KEMMERER, Wyo.—Wyoming’s retiring coal assets and political support for new nuclear power made the state an attractive option for the site of TerraPower’s Natrium reactor. Kemmerer beat out Gillette, Glenrock and Rock Springs for the Natrium plant, which is set to open in 2028. Mayor William (Bill) Thek and others said TerraPower chose Kemmerer due to the community’s ardent approval of the project.

KEMMERER, Wyo.—In late 2019, Teri Picerno heard that the Naughton coal power plant outside of Kemmerer would close in the coming years. The news was devastating for the local bar owner and 42-year resident of the small Wyoming coal town.