ECA Update 06/04: SASC RELEASES LATEST PROPOSAL FOR DEFENSE SPENDING WITH PROVISIONS FOR NUCLEAR; and more

Published: Wed, 06/04/25

Updated: Wed, 06/04/25

SENATE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE RELEASES LATEST PROPOSAL FOR DEFENSE SPENDING WITH PROVISIONS FOR NUCLEAR ENERGY & FORCES

The Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) released their portion of the House-passed reconciliation bill on Tuesday.

Below are the tweaks that the SASC made to the reconciliation bill in regards to ECA member and nuclear industry priorities:

Sec. 20005 - Enhancement of DOD resources for Scaling Low-Cost Weapons into Production:

In addition, to the amounts already available and appropriated to the Secretary of Defense, this section includes appropriations for DOD resources for low-cost weapons. The SASC proposed a $5 million increase for the acceleration of Small-Modular Reactors for military use, making it a $125,000,000.00 ask.

Sec. 20008 - Enhancement of Resources for Nuclear Forces:

In addition, to the amounts already available and appropriated to the Secretary of Defense, this section includes appropriations for DOD resources for nuclear forces. The SASC proposes:

$2,000,000,000.00 to accelerate development, procurement and integration of nuclear-armed sea-launched cruise missiles (no change)
$96,000,000.00 to enhance nuclear deterrence through classified programs, a $74 million increase from the House bill.
$65,000,000.00 to accelerate the modernization of nuclear command, control, and communications (no change)

It also includes changes to appropriations for the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) such as:

$120,000,000.00 to accelerate domestic uranium enrichment centrifuge deployment for defense purposes, a $20 million increase.
Adding $10,000,000 for the NNSA to evaluate spent fuel reprocessing technology.
Adding $115,000,000 for accelerating nuclear national security missions through artificial intelligence.

Subscribe to ECA Updates to continue to receive updates as this bill continues to move through the Senate.

JOIN ETEC IN THE OAK RIDGE CORRIDOR FOR THE NUCLEAR OPPORTUNITIES WORKSHOP

July 22 - 23, 2025 | Knoxville Convention Center

WHAT IS NOW? - NOW is ETEC's Nuclear Opportunities Workshop, Tennessee’s premier nuclear industry conference focused on all things nuclear: fission, fusion, isotopes, environmental management, AI in nuclear, workforce and more. For the past seven years it has been a place to learn about industry developments, opportunities, and advancements in research and technologies. Attendees can network and engage with experts from Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and its contractors, as well as a diverse array of small and large private-industry companies showcasing projects and technological capabilities. This includes interaction with students, interns, and postdocs as part of our efforts to grow the future workforce in Tennessee. Plus, there are opportunities for companies and organizations to promote their services during event. Join ETEC and a variety of experts and enthusiasts in the Oak Ridge Corridor for this growing, engaging, and informative conference.

For more information, including agenda, supporter opportunities, and travel and lodging information, click here.

MID-YEAR UPDATE ON DOE-EM CLEANUP PROGRESS WITH HOUSE NUCLEAR CLEANUP CAUCUS

On The Energy Facility Contractors Group (EFCOG), Energy Technology and Environmental Business Association (ETEBA), and the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) will host a reception in conjunction with the House Nuclear Cleanup Caucus. This panel discussion is titled "A Mid-Year Update on the DOE Office of Environmental Management's Cleanup Progress."

The panel will be held Tuesday, June 10, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm in the House Rayburn Building Gold Room (2168). See more details below, and to register for the event, click here!

HOUSE ENERGY & COMMERCE ENERGY SUBCOMMITTEE TO HOLD HEARING ON DOE BUDGET JUNE 10

The House Committee on Energy and Commerce Energy Subcommittee will hold a hearing June 10 at 10:00am ET to review the FY2026 budget for the Department of Energy. More details will become available when the subcommittee posts the hearing to their calendar, which you can find by clicking here.

ROGER JARRELL, ACTING ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR EM, TO SPEAK AT THE NATIONAL CLEANUP WORKSHOP

September 23 - 25, 2025 | Crystal Gateway Marriott | Arlington, VA

Join us for the 11th annual National Cleanup Workshop (NCW), to be held September 24-25, 2025 at the Crystal Gateway Marriott - Arlington, VA. Hear from Roger Jarrell, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary (PDAS) and Acting Assistant Secretary, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Environmental Management (EM), and a growing list of federal representatives, industry officials and state and local leaders. Hosted by ECA with the cooperation of the Energy Facility Contractors Group and DOE-EM; this is one of the largest events in the country dealing with the issues tackled by the Department of Energy’s Office of Environmental Management (EM).

TAKE A FIRST LOOK AT WHO'S SPEAKING!
Roger Jarrell | Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary and Acting Assistant Secretary, DOE-EM
Brent Gerry | Mayor, City of West Richland, WA; Chair, ECA
Rebecca Casper | Mayor, City of Idaho Falls, ID; Vice-Chair, ECA
David "DJ" Johnson | Vice President, Honeywell Federal Solutions; EFCOG Board Chair
Heatherly Dukes | President, Technical Service Group, BWX Technologies, Inc.
Carol Johnson | President and Program Manager, Hanford Tank Waste Operations & Closure (H2C)
Jeff Kendall | President, AtkinsRéalis US Nuclear
Mark Whitney | President, Energy and Environment, Amentum
... and more!

Make sure to register before July 1, 2025, to receive the early bird discount rate! The cost of registration will increase after July 1.

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!

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:

Constellation, Meta sign 20-year deal to source entire Illinois nuclear plant’s power

Meta is teaming up with Constellation to buy nuclear power from an Illinois plant over the next 20 years in a power purchase agreement that helps support the goals of both companies. Meta has pledged to support next-generation and advanced energy technologies, including geothermal and nuclear, and will buy the entire energy output of Clinton Clean Energy Center for the next two decades, the company said in a news release. Constellation is working to avoid premature closure at the single-reactor plant, its news release said.

Read the full story

Contract awarded for first SMR at Darlington

Ontario Power Generation has awarded a $450 million execution contract to Candu Energy, an AtkinsRéalis company, for the first of four planned small modular reactors at the Darlington New Nuclear Project in Clarington, Ontario, Canada. The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission previously issued a license for construction of the SMR, which has also received final approval from Ontario’s provincial government. The project is the first new nuclear construction project in Ontario in more than three decades.

Read the full story

New Mexico uranium projects selected for permitting fast-track

Two of Laramide Resources Ltd's advanced-stage uranium development projects - Crownpoint-Churchrock and La Jara Mesa - have been designated FAST-41 Covered Projects by the US Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council. The designation is part of the federal infrastructure permitting initiative established under Title 41 of the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act - known as FAST-41 - to support an efficient, transparent federal review process, the company said.

Read the full story

NEW MEDIA:

GoneFission Nuclear Report - Oak Ridge Nuclear Center of Excellence

May 13, 2025 | S5 E2

Dr. Stephen Nagy discusses Japan's strategic positioning in a complex geopolitical landscape, particularly in relation to the U.S.-China rivalry. He explores Japan's economic ties with China, the challenges posed by regional security threats, and the evolving strategies Japan is employing to navigate these issues. The conversation delves into Japan's historical pacifism, the potential for nuclear deterrence discussions, and the importance of trade agreements and technological cooperation in ensuring regional stability.

https://gonefissionpodcast.com/

NucleCast -Dr. Tom Karako: Understanding the Golden Dome Initiative

June 3, 2025 | S02 E221

In this episode of NucleCast, Adam speaks with Dr. Tom Karako from the Center for Strategic and International Studies about the Golden Dome initiative, a response to increasing air and missile threats. They discuss the initiative's purpose, its funding structure, and the importance of missile defense in national security. The conversation also covers the role of space in missile defense, critiques of the Golden Dome initiative, and the need for more capacity and sensors in the defense strategy.

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