Idaho aligns with federal process to boost energy generation

By EPN Staff

Idaho has taken bold steps with two federal agencies to boost energy infrastructure projects by cutting red tape and by advancing next-generation energy technology. 

Governor Brad Little signed a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council to streamline permitting for building energy, mining, transportation and other infrastructure. By opting into the FAST-41 process, the state and federal governments will coordinate and expedite state and federal processes and timelines and eliminate roadblocks for critical projects. 

“Better aligning Idaho’s permitting timelines with the federal process reinforces Idaho's reputation as one of the most business-friendly and investment-friendly states in the nation. Cutting red tape and eliminating duplicative delays mean critical infrastructure and energy projects can move forward faster with greater certainty and lower costs. Idaho is proud to work with the Trump administration and lead the way in creating an environment where investment is welcomed, innovation is supported, and American energy can thrive,” Little told the press.

On that same day, the Idaho National Laboratory’s National Reactor Innovation Center inaugurated a new high-tech facility that will be used to train scientists, engineers and operations personnel on advanced reactor and fuel cycle technology. 

Why it matters

Since taking office, the Trump Administration has worked to bring back American energy dominance through deregulation, investments in American energy sources and advanced technologies. 

Republicans in Congress supported his energy agenda with the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill and by advancing their own permitting deregulation bills, the SPEED Act and the PERMIT Act, passed by House Representatives. While the Senate evaluates the bills, the U.S. Department of the Interior has embarked on its own reform of processes under the National Environmental Policy Act to accelerate energy infrastructure project approvals.  

The administration said it is also eager to work with Idaho through the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council and other independent agencies to streamline processes. 

The bigger picture 

Idaho has long been on the cutting edge of energy generation. Its EBR-I was the first power plant to produce electricity using atomic energy in 1951. Since then, the Idaho National Laboratory has been a leader in developing and testing advanced nuclear energy technology. 

The new Molten Salt Thermophysical Examination Capability (MSTEC) at the lab provides a safe way to study molten fuel salts for nuclear reactors. State-of-the-art molten salt reactors are safer and more efficient than traditional reactors. Late last year, INL scientists conducted the first test of a molten chloride salt fast reactor.

This year, the INL established the Center for Used Fuel Research to lead research and development on the management of used nuclear fuel and the National Reactor Innovation Center’s (NRIC) new MSTEC.

“The establishment of MSTEC marks a major achievement in our quest to advance next-generation nuclear reactor technologies,” said Brad Tomer, director of NRIC. “By offering the essential experimental infrastructure and expertise to industry, MSTEC will be pivotal in addressing our national energy objectives and propelling the future of nuclear power.”