America’s Smartland Series

Nuclear Energy in the Midwest

In the face of unprecedented load growth in the Midwest and beyond, many in the Midwest are investigating the ability to ramp up nuclear energy. This series will provide information to support these efforts and provide Midwestern Policy Makers with the tools to make decisions related to nuclear energy in their states.

Webinar 1

The State of Nuclear Energy in the Midwest

November 18, 2025 10 am CT

This webinar provided information about existing nuclear energy assets in the region and what state policy and regulations exist related to the use and development of nuclear energy.

Speakers:

Recording
John Kotek Presentation

Webinar 2

Siting Nuclear Energy

December 9, 2025 10 am CT

Nuclear energy installations, whether a large plant or an SMR need to receiving siting from the jurisdiction in which that asset sits. What siting norms are there in the Midwest and what challenges will new technologies bring to siting policy.

Confirmed Speakers:

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Webinar 3

The Role SMRs and New Technology

December 18, 2025 10 am CT

With this webinar, the audience will learn about the state of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in the Midwest and how this technology and others are advancing nuclear energy in the region.

Speaker: Brian M. Smith, Idaho National Laboratory

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Webinar 4

State Policy Makers’ Role in Nuclear Energy & Load Growth

January 13, 2026 10 am CT

With a patchwork of policies and number policy makers across the Midwest, what is most important for states when considering adding or retaining nuclear assets in their jurisdiction. How does nuclear impact policy discussion around load growth?

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Webinar 5

What About the Waste?


January 27, 2025 10 am CT

This webinar will address lingering questions about commercial nuclear waste, including:

the basics about how it is produced and stored—and in some cases, stranded—at nuclear power plants across the Midwest:

  • the basics about how it is produced and stored—and in some cases, stranded—at nuclear power plants across the Midwest;
  • the policy and legal history concerning its removal, transportation, consolidated storage, recycling, and permanent disposal;
  • the increasing impacts of federal government inaction on host communities, utilities, electric customers, and all US taxpayers;
  • the potential opportunities and impacts of new nuclear reactors and SMRs and facts about recycling technologies; and
  • how states can engage to support a successful national integrated nuclear waste management program that both addresses longstanding concerns and broadens opportunities for the nuclear sector and future host communities.
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Coming Soon! – Save the Date

Nuclear Energy In the Midwest
In-Person Summit

February 11-12, 2026
Washington, DC

To conclude this America’s Smartland Series, the MGA will a 2-day summit (Day 1 PM, Day 2 AM) in Washington DC to expand upon the webinar discussion and provide further Federal discussions into this ongoing series. We will also bring together state perspectives to help the region navigate the increasing important Nuclear Energy discussion that are part of the ongoing load growth conversation. 

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