Carbon County Planning Commission approves Valar Atomics Raceway Energy Campus permit in 4-1 vote

Carbon County's Planning Commission voted 4-1 to approve a conditional use permit for Valar Atomics' proposed Raceway Energy Campus near Price, Utah. The project would combine nuclear power, natural gas generation, nuclear fuel manufacturing, and data centers on one site, with up to 3 gigawatts of capacity. The permit includes 26 conditions covering water use, noise, roads, emergency response, and a half-mile separation from homes. Valar Atomics says it will run natural gas first while it works through federal nuclear licensing. The company plans to avoid local culinary water and may truck in industrial water if needed. It also committed to hold at least three public meetings in Carbon County before building permits are issued. Commissioner Lisa Simmons cast the only no vote. The approval is an early step. The nuclear facilities still need federal licenses, and the company must submit water, traffic, noise, and emergency response plans before construction. Local residents on both sides packed the meeting, and the county will keep overseeing the project through those conditions.