No dumping

Nuclear energy may be necessary, but where to put all those radioactive leftovers? | Emily Belz

Associated Press/Photo by Betsy Blaney

Andrews, a town of 13,000 in western Texas, is a picture of what America's energy future could look like: It is built off the oil, natural gas, and nuclear energy industries, all of which have helped the town stay afloat in the recession and avoid high unemployment rates.

"Right now, we're blessed," said Jerry Bevel, who owns a real estate business and a coffee shop in Andrews. However his neighbors, sisters Peggy and Melodye Pryor don't believe Andrews is blessed: They are among the few local opponents to a new low-level nuclear waste facility in the county. Backed by environmental groups like the Sierra Club, the sisters have filed lawsuit after lawsuit to block the dumping of radioactive waste, which they are worried will contaminate the water supply. Bevel and local officials in Andrews, however, believe that nuclear energy is a part of the country's future, and that Andrews could be an important piece in the puzzle.