SENATE COMMITTEE HOLDS NOMINATION HEARING FOR THEODORE GARRISH, ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR NUCLEAR ENERGY NOMINEE
On Wednesday (April 30) the Senate Committee on Energy & Natural Resources held a hearing, in part, to review the nomination of Mr. Theodore
“Ted” Garrish to be the Assistant Secretary of Energy for Nuclear Energy. Garrish’s Background & Priorities Mr. Garrish has devoted his career to energy and nuclear energy, serving at the US Department of Energy (DOE) as general counsel and leader, as Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy, and also in congressional, intergovernmental and public affairs. Most recently, Garrish had served as DOE Assistant Secretary for International Affairs. He also served as federal inspector of the Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System, and as a member of the President's Commission on catastrophic nuclear accidents, also known as a Price Anderson Commission. While
in the private sector, Garrish committed his time largely to nuclear projects. He has worked with newcomer nuclear countries, helping them develop their programs, talent and expertise to be consistent with the International Atomic Energy Agency’s programs for new nuclear nations. To introduce himself, Garrish clearly stated his top priorities that he would immediately pursue if confirmed: - Encourage the construction and deployment of the next generation of nuclear power plants, large, small, SMR or micro
- Develop a robust domestic enrichment industry to safeguard national security
- Maintain strong positioning for U.S. products and services and build the long-term relationships needed for American nuclear to succeed in
international markets
- Begin to answer the question of nuclear waste by working with Congress, communities, and states to find solutions.
Questions from the Committee Garrish fielded questions from the committee, further detailing his vision for the Office of Nuclear Energy, SMR development, how to accelerate nuclear deployment, and more. Senator Hoeven (R-ND) asked: “How are we going to get past some of the public perceptions and concerns regarding nuclear? How are we going to develop nuclear energy and get people to be comfortable, that we're developing it in a safe, reliable way with a good management plan for the nuclear waste?” Garrish answered that nuclear is one of the safest forms of energy available today, and that when it comes to nuclear plants,
the safety record is indisputable. He believes that alleviating public concerns requires communicating with the public and making sure that the public understands what is happening, that there is a responsive public affairs component to every nuclear plant, and that communities are educated on exactly what a nuclear plant is. In response to a question from Senator King (I-ME) on how Garrish envisions financing for SMRs, and how he would accelerate and streamline the process of SMR Development, Garrish responded that his position on the matter is that a series of mechanisms for financing reactors needs to be developed. The private sector has a role to play in this, and so does the DOE-Loans Program Office (LPO). Garrish cited the Vogtle plant as an example. He stated that the biggest obstacle right now is getting plants and technologies past
first of a kind (FOAK). He noted that Idaho National Laboratory's (INL) prototype programs, including the Advanced Reactor
Demonstration Program and Microreactor Applications Research Validation and Evaluation project, are important tools to help move projects forward. Garrish acknowledged that it will be a complex process, and that it will require looking for finance tools, financing
interests, and parties who are interested in financing, including the government. The future of the Consent-Based Process was questioned by Senator Cortez-Masto (D-NV), and whether the program would continue under Garrish. Garrish replied
that he prefers the term Collaborative Based Siting, because he see this process as a collaboration with states and communities to determine who is interested. By working collaboratively, DOE can work with the states to look at the added opportunities and benefits of siting a waste disposal facility. Garrish made clear that if a state is not interested then the collaboration ends, and that state is no longer considered. Chairman of the Committee, Senator Lee (R-UT) asked what Garrish would do to continue the operation of the current fleet of plants and what would he do to open new plants/deploy new technology. In response, Garrish reaffirmed that the first step is getting the first advanced reactors licensed, built and running. If
nominated, he would push to get advanced nuclear reactors built and deployed by working with INL's prototype lab, and important step in getting advanced reactor technologies to market. Chairman Lee also asked Garrish about what benefits could be derived from the collaboration between you’re the Office of Nuclear Energy and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to accelerate the licensing process. Garrish detailed that he
envisions a close collaboration between NRC and DOE-NE to work towards enhancing licensing; DOE-NE and the labs are at the disposal of NRC to conduct the necessary research that will allow licensing to push forward. Senator Hickenlooper (D-CO) questioned how Garrish will balance LPO’s mission - which Hickenlooper stated as crucial to new nuclear development – with the Administration’s reductions in force. Ted replied that he anticipates that there is sufficient staff to man the LPO as applications come in, and that he would request more staff for the LPO if necessary to handle a large application volume. Garrish finished his comments
by stating: “If confirmed, it would be my honor to work cooperatively with the Congress, especially this Committee on achieving these and other objectives. Hopefully, I can contribute to the development of this important energy source.” ECA has submitted a letter of support to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources to voice support for Mr. Garrish's confirmation. To read the full letter of support, click here. To view a recording of the hearing click here. Preceding the hearing, the Committee voted 14-6 to report the nomination of Preston Wells Griffith, nominee DOE Undersecretary of Energy, favorably to Senate. Dario Gils, nominee DOE Undersecretary for Science, had his nomination reported
favorably in a 15-5 vote. ECA looks forward to sharing future updates on the nominations and confirmations of DOE leadership.
SAVANNAH RIVER SITE COMMUNITY REUSE ORGANIZATION LAUNCHES COMPREHENSIVE WORKFORCE WEBSITE THROUGH WORC I
North Augusta, S.C. — [May 1,2025] — The Savannah River Site Community Reuse Organization (SRSCRO) is proud to announce the launch of WorkAtSRS.com, a new, all-in-one
regional workforce website developed through funding from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE-EM and NNSA) under the Workforce Opportunities in Regional Careers (WORC) I Grant. This initiative is a direct result of the Regional Workforce Roundtable series hosted in partnership between the SRSCRO, Energy Communities Alliance, EFCOG, and Department Energy. The Roundtable allowed the DOE’s Office of Environmental
Management (EM), the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), and Savannah River Site contractors to engaged with local stakeholders to strengthen the region’s workforce pipeline. The new website serves as a centralized platform for individuals seeking employment opportunities at the Savannah River Site (SRS). Job seekers can
access company profiles with listings of current job openings across SRS without having to visit separate websites. Participating employers featured on the website include: - U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
- National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
- Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS)
- Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL)
- Savannah River Mission Completion
(SRMC)
- Centerra
- U.S. Forestry Service
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (SREL)
Beyond job postings, WorkAtSRS.com is also designed to support newcomers and families relocating to the area. The site provides resources on childcare, K-12 education options, housing, and local community attractions — making it a vital tool for both workforce development and regional economic
growth. To explore career opportunities and regional resources, visit www.WorkAtSRS.com About SRSCRO
The Savannah River Site Community Reuse
Organization is a non-profit regional group dedicated to supporting economic diversification, job creation, and workforce development across the five-county region surrounding the Savannah River Site. www.srscro.org SRSCRO Contact:
Robbie Bennett
President & CEO
Robbie.bennett@srscro.org
REGISTER NOW: WEBINAR ON SWISS DEEP GEOLOGICAL REPOSITORY SITING PROGRAM – SUCCESS FACTORS
On May 8, 2025, from 11:00 - 12:30pm ET, a webinar hosted jointly by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Department of Nuclear Energy, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Nuclear Energy, and the Energy Communities Alliance (ECA) will provide information on Swiss Deep Geological Repository Siting Programme - Success Factors.
This webinar will be delivered by senior staff of the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (BFE), the government agency responsible for the site selection procedure including regional participation; of Nagra, the organization responsible for the final disposal
of radioactive waste and spent fuel in Switzerland; as well as by the Co-President of the regional conference Nördlich Lägern. It is the fourth in a series of webinars informing on the Global Progress Towards Sustainable Endpoint Solutions
for High-level Waste and Spent Nuclear Fuel.
The webinar will last 1.5 hours, is open to the public, and provides opportunities for audience engagement and Q&A through a webinar chat.
Speakers - Pascale Kuenzi (Regional Participation Specialist, BFE, Switzerland)
- Tim Vietor (Head Repository Safety and Inventory, Nagra, Switzerland)
- Philipp Senn (Head of Communication and Public Affairs, Nagra, Switzerland)
- Christopher Müller (Co-President of the Regional Conference Nördlich Lägern, Switzerland)
Agenda - “Fundamentals, Success Factors and Challenges” (Pascale Künzi, BFE)
- “Dos and Don'ts during field investigations for nuclear waste repositories in Switzerland.” (Tim Vietor, Nagra)
- “From Participation to Public Discourse: Communication Strategies and Examples along the Siting Process” (Philipp Senn, Nagra)
- "From Consultation to Collaboration: A Regional Perspective
on Trust and Participation" (Christopher Müller, Regional Conference Nördlich Lägern)
Moderators - Marla Morales - Director, Office of Consent-Based Siting, US DOE/Office of Nuclear Energy, USA
- Seth Kirshenberg – Executive Director, ECA, USA
- Stefan Mayer – Team Leader, Radioactive Waste Disposal, IAEA
JOIN ECA MAY 22 FOR A WEBINAR - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: AI INFRASTRUCTURE ON DOE SITES
On April 3, 2025, the Secretary of Energy announced DOE’s Data Center and AI Infrastructure Development initiative where DOE will lease some of its underutilized land for Data Center and AI Infrastructure Development including energy projects. “DOE is considering opportunities to utilize these assets in a manner that enhances the United States’ leading position in AI and benefits
local economies.” For more information, find the request for information (RFI) by clicking here!
SPENT FUEL SOLUTIONS TO HOST INFORMATIONAL WEBINAR
Join Spent Fuel Solutions (SFS), a group of local governments, elected officials, utilities, environmental groups, labor leaders, Native American leaders, business organizations and other community
members who support the relocation of spent nuclear fuel to a federally licensed off-site facility, on May 22 at 5:00pm ET for an informational webinar with Energy Communities Alliance's (ECA) Kara Colton. The webinar will discuss ECA’s
involvement with spent fuel as one of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)'s Collaborative-Based Siting Consortia. To RSVP for the webinar or submit questions for panelists, please email Spent Fuel Solutions at info@spentfuelsolutionsnow.com.
September 23 - 25, 2025 | Crystal Gateway
Marriott | Arlington, VA
Hosted by ECA with the cooperation of the Energy Facility Contractors Group and DOE-EM, the workshop brings together senior DOE executives, officials from DOE sites, industry leaders, local elected officials,
contractors and community stakeholders to discuss EM’s progress to address the environmental legacy of the Manhattan Project and Cold War-era U.S. nuclear weapons program. Hear from senior DOE leaders, local government officials, and industry leaders about DOE's cleanup priorities, the future of the workforce, and more.
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: IAEA Director General meets with key nuclear leaders in D.C. International Atomic Energy Agency director general Rafael Mariano Grossi recently traveled to Washington, D.C., for
the first time since Trump took office in January. In his three-day visit to the capital, Grossi spoke with key nuclear leaders from around the world and in the federal government, including Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Nuclear Regulatory Commission chair David Wright, on topics including nuclear power, safety, security, funding, and
nonproliferation. Read the full story ‘The West will lead’: Utah, Idaho, Wyoming team up on nuclear energy
development Utah state leaders are taking the next steps in their efforts to make Utah a major nuclear energy development hub and a “national leader” in developing next-generation energy technology, reaching beyond state lines to do it. It starts with Utah signing two memorandums of understanding with Idaho and Wyoming as part of a strategy to fire up innovation and collaboration in the
region. Read the full story Another building prepares to come down at Oak Ridge’s Y-12 complex The Department of Energy’s Office of Environmental Management said that crews with the Oak Ridge Office of Environmental Management (OREM) and its cleanup contractor UCOR are preparing to demolish another deteriorating Manhattan Project–era building at the Y-12 National Security Complex at Oak Ridge, Tenn. Categorized as a high-risk, excess contaminated facility due to its contents and condition, Y-12’s Beta-1 building was
constructed in 1944 to enrich uranium during World War II. It was later converted to laboratory space for fusion-energy technology. Demolition of the massive structure will eliminate old, unused infrastructure and open land to support future DOE missions. Read the full story
GoneFission Nuclear Report - Centrus: American-Made Uranium Enrichment Apr. 21, 2025 | S5 E1 The Gone Fission Nuclear Report launches Season 5 with a new episode featuring a discussion with Amir Vexler, President and CEO of Centrus Energy Group. Centrus is playing a vital role in the nuclear renaissance with its manufacturing of uranium enrichment centrifuges in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and operation of the American Centrifuge
Plant in Piketon, Ohio. The size of the Pentagon, the plant is pioneering the development of High Assay Low Enriched Uranium (HALEU), expected to be a crucial fuel fuel component for both existing reactors and a new generation of advanced reactors. Welcome to Season 5. https://gonefissionpodcast.com/ NucleCast - Dr. Satoru Nagao - The Quad Alliance: Japan's Counter to China Apr. 29, 2025 | S02 E216 Dr. Satoru Nagao discusses Japan's strategic views on the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in relation to China and the United States. The conversation explores Japan's concerns about China's growing influence, the importance of the Quad alliance, and the potential for Japan to consider nuclear
capabilities in response to regional threats. Dr. Nagao emphasizes Japan's commitment to the US alliance while navigating complex relationships with neighboring countries, including South Korea and India. https://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/
Spring into Strategy: Radiation Messaging and Outreach Virtual | Multiple Dates Register Here Swiss Deep
Geological Repository Siting Programme – Success Factors Virtual | May 8, 11:00am ET Register Here ECA Webinar - What You Need to Know: AI Infrastructure on DOE Sites Virtual | May 22, 2:00pm ET Register Here Spent Fuel Solutions Webinar Virtual | May 22, 5:00pm ET RSVP Here National Cleanup Workshop 2025 Arlington, VA | September 23 - 25 Learn More Here
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