TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS & WHAT TO KNOW THIS WEEK
- Join ECA for our next webinar: Co-location Options with Nuclear Storage - ECA Winter Webinar Series on January 8, 2026 at 2:00PM EST - register here!
- Federal Update
- National Defense Authorization Act which authorizes $34.2 billion for Atomic Energy Defense Activities includes authorizations for National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), EM, and other DOE related defense activities was signed into law late last week.
- DOE appropriations is expected to part of a minibus when Congress returns in
January….but the Continuing Resolution Ends January 30, 2026.
- Savannah River Site completed major optimizations across their liquid waste treatment system - read more below
- The Senate confirmed Douglas Weaver to sit on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission - read more below.
- The NRC issues license renewals, publishes notices of hearings, and requests public comment on use of depleted uranium and background checks - read more below.
- ECA New Nuclear Forum
- 📅 Date: April 21-24 📍 Location: Augusta, GA 🔗 Register Here!
- Join us for insights, industry networking, and expert speakers from the people advancing new nuclear reactors across the United States. Whether you’re looking to begin learning about nuclear energy or to deploy advanced reactors in your region, this is the place to be. Don’t miss out—secure your spot today!
- Visit ECA on LinkedIn for regular updates.
JOIN ECA FOR OUR NEXT WEBINAR "CO-LOCATION OPTIONS WITH NUCLEAR STORAGE"
The next installment of ECA's Winter Webinar Series continues January 8 at 2:00pm ET with "Co-location Options with Nuclear Storage". As data centers and advanced fuel cycle facilities seek reliable, carbon-free power, new opportunities are emerging to co-locate
these energy-intensive operations with nuclear generation and spent fuel storage sites. Such integration could strengthen grid resilience, reduce transmission losses, align high-demand digital infrastructure with established nuclear security and safety protocols and diversify economic opportunities for host communities and regions. Yet it also raises complex questions about regulatory frameworks, community acceptance, and long-term stewardship of nuclear materials. This webinar will bring
together experts from the energy, technology, and policy sectors to explore how thoughtful colocation strategies can balance innovation, safety, and public trust in the next generation of nuclear infrastructure. Speakers will include: Randy Hemann - City Manager, City of Oak Ridge David Pointer - Director, Nuclear Energy and Fuel Cycle Division, ORNL Michele Sampson - Director, Division of New and Renewed Licenses, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation, NRC More speakers to be announced soon!
NDAA SIGNED INTO LAWLate last week, the President signed into law, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This
bill is the result of months of negotiations between the House and Senate Armed Services committees, congressional leaders, and the White House. The NDAA includes $34.2 billion in authorizations for Atomic Energy Defense Activities which include authorizations for National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), EM, and other DOE related defense activities. A detailed breakdown of the conference authorizations
compared to the Senate authorizations and original budget requests are listed below (in thousands), and available to view here. Line Item | FY’26 Req. | Senate Auth. | Conference Auth. | Atomic Energy Defense Activities | $33,836,000 | $35,015,250 | $34,267,345 | National Nuclear Security Administration | $25,260,000 | $26,872,240 | $25,969,345 | Defense Environmental Cleanup | $6,956,000 | $6,961,000 | $6,956,000 | Defense Uranium Enrichment D&D | $278,000 | $0 | $0 | Other Defense Activities | $1,182,000 | $1,182,000 | $1,182,000 | Weapons Production Modernization | | | | Los Alamos Plutonium Modernization | $1,505,386 | $1,505,386 | $1,505,386 | Savannah River Plutonium Modernization | $1,205,486 | $1,205,486 | $1,205,486 | Defense Environmental Cleanup | $6,956,000 | $6,961,000 | $6,956,000 | Richland | $837,521 | $837,521 | $837,521 | Office of River Protection | $2,100,427 | $2,100,427 | $2,100,427 | Idaho National Laboratory | $460,021 | $460,021 | $460,021 | Los Alamos National Laboratory | $278,288 | $278,288 | $278,288 | Oak Ridge Reservation | $543,697 | $543,697 | $543,697 | Savannah River Site | $1,611,638 | $1,616,638 | $1,611,638 | Waste Isolation Pilot Plant | $415,424 | $415,424 | $415,424 |
To read more about the NDAA, including the International Nuclear Energy Act of 2025, click here! If you are interested in learning more about the Appropriations and Authorization website, visit our website.
SAVANNAH RIVER SITE ACHIEVES MAJOR MILESTONE IN RADIOACTIVE WASTE PROCESSING The DOE Office of Environmental Management (EM) announced the successful completion of major optimizations across the Savannah River Site’s (SRS) liquid waste treatment system, dramatically accelerating the processing rate of radioactive tank waste. Recent facility optimizations at both the Salt Waste Processing Facility (SWPF) and Defense Waste Processing Facility (DWPF) — the two cornerstone facilities in the liquid waste system onsite — are enabling unprecedented throughput of the over 30 million gallons of Cold War era radioactive waste stored in underground tanks. “These facility improvements
represent a turning point in our cleanup mission at Savannah River Site,” said Edwin Deshong, Savannah River Operations Office manager. “By doubling our processing capacity and enhancing operational flexibility, we’re not only accelerating the safe treatment of legacy waste, but we’re also delivering significant cost savings to taxpayers.” At SWPF, the installation of three innovative extended cross flow filters doubled the
available surface area, increasing the processing rate and improving operational reliability. Since restarting the new filters, SWPF continues to set new processing records, including the recent 30-day record in November of over 600,000 gallons. With only one of the new filters online, SWPF can process at a rate of 18.5 gallons per minute — a rate that provides the throughput to meet mission needs. Complementing these
improvements, the DWPF has implemented critical enhancements, including a new crane simulator to train the next generation of operators on safe and efficient movement. Additionally, liquid waste contractor Savannah River Mission Completion (SRMC) repurposed two 5,000-gallon holding tanks to serve as lag storage between SWPF and DWPF, providing needed space to hold strip effluent transferred from SWPF before processing at
DWPF. This cost-effective approach allows the two facilities to operate more independently, enabling SWPF to continue processing even when DWPF is down for maintenance. Both facilities also benefited from the completion of comprehensive distributed control system upgrades, which included a complete overhaul of the software and hardware used to monitor instrumentation and control equipment for transfers and facility
operations. The radioactive liquid waste stored at SRS was generated as byproducts from the processing of nuclear materials for national defense, research, medical programs and NASA space missions during and after the Cold War. These combined improvements enable the site to process legacy tank waste at unprecedented rates, accelerating the overall cleanup mission timeline. The enhanced throughput at SWPF, coupled with the
increased operational flexibility between the two facilities, means more waste can be safely treated and immobilized faster than ever before, reducing long term risks and costs to taxpayers. Read the full article here.
SENATE CONFIRMS WEAVER TO NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSIONThe Senate voted 71-29 last Wednesday to confirm Douglas Weaver to serve on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Weaver has 20 years experience working at the NRC and in the private sector, passed with a bipartisan vote of 71-29, after he vowed to protect the agency's
independence. Weaver’s term is slated to last until June 30, 2026, the remainder of Caputo’s term. Read the full article here.
FEDERAL REGISTER ROUNDUPNuclear Regulatory Commission Constellation Energy Generation, LLC; Dresden Nuclear Power Station, Units 2 and 3; Subsequent License Renewal and Record of Decision On December 16, the NRC issued Subsequent Renewed Facility Operating License Nos. DPR–19 and DPR–25 to Constellation Energy Generation, LLC (CEG, or the licensee), for Dresden Nuclear Power Station, Units 2 and 3 (Dresden). In addition, the NRC has prepared a record of decision (ROD) that supports the NRC’s decision to issue Subsequent Renewed Facility Operating License Nos. DPR–19 and DPR–25. Read the full announcement here. NRC Form
754, Armed Security Personnel Firearms Background Check The NRC invites public comment on the renewal of Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval for an existing collection of information. The information collection is entitled, NRC Form 754, ‘‘Armed Security Personnel Firearms Background Check.’’ Comments can be submitted here, and will be accepted until February 23, 2026. Read the full announcement here. NRC Form 396, Certification of Medical Examination by Facility Licensee The NRC has recently submitted a request for renewal of an existing collection of information to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
for review. The information collection is entitled, NRC Form 396, ‘‘Certification of Medical Examination by Facility Licensee.’’ Read the full announcement here. NRC Form 244, Registration Certificate—Use of Depleted Uranium The NRC invites public comment on a recently submitted request for renewal of an existing collection of information to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review. The information collection is entitled, NRC Form 244,
‘‘Registration Certificate—Use of Depleted Uranium.’’ Comments will be accepted until January 22, 2026 and can be submitted here. Read the full announcement here. US SFR Owner, LLC; Notice of Hearing The
NRC will commence an uncontested hearing, in which the Commission will receive written evidence in the form of testimony and exhibits regarding the application submitted by TerraPower, LLC (TerraPower), on behalf of US SFR Owner, LLC (USO), for a construction permit to construct a nuclear-powered generating plant termed Kemmerer Power Station Unit 1 in Lincoln County, Wyoming. Read the full announcement here. Applications and Amendments to Facility Operating Licenses and Combined Licenses Involving No Significant Hazards
Considerations The NRC is publishing this regular monthly notice. The Act requires the Commission to publish notice of any amendments issued, or proposed to be issued, and grants the Commission the authority to issue and make immediately effective any amendment to an operating license or combined license, as applicable, upon a determination by the Commission that such amendment involves no significant hazards
consideration (NSHC), notwithstanding the pendency before the Commission of a request for a hearing from any person. Comments must be filed by January 22, 2026. A request for a hearing or petitions for leave to intervene must be filed by February 23, 2026. This monthly notice includes all amendments issued, or proposed to be issued, from October 10, 2025, to December 4, 2025. Public comments may be submitted here. Read the full announcement here.
ECA NEW NUCLEAR FORUM TO BE HOSTED IN AUGUSTA, GA FROM APRIL 21-23, 2026
Energy Communities Alliance (ECA) is pleased to host the fifth annual ECA Forum "The Business of Nuclear: Communities and Industry Working Together" in Augusta, GA from April 21 - April 24, 2026. The meeting is part of ECA’s ongoing New Nuclear Initiative to define the role of local governments in supporting the development of the new nuclear technologies. April 21 | Registration Opens & Nuclear 101 April 22 | Full Day
General Session April 23 | Half-Day General Session ECA is hosting its fifth New Nuclear Forum, the only meeting designed to bring together local government and community leaders that host or want to host nuclear facilities with the federal government and industry. Join DOE, federal, state, local and tribal governments and
policymakers with developers, utilities, regulators, industry, and academia to develop the plans to implement nuclear projects, identify opportunities, challenges and to build the partnerships necessary to support nuclear development.
If you're looking for insights, networking, and real opportunities to shape the future of nuclear energy and community participation, this is the event to be at. We’ll be discussing new fuels, small modular reactors (SMRs), recycling and more.
The
meeting brings in the leading nuclear reactor (including SMRs and micro-reactors), fuel producers, nuclear supply chain companies, U.S. DOE, US NRC, data center developers and others in the nuclear industry to highlight their programs and provide a resource to local community leaders to learn about the projects and meet the companies that are leading this global opportunity.
ECA also includes an opening day course on what is nuclear and what it means to host a nuclear facility led by
community leaders and experts that host the facilities and where the projects are being built and planned. WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
The ECA Forum is open to communities, State, Tribal and local policymakers, industry, utilities, developers, experts, financiers, state legislators, community groups, and economic development organizations working to build capacity and support for new nuclear development in the
U.S. AGENDA:
Agenda coming soon! ECA is working with private and community partners to develop an agenda that takes a comprehensive look at what new nuclear projects require - from the front-end to the back-end of the fuel cycle to aligning support at local, state and federal levels. The Forum will explore emerging options
for enabling legislation, public-private partnerships and regulatory oversight.
WHAT YOU'VE MISSED: Urenco USA Advances U.S. Nuclear Fuel Supply with New Capability and Capacity Urenco USA has completed a successful year of advancing the United States’ nuclear fuel supply by achieving two new milestones in December: the company’s first production of enriched uranium above 5% U-235 and the startup of its next cascade of centrifuges as part of an ongoing capacity
installation program. Read the full story New York energy plan recognises role of nuclear
The State Energy Plan - approved by the State
Energy Planning Board on December 16 - provides broad policy direction that guides energy-related decision making within New York State. The plan includes an outlook up to 2040 with recommendations for meeting future energy demands that prioritise an energy system that is affordable, reliable, and clean while supporting economic development, equity, and a healthy environment. Read the full story
Co-location Options with Nuclear Storage - ECA Winter Webinar Series Virtual | January 8, 2026 Learn More Here Siting Options for High Level Waste and Used Nuclear Fuel - ECA Winter Webinar Series Virtual | February 12, 2026 Learn More Here Spent Fuel Storage and Advanced Fuel Cycle Facilities: Co-location for Safety and Sustainability - ECA Winter
Webinar Series Virtual | March 5, 2026 Learn More Here ECA New Nuclear Forum 2026 Augusta, GA | April 21 - 23 Learn More Here National Cleanup Workshop 2026 Arlington, VA | September 14-16 Learn More Here
CATCH UP ON PAST WEBINARS Click the button below to visit ECA's YouTube Channel to rewatch past webinars, and
find the recordings from our most recent webinars below!
ECA Winter Series: Advancing New Nuclear with Datacenter Development December 8, 2025 As artificial intelligence and cloud computing drive exponential growth in electricity demand, data center developers are turning to nuclear energy for reliable, carbon-free power needed to operate continuously. This session explores the concerns local officials must address when co-locating data centers with existing or new nuclear generation. Speakers will discuss regulatory
considerations, what makes an “ideal” site, community engagement, and partnership models that align digital infrastructure expansion with public safety and sustainability goals. Moderator: AJ Ridge - Director of Programs, ECA Iain Macdonald - Principal and Future Energy Systems Development Lead, HKS Ilissa Miller - Editor-in-Chief, DataCenter Post David Reeploeg - Executive Director, Hanford Communities Peter Rodrik - Associate Administrator for Partnership and Acquisition Services, NNSA Aditi Verma - Assistant Professor, University of Michigan View the full webinar recording here! ECA Winter Series: Creating Emergency Response
Planning for Nuclear Storage Projects November 6, 2025 Advanced nuclear projects are moving toward construction, and local governments play a frontline role in ensuring that emergency preparedness and management systems keep pace with development. City and county officials oversee first responders, coordinate public safety
communications, and maintain the trust of residents who live and work near project sites. This webinar will highlight how mayors, emergency managers, and developers collaborate to build readiness from day one—through joint planning, drills, and transparent communication. Participants will gain insight into best practices for integrating project-specific safety requirements into local emergency operations and for sustaining preparedness over the full lifecycle of a nuclear facility. Speakers include: Moderator: Laura Hermann - Deputy Executive Director, Energy Communities Alliance Chief Mike Cochran - Police Chief, City of Craig, Colorado Lea
Perlas - Fusion Program Director, Virginia Department of Health Randall Ryti - Councilor, Los Alamos County, New Mexico Brian Scroggins - Administrator of the Division of Planning, Nevada Agency for Nuclear Projects View the full webinar recording here! ECA Summer Series: Investing in Innovation: Financing Advanced Nuclear Projects September 12, 2025 Wall Street has arrived to Main Street. Understanding financing pathways is no longer optional—it’s a prerequisite for informed local leadership and successful project development. Join ECA in
its upcoming webinar featuring panelists shaping financing solutions for new generation of nuclear projects. Learn about the new business models emerging and how the financing will occur. Nuclear projects will only move forward if they are financeable. While government funding has played a vital role, the new generation of projects are looking at how to structure the “capital stack” and use a mix of private financing (debt and equity), tax credits, and DOE loan program. In addition, the
announced Power Purchase Agreements between utilities and large off-taker such as Google, Meta and Amazon are providing the credit needed to attract financing – once the projects are ready for market. Join a conversation that will bring together government and the private sector to discuss these items and make recommendations on how these projects can move forward to facilitate these exciting business opportunities. This means real opportunities to attract capital, create jobs, and leverage
nuclear projects for broader economic development. Speakers include experts shaping the future of nuclear finance: Facilitator: Seth Kirshenberg - Executive Director | Energy Communities Alliance and Partner, Kutak Rock LLP Andy Roehr - Managing
Director | Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP Anthony Huston - Managing Partner | Quadrant Nuclear Industries Chris Lohse - Innovation and Technology Manager | Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear View the full webinar recording here!
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