News

Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Defense airlifted a nuclear reactor from southern California to Hill Air Force Base in Utah in the first-ever air transport of a nuclear reactor. The project points toward a future for nuclear power that’s characterized by small, modular, flexible reactors, rather than the hulking plants and cooling towers of the past.  

Smaller nuclear reactors will typically produce between one and 20 megawatts of power and be flexible and mobile enough to power remote locations, data centers, emergency response efforts, commercial use, and many other applications.  

The new reactor in Utah was manufactured by Valar Atomics in California before being loaded onto C-17 aircraft for its flight to Utah. Governor Spencer Cox, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, Valar Atomics staff, and other state and federal leaders accompanied the reactor on the flight and described it as a major step forward in the push to deploy reliable, abundant nuclear power across the country.  

“Ladies and gentlemen, there are moments in history when technologies redefine what is possible in a nation. Advanced nuclear for national security belongs in that lineage,” said Governor Cox. 

After testing and evaluation, the 5-megawatt reactor is expected to begin generating power in Emery County before July 4th of this year.  

Governor Cox has been a leader in the push for more nuclear power, especially through his state-level initiative, Operation Gigawatt, and his WGA Chair initiative, Energy Superabundance. Cox kicked off his WGA initiative a few months ago with a nuclear energy workshop at Idaho National Laboratory (INL), hosted by Idaho Governor Brad Little.  

As the country’s leading nuclear energy lab, INL has been instrumental in developing and testing new nuclear reactor technology. The lab helps test prototype reactors, develops advanced fuels, and supports both public and private sector nuclear energy development. INL also leads the Microreactor Applications Research Validation and Evaluation (MARVEL) project, which provides companies and research groups with the opportunity to test their technologies with power from INL’s nuclear microreactor.  

As part of the federal government’s push to deploy nuclear power, the Department of Energy plans to have three self-sustaining microreactors deployed by July 4. DOE has offered significant grants to small reactor builders, and it selected 11 projects to fast-track to help switch on the country’s first small modular reactors by July 4.  

The military has also played a significant role in spurring microreactor development through the Janus Program, which aims to design next-generation nuclear power for use by the Army. The Army is now considering siting a reactor at bases in Alaska, Texas, and Washington.  

To explore in-depth conversations about the future of nuclear energy, watch panels from WGA’s nuclear energy workshop in Idaho Falls, and check out Governor Cox’s Energy Superabundance Chair initiative.  

New Mexico child care: New Mexico is set to become the first state in the nation to write no-cost universal child care into law, after lawmakers approved the Child Care Assistance Program Act last week. The bill now heads to Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, who plans to sign it into law.  

“At the outset of my administration, we began building the foundation of a universal child care system — deliberately, strategically, brick by brick,” Governor Lujan Grisham said. “This historic initiative will serve generations of families who no longer need to worry if quality care for their children is within reach. I am immensely proud of New Mexico, and I thank all members of the House and Senate for their partnership in making this vision a reality. I look forward to signing this bill into law.”  

The bill makes the state’s universal child care program permanent and dedicates annual funding for it. The program’s funding primarily comes from New Mexico’s Land Grant Permanent Fund, which is a sovereign wealth fund fed by oil and gas revenues.  

Fervo’s hottest geothermal well yet: next-generation geothermal company Fervo Energy recently finished drilling an appraisal well in Utah that tapped into its hottest temperatures yet. Fervo used AI-enabled drilling and exploration technology to help map and locate the record-breaking reservoir. 

The 11,200-foot well in Millard County confirmed temperatures above 555 degrees Fahrenheit, which is well above the threshold for commercial viability. The site – known as Project Blanford – could unlock a multi-gigawatt geothermal resource, according to the company. 

Montana energy task force: last September, Montana Governor Greg Gianforte launched a bipartisan energy task force to provide recommendations and strategies to increase the supply of affordable and reliable energy in Montana. 

The Governor’s task force is now hosting a series of public open houses around the state to hear from residents about their biggest energy issues. The first open house was held on February 25th in Butte, with following events in Miles City on March 25 and Colstrip on April 15. 

Conservation in the West: results from the 16th annual State of the Rockies Conservation in the West poll were released last week, providing a snapshot of westerners’ views on issues related to conservation, public lands, water, energy, and other salient topics in the region. As part of Colorado College’s State of the Rockies project, the poll surveyed voters in eight western states – Colorado, Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming.  

The results indicate strong bipartisan support for protecting public lands, natural resources, wildlife, and water. It also showed discontent with the sale of public lands or cuts to land management. See the full survey results here.