Pro Tem Paxton, Senators Comment on Oklahoma’s Selection as White House Nuclear Innovation Finalist

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, and key members of the state Senate today praised Oklahoma's selection as one of five finalists for the U.S. Department of Energy's Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus (NLIC), calling it another milestone in the state's long history of leading America's energy economy.

The White House announced Tuesday that Oklahoma has advanced to the final round of consideration for the first-of-its-kind project. While the designation marks an important achievement, the state continues competing to earn one of the final campus selections.

"Being named a finalist is an exciting opportunity for Oklahoma and a testament to the strength of our state's energy industry, workforce and innovation," Pro Tem Paxton said. "But this isn't the finish line, it's the beginning of the final stretch. We intend to compete aggressively, continue making our case and show the nation why Oklahoma is the best place to build the future of advanced energy. This opportunity could be the next chapter in building on our state’s reputation as an energy powerhouse. We already have the skilled workforce, world-class CareerTech system, outstanding universities and engineering expertise needed to support an industry that will create thousands of high-paying jobs and billions of dollars in private investment."

The proposed Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus would bring together multiple components of the advanced nuclear industry that includes research, fuel fabrication, small modular reactor technology, medical isotope production and related operations, creating a first-of-its-kind center for innovation in the United States.

Any future project would move forward only through a transparent process with federal oversight, local input and rigorous safety standards.

“With today’s announcement, Oklahoma is officially a top contender for a groundbreaking nuclear research facility that would bring billions of dollars in private investment to this state and build on our legacy of energy innovation," said Sen. Brent Howard, R-Altus. "We will do everything we can to show Oklahoma is ready for the development of a state-of-the-art facility to establish this state as a hub for the future of nuclear energy. Oklahoma has become known for its cutting-edge advancements in aerospace, technology and national defense, to which safe, secure and reliable nuclear technology will further elevate our standing.”

Senator Grant Green, R-Wellston, who chairs the Senate Energy Committee, said the state remains committed to working with local communities throughout the process.

“When the Legislature passed Behind the Meter legislation last year, this was one of the new energy developments I envisioned taking root in Oklahoma," Senator Green said. “This federal initiative is about innovation, economic opportunity and energy security. America's commercial nuclear industry has operated safely for decades under strict oversight from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and any project considered for Oklahoma would be required to meet those same high standards. If Oklahoma is ultimately selected for this hub, communities, landowners, local officials and residents will all have a seat at the table as decisions are made. We want Oklahomans to understand the opportunity before us and have confidence that any project will be developed responsibly."

The Department of Energy is expected to select up to three host sites later this year. More information on the proposed Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus can be found here.