Federal regulations call for the WIPP plant to be closed by the end of 2024, but now are recognizing that it may be open forever. It’s the nation’s only deep geological repository for nuclear waste, and it’s locsted near Carlsbad. A debate in Clovis on Friday focused on future shipments to the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant. WIPP leaders are seeking renewal of the 10-year permit that allows the site to continue receiving shipments, plus the state’s approval of an expansion of the plant to store more waste.