In a move that's drawing both praise and concern, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has officially approved a request from the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WDEQ) to expand uranium mining operations in the state’s south-central region. The decision focuses on the Battle Springs Formation—a deep aquifer in the Great Divide Basin—and clears the way for Lost Creek ISR, LLC, to boost its underground mining efforts.

According to the EPA and WDEQ, this aquifer is no longer a viable source of drinking water, nor is it expected to become one in the future. That assessment allowed for an exemption under the federal Underground Injection Control (UIC) program, which typically prohibits injecting mining fluids into underground water sources unless specific criteria are met.

“Today’s decision will enable responsible energy development of critical uranium resources while protecting the groundwater of communities in Wyoming,” said EPA Regional Administrator Cyrus Western. “We’re moving quickly, working with states and delivering results.”

The approval comes as part of a broader push by the Trump administration to enhance American energy production, particularly in the realm of nuclear power. Supporters, including Senators John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis, lauded the announcement as a step toward energy independence, economic growth, and job creation in a region with deep mining roots.

“This is a win for uranium production in Wyoming,” said Barrasso. “Nuclear power is clean and reliable and creates good-paying jobs.”

The project’s supporters are framing it as a critical piece of the nation’s energy puzzle, especially as nuclear power regains traction amid global climate concerns. With uranium at the core of nuclear fuel, domestic production is seen as a way to reduce dependence on foreign sources and bolster national security.

Weighing Progress Against Environmental Risks

Supporters of the mining expansion are quick to highlight the upsides: more jobs for local workers, a boost to national energy security, and a fresh push for nuclear energy as a clean, reliable power source. With uranium being a critical fuel for nuclear reactors, increasing domestic production could help cut down America’s dependence on imports—something many see as both an economic and strategic win.

But not everyone’s on board.

Environmental groups and water experts are raising red flags, warning that once an aquifer like Battle Springs is exempted for mining, it’s essentially taken off the table as a future drinking water source—permanently. And while officials say the aquifer isn’t being used now and probably won’t be in the future, critics argue that in a time of growing water scarcity and unpredictable climate shifts, we might regret closing that door.

Then there’s the method itself. In-situ recovery (ISR) mining involves injecting chemical-laced fluids deep into the ground to dissolve uranium, then pumping it back up for processing. If the operation isn’t carefully monitored, it could contaminate nearby groundwater—something no one wants to see.

Some opponents also worry that this approval process may have moved too fast, with political momentum outpacing environmental caution. Their concern: we might be trading long-term water security for short-term energy gains.

State officials, however, insist that every box was checked and every regulation followed.

“The WDEQ is pleased that EPA has concurred with Wyoming’s assessment,” said Todd Parfitt, Director of the WDEQ. “This action will allow for the responsible development of uranium resources while ensuring drinking water sources are protected.”

As Lost Creek ISR gears up to break ground, the broader debate continues—how to balance the need for energy and economic growth with the responsibility to protect one of the West’s most precious and finite resources: water.