ECA Update 6/30; EARLY BIRD REG. FOR NATIONAL CLEANUP WORKSHOP ENDS TODAY, NDAA HOUSE FLOOR DEBATE, AND MORE

Published: Tue, 06/30/26

Updated: Tue, 06/30/26

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS & WHAT TO KNOW THIS WEEK

National Cleanup Workshop registration is open! Today is the last day to take advantage of the early bird registration rates - register today!
- 📅 Date: September 14-16 📍 Location: Arlington, VA 🔗 Don't miss out - Register Here!
Appropriations Update: due to ashuffling of the House calendar last week, the Energy & Water Bill did not reach the floor for debate and will likely not see movement until later this month. The House version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) reached the House floor today for debate but voting on the bill was postponed - read more below.
DOE released their June episode of "Energycast" "Simple Innovation Generates Savings, Guide to Demolition Prep, & more"- read more below.
Visit ECA on LinkedIn for regular updates.

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION ENDS TODAY!

Today is the final day to take advantage of early bird registration rates for the annual National Cleanup Workshop from September 14th - 16th, 2026 in Arlington, Virginia.

$1225 Private Sector Early Bird (increases to $1375 on July 1)

$725 DOE Approved Attendees (increases to $875 on July 1) *use DOE discount registration code

$475 Virtual

Click Here to Register!

Key Topics of Discussion Include:

EM’s new vision for utilizing legacy cleanup to advance American Energy dominance, innovation and affordability.
The opportunities for EM to contribute to, and benefit from, DOE’s Genesis Mission to more effectively utilize AI to tackle national challenges.
The intersection of legacy cleanup and advancing DOE’s modernization of the U.S. nuclear deterrent.
EM’s role in the new nuclear renaissance underway across America.
Industry leadership perspectives on DOE’s cleanup and energy missions.
The potential for local communities to capitalize on advances in new nuclear.

Schedule:

Tuesday, September 15: Full-Day Programming, Evening Networking Reception

Wednesday, September 16: Full-Day Programming

Full agenda coming soon!

Click Here to Register!

HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS & AUTHORIZATIONS UPDATE

Last week, the House draft of the Energy and Water Bill was slated to reach the House floor for debate. However, due to a change in the House schedule, the vote has been delayed. As of now, the fiscal 2027 Energy-Water bill is not on the House agenda, and with the House leaving for recess on Thursday, it is unlikely to see movement until later this month.

Debated on the House floor today, was the chamber's version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Following debate, voting on the bill was postponed and the House is now in recess. ECA will continue to provide updates on this bill as it makes its way through Congress.

As the FY27 appropriations and authorization process continues, stay up to date by visiting the recently updated ECA Federal Budget Tracker!

DOE RELEASES LATEST EPISODE OF "ENERGYCAST"

This month, the Department of Energy released their June episode of "Energycast", "Simple Innovation Generates Savings, Guide to Demolition Prep, & more" which focuses on local employees who designed a simple tool that is accelerating cleanup at one of the most contaminated structures at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and saving half a million dollars. They go into field to see what’s involved to prepare former research labs and nuclear facilities ready for safe demolition and providing progress updates on deactivation and waste processing projects underway. Finally, they spotlight the National Transuranic Program User Group Summit that occurred in Oak Ridge earlier this month. The annual meeting brings together teams from across the country who are responsible for preparing and shipping transuranic waste to the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant.

Click Here to Watch the Episode!

BUDGET AND APPROPRIATIONS HEARING SCHEDULE

On Capitol Hill, FY 2027 appropriations hearings are in full swing as both House and Senate committees hear testimony regarding the President's Budget Request.

Incase you missed it! Here are recordings of recently passed hearings:

The House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense hosted a Full Committee Markup of Fiscal Year 2027 Defense Bill- click here to rewatch the hearing.
The House Energy & Commerce Committee held a hearing on Nuclear Permitting Reform: Legislation to Advance Efficient Licensing - click here to rewatch the hearing.
The House Science Committee held a hearing on An Overview of the Department of Energy’s Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Request - click here to tune in to the hearing.The House Committee on Armed Services hosted a Full Committee Markup of National Defense Authorization for Fiscal Year 2027- click here to rerewatch the hearing.
The Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works hosted a hearing to examine the Build Nuclear with Local Materials Act, The RECHARGE Act, and a discussion draft of the Enrichment Licensing Modernization Act - click here to rewatch the hearing.
The House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee of Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies hosted a Full Committee Markup of Fiscal Year 2027 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Bill - click here to rewatch the markup.
House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee of Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Subcommittee Markup of Fiscal Year 2027 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Bill - click here to watch the recording.
Senate Committee on Armed Services held a hearing on Department of Energy and National Nuclear Security Administration atomic energy defense activities in review of the Defense Authorization Request for Fiscal Year 2027 and the Future Years Nuclear Security Program - click here to watch the recording.
Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works held a hearing to Examine the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s Proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Budget - click here to watch the recording.
House Armed Services Committee held a hearing on FY27 Budget Request for Nuclear Forces and Atomic Energy Defense Activities - click here to watch the recording.
Senate Committee on Appropriations held a hearing on the President’s Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Request for the National Nuclear Security Administration - click here to watch the recording.

As the FY27 appropriations and authorization process continues, stay up to date by visiting the recently updated ECA Federal Budget Tracker!

REGULATORY ROUND UP

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission published a policy statement on Mandatory Hearings for Reactor Licensing. This policy statement sets forth the NRC’s plan for conducting future mandatory hearings on reactor license and permit applications. The statement explains the rationale for adopting the process to be used going forward and describes the new process. The policy statement is effective on June 8, 2026.

Read the full policy statement here.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission published a proposed rule on Modernizing NRC Regulations for Byproduct Material Use. The NRC is proposing to amend its regulations for the licensing of byproduct material, some source material, and some special nuclear material. The proposed rule will be open to public comment until midnight on July 2, 2026. Comments can be submitted here.

Read the entire proposed rule here.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission will hold the 737th Meeting of the Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards on July 8 - 10, 2026. The Committee will be conducting meetings that will include some Members being physically present at the headquarters of the NRC while other Members participate remotely. You can participate remotely via Microsoft Teams or via phone at 301–576–2978, passcode 136614530#. View a detailed agenda and the Microsoft Teams link here.

Read the entire meeting announcement here.

The Office of Management and Budget published a proposed rule proposes to revise the Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance to improve government-wide policies and requirements related to the management of grants, cooperative agreements, and other forms of assistance. OMB is proposing revisions that would improve transparency, accountability, and oversight for Federal awards across the Federal Government. Public comments will be accepted until July 13, 2026 using this link.

Read the full proposed rule here.

The Department of Energy published a meeting announcement on Environmental Management Site-Specific Advisory Board, Paducah. The meeting will take place on Thursday, July 16, 2026; 5:30 p.m.–7:00 p.m. CDT at the West Kentucky Community and Technical College (WKCTC), Emerging Technology Center, Room 215, 5100 Alben Barkley Drive, Paducah, Kentucky 42001. and streamed on YouTube (link here), no registration is necessary.

Read the entire announcement here.

The Department of Energy published a meeting announcement on Environmental Management Site-Specific Advisory Board, Savannah River Site. The meeting will take place on Tuesday, July 21 from 9:00 am - 4:00pm EDT at the Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative at 4345 Trolley Line Road, Aiken, South Carolina 29801 and streamed on YouTube (link here), no registration is necessary.

Read the entire announcement here.

The Maritime Administration (MARAD) and Department of Transportation (DOT) published a request for comment on the Development of a Commercially Viable System-Centric Small Modular Reactor Concept for Deployment in the Marine Transportation System to support the development of a U.S.-built scalable, repeatable, commercially viable, system-centric, small modular reactor (SMR) and their deployment within the marine transportation system. This Request for Information (RFI) for a single vessel or technology demonstration seeks public feedback on proficient system architecture, including liability frameworks, insurance pathways, port acceptance, workforce development, and standards integration for vessel deployment. The request for comment will be open to public comment until midnight on August 5, 2026. Comments can be submitted here.

Read the entire request for comment here.

CATCH UP ON RECENT HEADLINES:

Energy officials host talks focused on bolstering nuclear power in NH

State officials and representatives from the energy sector gathered in Portsmouth this week to get started on a “roadmap” to generate more nuclear power in New Hampshire.

Read the full article here.

Walmart signs nuclear power purchase agreement with Constellation

Retail giant Walmart has signed a long-term power purchase agreement for emissions-free electricity from Constellation's Dresden nuclear power plant in Illinois in the USA.

Read the full article here.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

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!

Click Here to Visit ECA's YouTube Channel!

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.

Speakers will include:

John Pfeffer - Supervisor, Town of Ashford

Bill Goodwin - Chief Legal & Strategy Officer, Oklo

Rod Baltzer - CEO, Deep Isolation

Curtis Roberts II - VP of Communications and Press Officer, Orano USA

View the full webinar recording here!

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.

Speakers include:

Facilitator: Laura Hermann - Deputy Executive Director, ECA

Matt Bowen - Research Scholar, Center on Global Energy Policy

Kara Colton - Director of Nuclear Policy, ECA

David Reeploeg - Vice President of Federal Programs, TRIDEC

Jack Volpato - Eddy-Lea Energy Alliance

View the full webinar recording here!

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 Piketon
Randall 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
Dr. Jenifer Shafer- Associate Director for Technology and Program Director, ARPA-E

View the full webinar recording here!

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!

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!

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Monitor DOE spending bills, detailed site budgets, and more. Find everything you need to know about the budget here!

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