Eye on the Issues
Welcome to Eye on the Issues, the podcast brought to you by the Wyoming Liberty Group. Whether you're a proud Wyoming resident, hail from the Cowboy State, or simply care deeply about the issues facing Wyoming, this podcast is your go-to resource.
Join us as we delve into the heart of Wyoming's most pressing concerns, offering you insights and perspectives from a diverse range of voices. You'll hear from Wyoming lawmakers and elected officials sharing their viewpoints, along with community and thought leaders who are shaping the future of our great state. We also bring in subject matter experts to provide in-depth analysis and understanding on key issues.
The Wyoming Liberty Group is committed to empowering Wyoming's future. With over 15 years of experience and impact in our state, we're more than just a think tank. While we pride ourselves on rigorous research, we go beyond that to craft innovative solutions that promote free enterprise, limited government, personal responsibility, and government accountability.
Tune in to Eye on the Issues to stay informed, engaged, and empowered. Together, we can work towards a brighter future for Wyoming.
Eye on the Issues
Why Local Voices Matter in the Nuclear Debate: A Conversation with Prof. Anna Erickson
In this episode of Eye on the Issues, recorded in mid-May, we sat down with Anna Erickson, a professor of nuclear and radiological engineering at Georgia Tech. As someone who teaches and supports nuclear energy, Prof. Erickson offers an informed perspective—but even she raises concerns about how nuclear projects are being handled, particularly regarding community trust and transparency.
Her message is clear: local voices must be heard before projects move forward. Consent-based siting isn’t just a best practice—it’s a necessity. When developers or government officials skip that step, they risk public backlash, legal delays, and broken trust.
That warning couldn’t be more relevant in Wyoming today. In Barr Nunn, residents are raising objections to a proposed Radiant facility, yet their concerns are seemingly being brushed aside. Meanwhile, across the state, nuclear development continues to gain speed with very little public engagement, according to many.
Prof. Erickson also points out that the Kemmerer Natrium reactor is just a “drop in the bucket.” As the nation braces for a surge in power demand—driven largely by AI and data centers—Wyoming could see these kinds of projects multiply. Without a clear, transparent, and community-first approach, this trend could overwhelm local communities and sideline Wyoming residents in decisions that will shape their lives for generations.
If even a nuclear engineering professor is warning that this process is moving fast and without adequate safeguards, it’s time to ask hard questions—and insist that Wyoming put people before politics and profit.
