W.Va. Becomes 6th State In Nuclear Initiative

West Virginia has signed a memorandum of understanding with the U.S. Department of Energy to become the sixth state chosen for a nuclear energy opportunity that could bring tens of thousands of new jobs.  

The agreement designates West Virginia as part of the Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus initiative, part of a federal effort to modernize the nation’s full nuclear fuel cycle by co-locating functions such as fuel fabrication, enrichment, reprocessing used nuclear fuel, and disposition of waste, according to the DOE.  

Each state selected is a potential host site for one of several nuclear campuses capable of attracting up to $50 billion in capital investment, generating as much as $10 billion in state and local revenue, and creating nearly 25,000 new jobs. 

“This is a major opportunity for West Virginia to help lead America’s nuclear renaissance and bring another generation of investment and good-paying jobs to our state,” Gov. Patrick Morrisey said. “President Trump and [Energy] Secretary [Chris] Wright understand that America needs abundant, reliable energy and a strong domestic nuclear industry to compete and win. West Virginia has powered this country for generations, and we have the resources, workers and industrial capabilities to help build America’s nuclear future right here at home.”  

Morrisey said the memorandum sends a clear message to America’s energy industry. 

“Come to West Virginia. If you’re building advanced reactors, we want to talk to you. If you’re manufacturing nuclear components, we want to talk to you. If you’re building advanced reactors, we want to talk to you. We want to work with you,” Morrisey said. “If you’re looking for a state with abundant energy, many skilled workers, natural resources, and an administration that has a red tape cutting machine that’s second to none, we’re here for you and we’re working with you.” 

“I’m thrilled that West Virginia is partnering with the Department of Energy to explore the development of a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus and help deliver on President Trump’s ambitious vision to restore America’s domestic nuclear fuel cycle and unleash the next American nuclear renaissance,” said Wright. “These campuses will be massive engines of economic growth—each one capable of attracting up to $50 billion in capital investment, generating as much as $10 billion in state and local tax revenue, and creating nearly 25,000 American jobs. This is exactly the kind of bold partnership we need to rebuild our nuclear industrial base, strengthen our energy security, and get America building again.” 

Earlier this year, Idaho, Tennessee, Utah, Oklahoma and Louisiana were announced as potential host states.