Mark Gordon has signed a finalized regulatory agreement between the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, expanding Wyoming’s authority over certain nuclear source materials tied to rare earth and critical mineral development.
State officials said the agreement, formally executed April 30, marks a major milestone in Wyoming’s effort to become a national leader in rare earth elements and critical minerals production.
Under the agreement, Wyoming will now regulate source material recovered from mineral resources processed primarily for purposes other than extracting uranium or thorium. The state has already overseen uranium and thorium milling facilities since 2018.
Gordon said the expanded authority will allow Wyoming to maintain strong oversight while creating new opportunities for investment, innovation, and job growth.
Todd Parfitt said the new authority positions Wyoming to support advancements in rare earth and critical mineral technologies while maintaining state and federal compliance standards.
Brandi O’Brien said state regulators will be able to license and inspect facilities more efficiently because of their proximity to Wyoming operations.
The effort was launched after passage of House Bill 61 during the 67th Wyoming Legislature, which prompted Gordon to request the expansion in 2023. The DEQ also added two full-time positions to create a new Source Material Program.
As part of the transfer, regulatory authority over Rare Element Resources, Inc.’s Bear Lodge Project will move from the federal government to the state.
State officials said the program’s rules were unanimously recommended by the Land Quality Division Advisory Board, approved by the Environmental Quality Council and Secretary of State’s Office, and received final approval from Gordon earlier this year.
By: DNU staff