ECA Winter Series: How Collaboration Among Companies and Community Hosts Will Strengthen Nuclear Fuel Cycle Innovation
March 5, 2026
DOE’s recent Request for Information on Nuclear Fuel Cycle Innovation Campuses signals federal interest in accelerating advanced fuel capabilities — potentially including HALEU production, fuel fabrication, recycling, testing infrastructure, and integrated research hubs. Today’s discussion focuses on the central question: How will collaboration among
private companies and community leaders strengthen the delivery of Nuclear Fuel Cycle Innovation Campuses? Join the discussion to explore different models and how public-private collaboration can strengthen proposals, reduce risk, and build durable local support.Â
Speakers will include:Â
John Pfeffer - Supervisor, Town of
AshfordÂ
Bill Goodwin - Chief Legal & Strategy Officer, OkloÂ
Rod Baltzer - CEO, Deep IsolationÂ
Curtis Roberts II - VP of Communications and Press Officer, Orano USA
View the full webinar recording here!Â
ECA Winter Series: Options for High Level Waste and Used Nuclear Fuel
February 12,
2026
The siting of new nuclear facilities requires integrated nuclear waste solutions that balance technical, regulatory, and social readiness. This goes beyond just regulatory compliance - it demands trust, transparency, and shared problem-solving among local governments, state agencies, developers, and residents. This webinar will explore how siting efforts can deliver on these environmental management goals
while accelerating project timelines, developing local economies, and strengthening community confidence in long-term energy infrastructure decisions.Â
Speakers include:Â
Facilitator: Laura Hermann - Deputy Executive Director, ECAÂ
Matt
Bowen - Research Scholar, Center on Global Energy PolicyÂ
Kara Colton - Director of Nuclear Policy, ECAÂ
David Reeploeg - Vice President of Federal Programs, TRIDECÂ
Jack Volpato - Eddy-Lea Energy
AllianceÂ
View the full webinar recording here!Â
ECA Winter Series: Co-location Options with Nuclear Storage
January 8,
2026
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 include:
Moderator - Jennifer
Chandler - Council Member, Village of PiketonÂ
Randall Hemann - City Manager, City of Oak RidgeÂ
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
Dr. Jenifer Shafer- Associate Director
for Technology and Program Director, ARPA-E
View the full webinar recording here!Â
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.
Speakers include:
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!Â
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!Â
