A specialized security force is taking shape to protect the advanced nuclear power plant TerraPower is building in Kemmerer, and it will have more officers than the local Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.

"TerraPower will have more security guards than there are law enforcement officers in Lincoln County," Sheriff Shane Johnson told the Joint Mineral, Business and Economic Development Committee during a marathon hearing in Casper on Thursday.

As the committee members heard from TerraPower Nuclear Security Manager Melissa Darlington, guards at nuclear power plants in other states are empowered by specific legislation spelling out their authority.

Darlington laid out the security challenges facing the company’s Natrium reactor project during the legislative hearing. Her testimony highlighted the unique legal protections needed for nuclear security personnel to effectively defend against threats of terrorism and sabotage.