Press Releases

WASHINGTON, DC – Last Friday, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) announced that it would regulate fusion energy systems under its existing regulatory framework to provide researchers and commercial fusion companies the regulatory certainty necessary to continue innovating. The new policy is in line with a request that Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03), a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, led with her Fusion Caucus Co-Chairs on fusion regulation earlier in February 2023.

The Caucus Co-Chairs wrote in the letter to the Commission to "pursue a framework that promotes the adoption of fusion energy, protects public health and safety, and maintains the U.S.’s position as the global leader for fusion technology.” The full letter is available HERE.

“As we continue to grapple with the consequences of the climate crisis and fluctuating energy prices, the need for virtually unlimited carbon free fusion energy couldn’t be clearer. Unlocking commercialized fusion energy would drive down costs for families struggling with fluctuating gas and oil prices, reduce our carbon footprint, and help ensure the future of our planet for generations to come,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “As a Co-Chair of the Congressional Fusion Caucus, it’s great to see the Nuclear Regulatory Commission recognize the groundbreaking work being done in fusion labs and facilities across the country with this announcement. I look forward to working with the Commission and our colleagues in Congress to ensure this framework continues to prioritize public health and safety while avoiding unnecessary regulatory burden and uncertainty.”

Trahan represents Massachusetts’ Third Congressional District, which is home to commercial fusion industry leader Commonwealth Fusion Systems and down the road from partners at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In 2020, Trahan secured passage of an amendment to the Energy Act of 2020 to establish a milestone-based fusion development program that would expand fusion research and development across our nation’s labs and universities and facilitate greater private investment in fusion technology. The amendment also maintained U.S. participation in ITER, ensuring that American scientists can continue collaborating and learning from other countries.

Following passage of her amendment, Trahan authored an op-ed highlighting the importance of federal funding fusion for energy research and fusion’s potential impact on U.S. energy and national security. Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced $50 million to launch the milestone program established by Trahan’s amendment. Trahan also supported passage of the CHIPS and Science Act, which includes a new $50 million authorization for fusion materials research, and the Inflation Reduction Act, which includes $1.55 billion for DOE’s Office of Science that includes fusion energy.

###