Washington, D.C.— Senate Western Caucus Chair Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) released the following statement today applauding the approval of the construction permit for TerraPower’s Kemmerer Power Station Unit 1, a commercial nuclear power plant to be built near Kemmerer, Wyoming in Lincoln County.
“Today is a landmark day for Wyoming,” said Lummis. “The NRC’s approval of TerraPower’s construction permit for the Kemmerer Power Station is a major step forward in President Trump’s energy independence agenda. Wyoming has long powered this nation and I’m proud that we are leading the next generation of nuclear energy. TerraPower’s advanced reactor will bring economic opportunity to Kemmerer and western Wyoming, while proving that America can build the technologies of the future right here at home.
“I want to commend TerraPower, the NRC and their staff, and all who worked tirelessly to complete this rigorous review ahead of schedule. That is what is possible when industry and regulators work with purpose, efficiency, and integrity. I look forward to seeing this project begin construction and seeing it come online to serve Wyoming and the nation for generations to come.”
Background:
- TerraPower filed the application in March 2024, requesting a permit to build the sodium-cooled, advanced reactor design on a site near an existing coal-fired power plant in Kemmerer, Wyoming.
- In May 2024, the NRC staff accepted the application and began formal review.
- In July 2025, the NRC revise its schedule to complete the application review by December 31, 2025. This was six-months ahead a previously revised completion goal of June 2026, and nine-months ahead of the original project schedule.
- In October 2025, the NRC staff issued the final environmental impact statement for the site.
- In December 2025, the NRC staff issued the safety evaluation for the construction permit and submitted its statement in support that the Commission approve the issuance of the permit. The paper served as the staff’s primary testimony to meet the Commission’s uncontested mandatory hearing requirements.
- TerraPower would still need to submit, and the NRC staff would need to review and approve, a separate operating license application before it would be authorized to operate the facility. In September 2025, the NRC received TerraPower’s regulatory engagement plan for a potential operating license application submittal.
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