FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Governor Approves Large Project Energy Matching Funds to Move President Trump’s Energy Dominance Agenda Forward

“Energy Matching Funds are not about government picking winners; they are about responding to market signals and investing where private capital, innovation, and demand are already moving.”

CHEYENNE, Wyo. - Dec. 19, 2025 - Governor Mark Gordon (R-WY) and the Wyoming Energy Authority (WEA) announced today the award of $100 million in Large Project Energy Matching Funds (LPEMF) to BWXT, supporting an energy project that advances Wyoming’s economy and uranium industry and President Trump’s agenda to strengthen American energy independence by increasing the growing demand for advanced nuclear fuel. 

This investment aligns with President Trump’s energy dominance strategy, which recognizes that America’s economic strength, national security, and technological leadership depend on the delivery of reliable, affordable, and dispatchable energy. That delivery includes nuclear energy, joining coal and natural gas as cornerstones of the nation’s future energy mix.

“This is about meeting real energy demand with real projects,” Governor Gordon said. “Energy Matching Funds are not about government picking winners; they are about responding to market signals and investing where private capital, innovation, and demand are already moving.”

During a recent tour of Idaho National Laboratory, U.S. Energy Secretary Wright described the BWXT project as an example of a “nuclear renaissance,” saying “You know, we're at the early age of a nuclear renaissance where we’re talking about all these reactors being built. They're going to run on fuel. Wyoming's been a tremendous energy state, across the spectrum. I would add nuclear fuel to that if I was Wyoming. And I love the great town of Gillette." 

This renaissance is seen in growing public and private-sector investments, improving advanced reactor technology, and rising demand for uranium.  Senator John Barrasso’s “Prohibiting Uranium Imports Act of 2024” banned the import of Russian fuel and highlighted Wyoming's dominance in uranium deposits as the state is projected to hold 54% of the market share. The net impact of this uranium production to the Wyoming economy is projected to be approximately $63M in annual GSP. 

This project builds on that anticipated production by adding fuel fabrication to Wyoming’s front end fuel cycle supply chain. When completed, this project will bring with it over 200 direct jobs when it reaches full operation with an estimated annual payroll of over $20 million. 

In addition, economic modeling shows an additional 194 indirect and induced jobs with new payrolls exceeding $20 million annually. Property taxes on the facilities will also be paid annually and on average over the first ten years of operation, the facility is expected to contribute approximately $100 million in Gross State Product annually. 

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) license required for this facility is a 40 year license.  The NRC also grants extensions of these licenses with several facilities now having operated for nearly 70 years.  We anticipate this facility to be a multi-decadal facility. 

“Today is a powerful day for Gillette and for the future of Wyoming,” Gillette Mayor Shay Lundvall said. “Governor Gordon’s decision to award BWXT significant matching funds is a clear vote of confidence in our people, our community, and our role in America’s energy and technology future. Gillette has always powered this nation, and now we are expanding that legacy. I want to thank Governor Gordon for his vision and leadership, and BWXT for believing in Gillette. This partnership represents momentum, opportunity, and pride and it reinforces that the best days for Gillette and Wyoming are still ahead.”

“This investment by the state of Wyoming supports BWXT’s goal to commercialize TRISO fuel for advanced nuclear reactors,” said Joe Miller, BWXT president of Government Operations. “We want to thank Governor Gordon, Rob Creager and the Wyoming Energy Authority and the people of Campbell County and Gillette who have been so supportive of this project, including the county commissioners and Mayor Lundvall. Together we can help build a stronger future for Wyoming and America.”

Governor Gordon’s decision to invest in BWXT helps advance that national momentum and national security as this facility, when completed, will be the first nuclear fuel fabrication site built in the US in decades and will reduce America’s reliance on foreign fuel.  

“A TRISO fuel fabrication plant in Gillette strengthens Wyoming's role in national energy security, supports a reliable and secure fuel supply for advanced reactors, and keeps the United States at the forefront of nuclear innovation. Over the last decades, foreign countries have been controlling the front end of the nuclear fuel cycle, and this project supports President Trump and Secretary Wright’s goals for American energy independence and dominance,” says Rob Creager, Executive Director of the Wyoming Energy Authority. “BWXT choosing Wyoming means new jobs, new investment in the state, and a chance for our workforce to help continue to lead the country in reliable baseload energy.” 

The funds being used in this project were appropriated by the Wyoming legislature specifically for large energy projects in 2024. As a part of this legislation, the legislature specifically defined large projects as “any qualifying energy project for which the state's participation is at least fifty million dollars ($50,000,000.00)”. The legislation also requires a minimum, 1:1 match for any project. This proposed project is expected to go above and beyond that requirement with BWXT potentially investing more than $400 million for a fully operational and scaled facility.   

Wyoming is uniquely positioned to lead this next chapter. Uranium was recently designated as a critical mineral by the United States Geological Survey  and is a priority mineral for the state, alongside coal, trona, and bentonite. Wyoming has mined uranium since the 1950s and is home to the country’s largest known reserves, and today’s renewed interest in nuclear energy is creating a value-added supply chain rooted right here at home. Five of the nation’s top uranium-producing mines are located within a 70-mile radius of Gillette, making northeast Wyoming a powerhouse for advanced energy development.

Under President Trump and Governor Gordon’s leadership, Wyoming will continue to embrace and expand this emerging energy ecosystem.

Governor Gordon also thanked the Wyoming Legislature for granting the authority to deploy Large Project Energy Matching Funds and Energy Matching Funds (EMF) for recognizing the importance of strategic investment. Gillette and the Wyoming energy industry are also set to benefit under the EMF.  Recently, the Governor approved the use of EMF to assist Basin Electric conduct a front end engineering design study to build a second coal fired unit at the Dry Fork Power Plant. 

This forward looking program has kept Wyoming at the forefront and competitive with states like Texas, Tennessee, and many others that are vying for this investment in their states. “A former Legislature made a smart, forward-looking, say-yes-to-Wyoming decision,” Gordon said. “States across the country are competing for these projects every day. Wyoming is in that competition, and it’s one we intend to win.”

About: Energy Matching Funds are deployed where projects emerge based on market demand, ensuring taxpayer dollars support viable, industry-driven development rather than political preference. Wyoming’s approach mirrors successful models in other energy-producing states and keeps the state competitive in a rapidly evolving national energy landscape.

For more information: 

Amy Edmonds, Communications Director, Office of Governor Mark Gordon, [email protected]  

Jessica Jaubert, WEA Media Contact, [email protected]

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