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Whether the momentum building behind nuclear energy was described as a “nuclear renaissance” or a “nuclear resurgence,” the excitement was universal. INL Director John Wagner told workshop attendees at the Energy Innovation Laboratory that, “we’re seeing an intersection of multiple factors come together that I haven’t seen in my entire career.”  

“It’s been more than 50 years since we brought a new reactor online at [INL], that’s all changing,” he continued. “In the past three weeks alone, we’ve seen groundbreakings for three new reactors—two in Idaho and one in Utah with Valar Atomics—and there will be many more.” 

To effectively leverage this moment, panelists spoke about strategies for attracting investments in research and development, improving the domestic nuclear fuel cycle and supply chains, growing the nuclear workforce, and streamlining the permitting process without compromising public health or environmental protections. 

“We have to significantly increase the amount of energy that we’re producing, and we have to do it very, very quickly,” Governor Cox said. “We cannot move at the speed of government. We really have to hyperscale, and we need the best thinkers, the best innovators, and the best regulators in the world at this moment to make sure that we can do it, and that we can do it safely.”

To do so, the Governors – and many of the panelists – emphasized the need for regional and cross-sector collaboration.  

Governor Cox, Governor Little, and Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in April to establish a cooperative framework to align energy-related efforts across the three states. The compact focuses on advancing energy resilience, coordinating infrastructure, advocating for common sense federal policies, and accelerating the development of reliable, affordable nuclear energy.  Utah also signed an MOU with Idaho National Lab earlier this year, establishing a formal, long-term agreement to collaborate on advancing energy research, workforce development, and technology deployment.   

At the Energy Superabundance workshop this week, Governor Little signed an Executive Order to establish an Idaho Advanced Nuclear Energy Task Force that “will bring together experts from across industry, academia, government, and local communities to provide clear and actionable strategies for the future of nuclear energy,” Governor Little said.   

Watch a highlight reel from the workshop below, or watch the Governors’ full remarks as well as each of the panel discussions on WGA’s YouTube channel.