PIKETON, Ohio – Centrus Energy Corp. is pressing ahead with its ambitious plans to revive large-scale uranium enrichment in Pike County, but not without a wave of resistance from local residents and environmental groups. The company’s recent announcements highlight its aggressive push to expand operations, but critics warn of potential long-term consequences for the region.
Centrus, a key player in the nuclear fuel supply chain, revealed it is resuming centrifuge manufacturing in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Over the next 18 months, the company plans to invest an additional $60 million to prepare for a potential large-scale expansion at its American Centrifuge Plant in Piketon, Ohio. If fully realized, this expansion would require billions in public and private funding.
Promises of an “All-American Solution”
Centrus President and CEO Amir Vexler touted the project as vital to restoring U.S. uranium enrichment capacity and reducing reliance on foreign suppliers. “The all-American solution we are offering represents the best path forward to ensure a reliable fuel supply for today’s reactors, support next-generation technologies, and meet America’s national security needs,” Vexler said.
The company highlighted recent milestones, including over $2 billion in contingent purchase commitments and Department of Energy awards for High-Assay, Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) production and deconversion. Centrus claims its Piketon facility will create thousands of jobs and secure the U.S. nuclear fuel supply chain.
However, community members and activists see the promises as hollow and the risks as overwhelming.
A Troubled Past and an Uncertain Future
Piketon has a fraught history with nuclear activities, including decades of radioactive contamination from the now-decommissioned Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant. For many residents, Centrus’ plans are reopening old wounds.
“We’ve already endured 75 years of radioactive contamination. Now they want to shove another 75 years of death and cancer down this community’s throat,” said Vina Colley, president of Piketon/Portsmouth Residents for Environmental Safety and Security (PRESS).
Community advocate and human rights consultant Jason Salley echoed these concerns, questioning the long-term economic benefits. “Centrus talks about jobs, but these will mostly be temporary construction jobs. Once the dust settles, operations will be handled by outsiders, not local workers,” Salley said.
While Centrus claims its expansion will bring thousands of union jobs, critics argue that any economic gains will be short-lived and leave the region grappling with environmental and health risks.
Activists Speak Out
Local opposition groups, including PRESS and the American Nuclear Activist Alliance, have labeled Centrus’ plans a “radioactive pipe dream.” Their criticisms extend beyond environmental concerns, pointing to the company’s ongoing ties to Russia. Despite a stated goal of reducing dependence on foreign uranium, Centrus secured a waiver from the U.S. government to continue importing uranium from Russia’s state-owned TENEX.
“This project is being sold as a move towards energy independence, yet Centrus is still doing business with Russia. It’s hypocritical and alarming,” said Colley.
Currently, activists are actively engaged in a campaign called, “Make Pike County Nuclear Free Again.” Leaders of the movement say that they want to stop nuclear expansion in the region and instead find green energy and manufacturing solutions to the county’s economic problems.
Balancing National Security and Local Safety
Republican lawmakers backing Centrus argue that the project is essential to U.S. national security. With global tensions rising, proponents say developing a domestic uranium supply chain is critical to safeguarding the country’s energy infrastructure.
However, critics say the price may be too high for a community still recovering from the impacts of past nuclear operations.
“Piketon has become the geopolitical capital of uranium enrichment, but at what cost?” asked Salley. “The people here deserve better than to be treated as a dumping ground for hazardous materials in the name of national security.”
What’s Next?
As Centrus moves forward, the community’s divide deepens. The company’s plans require significant federal investment, making congressional support a critical factor. Meanwhile, activists vow to continue fighting what they see as a dangerous gamble with the region’s future.
For now, Piketon remains at the center of a growing debate over nuclear energy’s role in America’s future – and the sacrifices small communities are being asked to make.
Stay updated on developments in Pike County and the broader debate over nuclear energy by following our coverage.