Senate Western Caucus Chair Cynthia Lummis published an op-ed on Mar. 12 in Fox News, calling for the United States and Wyoming to take a leading role in nuclear energy development and avoid ceding ground to China.
Lummis said that Wyoming has a long history as an energy state and is now positioned to lead in the nuclear industry. She pointed to growing global demand for reliable power, especially due to advances in artificial intelligence, as a reason why countries able to deliver such energy will shape future economic and technological leadership.
“The Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC) approval last week of a construction permit for TerraPower’s Kemmerer Power Station, a sodium-cooled advanced nuclear reactor to be built in western Wyoming, is a big deal for our state,” Lummis said. “The approval of this permit is proof that when industry and government operate with focus, efficiency and integrity, America can build tomorrow’s technologies right here at home in a reasonable regulatory timeframe.” She credited the NRC under President Trump’s administration for delivering the approval ahead of schedule.
Lummis highlighted Wyoming’s significant uranium deposits and its legacy as one of the nation’s top uranium producers during the Cold War. She argued that with appropriate regulation and private investment, Wyoming miners are ready to help expand nuclear power across the country. “This policy fight is larger than one single community or facility. It is about reclaiming America’s nuclear fuel supply chain from our adversaries and restoring next-generation nuclear energy production here at home,” she said.
She also noted that both China and Russia have increased their nuclear energy production over the past decade and are seeking to export their technology globally. According to Lummis, China currently leads the world in new reactor construction with more than 30 plants underway.
Lummis concluded by emphasizing Wyoming’s readiness: “Wyoming isn’t going to let that happen without a fight. The Kemmerer Power Station puts us at the front of this race.” She added that as America’s energy needs grow, Wyoming must meet demand affordably through expertise in energy production.
Lummis supports community service initiatives and family ranching traditions in Wyoming, contributing to its cultural heritage according to her official website. She also focuses on legislative efforts such as maintaining national forest trails according to her official website. Lummis has served as U.S. senator for Wyoming after holding roles in both chambers of the state legislature, serving as state treasurer, and representing Wyoming in Congress according to her official website. Notably, she is recognized as the first woman from Wyoming elected to the U.S. Senate according to her official website. Lummis represents communities across Wyoming with offices statewide and maintains an office in Washington D.C., according to her official website. In 2016 she authored legislation aimed at preserving national forest trails according to her official website.
