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 prevent China from dominating the sector.
Lummis said that Wyoming has a long history as an energy state and is now positioned to lead in the nuclear industry. She emphasized the growing demand for reliable power due to technological advances such as artificial intelligence, stating that countries able to provide this power 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, with China currently leading global reactor construction. Lummis warned against allowing other nations to control technology exports and supply chains: “China leads the world in nuclear reactor construction, with over 30 new plants underway… Beijing desperately wants to export their nuclear technology around the world, and tie other countries to Chinese designs and Chinese supply chains for decades to come.”
Lummis concluded by reaffirming Wyoming’s commitment: “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.
Beyond her advocacy on energy issues, Lummis supports community service initiatives and family ranching traditions in Wyoming, contributing to local cultural heritage according to the official website. She has also focused on legislative efforts such as maintaining national forest trails through authoring acts like the National Forest System Trails Stewardship Act in 2016 according to her official website. Lummis has served as U.S. senator since 2021 after holding roles in both chambers of Wyoming’s legislature, serving as state treasurer, and representing Wyoming in Congress according to her official website. Notably, she is recognized as the first woman elected to represent Wyoming in the U.S. Senate according to her official website.
