(Al Hartmann | The Salt Lake Tribune) Tom Retson, chief operating officer for the Blue Castle Nuclear Project, discusses the proposed plant. Blue Castle is conducting characterization studies needed for a licensing application with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. (Scott Sommerdorf | Tribune file photo) Former Rep. Aaron Tilton heads Blue Castle, the company developing plans for Utah's first nuclear power plant. Opponents have filed suit against the state engineer's approval earlier this year for water rights for the project. (Al Hartmann | The Salt Lake Tribune) Blue Castle Nuclear Project is conducting characterization studies for a licensing application with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. (Al Hartmann | The Salt Lake Tribune) Eddie Floyd watches as a drilling rig takes core samples to examine the soil and geology of an area northwest of Green River. Floyd works for Enercon Services, the main contractor for the Blue Castle Nuclear Project. The drilling comes as part of Blue Castle's licensing application with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. (Al Hartmann | The Salt Lake Tribune) A look over the stark badland landscape northwest of Green River where the Blue Castle Nuclear Project is proposed to be built. Blue Castle is conducting characterization studies needed for a licensing application with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. (Al Hartmann | The Salt Lake Tribune) Kent Jones, left, and John Mann with the Utah Division of Water Rights were the only officials in the state who had a decision-making role in the proposed nuclear power plant near Green River. Jones on Tuesday upheld his previous decision to OK the water rights application for nuclear power developer Blue Castle Holdings. Neither the governor nor Legislature get a vote.