TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS & WHAT TO KNOW
- IAEA highlights Mayors Hosting Nuclear Facilities – ECA members highlighted
- Today - Senate to Vote on Reappointment of David Wright, NRC Chair
- House of Representatives in recess until September 2 and Senate will recess at the end of the week
- ECA expects several DOE nominees to be confirmed prior to the Senate recess this week
- Wednesday - Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
to meet to consider Timothy J. Walsh for Assistant Secretary for EM
- DOE selects Idaho Falls/Butte County (Idaho National Laboratory), Anderson, Roane and Oak Ridge (Oak Ridge Site), Paducah and Aiken/Augusta (Savannah River) For AI and Energy Development
- Register for the National Cleanup Workshop,
September 24 & 25!
- Energy and Water Appropriations will not be moving this week in the House or Senate and ECA expects a CR prior to September 30 (see the ECA budget tracker at the bottom of this newsletter for detailed appropriations numbers)
- Great story on the ETEC NOW meeting by Mike Butler (Gone Fission Podcast) linked below. Congratulations to ETEC on a great conference last week!
IAEA - MAYORS REFLECT ON HOSTING NUCLEAR FACILITIES
Mayors from nuclear host communities around the world attended the International Conference on Stakeholder Engagement for Nuclear Power Programmes 2025 and shared their experiences. (Image: K. Vargas/IAEA) The IAEA hosted the world’s first major gathering of communities with nuclear facilities, with scores of mayors and other local representatives from around the globe, including indigenous peoples, sharing their experiences and insights.
Rebecca Casper, Mayor, City of Idaho Falls, United States of
America
“My city of Idaho
Falls owns and operates its electric utility, integrating hydropower, wind, geothermal, and emerging hydrogen technologies. We are now planning to add micro-reactors. As policymakers, we study complex energy markets, transmission and regulations, all so we can provide reliable, cost-effective power to our citizens. And they in turn support nuclear because it offers safe, reliable, carbon-free, baseload energy. Advanced reactors are the path forward securing our community’s energy future while
keeping costs low for generations to come." Marcelo Matzkin, Mayor, Municipality of Zárate, Argentina
“Lima, located in the Municipality of Zárate, became a consolidated city thanks to the nuclear energy industry, evolving from a rural town into a Nuclear City that hosts two nuclear power reactors and a future modular nuclear reactor. It offers the advantage of large-scale job creation and opportunities but also faces the constant challenge of adapting its
infrastructure for a continuously growing population.” Gerben Dijksterhuis, Mayor of Borsele, Netherlands and Chair of the Group of European Municipalities with Nuclear Facilities
“Local governments must position themselves as serious stakeholders in the nuclear sector. Be well-informed, ask the right questions, and ensure the community’s voice is heard.” Vesa Lakaniemi, Mayor of Eurajoki Municipality, Finland
"Olkiluoto has produced clean, climate-friendly electricity for Finnish
society over five decades with nuclear. A high-level safety culture, combined with high-technology and open communication culture, has greatly increased trust to nuclear. Nowadays Olkiluoto encompasses the entire nuclear facilities, from power plants to final disposal. Nuclear business has brought numerous jobs, tax revenues, and countless business opportunities to private companies in the Satakunta region and of course better days for all inhabitants in this area." Yuewen Zheng, Mayor of Rongcheng City, China
"The third- and fourth-generation nuclear power plants have been successfully built in Rongcheng, driving the transition to green energy and a near-zero-carbon city. Nuclear heating and education initiatives have boosted public acceptance, fostering harmonious coexistence between nuclear energy utilization and urban development. We are now actively advancing the expansion of nuclear power projects while establishing a
world-class nuclear energy technology demonstration base. We eagerly anticipate sharing our expertise and collaborating with global partners to shape a sustainable future." Ludmila Danilova, Vice-President of the Regional Public Organization Association of Indigenous Peoples of Chukotka,
Russia
“We are the people of the Northern Lights. For us nuclear energy is heat and light in our homes, and secure future for our children. For 95 years, Chukotka has come an amazing way. Its economy relies on mining and traditional economic activities. Nuclear energy supports social
infrastructure, investment, and regional development. It strengthens good neighbourly ties and ensures energy security for Bilibino. Nuclear energy lights the way forward for Chukotka.” Ujawala Kale, Mayor of Palghar, India
“The future needs nuclear energy. As our region seeks more carbon-free electricity, we hope that the Tarapur nuclear power plant will
play a role in powering both homes and industry in the future.” Assumpció Castellví Auví, Mayor of
Vandellós i l’Hospitalet-del’Infant, Spain
“In our municipality,
nuclear energy generates many jobs, both directly and indirectly, and provides the city council with significant revenue, which we use to subsidize services for organizations and residents. We are in favour of extending the lifespan of power plants, provided that investment is made in safety measures and that information and citizen participation in decision making are encouraged.” Kris Van Dijck, Mayor of Dessel, Belgium, and Member of the European Parliament
“The nuclear industry has brought prosperity and well-being to my municipality and region. It has created employment opportunities for both highly and low-skilled workers, providing specialized training with a strong focus on safety for people and the environment. Moreover, all of this takes place in close consultation with residents and the local government,
fostering a strong sense of community. As a local community, we thus provide significant added value to society as a whole.” William Matsheke, Councillor and Executive Mayor of Rand West City Local Municipality, Gauteng Province, South Africa
“Rand West City Local Municipality has a high unemployment rate, but nuclear energy facilities create a variety of jobs, requiring a diverse range of skills, thus providing substantial employment prospects within our
community. Nuclear energy also contributes to the generation of revenue for infrastructure development and local projects. Engaging and educating local communities is essential in ensuring that they are well informed and involved in exploring nuclear initiatives.” Read the original article here.
UPCOMING SENATE HEARINGS: NRC COMMISSIONER AND EM ASSISTANT SECRETARY
With the House in recess until September 2, the spotlight is now on the Senate, with substantial pressure from the Administration to consider a flurry of nominations before the Senate recess at the end of this week. Senate to Vote on Reappointment of David Wright,
NRC Chair The Senate will meet later today (Monday, July 28) at 5:30pm to vote on the nomination of David Wright, Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), to serve another term as an NRC commissioner. ECA had submitted a Letter of Support in favor of David Wright's nomination to the Senate Committee on Environment and Publics Works: "The Energy Communities Alliance (ECA) is writing to express support for David A. Wright to continue serving as the Chairman of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) ... Chairman Wright has already proven to be an effective leader of the NRC, and we hope the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee will move quickly to confirm him and ensure that the NRC can continue ongoing efforts to enable and facilitate advanced reactor development and deployment. ECA believes that
Chairman Wright should be reconfirmed as the Chairman of the NRC for the following reasons: - Chairman Wright will provide continuity in leadership at this critical time for the NRC and nuclear development;
- Chairman Wright brings significant experience in the arena of energy issues, in particular nuclear energy issues;
- Chairman Wright has a proven track record as an elected official."
To read
the full letter, click here. Senate Committee to Consider EM Nominee
Assistant Secretary Timothy Walsh The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources will meet on Wednesday, July 30, at 9:30am, to consider multiple pending nominations, including that of Timothy J Walsh, nomine Assistant Secretary for the Department of Energy Office of Environmental
Management. ECA had also submitted a letter of support to the Senate Committee to voice support for Mr. Walsh's confirmation: "ECA supports the nomination of Mr. Walsh, who would be the first political appointee in over six years to lead the EM program. ECA believes that EM should be led by a political appointee to enable the difficult decision-making that the program requires to evolve and best serve the U.S.
taxpayers and the host communities. Congress and President set up the EM program to have a political leader to ensure that the leader of the program would go through the Senate confirmation process and be directly accountable to the President, the Secretary, and Congress. ... Mr. Walsh seems to have the executive experience necessary for this role, and a track record of cooperating and communicating with businesses and local governments who are the current and future hosts of our nation’s
nuclear facilities. Communication and partnership with these entities is critical to the success of the EM mission, and ECA believes Mr. Walsh understands that creating relationships with local government leaders and industry to enable the advancement of that EM mission will assist to move the EM program for the short and long-term." To read the full letter of support, click here.
DOE SELECTS IDAHO, OAK RIDGE, PADUCAH, AND SAVANNAH RIVER FOR AI & ENERGY DEVELOPMENT
NNSA | July 24, 2025 The forthcoming solicitations will drive innovation in reliable energy technologies, contribute to lower energy costs, and strengthen American leadership in artificial intelligence WASHINGTON– The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced the next steps in the Trump administration’s plan to accelerate the development of AI infrastructure through siting on DOE lands. DOE has selected four sites—Idaho National Laboratory, Oak Ridge Reservation, Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant and Savannah River Site—to move forward with plans to invite private sector partners to develop cutting edge AI data center and energy generation
projects. Today’s announcement supports the Trump administration’s goals of utilizing Federal lands to lower energy costs and help power the global AI race, as outlined in President Trump’s Executive Orders on Accelerating Federal Permitting of Data Center Infrastructure, Deploying Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technologies for National Security, and Unleashing American Energy. "By leveraging DOE land assets for the deployment of AI and energy infrastructure, we are taking a bold step to accelerate the next Manhattan Project—ensuring U.S. AI and energy leadership,” said Energy Secretary Chris Wright. “These sites are uniquely positioned to host data centers as well as power generation to bolster grid reliability, strengthen our national security, and reduce energy costs.” DOE received enormous interest in response to its April request for information (RFI) that helped inform the selection of these sites. The chosen locations are well-situated for large-scale data centers, new power generation, and other necessary infrastructure. DOE looks forward to working with data center developers, energy companies, and the broader public in consultation with
states, local governments, and federally recognized tribes that these projects will serve to further advance this important initiative. More details regarding project scope, eligibility requirements, and submission guidelines at each site will be available with the site-specific releases. These solicitations are expected to be released in the coming months and partners could be selected by the end of the year. DOE is also evaluating additional sites that could issue solicitations in the future.
Read the original article here.
NUCLEAR WASTE TECHNICAL REVIEW BOARD TO MEET AUGUST 27
Federal Register | July 24, 2025 The U.S. Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board will hold a hybrid (in-person/virtual) meeting in Arlington, Virginia, on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, to receive program updates from Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Spent Fuel and
High-Level Waste Disposition, within the Office of Nuclear Energy (DOE-NE). Pursuant to its authority under section 5051 of Public Law 100-203, Nuclear Waste Policy Amendments Act (NWPAA) of 1987, the U.S. Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board will hold a hybrid (in-person/virtual) meeting in Arlington, Virginia, on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, to review information on the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) activities to
manage spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste and to receive program updates from DOE's Office of Nuclear Energy (DOE-NE). Senior leaders from DOE-NE will provide an overview of the activities and new priorities of the DOE Office of Spent Fuel and High-Level Waste Disposition (NE-8). DOE staff will also provide updates on the activities of the Office of Disposal Research & Development (NE-81), the Office of Storage & Transportation (NE-82), and the Office of Consent-Based
Siting (NE-83). The hybrid (in-person/virtual) meeting will be held at the Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel at 1700 Richmond Highway in Arlington, Virginia. The hotel telephone number is (703) 920-3230. The hotel website is www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/wasgw-crystal-gateway-marriott/. On Wednesday, August 27, the meeting will begin at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) and is scheduled to adjourn at approximately 4:00 p.m. EDT. DOE speakers will be senior representatives of the Office of Spent Fuel and High-Level Waste Disposition. A detailed meeting agenda will be available on the Board's website at www.nwtrb.gov approximately one week before the meeting. The meeting will be open to the public, and there will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the meeting. Those attending the meeting in person and wishing to provide oral comments are encouraged to sign-in using the Public Comment Register at the check-in
table near the entrance to the meeting room. Oral commenters will be taken in the order in which they signed in. Public comments may also be submitted during the meeting via the online meeting viewing platform, using the “Comment for the Record” form. Comments submitted online during the day of the meeting may be read into the record by Board staff during the public comment period if time allows. Depending on the number of speakers and online comments, a time limit on individual remarks may be
set. Written comments of any length may be submitted to the Board staff by mail or electronic mail. Comments received in writing will be included in the meeting record, which will be posted on the Board's website. An archived recording of the meeting will be available on the Board's website following the meeting, and a transcript of the meeting will be available on the website by November 1, 2025. Read the full notice on
the Federal Register here.
JOIN US FOR THE 11TH ANNUAL NATIONAL CLEANUP WORKSHOP
September 24 - 25, 2025 | Crystal Gateway Marriott | Arlington, VA Join us September 24-25 at the Crystal Gateway Marriott - Arlington, VA, where we’ll explore how
the Department of Energy’s Office of Environmental Management is working to drive down risks while also building up new opportunities for communities and the nation.
WHO'S SPEAKING?
Roger Jarrell | Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary and Acting Assistant Secretary, DOE-EM
James McConnell | Acting Principal Deputy Administrator, NNSA
Greg Sosson | Associate Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for
Field Operations, DOE-EM
Kristen Ellis | Associate Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Regulatory and Policy Affairs, DOE-EM
Brent Gerry | Mayor, City of West Richland, WA; Chair, ECA
Rebecca Casper | Mayor, City of Idaho Falls, ID; Vice-Chair, ECA
Jonathan “JD” Dowell | Senior Vice President, Fluor
Heatherly Dukes | President, BWXT Technical
Services Group
DJ Johnson | Vice President, Federal Solutions Business Enterprise, Honeywell Federal Solutions; Chair, EFCOG
Mark Johnson | Principal Vice President, High Level Waste Facility, Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP), Bechtel
Jeff Kendall | President, AtkinsRéalis U.S. Nuclear
Michael Lempke | President, Nuclear and Environmental Services,
HII
Mark Whitney | President, Amentum
...and more!
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Wednesday, September 24 8:00am National Cleanup
Workshop 5:30pm Evening Reception for all NCW Attendees Thursday, September 25
8:00am National Cleanup Workshop SPONSORSHIP
NCW sponsorships offer an excellent opportunity to showcase your
company, maximize networking opportunities with attendees, and host an exhibit booth during the forum. Click here to learn more! STAY CONNECTED
ECA Twitter: @ENERGYCAORG
EFCOG Twitter: @EFCOG_now
DOE EM Twitter: @EMcleanup
#NationalCleanupWorkshop SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SUPPORTERS The National Cleanup Workshop is hosted by the Energy Communities Alliance (ECA) with the cooperation of the Energy Facility Contractors Group (EFCOG) and the U.S. Department of Energy Office of
Environmental Management (EM)*.
WHAT YOU'VE MISSED: Wyoming Legislators Debate Whether To Let Nuclear Waste Sites Multiply With private
companies eyeing Wyoming as a home for small nuclear reactors and accompanying spent fuel disposal sites, lawmakers are weighing risk-versus-opportunity as they consider whether to green-light multiplying those sites. State law already allows temporary, high-level radioactive waste storage facilities within its borders — an allowance coming into play as TerraPower builds a nuclear power generation facility outside Kemmerer in the southwest corner of
the state. Going into the 2026 winter lawmaking session, the question is whether to also let reactor manufacturers maintain waste facilities in-state. Read the full story NRC Reauthorizes Palisades Operating License in Historic First for U.S. Nuclear Industry In a major
milestone for the U.S. nuclear industry, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has formally approved Holtec’s request to transition the Palisades Nuclear Plant from decommissioning status back to an operating license. The NRC’s action reflects its thorough review of Palisades’ licensing basis under the agency’s existing regulatory framework, marking the first time a previously shut-down U.S. nuclear plant has received approval to return to operations. “This is a proud and historic moment
for our team, for Michigan, and for the United States,” said Holtec International President Kelly Trice. “The NRC’s approval to transition Palisades back to an operating license represents an unprecedented milestone in U.S. nuclear energy. Our mission remains clear: to restart Palisades safely, securely, reliably, and in support of America’s energy future – while supporting local jobs and economic growth for decades to come.” Read the full story Working group set to meet to discuss bringing nuclear energy to Hawaii HONOLULU
(KHON2) — Nuclear power is long known for its destructive power and potential health risks. But it’s also a source of energy. And there is a working group set to meet later this year to discuss bringing it to Hawaii. The cost of keeping the lights on in Hawaii is high. “We spend more than 4 times the national average for our utility bills,” said Sen. Glenn Wakai, who serves as the chair of the Senate Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee. “And we have so much solar and wind on the grid
and we know that sometimes Mother Nature doesn’t play to our desires.” Read the full story Oklo and Vertiv Announce Collaboration to Advance Power and Cooling Solutions for Hyperscale and Colocation
Data Centers in the United States SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Oklo Inc. (NYSE: OKLO), an advanced nuclear technology company, and Vertiv (NYSE: VRT), a global leader of critical digital infrastructure, today announced a collaboration agreement focused on the co-development of advanced power and thermal management solutions tailored specifically for hyperscale
and colocation data centers, powered by steam and electricity from Oklo’s advanced nuclear power plants. The pilot technology demonstration is planned for the initial Oklo Aurora powerhouse. Read the full story
Gone Fission Podcast - Nuclear Opportunities
Workshop July 9, 2025 | S5 E3 In this week’s episode, Host Michael Butler discusses plans to expand the Gone Fission podcast’s coverage to include the emerging nuclear renaissance. The expanded coverage begins later this month at the Nuclear Opportunities Workshop in
Knoxville, Tennessee. Sponsored by the East Tennessee Economic Council (ETEC), the Workshop is expected to attract more than 800 attendees representing major companies in the nuclear industry. Topics will include small modular reactors, advanced reactor fuel, uranium enrichment, nuclear plant financing and more. Learn more about this exciting conference in this week’s interview with ETEC President and CEO Tracy Boatner. https://gonefissionpodcast.com/ NucleCast - Paul Amato: The Future of Nuclear Strategy July 22, 2025 | S03 E228 In this episode of NucleCast, Adam engages with Paul Amato, a seasoned expert in nuclear deterrence policy. They discuss the evolving landscape of
nuclear strategy, the importance of education and leadership in nuclear discussions, and the challenges faced in communicating the significance of nuclear deterrence. Amato emphasizes the need for modernization of nuclear forces and the necessity of understanding the risks associated with nuclear escalation. The conversation also touches on the differences in nuclear strategy between Europe and the Pacific, and the importance of providing flexible options for national leadership in the face of
nuclear threats. https://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/
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