Texas Nuclear Alliance Applauds Appointment of Jarred Shaffer as Director of the Texas Advanced Nuclear Office
AUSTIN, Texas (September 18, 2025) – The Texas Nuclear Alliance applauds Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s continued leadership in establishing Texas as the nuclear capital of the world. With the opening of the Texas Advanced Nuclear Office (TANO) and the naming of Jarred Shaffer as the Director of TANO, the Governor has once again exhibited the type of decisive action that has quickly placed Texas at the center of the nuclear renaissance.
Texas Nuclear Alliance President Reed Clay provided the following comment:
“Governor Abbott’s appointment of a seasoned energy policy expert in Jarred Shaffer as TANO’s inaugural director marks another historic step in Texas’s leadership on nuclear energy. Quickly executing on the mandate of House Bill 14 is necessary for the rapid deployment of new nuclear in the state of Texas. Today provides further proof that Governor Abbott and Texas are leading a nuclear renaissance in the United States. With strong leadership in place, it’s time to build.”
Other leaders in the nuclear industry across Texas also lent their support for the establishment of TANO and the appointment of its director, releasing the following statements:
“Texas has taken a historic and visionary step forward with the creation of the Texas Advanced Nuclear Office. Thanks to Governor Greg Abbott’s strong leadership and commitment to securing our state’s energy future, Texas is positioning itself at the forefront of the next great chapter in nuclear innovation,” said Doug Robison, Founder and CEO of Natura Resources and Chairman of the Texas Nuclear Alliance. “This new office, building on recent legislation that supports advanced nuclear technologies, will be vital to strengthening our energy independence, ensuring the reliability of our electric grid, and advancing America’s national security. Natura Resources is honored to support this bold direction that will ensure Texas continues to lead the nation in energy innovation.”
“The Texas A&M University System congratulates Jarred Shaffer on his appointment as the director of the Texas Advanced Nuclear Office. Jarred’s selection is a testament to his expertise, leadership, and vision,” said Texas A&M University System Chancellor Glenn Hegar. “The Texas A&M University System is a leader in nuclear energy innovation and has partnered with the nuclear industry to deploy reactors at its RELLIS Campus. This collaboration aims to advance commercially ready technologies and support the testing and demonstration of next-generation nuclear prototypes, and the Texas Advanced Nuclear Office will encourage ongoing development of these critical resources. We look forward to working closely with Jarred and his team as this important initiative takes shape. Jarred’s leadership will undoubtedly play a key role in setting high standards for transparency, impact, and innovation to ensure Texas remains at the forefront of developing and constructing nuclear projects.”
“By establishing dedicated leadership for advanced nuclear energy, Texas is reinforcing its position as the global energy leader,” said Simon Irish, CEO of Terrestrial Energy. “This Director position ensures accountability at the highest level and demonstrates the state’s commitment to transforming Texas’ energy landscape while creating opportunities for all Texans. Texas isn’t just keeping pace with energy innovation – it’s setting the standard for the world.”
“Texas is leading the nation in charting a bold, pragmatic course for advanced nuclear energy,” said Matt Loszak, CEO of Aalo Atomics. “The creation of the Texas Advanced Nuclear Office is a historic step that builds on landmark legislation and positions our state at the forefront of clean, reliable, and secure power. This office will help ensure Texas not only meets its growing energy demand, but also strengthens our role in national security and global competitiveness. We’re proud to call Texas home as it takes decisive action to shape the future of energy.”
The Texas Advanced Nuclear Office was created during the 89th Texas Legislature by House Bill 14 (HB 14) (Rep. Cody Harris). HB 14 is the most comprehensive nuclear energy legislation in the nation and establishes funding mechanisms and regulatory support to accelerate nuclear energy deployment in Texas, including:
- creating the Texas Advanced Nuclear Office and establishing a Nuclear Permitting Coordinator to support the development and deployment of advanced nuclear and innovative energy technologies in Texas.
- creating a $350 million Texas Advanced Nuclear Development Fund – the largest state fund for advanced nuclear in the country – to provide grants and funding for advanced nuclear reactor projects in Texas.
Texas is experiencing rapidly increasing demand for electricity and needs proven, reliable, and clean energy sources. Advanced nuclear reactors provide a viable solution, offering the most reliable power generation. With HB 14, Texas is solidifying its commitment to accomplishing Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s charge to position “Texas to lead a nuclear power renaissance in the United States.”
Key impacts and benefits of HB 14 include:
- Grid Reliability: Expands Texas’ clean energy portfolio with dispatchable, always-on nuclear power to meet the state’s rapid growth in energy demand.
- Economic Growth: Spurs significant investment in manufacturing, creating high-wage jobs.
- Regulatory Efficiency: Simplifies the permitting process for nuclear projects.
- Energy Security: Solidifies Texas as the Energy Capital of the World and a leading exporter of nuclear technology, ensuring the United States—not China—is exporting nuclear power to the developing world.
About the Texas Nuclear Alliance
TNA is the only industry association in Texas dedicated to the advancement of nuclear technology in the state. TNA was formed with a singular mission: to make Texas the Nuclear Capital of the World. Formed in 2022 in the aftermath of Winter Storm Uri, TNA is based on the fundamental premise that if Texas and the world want low-carbon, reliable energy, it can no longer turn its back on nuclear energy. Nuclear is clean, safe, reliable, and secure.
Texas Nuclear Alliance
Lauren Clay
Lauren@TexasNuclearAlliance.org