From Oil City News (Gov. Gordon enters into regulatory agreement with US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Apr 21, 2026):
CHEYENNE, Wyo. — On Tuesday, Gov. Mark Gordon’s office announced that the governor signed the finalized agreement between the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
A release from the governor’s office says that this agreement expands on the DEQ’s regulatory authority. Following years of preparation, the formal execution of the amended agreement on April 30 marked a major milestone in Wyoming’s mission to lead the nation in rare earth element and critical mineral development.
“This agreement marks an important step in Wyoming’s effort to responsibly lead in the development of critical minerals,” Gordon said. “By bringing this regulatory authority closer to the ground, we can ensure strong oversight while creating opportunities for innovation, investment and good-paying jobs. Wyoming has proven we can do this work the right way, safely, transparently, and with respect for our communities and environment.”
At a formal signing agreement, Gordon and Andrea Kock, director of Nuclear Material, Safety, and Safeguards, finalized the agreement officially granting Wyoming authority over source material recovered from mineral resources processed primarily for purposes other than obtaining their uranium or thorium content. The release says that this expansion will build on the state’s existing authority over uranium and thorium milling facilities, which Wyoming has managed since September 2018.
“Wyoming continues to lead the nation in responsible mineral development,” Todd Parfitt director of the DEQ, said. “The expanded agreement with the NRC provides Wyoming with regulatory authority to support advancements in rare earth and critical mineral technologies, all while ensuring compliance with state and federal standards.”
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The initiative was driven by the passage of House Bill HB0061 during the 67th Legislative Session, which prompted the governor’s formal request for the expansion in 2023. To support this new scope, the DEQ Land Quality Division was authorized to add two full-time positions dedicate to developing the Source Material Program.
Under the new program, “source material” refers to uranium or thorium generated as a side stream or waste during other mineral processing activities, like the processing of rare earth elements.
While the category was previously regulated by the federal government, the execution of the April agreement transfers regulatory authority to the State of Wyoming. As a result, the NRC license for Rare Element Resources Inc.’s Bear Lodge Project will be officially transferred to the Source Material Program.
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