Oklahoma named one of finalist states for Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses

The U.S. Department of Energy has selected Oklahoma and 4 other states as potential host locations for Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses - "a new effort to strengthen and modernize the nation’s full nuclear fuel cycle" - narrowing the field from 26 states that applied for the project. The Department will ultimately select up to three states for the Innovation Campuses.

Joining Oklahoma are Idaho, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Utah. According to the DOE, each of the proposed campuses could bring an estimated $50B in capital investment and 25,000 jobs. Here's more on what these campuses are all about: 

The proposed campuses are designed to support activities across the full nuclear fuel lifecycle, including fuel fabrication, enrichment, reprocessing used nuclear fuel, and final disposition of used nuclear fuel. Depending on state priorities and regional capabilities, the campuses may also host advanced reactor deployment, power generation, advanced manufacturing, and co located data centers.

Below are reactions from a number of elected officials:

Governor Stitt Celebrates Potential Innovation Campus in Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY (July 28, 2026) - Governor Kevin Stitt announced Oklahoma's selection as one of five finalists being considered by the U.S. Department of Energy to host a first-of-its-kind Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus.

These campuses will become the hubs for the future of nuclear research and development, adding to Oklahoma’s energy abundance agenda and opening the door for research into the potential uses of nuclear technology, including biotech and aerospace applications.

“Oklahoma has always been America's energy innovation leader, from the oil boom of the early 1900s to the shale revolution in mid-2000s,” said Gov. Stitt. "Today marks a new frontier - the chance to add nuclear to our energy abundance agenda. This opportunity is an all hands on deck moment, and I look forward to working with communities across our state to make this campus a reality. I’m grateful to President Trump and Secretary Wright for their leadership and considering Oklahoma and for the companies, research institutions, and leaders across our state who have already pulled a seat up to the table to be a part of this project.”

The U.S. Department of Energy will pursue projects in up to three states to build a first of its kind nuclear lifecycle innovation campus, designed to advance regional economic growth, enhance national energy security, and build a coherent, end-to-end nuclear energy strategy for the country.

“I’m pleased to announce that after reviewing 28 applications from 26 states, the Energy Department has selected five initial contenders to further explore building Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses,” said Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. “These campuses will be massive generators of economic growth, create thousands of high-paying jobs, and be crucial to unleashing America’s nuclear renaissance. The innovative concept is a direct result of President Trump’s leadership and ambitious directives to restore the domestic nuclear fuel cycle and get America’s nuclear industry growing again.” 

Following this announcement, the State of Oklahoma will begin working with communities across the state to determine what municipalities are best positioned to host a nuclear campus.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for our state,” said Oklahoma Energy & Environment Secretary Jeff Starling. “Oklahoma’s century-long leadership in the energy space has prepared us to be the perfect state to host this campus. Oklahoma will compete, and I have no doubt we will win.”

Experts estimate this campus will provide thousands of full time, high-paying jobs for Oklahomans. 

More information about Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses can be found here.

The Department of Energy's announcement can be found here.  

SPEAKER, ARCHER COMMENT ON US DEPT. OF ENERGY ANNOUNCEMENT

OKLAHOMA CITY (July 28th) – The Oklahoma House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, and Rep. Nick Archer, R-Elk City, released the following statements after the U.S. Department of Energy announced that Oklahoma is one of five Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus finalists.

Rep. Nick Archer, who authored House Resolution 1041, said the designation opens the door for transformational economic growth and innovation in Oklahoma:

"This designation would be a major win for Oklahoma and a testament to the partnerships we've built to showcase our state's potential. By establishing a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus here, we create new opportunities for economic growth, technological advancement and American energy independence. I'm proud of the work that brought us to this moment, and I'm excited to help ensure Oklahoma remains at the forefront of advanced nuclear development."

Speaker Kyle Hilbert said the designation reflects Oklahoma's readiness to play a leading role in advancing America's energy future:

"Oklahoma has long been a national leader in energy production, and this designation would reinforce our state's role in shaping America's energy future. With abundant land, a skilled workforce and existing energy infrastructure, Oklahoma is uniquely positioned to support the next generation of nuclear technology. This investment will strengthen our economy, create high-quality jobs and enhance our nation's energy security."

"I also want to thank Rep. Nick Archer for his tireless work to elevate Oklahoma's strengths on the national stage and help make this designation possible. Our message to federal leaders and private industry is clear: Oklahoma is ready to lead the next generation of nuclear innovation."

Pro Tem Paxton, Senators Comment on Oklahoma’s Selection as White House Nuclear Innovation Finalist

OKLAHOMA CITY (July 28th) – Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, and key members of the state Senate today praised Oklahoma's selection as one of five finalists for the U.S. Department of Energy's Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus (NLIC), calling it another milestone in the state's long history of leading America's energy economy.

The White House announced Tuesday that Oklahoma has advanced to the final round of consideration for the first-of-its-kind project. While the designation marks an important achievement, the state continues competing to earn one of the final campus selections.

"Being named a finalist is an exciting opportunity for Oklahoma and a testament to the strength of our state's energy industry, workforce and innovation," Pro Tem Paxton said. "But this isn't the finish line, it's the beginning of the final stretch. We intend to compete aggressively, continue making our case and show the nation why Oklahoma is the best place to build the future of advanced energy. This opportunity could be the next chapter in building on our state’s reputation as an energy powerhouse. We already have the skilled workforce, world-class CareerTech system, outstanding universities and engineering expertise needed to support an industry that will create thousands of high-paying jobs and billions of dollars in private investment."

The proposed Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus would bring together multiple components of the advanced nuclear industry that includes research, fuel fabrication, small modular reactor technology, medical isotope production and related operations, creating a first-of-its-kind center for innovation in the United States.

Any future project would move forward only through a transparent process with federal oversight, local input and rigorous safety standards.

“With today’s announcement, Oklahoma is officially a top contender for a groundbreaking nuclear research facility that would bring billions of dollars in private investment to this state and build on our legacy of energy innovation," said Sen. Brent Howard, R-Altus. "We will do everything we can to show Oklahoma is ready for the development of a state-of-the-art facility to establish this state as a hub for the future of nuclear energy. Oklahoma has become known for its cutting-edge advancements in aerospace, technology and national defense, to which safe, secure and reliable nuclear technology will further elevate our standing.”

Senator Grant Green, R-Wellston, who chairs the Senate Energy Committee, said the state remains committed to working with local communities throughout the process.

“When the Legislature passed Behind the Meter legislation last year, this was one of the new energy developments I envisioned taking root in Oklahoma," Senator Green said. “This federal initiative is about innovation, economic opportunity and energy security. America's commercial nuclear industry has operated safely for decades under strict oversight from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and any project considered for Oklahoma would be required to meet those same high standards. If Oklahoma is ultimately selected for this hub, communities, landowners, local officials and residents will all have a seat at the table as decisions are made. We want Oklahomans to understand the opportunity before us and have confidence that any project will be developed responsibly."

The Department of Energy is expected to select up to three host sites later this year. More information on the proposed Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus can be found here.

Senator Burns Celebrates Oklahoma Being a Leading Candidate for Nuclear Innovation Campus

POLLARD (July 28th) — Sen. George Burns, R-Pollard, today issued the following statement applauding the U.S. Department of Energy’s decision to select Oklahoma as a finalist for a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus. Oklahoma is one of five states chosen as finalists. 

“Being named a finalist for a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus is big news for Oklahoma and a recognition of the strengths this state brings to the table,” Burns said. “This massive initiative would create billions of dollars in local investment and result in thousands of new jobs through the construction phase and ongoing operations, all with ripple effects throughout our supply chain. This project would be a huge economic driver for the state as a whole. Oklahoma is already a dominant force in America’s energy industry, but this is an opportunity to become a leader in yet another energy field. Investing in nuclear energy will ensure that everyone in Oklahoma and others across the country will continue to have affordable and abundant power. I appreciate President Trump’s efforts to diversify our nation’s energy portfolio, and I look forward to Oklahoma demonstrating why it’s the best place for a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus.”

Burns was the author of Senate Bill 130, which directed the Oklahoma Corporation Commission to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study on nuclear energy generation in the state.

More information on the Department of Energy’s announcement can be found here.