The American Nuclear Society (ANS) called the finalist selection “an important step in evaluating how the U.S. can strengthen its nuclear fuel cycle and expand domestic nuclear capabilities.” The effort, it said, would explore “a more complete domestic nuclear fuel cycle—from uranium production and fuel fabrication to reactor operations and long-term management of used nuclear fuel,” including consolidated storage, recycling technologies, and eventual disposal. “A Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus has the potential to advance two important national objectives: strengthening America’s nuclear fuel infrastructure and improving long-term management options for used nuclear fuel,” noted ANS CEO Craig Piercy. Spencer Cox’s broader initiative to double the state’s power-generation capacity over the next decade and expand its nuclear energy capabilities. Brad Little’s office noted, Idaho’s proposal was prepared in coordination with the newly established Advanced Nuclear Energy Task Force, which was created via executive order in September 2025.