Wyoming – Mark Gordon signed a finalized agreement between the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, expanding the state’s regulatory authority over certain nuclear-related materials tied to mineral development.
The agreement, formally executed on April 30, 2026, followed years of preparation and marked a milestone in Wyoming’s efforts to lead in rare earth element and critical mineral development. Under the agreement, the state gains authority over source material recovered from mineral resources processed primarily for purposes other than extracting uranium or thorium.
Gordon said the expanded authority allows Wyoming to maintain strong oversight while supporting innovation, investment, and job creation. He added that the state has demonstrated it can manage mineral development safely and responsibly while respecting communities and the environment.
The agreement was finalized during a signing ceremony involving Andrea Kock, Director of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards. It builds on Wyoming’s existing authority over uranium and thorium milling facilities, which the state has overseen since September 2018.
According to DEQ Director Todd Parfitt, the expanded agreement strengthens Wyoming’s ability to support advancements in rare earth and critical mineral technologies while maintaining compliance with state and federal standards. Land Quality Division Administrator Brandi O’Brien said the state’s proximity to operations will allow for more efficient licensing and inspections under the expanded program.
The initiative stemmed from the passage of House Bill HB0061 during the 67th Legislative Session, which led to the governor’s request for expanded authority in 2023. To support the effort, the DEQ’s Land Quality Division added two full-time positions to develop the Source Material Program.
Under the program, “source material” includes uranium or thorium produced as a byproduct of other mineral processing activities, such as rare earth element extraction. Authority over this category was previously held by the federal government.
As part of the transition, the NRC license for Rare Element Resources Inc.’s Bear Lodge Project will be transferred to the state’s program. The rules governing the program underwent a multi-step approval process, including review by advisory boards and state agencies, before receiving final approval from the governor in January 2026.
The process concluded after the NRC published the proposal for public comment in the Federal Register on Jan. 30, 2026, followed by final commission approval and the formal signing of the agreement.
