In this episode of Eye on the Issues, we sit down with Mary Olson, founder of the Gender and Radiation Impact Project. With decades of experience in nuclear policy and radiation research, Mary offers a practical look at how radiation exposure affects the human body—and why understanding those risks is more important than ever as nuclear energy and waste storage debates continue. From routine reactor emissions to the long-term dangers of spent nuclear fuel, she explains why radiation isn't just a distant problem, but a real factor in cancer, infertility, and other health concerns happening today. She also shares her personal story of accidental exposure and what she believes communities like Wyoming should consider before agreeing to store nuclear waste.

In this episode of Eye on the Issues, we sit down with Dr. Allison Macfarlane, former Chair of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and Director of the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs at the University of British Columbia.

With decades of experience in nuclear oversight, Dr. Macfarlane brings a measured, practical perspective to the fast-moving conversations surrounding nuclear energy. While many discussions today are filled with excitement—and at times, hype—around small modular reactors and next-generation designs, Dr. Macfarlane offers a grounded view on what’s proven, what remains uncertain, and what communities like Wyoming should realistically consider.

During her time leading the NRC from 2012 to 2014, including in the wake of the Fukushima disaster and during new reactor construction in Georgia, Dr. Macfarlane saw firsthand both the promises and the challenges of nuclear development.

In this interview, she discusses:

* The economic and technical unknowns surrounding small modular reactors (SMRs)
* The complex realities of nuclear waste from emerging reactor designs, including those proposed for Wyoming
* Why keeping existing reactors running is vital, but nuclear is unlikely to deliver fast solutions for climate change
* How countries like Finland, Sweden, and Canada are outpacing the U.S. in responsible spent fuel management
* Her no-nonsense take on separating industry aspirations from scientific facts

Beyong the headlines and industry hype - hear from a former NRC Chair on what's real, what's unknown, and what comes next.

As Wyoming considers its role in the future of nuclear energy—including proposals around spent nuclear fuel storage—it’s essential to examine how other countries have approached the same challenge.

In this episode of Eye on the Issues, we welcome Johan Swahn, former director of Sweden’s NGO Office for Nuclear Waste Review and longtime advisor on nuclear transparency and safety. With decades of experience reviewing the science, regulation, and engineering behind Sweden’s nuclear waste program, Johan offers a grounded look at how Sweden and Finland have approached permanent repository development, the science behind copper canisters, and the complexity of planning for 100,000-year containment.

Johan also discusses the public trust dynamics in Scandinavia, the role of environmental watchdogs in technical review processes, and why some of the choices made decades ago are still being debated today.

At Wyoming Liberty Group, our role is to inform, clarify, and support good public policy decisions. We believe it’s vital for Wyoming citizens and lawmakers to have access to complete, honest information—especially when the issues are as long-lasting and complex as nuclear waste. This interview is part of our effort to bring global lessons into Wyoming’s local conversation.