This program recognizes leaders across state legislatures and party lines, public utility commissions and state energy offices who are answering the call to advance America’s clean, nuclear-powered future.
Washington, D.C. – May 14, 2026 – Nuclear Matters, a national coalition of grassroots advocates working to inform the public and policymakers about the clear benefits of nuclear energy, announced the inaugural class of Nuclear State Champions – recognizing over 150 state leaders from more than 40 states for their leadership, commitment and courage to power the future with clean and reliable nuclear energy.
The Nuclear State Champions Program is a landmark initiative honoring state leaders who are driving nuclear energy forward in their communities, legislatures and regulatory bodies. From advancing nuclear legislation, policy and regulatory topics to ensuring nuclear’s place in the energy mix, to leading impactful events and discussions, the honorees bring diverse backgrounds and expertise but share a common goal to positively shape the future of nuclear energy.
President of Nuclear Matters, John Kotek shared, "This inaugural class of Nuclear State Champions signals a powerful reality: nuclear energy's future is being built in state legislatures and meeting rooms across America. We are proud to celebrate 157 leaders from more than 40 states who are using their platforms to ensure their communities benefit from clean, reliable nuclear power."
On Wednesday, at the Nuclear Energy Institute’s annual Nuclear Energy Policy Forum, Senator Sue Rezin (IL-D), and Jarred Shaffer, Head of the Texas Advanced Nuclear Office, were named the two Super Nuclear State Champions of the Year.
Super Nuclear State Champions are leaders who went above and beyond to support nuclear energy. They were selected for their efforts to champion critical legislation and elevate nuclear energy in their community. This recognition reflects the meaningful impact of their advocacy and the standard they continue to set as leading voices for nuclear energy.
Together, the Nuclear State Champions are showing how to turn advocacy into action and advancing a brighter, cleaner energy future for our nation, with nuclear power at the helm.
About the Nuclear State Champion Program
The Nuclear State Champions program is an annual initiative that acknowledges policymakers, regulators, advocates and energy officials at the state level who are driving meaningful progress for nuclear energy in their communities. Champions are nominated and selected using clear, impact-based criteria — from influencing nuclear policy outcomes to engaging with constituents and the nuclear community.
About Nuclear Matters
The advocacy arm of the Nuclear Energy Institute, Nuclear Matters, is a national coalition of grassroots advocates, working to inform the public and policymakers about the clear benefits of nuclear energy. Across the country, we engage with a diverse community of grassroots advocates, thought leaders and like-minded organizations to promote policy solutions that recognize the pivotal role nuclear energy must play in securing America’s clean energy future.
The nuclear energy movement is growing — and every voice matters. Join Nuclear Matters' grassroots network to stay informed, make your voice heard and help champion nuclear energy in your state. Learn more at https://www.nuclearmatters.com/.
Nuclear Matters Media Contact
About the Nuclear Energy Institute
The Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) is the leading U.S. policy and technical organization dedicated to all aspects of the commercial nuclear industry. With our members’ support, we actively shape policies and regulations that promote clean and reliable nuclear energy in the United States and globally. Our members include utilities, reactor vendors, technology developers, stakeholders from every facet of the nuclear supply chain, clean energy buyers, national labs, labor unions, and universities. Learn more at https://www.nei.org/.
NEI Media Contact