Convened by the EarthX Institute, this energy summit brings together leading scientists, policymakers, investors, and technologists to confront one of the defining challenges of our time: how to rapidly scale reliable, clean power in an era of surging demand.

As AI, electrification, and industrial reshoring place unprecedented strain on the grid, this research-driven convening explores how American leadership—rooted in the energy expertise of states like Texas—can accelerate the next generation of nuclear deployment. Through focused, solutions-oriented discussions, participants will translate real-world experience into actionable policy frameworks to unlock advanced nuclear, modernize the grid, streamline permitting, and secure U.S. leadership in the global race to build gigawatt-scale power.

10:00 – 10:20 AM | Opening Remarks
Speakers:
Peter Simek, CEO EarthX
Reed Clay, President, Texas Nuclear Alliance

10:20 – 11:00 AM | Traditional Nuclear Bottlenecks, Obstacles: Permitting, Waste, and Political Support
Permitting delays and fragmented governance are no longer bureaucratic issues—they are economic and national security risks. At the same time, while waste and fuel cycle challenges are increasingly solvable from a technical standpoint, public trust and political inertia remain significant barriers. What would it take to permit and site nuclear infrastructure at the speed of demand? How can states create one-stop coordination and pursue strategic siting near military bases, data centers, and industrial hubs? What lessons can be drawn from communities successfully building long-term trust around storage, recycling, and reuse?

Moderator:
Ashleigh Myers, Partner, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw

Speakers:
Jenifer Shafer, Ben L. Fryrear Presidential Chair in Energy, Colorado School of Mines
Brent Berg, SVP U.S. Operations, Uranium Energy Corp.
Ryno Pretorius, CEO, Quantum Leap Energy

11:00 – 11:15 AM | State Energy Spotlight: Colorado

Speaker:
Rep. Alex Valdez (D-CO)

11:15 – 12:00 AM | Texas as a Testbed: Lessons from the Frontlines of Nuclear Deployment
Texas has quietly become one of the most important proving grounds for nuclear innovation in the United States. This session examines the policy, regulatory, investment, and institutional frameworks that have enabled progress—from legislative action to grid integration to state-level coordination. The goal: identify what’s working, what isn’t, and what elements can be replicated across other states.

Moderator:
Rep. Alex Valdez (D-CO)

Speakers:
Reed Clay, Texas Nuclear Alliance
Dr. David Staack, Deputy Vice Chancelor for Research, Texas A&M
Virginia Stephens, Former Chief of Staff, TX PUC Commissioner Jimmy Glotfelty; Director, Texas Advanced Nuclear Reactor Working Group

Breakout
1:45 – 2:45 p.m. | NEI Nuclear Energy Q&A

3:00 – 3:15 PM | State Energy Spotlight:Washington
State Rep Stephanie Barnard, State of Washington

3:15 – 4:00 PM | Who Pays for the Gigawatts? Financing the Next Energy Buildout
Scaling nuclear isn’t a technology problem—it’s a capital problem. This session examines the real bottlenecks: rate-basing risk, investor hesitation, and the gap between public ambition and private financing. Panelists will explore emerging models—from state-backed guarantees to blended public-private capital stacks—and what it will take to unlock trillions in infrastructure investment before the grid hits a breaking point.

Moderator:
Marc Nichol, Executive Director for New Nuclear, NEI

Speakers:
Allen Gelwick, EVP and Partner, Lockton
Luis Ortiz, Dept. Dir. Of Commercialization, ARPA-E, U.S. Dept. of Energy

4:00 PM – 4:15 PM | Break

4:15 – 5:00 PM | Manufacturing & Workforce: Winning the Race for Talent and Supply Chains
From reactor components to skilled labor, the nuclear buildout is only as strong as its supply chain. This session examines the urgent push to onshore manufacturing, scale workforce pipelines, and align universities, apprenticeships, and industry to meet demand—before global competitors lock up capacity and talent.

Moderator
State Rep Stephanie Barnard, State of Washington

Speakers:
Matthew Gonzales, Business Manager, Laborers’ Local 1095
Dr. Mark DeHart, Director, Nuclear Science and Engineering Graduate Program, Abilene Christian University

5:00 – 5:15 PM | Closing Remarks

Peter Simek, CEO, EarthX