March 20, 2025

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SCOTUS Ruling Could Shape the Future of Nuclear Waste Storage

The U.S. Supreme Court is currently reviewing a case that could have major implications for how nuclear waste is stored across the country—including the 3.6 million pounds of radioactive waste at San Onofre. At the center of the case is whether the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has the authority to license private interim storage facilities, such as the one proposed in Andrews County, Texas, which would hold high-level nuclear waste away from reactor sites. Texas has challenged this decision, arguing that the NRC is overstepping its legal bounds and that waste management should remain under federal oversight.

This case matters to us because San Onofre’s waste remains in thin-walled metal canisters near a rising ocean, with no long-term plan for safe containment. If the Supreme Court rules against private storage, it could limit future options for moving this waste to a safer location. Meanwhile, if the Court upholds the NRC’s authority, it could pave the way for private companies to take a larger role in nuclear waste management—raising serious questions about safety, oversight, and accountability. As we continue to fight for a real solution for San Onofre, this decision will play a critical role in shaping what’s possible. Stay tuned for more updates as this case unfolds.

Hold SCE Accountable: From Wildfires to Nuclear Waste

On March 5, 2025, Los Angeles County filed a lawsuit against Southern California Edison (SCE) over the devastating Eaton Fire, which killed 17 people and destroyed over 9,000 structures. The lawsuit alleges that SCE’s failure to maintain its infrastructure led to the disaster—echoing a long history of negligence by the utility. From wildfires to nuclear waste, Edison has repeatedly put profit over public safety, avoiding accountability for the risks it imposes on millions of Californians. The parallels to nuclear waste stored at San Onofre are striking: just as SCE’s equipment failures have fueled deadly fires, their reckless handling of 3.6 million pounds of nuclear waste at San Onofre poses an existential threat to our coastal communities.

This lawsuit highlights the urgent need to hold SCE accountable—not just for wildfire destruction but for the dangerous waste sitting on our shoreline. Our fight continues to demand oversight, responsibility, transportability, and real solutions for San Onofre’s ticking time bomb before disaster strikes again. We are optimistic that LA County will see justice in this fight against Edison.

A Milestone in Nuclear Waste Management

Finland is making history with the upcoming opening of Onkalo, the world’s first deep geological repository for spent nuclear fuel. Designed to safely contain waste for 100,000 years, Onkalo uses copper canisters encased in bedrock and sealed with bentonite clay to prevent leaks and contamination. This long-term storage solution sets a powerful global precedent for managing nuclear waste responsibly.

While a project like Onkalo may not be economically feasible in the United States–the US has produced 180 million more pounds of nuclear waste than Finland–, it demonstrates that permanent waste storage solutions are achievable. As the U.S. continues to face challenges with temporary storage and the now-defunct Yucca Mountain site, Onkalo serves as a beacon of innovation and commitment to environmental safety.



We hope to further the conversation on sustainable nuclear waste management and push for safer, long-term strategies in our own communities by drawing from inspiration around the world and using meaningful solutions.

Celebrate Women’s Voices on Our Latest Podcast!

This March, in recognition of Women’s Month, our First Fridays podcast series featured a powerful conversation with two inspiring female leaders: Amy-Willard Cross, founder of Gender Fair, and Amber Nuttall, Sustainability Director of Extreme International. They explored gender equality, the importance of female leadership, and the global impact of limiting women's participation in decision-making.

Amy highlighted the concept of gender lens investing — a strategy that supports companies excelling in gender equity while delivering strong financial returns. Meanwhile, Amber shared how creating inclusive spaces for collaboration have amplified progress, especially for younger generations navigating today’s challenges. Together, Amy and Amber demonstrated the power of advocacy and innovation in advancing gender equality and sustainability.

Hear their perspectives on how to drive positive change and create a more inclusive future. Now streaming on all of our platforms!

SLF Is on BlueSky & Spotify!

SLF is now on BlueSky, giving us a new space to share updates, advocacy efforts, and connect with our community. Plus, our First Fridays podcast is officially live on Spotify! If you are not already doing so, be sure to follow us on Instagram!

Write Your Representative

Click HERE to email your local representatives to express your concerns and advocate for policies that safeguard our communities and environment.

Sign The Petition

Sign the petition linked HERE to support the monitoring and move of the toxic nuclear waste to a safer location.

Share This Newsletter

Please share this newsletter with your friends, family, and colleagues. Encourage them to join the SLF community to keep informed about critical issues related to nuclear safety, environmental health, and more.

Like these topics? Check out our "First Fridays" Series on YouTube or Spotify, where we bring together leading experts to discuss climate change, nuclear safety, environmental issues, energy solutions, and public health and wellness.

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