Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Establishing a Regional Compact on Nuclear Fusion Energy
Earlier this month, I provided testimony before the Joint
Committee on Environment and Natural Resources relative to my bill, S.673, An
Act to Establish a Regional Compact on Nuclear Fusion Energy.
Key highlights of this legislation include:
- Creating a regional compact for nuclear fusion research and development with Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, and Connecticut.
- Charging the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs, in partnership with the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, to design and execute the compact.
- Developing a strategy for regulatory approvals, financing, and operating nuclear fusion research reactors.
- Funding model includes contributions from member states, with additional support possible from additional donations, grants, and/or the U.S. Department of Energy.
- Establishing a Fusion Research Council led by the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs with representatives from academia, employers, organized labor, nuclear research, and taxpayers. Council responsibilities include meeting quarterly to guide the initiative.
- Inviting member states to appoint their own representatives to participate in the compact.
- Requiring a legislative proposal within one year outlining the compact’s plan.
- Mandating progress reports with budget estimates and recommendations for legislative or regulatory improvements, presented at least quarterly to legislative committees.
You can read the full text of the bill by visiting:
https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S673
