The United States’ current period of rapid energy demand growth has brought renewed interest in nuclear energy. Nuclear energy is particularly well-positioned to meet growing demand due to its strong bipartisan and federal support, fulfilling emission reduction and firm capacity goals across all states and market regions, respectively. Furthering this interest are advancements in technology, such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), the potential for scalable fusion, and improved waste management that make nuclear energy generation increasingly desirable for states. Recent state lawmakers’ proposals establish new offices, commissions, or studies to centralize programs for streamlined development. Beyond the legislature, governors are proposing gigawatt goals and task forces that complement these bills. Together, decision makers are taking notable steps to reduce roadblocks and encourage a domestic nuclear resurgence.
The most notable legislative introductions in 2026 have been the establishment of centralized state offices to navigate the complexities of nuclear permitting and management. In Oklahoma, HB 3175 creates the Oklahoma Advanced Nuclear Energy Office, focused on streamlining the permitting process for advanced nuclear technologies. This bill gained momentum in February, passing the committee stage with a 4-3 vote. Similarly, New York’s AB 10027 and Utah’s HB 78 have introduced measures to establish state offices to oversee the development of new nuclear facilities. These offices act as a "one-stop shop" for developers, reducing the administrative burdens that have historically served as roadblocks.
Other states are using study committees and advisory commissions to integrate nuclear power into their long-term energy planning. In New Jersey, SB 626 and SB 1316, establish the Nuclear Power Advisory Commission and the New Jersey Fusion Technology Industry Commission. These commissions will advise the state on infrastructure and technological readiness, with a focus on the feasibility of fusion. Similarly, in Massachusetts, SB 2258 establishes a commission to consider the inclusion of nuclear energy in the state's future energy planning. Advisory bodies are also emerging in states like Georgia, where SR 482 creates a study committee within the Public Service Commission to evaluate the state’s nuclear trajectory, and Iowa, where HF 2550 proposes the establishment of the Iowa Modular Reactor Committee for SMRs. Both states are notable for their existing and historic nuclear fleets; Georgia is home to the country’s most recent nuclear plant, the 2.2 GW Vogtle Electric Generating Plant Units 3 and 4 finished in 2024, and Iowa’s decommissioned Duane Arnold Energy Center is being restarted in 2029, following an agreement between NextEra Energy and Google announced in late 2025.
To support these offices, states are also increasing the budget allocated towards nuclear development. In Tennessee, the state’s Nuclear Fund, has a pre-existing $8 billion investment from private sector; Governor Lee has proposed an additional $25 million in public funds this year. In New Jersey, AB 3971 establishes the Fusion Energy and Technology Incentive Program within the Economic Development Authority. This program authorizes the use of funds from the Global Warming Solutions Fund to support fusion facilities, incentivizing the advancement of emerging technologies. Oklahoma’s nuclear bill features a revolving door fund to provide continuous support for the nuclear industry. Lawmakers are helping provide greater market certainty for private developers to commit to long-term projects.
Governors are working in tandem with legislators through executive action and public pledges. In Missouri, the introduction of HSB 2807 comes off the heels of Governor Mike Kehoe’s Executive Order 26-04, which established the Advanced Nuclear Energy Task Force. Gov. Kehoe stated Missouri is "open for business" for nuclear energy. In New York, Governor Kathy Hochul’s goal of building 5 GW of nuclear power is being supported by the legislative creation of a specialized nuclear office. Governor Hochul’s launch of a nuclear workforce development program ties the state’s energy goals to economic and labor opportunities. In Illinois, Governor Pritzker issued Executive Order 2026-01 to accelerate safe nuclear generation, while Iowa’s Governor Reynolds signed Executive Order 17 to establish a Nuclear Energy Task Force. 2026 may serve as a turning point for nuclear energy in the United States with executive and legislative actions creating a robust, bipartisan environment for nuclear growth across the nation.
