The U.S. appears poised for a nuclear energy revival, especially given interest from the power-heavy artificial intelligence industry and recent news out of Washington, D.C. 

Last week, President Trump signed four executive orders related to the development and deployment of nuclear technologies, with the orders covering multiple important areas for nuclear development.

Among the orders was an EO titled “Deploying Nuclear Reactor Technologies for National Security,” which aims to speed the deployment of advanced nuclear reactors at Department of Defense facilities with the goal of one reactor being operational at a domestic military installation in the next three years. It also directs the Secretary of Energy to designate AI data centers that are located at DOE facilities or operated in coordination with DOE as “critical defense facilities.”  

The orders follow a February secretarial order from Energy Secretary Chris Wright that identified nuclear energy as a priority for the Department.

In light of federal policy developments and more favorable public opinion for nuclear development, western states are poised to lead a new era of nuclear energy development.  

In Utah, Governor Spencer Cox recently announced that the state will have a nuclear test reactor operational in one year. Under a partnership with the California-based startup Valar Atomics, the test reactor will be developed at the San Rafael Energy Research Center in Emery County, which is owned by the state.  

In an appearance on Bloomberg TV to announce the new test facility, Governor Cox also said that the state of Utah hopes to have “lots” of operational nuclear reactors by the time the Winter Olympic Games return to Utah in 2034.  

Last month, Governor Cox also joined his fellow Western Governors Mark Gordon of Wyoming and Brad Little of Idaho for a nuclear energy summit, where the three Governors signed a historic MOU to strengthen regional collaboration on energy policy, including nuclear energy innovation.  

Governor Brad Little also celebrated a recent agreement with the federal government that will allow for the shipment of spent nuclear fuel to the Idaho National Laboratory for research purposes, with the goal of supporting safe extended storage of nuclear fuel. 

In Washington, Governor Bob Ferguson signed a bill last month that expands state support for nuclear energy and another measure to support the permitting of nuclear fusion power projects.  

Washington’s Columbia Generating Station – the Pacific Northwest’s only nuclear energy plant – is also set to receive a $700 million boost to increase its electrical output by 162 megawatts. Washington could also soon be home to small modular reactor technology funded in part by Amazon, as the company announced an agreement to pursue next generation nuclear power in partnership with Energy Northwest. 

In Colorado, Governor Jared Polis signed a bill during this year’s legislative session that redefines nuclear energy as “clean energy”, which makes nuclear eligible for clean energy project financing and includes it in the state’s clean energy portfolio as it looks to meet its 2050 clean energy target.  

For more on Western Governors’ perspective on energy issues, read the Governors’ bipartisan policy resolutions on energy and radioactive materials management. 

Utah BUILD: on Wednesday, Utah Governor Spencer Cox signed an executive order to create the BUILD Coordinating Council, which will bring state agencies together to plan for a future of continued growth in the state.  

Under BUILD, state agencies will streamline their efforts and work together to meet growing demands for housing, transportation, water, energy, open space, recreation, and air quality as Utah continues to grow at one of the fastest rates in the country.  

“As Utah evolves, everything from water use to transportation is affected,” said Governor Cox. “This council will help us combine efforts and make better decisions to maintain the quality of life that makes Utah exceptional.”  

Construction trades program: in Oregon, Governor Tina Kotek recently visited the Amity High School Construction Trades program, which equips students with technical skills and knowledge to enter high-wage and high-demand construction jobs after graduating.  

The program helps students construct cottages for individuals experiencing homelessness or recovering from wildfires.  

“Thank you to the students, staff, and partners who are building transitional homes through Team Oregon Build to help Oregonians who need shelter from the streets or after a disaster,” Governor Kotek said. “I was so impressed by the students’ skills and sense of mission to help their neighbors. Truly awesome.” 

Water infrastructure: in Idaho on Tuesday, Governor Brad Little applauded a $30 million funding plan approved by the Idaho Water Resource Board.  

The plan will provide key funding for southern Idaho farmers and groundwater districts, and it will support recharge infrastructure for the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer, surface water measuring, water conservation projects, and more.  

“Idaho is committed to supporting farmers and maintaining our water sovereignty. I appreciate my legislative partners for approving my KEEPING PROMISES plan for ongoing water funding. This first round of funds will help our farmers to roll up their sleeves and develop projects to sustainably manage their water for years to come, and we're not done yet! We applaud Water Resource Board Chairman Jeff Raybould and board members for their work in approving new budgets and grant programs that will allow farmers in eastern Idaho and the Magic Valley to implement key terms of the historic new water settlement agreement,” Governor Little said. 

Extreme heat protections: extreme heat is one of the leading causes of weather-related deaths in the country, with particularly high danger in arid southwestern states.  

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs recently signed an executive order to protect Arizonans from extreme heat in the workplace. The executive order brings together a task force comprised of industry leaders, worker representatives, and occupational safety and health experts to recommend heat guidelines for employers before the end of the year.  

“We are taking action to protect Arizonans from heat risk in the workplace,” said Governor Hobbs. “Whether building our homes, growing our produce, or manufacturing the next advanced technology, Arizonans deserve to be safe at work. Through this Executive Order, we are partnering with employers to ensure the health and safety of all Arizona workers.”   

Goats fight fire risk: in Sacramento County, California, thousands of goats and sheep are being released onto acres of open space in the area to reduce wildfire risk.  

The animals eat away at dry grasses and other potentially flammable vegetation, which reduces the risk of wildfire in the area. Their grazing also improves soil health, stops the spread of invasive species, and can help promote the growth of native plants.  

Read more about it in reporting from The Sacramento Bee.  

Japanese fire trucks: lastly, check out this story from KUOW about the tiny, right-hand drive fire trucks from Japan that are taking the Pacific Northwest by storm. The compact Japanese kei trucks have been discovered as a dependable, practical farm truck or utility vehicle and are being used for a variety of creative uses in the region. 

In addition, lawmakers in Colorado passed a bill earlier this year that legalizes kei trucks on the state's roadways, clearing the way for more of the vehicles to crop up in the Centennial State as well.