Supreme Court to Decide on Nuclear Waste Storage in Texas and New Mexico

In a significant legal development, the U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to review two major cases involving nuclear waste storage and a lawsuit from Mexico against U.S. gun manufacturers. The first case concerns plans to store nuclear waste in rural Texas and New Mexico, where political leaders oppose the facilities. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) had granted a license for a private company to store spent nuclear fuel in West Texas, but the 5th Circuit Court ruled that the NRC exceeded its authority. This ruling could impact similar plans in New Mexico, where officials are also against such storage sites. The second case involves a $10 billion lawsuit filed by Mexico against leading U.S. gun manufacturers, including Smith & Wesson and Glock. Mexico claims that these companies' negligent practices have contributed to gun trafficking and violence in the country, with estimates suggesting that 70% of trafficked weapons originate from the U.S. The lawsuit has faced various legal challenges, including a dismissal by a federal judge, but an appeals court allowed it to proceed, citing exceptions to existing legal protections for gun manufacturers. Both cases highlight ongoing tensions regarding regulatory authority and the implications of U.S. commercial practices on neighboring countries. The Supreme Court's decisions, expected by mid-next year, could set important precedents in both environmental and international legal contexts. As these cases unfold, they reflect broader issues of public safety, environmental policy, and international relations, particularly in the context of nuclear waste management and gun violence.