Project Keeping The Lights On
November 13, 2025

​The meeting opened with Kurt, chair of the Energy Facility Siting Evaluation Council, stressing the importance of energy transformation and community involvement. He introduced the idea of “KTLO” meetings as a way to make conversations about resource adequacy more accessible.

Representative Barnard then shared an update on the Washington State Legislative Nuclear Energy Caucus, explaining that it offers legislators a space to learn about and discuss nuclear energy without outside pressure. She highlighted recent efforts to engage Democrats who support nuclear energy and noted their success in securing yes votes on nuclear related bills.

Participants also heard from EFSEC Director of Siting and Compliance, Amy Hofkemeyer, who explained EFSEC’s role, history, and the fundamentals that guide its siting decisions, including legislative intent, SEPA review, tribal consultation, public comment, and a 12 month timeline to make recommendations. She outlined the process for nuclear facilities, including site certification, environmental review, and oversight of facilities such as the Columbia Generating Station and the decommissioning of WNP 1 and 4, and described how EFSEC’s authority interacts with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Don Gregoire of Energy Northwest walked through the complex NRC licensing process for a small modular reactor project and the difficulty of aligning state and federal timelines. Local government representatives, including Cliff Whitney from the City of Richland and Adam Feil from Benton County, stressed the need for streamlined processes and adequate transmission infrastructure to support the project.
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The meeting concluded with a call for stronger public support for the small modular reactor effort.

EFSEC Presentation

NRC Licensing Process

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