Boise Up and Atom Event

Idaho's advanced energy community gathered in Boise on February 3, 2026, for the IAEC Up & Atom Breakfast, where leaders from government, industry, and research institutions outlined the state's expanding role in shaping America's clean energy future. IAEC Executive Director Christi Gilchrist opened the event by highlighting IAEC's role in uniting industry, education, government, and community partners to strengthen the region's energy ecosystem and prepare for the opportunities ahead. IAEC President Kirt Marlow, Vice President Hope Morrow, Secretary Treasurer Dana Kirkham, COO Steve Laflin, and Board members Rinaldo Hunt, Eric Trotta, Kelly Galloway, Elli Brown, and Valerie Christensen were all in attendance.

Events presenters included Idaho's Lt. Governor Scott Bedke, who highlighted Idaho's growing leadership in securing America's energy future, stressing that the state must continue driving innovation, investment, and policy alignment to support national energy security. Idaho National Laboratory (INL) Director Dr. John C. Wagner outlined how INL's research, development, and demonstration work is driving what he called a new era of American energy dominance. He highlighted the momentum behind the Intermountain West Nuclear Energy Corridor (INEC) Tech Hub, now competing in the final phase of U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) funding and seeking $75.2 million in federal support with a $27.4 million match. The projected return of roughly $190 million and 900 regional jobs underscored the scale of opportunity for Idaho. He also pointed to major federal actions boosting domestic fuel production, including the Russian uranium ban unlocking $2.7 billion for Low Enriched Uranium and High Assay Low Enriched Uranium (HALEU) supply, along with U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) commitments supporting advanced light water Small Modular Reactor (SMR) deployment.

Everett L. Redmond II, Senior Director at Oklo, shared updates on the Aurora Powerhouse, a fast fission reactor authorized by DOE to operate at INL using 5 metric tons of HALEU from processed EBR II spent fuel, with startup targeted for 2027–2028. He also outlined Oklo's plans for fuel recycling and the development of a pilot scale fabrication facility at INL. In addition, ESTECH General Manager Nels Nelson highlighted the company's growing portfolio of INL projects, including major work on the National Reactor Innovation Center (NRIC) DOME and advanced hot cell capabilities.

Across every presentation, the message was clear: Idaho is leading a rapidly accelerating nuclear renaissance, and the path to America's energy dominance runs through our state.