Yucca Mountain is a mountain located in Nevada, about 100 miles northwest of Las Vegas. It is primarily known as the proposed site for the United States' first permanent geological repository for nuclear waste. The site was chosen due to its remote location and geological stability, which are important for safely storing radioactive materials. The Yucca Mountain project began in the 1980s, with the goal of isolating spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste from the environment. Despite extensive studies and construction efforts, the project has faced significant political and public opposition, leading to delays and uncertainty about its future.