1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

I am writing to express serious concern about the February 15, 2026 airlift of a 5-megawatt microreactor from March Air Reserve Base in California to Hill Air Force Base in Utah. While the Pentagon and Energy Department characterize this as a breakthrough, the demonstration occurred after President Trump signed executive orders transferring authority for approving advanced reactor designs from the independent Nuclear Regulatory Commission to Energy Secretary Chris Wright. This fundamental change in oversight eliminates the independent safety review that has protected Americans for decades. Edwin Lyman, director of nuclear power safety at the Union of Concerned Scientists, correctly identified this demonstration as merely showing the Pentagon's ability to ship heavy equipment. The Trump administration has not made the safety case for how microreactors loaded with nuclear fuel can be transported securely to data centers or military bases. These are not theoretical concerns. The minivan-sized reactor from Valar Atomics is designed to generate 5 megawatts of electricity and is expected to reach criticality by July 4, 2026, yet officials have not resolved nuclear waste disposal issues. Removing independent regulatory oversight creates unacceptable risk. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission exists precisely because nuclear safety decisions cannot be left to political appointees with competing priorities. Energy Secretary Wright is simultaneously promoting commercial licensing of microreactors while being responsible for their safety approval. This conflict of interest is dangerous. I urge you to support legislation that restores independent Nuclear Regulatory Commission authority over all reactor designs, including microreactors and small modular reactors. The promise of powering 5,000 homes or meeting data center demands does not justify bypassing proven safety protocols. Nuclear energy requires rigorous, independent oversight regardless of reactor size or political pressure to fast-track deployment. Our communities deserve protection from inadequately reviewed nuclear technology. Please oppose any microreactor deployment until independent safety review is restored.