Idaho Announces Advanced Nuclear Energy Task Force

The new group will assess strategies to boost the state's role in nuclear innovation and workforce development.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 10:15pm

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Idaho Gov. Brad Little has announced the members of the newly formed Idaho Advanced Nuclear Energy Task Force, which will hold its first meeting on February 2. The task force was created through executive order and is charged with evaluating and recommending ways to advance Idaho's involvement in nuclear energy innovation, deployment, and workforce development.

Why it matters

As a state with a strong history in nuclear research and development through the Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho is positioning itself to play a leading role in the future of advanced nuclear energy. The task force's work could help shape the state's energy and economic future.

The details

The 18-member task force is co-chaired by Lt. Gov. Scott Bedke and INL Director John Wagner. It includes representatives from state government, local municipalities, energy companies, industry groups, and educational institutions. The group's first meeting will be streamed online, with time set aside for public comment.

  • The task force was created through Executive Order 2025-06, signed in September.
  • The task force's first meeting is scheduled for February 2, 2026 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mountain Time.

The players

Brad Little

The Governor of Idaho who announced the formation of the task force.

Scott Bedke

The Lieutenant Governor of Idaho and co-chair of the task force.

John Wagner

The Director of the Idaho National Laboratory and co-chair of the task force.

Idaho Advanced Nuclear Energy Task Force

A newly formed group tasked with assessing and recommending strategies to advance Idaho's role in nuclear energy innovation, deployment, and workforce development.

Idaho National Laboratory

A U.S. Department of Energy research facility located in Idaho that has a strong history in nuclear research and development.

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What’s next

The task force's first meeting on February 2 will be open to the public and streamed online. After this initial meeting, the group is expected to hold additional meetings and work sessions to develop its recommendations.

The takeaway

Idaho is positioning itself to be a leader in the future of advanced nuclear energy through the formation of this new task force. The group's work could have significant implications for the state's energy landscape and economic development.