FACT CHECK

  • MYTH: "Gillette is being turned into a nuclear waste dumping ground."

    TRUTH: The BWXT project is a fuel fabrication facility, not a waste storage site.


    The facility would take uranium and manufacture advanced TRISO fuel for next-generation reactors. It is not licensed to store spent nuclear fuel or high-level nuclear waste.

    I've been clear from the beginning: I support energy innovation and economic opportunity, but I do not support high-level nuclear waste storage in Campbell County.

    Gillette has always powered America. This project is about building on that legacy, not becoming a waste site.

  • MYTH: "The BWXT project was negotiated in secret."

    TRUTH: Confidentiality agreements are a normal part of major economic development projects.

    When companies are considering hundreds of millions of dollars in investment, proprietary information and competitive business strategies must be protected during early discussions.

    Once the project became viable, information was shared publicly and community meetings were held to answer questions and provide updates. There are more public meetings scheduled as the project progresses further.

    My commitment has always been simple: bring opportunities to Gillette, follow the proper process, and make sure residents have the opportunity to learn about projects that impact our community.

  • MYTH: "Projects like BWXT will replace coal and hurt our local economy."

    TRUTH: This is about adding to our energy economy, not replacing it.

    Coal remains a critical part of Wyoming's economy and America's energy future. At the same time, communities that succeed over the long term are the ones that create new opportunities alongside their existing strengths.

    The BWXT project represents hundreds of high-paying jobs, significant private investment, and the opportunity to process Wyoming resources right here in Wyoming.

    Gillette's future isn't coal or something else.

    It's coal, oil, natural gas, advanced energy, manufacturing, and new opportunities working together to keep our community strong.

    That's what Unlocking Gillette's Potential means.

  • MYTH: "The BWXT facility will expose residents to dangerous levels of radiation."

    TRUTH: Advanced nuclear fuel facilities operate under some of the strictest regulations in the country.

    TRISO fuel is specifically designed with multiple layers of protective ceramic coatings, making it one of the most durable and robust nuclear fuels ever developed.

    Facilities like this are subject to extensive federal oversight, environmental reviews, and continuous monitoring.

    Public safety isn't an afterthought, it's the foundation.

  • MYTH: "Companies are only looking at Gillette because it's cheap."

    TRUTH: Companies are looking at Gillette because we have what they're looking for.

    We have:

    • A skilled workforce
    • Energy expertise
    • Strong infrastructure
    • A pro-business environment
    • A community that knows how to get things done

    Gillette didn't become America's Energy Capital by accident.

    Our strengths are attracting attention, investment, and opportunity.


  • MYTH: "The city has no say in projects like BWXT."

    TRUTH: Local leadership plays a critical role.

    My job is to make sure Gillette has a seat at the table, ask tough questions, advocate for our community, and ensure opportunities align with our long-term goals.

    The future shouldn't happen to Gillette.

    It should happen with Gillette.

  • MYTH: "Economic diversification means turning our back on coal."

    TRUTH: Diversification means building on our strengths.

    Coal remains a vital part of Wyoming's economy and America's energy future.

    Diversification simply means creating additional opportunities so our children and grandchildren have more reasons to stay, work, and build their futures here.

    It's not replacing our legacy.

    It's strengthening it.

  • MYTH: "The benefits only go to one company."

    TRUTH: Major projects create opportunities throughout the community.

    Projects like BWXT support:

    • Construction jobs
    • Skilled trades
    • Engineering
    • Manufacturing
    • Suppliers
    • Local businesses
    • Service industries

    When new investment comes to Gillette, the impact reaches far beyond one building.

  • MYTH: "Growth only benefits developers and corporations."

    TRUTH: Growth benefits communities when it's planned responsibly.

    Growth means:

    • More jobs
    • More housing options
    • A stronger tax base
    • Better infrastructure
    • Greater opportunities for local families

    The goal isn't growth for growth's sake.

    The goal is growth that strengthens Gillette.

  • MYTH: Wyoming's role in America's energy is behind us.

    TRUTH: Wyoming remains one of the most important energy-producing states in the nation.

    Our state holds roughly 40% of America's recoverable uranium reserves and continues to lead in coal, oil, and natural gas production.

    The future of American energy will depend on places like Wyoming—and communities like Gillette are well-positioned to help lead the way.

  • MYTH: Wyoming's energy future depends on choosing one energy industry over another.

    TRUTH: Wyoming's strength has always been energy leadership across multiple industries.

    For generations, Wyoming has helped power America through coal, oil, and natural gas. Today, we also have opportunities in uranium, nuclear fuel production, and other advanced energy technologies.

    The goal isn't replacing one industry with another.

    The goal is making sure Wyoming remains a leader in all forms of energy that create jobs, strengthen communities, and support our economy.

    That's how we build on our legacy while creating opportunities for the next generation.

  • MYTH: Economic opportunities just show up on their own.

    TRUTH: Major investments, partnerships, and economic development opportunities are built through relationships.

    Whether it's meeting with industry leaders, state officials, federal agencies, or international partners, those conversations matter. They help ensure Gillette has a seat at the table when decisions are being made and opportunities are being explored.

    Communities don't attract investment by sitting on the sidelines.

    They attract it by showing up, building relationships, telling their story, and advocating for their future.

    That's how opportunities are created. That's how partnerships are formed. And that's how we continue Unlocking Gillette's Potential.