States and local policymakers are playing an increasingly important role in enabling the development and commercialization of new nuclear energy projects. The 2026 update to the NIA New Nuclear Energy Guide for State Policymakers answers the key question, "What can states do?" by highlighting the policies, partnerships, and initiatives that can help advance new nuclear energy projects in states.
The first part of the NIA Guide briefly introduces new reactor technologies and their benefits, followed by a review of federal and state policies to catalyze the development of new reactors. The second part of the NIA Guide highlights case studies of various states that are in differing stages of planning and development for new nuclear projects:
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Tennessee's Nuclear Energy Ecosystem
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Utah's First Steps
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Texas's Role in Pioneering Nuclear Innovation
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Virginia’s Advanced Nuclear Future
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New York Preparing to Scale
Finally, the last section of the NIA Guide is a collection of fact sheets that elaborate on key considerations for new nuclear technology such as economics, waste, safety, and expected completion timeline.