Texas pushes ahead with new nuclear reactor projects

Texas is rapidly advancing its nuclear energy ambitions, with state leaders and private companies planning next-generation reactors to power industrial operations.

Dylan Baddour reports for Inside Climate News.

In short:

Texas-based Natura Resources and California’s Kairos Power have permits to build advanced nuclear reactors, aiming for completion by 2027.
The state legislature is considering public financing to support nuclear projects, with Texas A&M University establishing a site for multiple commercial reactors.
New reactor designs use alternatives to water for cooling, such as molten salt, which could improve safety and efficiency while reducing waste.

Key quote:

“We need energy in Texas, we need a lot of it and we need it fast.”

— State Sen. Charles Perry, chairman of the Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs

Why this matters:

Texas, the nation’s largest energy producer, is positioning itself as a leader in nuclear innovation. With rising electricity demands from industries like data centers and oilfield operations, nuclear power could offer a reliable, low-carbon alternative to fossil fuels. However, concerns remain over safety, waste disposal, and the role of public funding in private projects. Advances in reactor design could address some of these issues, but long-term viability depends on regulatory approvals and infrastructure investments.

insideclimatenews.org

Texas pushes ahead with new nuclear reactor projects

New office at Stony Brook University links climate, community and health

Fragmented forests sequester less carbon

EU countries are bailing out fossil fuels instead of funding the green transition, Greenpeace warns

Experts: You have some power to reduce your AI environmental footprint

Indigenous cultural practices are a climate solution, report finds

Carbon captured

After a civil rights complaint, Chicago built an extensive air-monitoring network

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.