Springfield Standard

House Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs Chairman Eric Burlison (R-MO-07) has expressed support for the U.S. Department of Energy’s launch of President Trump’s Nuclear Reactor Pilot Program. The initiative aims to speed up the deployment of advanced nuclear technologies in the United States.

The Department of Energy will collaborate with 11 advanced reactor projects, including Radiant Energy and Valar Atomics. Chairman Burlison visited these companies last month in Los Angeles. The program seeks to construct, operate, and achieve criticality of at least three test reactors by July 4, 2026.

“President Trump’s Nuclear Reactor Pilot Program is exactly the kind of bold action we need to cut through the bureaucratic gridlock and unleash America’s energy potential,” said Chairman Burlison. “By removing barriers and accelerating deployment, we can make the United States the global leader in advanced nuclear power and ensure that hardworking Americans have access to affordable, reliable energy for generations to come.”

The pilot program follows President Trump’s Executive Order 14301 from June, which reformed reactor testing procedures and streamlined authorization by the Department of Energy. The selected companies will design, build, and operate their test reactors outside national laboratories with DOE approval. This process is intended to enable faster commercial licensing.

The companies chosen for participation are Aalo Atomics Inc., Antares Nuclear Inc., Atomic Alchemy Inc., Deep Fission Inc., Last Energy Inc., Oklo Inc., Natura Resources LLC, Radiant Energy Inc., Terrestrial Energy Inc., and Valar Atomics Inc.

Eric Burlison has served as a member of Congress representing Missouri's 7th district since 2023 after replacing Billy Long. Before his current role in Congress, he served in both chambers of Missouri's state legislature: first in the House from 2009 to 2017 and then in the Senate from 2019 to 2023. He was born in Springfield, Missouri in 1976 and currently resides in Ozark. Burlison earned both his undergraduate degree (2000) and a subsequent degree (2002) from Missouri State University.