LOWELL, Mass. – The National Governors Association (NGA) today convened energy officials from Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont at the University of Massachusetts Lowell Rist Institute for Sustainability and Energy for the 2026 New England Regional Nuclear Policy Summit. NGA partnered with the six New England states to hold the one-day summit to bring together state leaders, public and private sector experts, and regional stakeholders to examine the potential for advanced nuclear technologies and explore investment models and regional approaches for the deployment of advanced nuclear energy projects.
“Nuclear energy has long played an important role in New England’s energy system, and the governors leading these states continue to collaborate in thoughtful ways to explore the possible role advanced nuclear technologies could play in meeting future energy needs of their states and constituents,” said NGA Chief Executive Officer Brandon Tatum. “By bringing the New England states together, NGA is providing a forum for governors and their teams to learn from experts, hear directly from communities, and identify where working together can deliver reliable, affordable and secure energy. Governors are on the front lines of these decisions, and NGA is proud to support them in that work.”
The summit fulfills a directive issued by the six New England governors in a March 2026 joint statement to convene as a region to explore advanced nuclear energy policies and technologies. In the statement, the governors noted the regional meeting would help further their commitment to the continued safe, affordable and reliable operation of the region’s existing nuclear power plants while exploring ways to create a stronger and more resilient energy future for New England
“UMass Lowell and the Rist Institute for Sustainability and Energy have a proud history of working at the leading edge of energy research and technology,” said UMass Lowell Vice Chancellor for Research and Economic Development Anne Maglia. “We appreciate, and amplify, the value of working together with multiple stakeholders to engage in important conversations surrounding the future of energy and the needs of communities across New England. We are grateful to the National Governors Association for organizing this important meeting. UMass Lowell is thrilled to host along with so many great partners, and we look forward to continued implementation opportunities ahead.”
Over the course of the summit, state officials, energy experts, community representatives and industry leaders examined key questions surrounding the future of nuclear energy in New England, including:
- New England’s electricity needs and future projects: How states, private-sector partners and the regional grid operator are preparing for the region’s future electricity needs and considering the potential role of new nuclear generation.
- Safety, community engagement and public trust: How states and communities can approach potential new nuclear development while prioritizing safety, public engagement and durable benefits for communities.
- Federal and international perspectives: Perspectives on the future of nuclear energy from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and international leaders.
- State actions and a regional approach: An overview of initiatives underway in each of the six New England states and opportunities for continued regional collaboration on advanced nuclear exploration.
- Advanced nuclear business models: A look at the range of advanced reactor technologies under development and potential approaches for integrating new nuclear generation into the New England power grid.
The summit featured opening remarks from University of Massachusetts Lowell Vice Chancellor Anne Maglia and Massachusetts Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Rebecca Tepper, along with discussions with representatives from the six New England states, ISO New England, the nuclear industry, local government, environmental organizations, academia and international partners.
The program also featured a keynote presentation from Nuclear Regulatory Commission Commissioner David Wright on the Commission’s ongoing role to enable the safe and secure use of civilian nuclear technologies and the role state leaders may play in the future deployment of nuclear projects.
The summit builds on NGA’s ongoing work to support governors as they address growing electricity demand, energy affordability, grid reliability and the transition to emerging energy technologies. Through regional convenings and policy assistance, NGA works with governors’ offices to facilitate bipartisan collaboration among states and strengthen partnerships across the public and private sectors.
Check out these resources to learn more about how NGA supports governors’ energy priorities:
- NGA Nuclear Dispatch: Powering a New Era of Innovation
- Advancing Nuclear Energy in Virginia and Tennessee
- The State of Advanced Nuclear Energy
- Nuclear Energy In-State Retreats, Technical Assistance, and Action Planning
- NGA Convenes Governors’ Energy Advisors for 2026 Energy Policy Institute and Energy Summit in Anchorage
