The Department of Energy has moved forward on a permit modification request for the Waste Isolation Pilot Program (WIPP) in Carlsbad, New Mexico, that outlines an above ground storage facility for transuranic waste that would be used for one year, while it works on returning the underground unit to service. nuclearstreet.com

The Alabama Emergency Management Agency has been advised that an incident classified as an “Alert” has been declared at the Joseph M. Farley Nuclear Electric Generating Plant near Dothan. The Governor has been notified & briefed on the status of the plant. whnt.com

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said it’s unlikely his country will adopt nuclear energy during his six-year term because of safety concerns. seattletimes.com

Energy companies are shutting down their nuclear power plants and resorting to other forms of production. This is primarily due to the lack of funding and cheaper alternatives such as oil. With shale production continuing to ramp up production and incidentally lowering oil prices, nuclear facilities are no longer considered cost effective. It’s upsetting to contemplate the idea of nuclear power failing in the United States, especially when other countries’ governments, including those of Russia and China, are still fully financially backing the energy source. oilprice.com