Fentress County will no longer be considered as a location for the State of Tennessee’s proposed nuclear waste repository. Fentress County Executive Jacob E. Rosenbaum announced the decision following formal confirmation from state officials.

The announcement brings a definitive close to months of local discussion regarding the potential project tied to the state’s Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus. While acknowledging the potential economic benefits of the nuclear industry, Executive Rosenbaum stated that community health and long-term safety remained the paramount concern, leading him to oppose the disposal of spent nuclear material without definitive safety guarantees.

The county’s leadership and residents mobilized swiftly against the proposal:

State leaders ultimately respected the community’s stance, recognizing that such a project requires a willing partner. Importantly, state officials confirmed that existing partnerships regarding infrastructure, economic development, and other regional priorities will remain unaffected.

County leadership emphasized that Fentress County remains open to appropriate economic opportunities within the growing nuclear sector, but will continue to prioritize community protection as it moves forward.