FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 23, 2026
Contact:
Madison Hardy
Janessa Tolman
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) discussed Idaho’s leadership in the future of nuclear energy, and his Advancing Reliable Capacity (ARC) Act with Energy Secretary Chris Wright.
Excerpts of the exchange below:
Risch: “One of the things I want to talk about a little bit today is the fact that you know that on, or about, the 4th of July, they’re going to go critical with three micro reactors at the Idaho National Lab. [. . .] Can you give us a very short summary if you would of how this is going to change the world?”
Wright: “Fantastic Senator, and yes, as you know I’ve had a lifelong passion for nuclear energy. It has not had a great few decades. It’s been stagnant, but we have a lot of things coming together right now. A lot of private capital, a lot of innovation, a President who signed four executive orders that said whatever is holding back nuclear power, look at it carefully, bring gold standard science and let’s let innovation reign. Let’s let small modular reactors get going again.”
“And in your great state, in the few weeks before July 4th, we will have multiple small modular reactors running their entire nuclear systems. [. . .] If we can build something small and modularly in a plant, we can drive down the cost of it. We can reduce the time it takes to build them. And we’re going to dramatically grow American electricity [. . .] So, it’s a huge deal. And of course, Idaho is a central state in this renaissance of nuclear energy, as it was in the first chapter of nuclear energy.”
Risch: “As time goes on, we’re going to be an aggressive competitor in this marketplace. I really believe it. [. . .] I’ve been pressing the ARC Act quite aggressively. I appreciate you guys getting on board on that. Your thoughts on the ARC Act, briefly.”
Wright: “I think it’s critical that we put together some pieces of legislation like the ARC Act that just enshrine this attitude and this necessary infrastructure we need to enable the growth of this new industry. It is a brand-new industry. It should have a very bright future, but we should not be complacent about it. And I look forward to talking to you more about the ARC Act and pushing that forward.”
Risch introduced the ARC Act in February 2026 to accelerate investment in and encourage completion of new commercial nuclear reactors by minimizing the risk of project cost overruns. The Idaho National Laboratory is on schedule to take three microreactors critical by July 4th of this year, in compliance with the administration’s Deploying Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technologies for National Security executive order.
Senator Risch is a long-time advocate for nuclear energy. He has spearheaded legislation to increase domestic energy production, enhance national security, and keep the United States at the forefront of nuclear advancement. He is the founder and co-chair of the Senate Advanced Nuclear Caucus, which amplifies the critical role nuclear energy plays in the U.S. and explores emerging nuclear technologies.
About Jim Risch
Jim Risch proudly represents the people of Idaho in the United States Senate. He currently chairs the Foreign Relations Committee and sits on the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Risch previously served as Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and State Senator. For the latest press releases and constituent services visit risch.senate.gov.
