- Eagle Mountain community leaders in Utah County had a chance to vote on a new energy zone that could allow small modular reactors in the community.
- The vote on Tuesday was delayed and deferred to incoming council members for them to make the decision.
- The alternative energy overlay zone being proposed would include the development of all sorts of energy resources, but nuclear is a contentious component.
The Utah County community of Eagle Mountain has once again delayed a vote on an alternative energy overlay zone that would embrace all forms of energy, even a small modular nuclear reactor.
At a city council meeting Tuesday night, the prevailing sentiment focused on allowing newly elected leaders to make the decision once they take office next year.
The alternative energy overlay zone is not geared to be applied to any property and instead would be contemplated upon a request for use. It has a number of requirements and restrictions related to the power generation facilities.
That request would consider the demonstration of approval from state and federal entities as applicable.
It would not require the pre-zoning of any specific area but would be handled on a case-by-case basis and depending on suitability.
The overlay zone was first considered for creation in 2024, but a vote earlier this year delayed its adoption.
That delay happened once again on Tuesday as the city grapples with this new technology, yet at the same time attempts to secure an independent and diverse energy future.
The zone has brought out opposition from some community members who are steadfastly opposed to having nuclear energy within the city and potential problems on what happens with the accompanying waste.
“We don’t want it here,” said Joy Rasmussen in a telephone interview prior to the meeting.
Other community members seem willing to explore the idea and at least have the option on the table.
In November, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox announced construction of a small nuclear power plant paired with a manufacturing and training hub that state leaders say could help power Utah’s energy future and reshape the local economy.
The Brigham City facility is in line with his initiative of “Operation Gigawatt,” which is a goal to double Utah’s energy production within 10 years.
At the time, Cox said the Brigham City development amplifies the goals of his initiative.
“This project aims to build a fleet of small modular reactors, but it will do so much more than that,” Cox said, adding: “The benefits of this project will ripple beyond, of course, just Brigham City, and advancing the goals of Operation Gigawatt, and securing Utah’s role as a leader in nuclear powered generation for generations to come.”
The Utah Department of Natural Resources will be involved in the environmental oversight of the Brigham City project.
Additionally, the Utah San Rafael Energy Lab is working with partners to develop promising advanced nuclear energy technology concepts. It is not involved in reactor design.
The center is set to host a pioneering nuclear test reactor developed by energy startup Valar Atomics. This partnership is a significant step in advancing clean, scalable nuclear technologies in the United States, with Utah at the forefront of innovation.
The upcoming test reactor is designed to support research and development, not power generation. Its primary focus is on validating reactor components, training personnel and informing future regulatory processes.
According to its website, the center says the project is a key milestone in accelerating the deployment of advanced gas-cooled small modular reactors that use TRISO fuel — a robust, next-generation nuclear fuel known for its inherent safety and high heat tolerance.
The Eagle Mountain question
It remains to be seen if, or when, Eagle Mountain leaders make a definitive vote on the energy overlay zone.
Community concern and council scrutiny are pushing the delays in this move that embraces uncharted territory.
City leaders have done an exhaustive analysis in hopes of abating and addressing concerns, but some question if it will be enough to overcome opposition.