The 17^th Secretary of Energy, Chris Wright, was sworn in yesterday evening. In light of his confirmation, DOE shared a statement from Secretary Wright:

“Thank you to President Trump and the United States Senate for entrusting me with the great responsibility of leading the United States Department of Energy,” Secretary Wright said. 

“The President has outlined a bold and ambitious agenda for restoring American energy dominance.  A key component of this vision is the United States leading the world in energy development and innovation.  Our department is critical in accomplishing these goals by cutting red tape, prioritizing common-sense solutions, and fostering American ingenuity.

“I am honored and humbled by the responsibility and immense opportunity to help meet the American people’s growing energy needs. Our next chapter will strengthen our nation's energy leadership by developing our enviable resources, bolstering global partnerships, and advancing new technologies.

“When American energy is unleashed, human lives are bettered. I look forward to serving.”

ECA looks forward to working with Secretary Wright on issues and opportunities within DOE, and the EM, NNSA, and NE programs taht are relevant to our member communities.

REGISTER NOW:  WHAT DO YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE NEW ADMINISTRATION & CONGRESS? 

Join ECA next week, February 12 at 1:30pm ET, for an engaging discussion around "Legislative and Administration Priorities – What to Know". Hear firsthand from experienced leaders and former DOE Staff as they provide context and insight into navigating the upcoming congressional year. 

This webinar will cover a suite of topics, such as:

• Identifying key leadership in the new administration, Congress, and DOE
• What are the top policies and priorities of the new Administration and Congress?
• The who, how, and why of creating and framing your governmental priorities
• How to best present priorities to Congressional leadership and DOE staff
• What to expect from the upcoming legislative year
• How does/will congress pass DOE appropriations and authorizations?
• ...and more! 

Please reach out to AJ Ridge, ECA Program Manager, at ajr@energyca.org with any questions.

ENSURING LONG TERM SUCCESS: ECA TRANSITION PAPER FOR EM

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Environmental Management (EM) must continuously examine its work and evolve. The Energy Communities Alliance (ECA) is calling on the current Administration to launch a comprehensive review of all aspects of the EM program. To meet the challenges and better ensure the continued success of the DOE-EM program, the ECA’s Transition paper offers the following recommendations:

• Ensure Safe and Available Disposal Capability is Available for All Waste Aligned with Local Community Needs
• Re-assess Use of End-State Contracting
• Ensure Regulatory Agreements are Reasonably Achievable and Balance Short- and Long-Term Needs
• Improve Workforce Planning to Address EM “Brain Drain” and Ensure EM is Well Integrated with Other DOE Programs
• Maintain Robust Local Community Engagement 
• Continue to Focus on Economic/Energy Development Benefits From Cleanup
• Clarify that DOE Will Fully Investigate and Remediate Hazardous Materials Discovered at Completed Sites 
• Reconstitute a Dedicated Nuclear Waste Organization Within DOE

WHAT YOU'VE MISSED:

Georgia Power plans additional nuclear capacity

Read the full story

NRC issues Palisades’ draft environmental review, seeks public comment

NEW MEDIA:

Gone Fission Nuclear Report - New ORANO Plant Boosts Nuclear Growth

December 09, 2024 | S4 E20

It’s being called the largest investment in the history of the State of Tennessee. Orano USA has announced plans to build a new multi-billion dollar, state-of-the-art centrifuge uranium enrichment plant in Oak Ridge. The facility will provide fuel for America’s nuclear power plants and reduce U.S. dependence on foreign sources. In this week’s episode of the Gone Fission Nuclear Report, host Michael Butler discusses this exciting project with Orano USA President Jean-Luc Palayer. 

www.gonefissionpodcast.com 

NucleCast - John Swegle, Ph.D.: Putin's Message: Escalation or Deterrence?

January 28, 2025 | S02 E203

In this episode of NucleCast, Adam and Dr. John Swegle discuss the implications of a recent missile attack in Ukraine, where an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) was used in a conventional capacity. They delve into the specifics of the attack, the characteristics of the missile, and the potential messaging and escalation dynamics involved. The conversation also touches on the broader implications for NATO and the future of nuclear and conventional warfare.

https://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/

UPCOMING MEETINGS: