) provides data on spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste stored at various sites. According to their reports, there are over 90,000 metric tons of nuclear waste awaiting disposal in the United States.

It’s also essential to understand that not all states have facilities for permanent disposal. Most nuclear waste is stored onsite at the power plants where it was generated in dry casks or cooling pools. There are also interim storage facilities, such as those proposed in Texas and New Mexico, aimed at consolidating the storage of this waste.

The federal governments’ inability to finalize a permanent national repository at Nevada’s Yucca Mountain has left many states in a position where they must manage their own nuclear waste for an indefinite period. This ongoing situation brings into focus the need for comprehensive solutions that protect public safety and environmental health.

For individuals curious about specifics in their state, information can be found through their state’s environmental protection agency or energy department. As these figures can change with new developments in energy policy or technology shifts towards less waste-generating forms of nuclear fission, staying informed is critical for understanding how much nuclear waste exists within your state’s borders.