Idaho is seeking private investment and advice from companies interesting in developing the state’s nuclear energy supply chain.

The Governor’s Office of Energy and Mineral Resources issued a request for information to private industry to learn more about nuclear development incentives that can attract investments.

The office is seeking comprehensive feedback by Dec. 12 “from industry leaders to better understand the factors that influence location decisions and to identify specific initiatives that would make Idaho the preferred destination for nuclear investments,” the RFI stated.

Companies involved in the nuclear energy supply chain, including nuclear energy developers, are being asked to identify key factors influencing site selection and convey preferences about:

• Business incentives such as tax and non-financial support,
• Infrastructure,
• Workforce needs,
• Public-private partnerships, and
• Regulatory and permitting requirements.

The state is also seeking information about potential investment barriers

“This RFI does not constitute a commitment by the State of Idaho to provide any specific incentives or support. All future agreements will be subject to separate negotiation and approval processes,” the state noted.

Idaho is already a national leader in advanced nuclear energy research thanks to its Idaho National Laboratory, a unit of the U.S. Department of Energy. There in Idaho Falls scientists and researchers are working on the latest nuclear power developments.

Nuclear Energy Advisory Task Force Created

Gov. Brad Little underscored the state’s commitment to backing advanced nuclear energy technologies—such as small modular reactors and next-generation reactors—as key to future economic prosperity.

Little issued Executive Order No. 2025-06 in September to create the “Idaho Advanced Nuclear Energy Task Force.”

The order says the task force is to “assess, recommend, and support strategies that advance Idaho’s leadership in nuclear energy innovation, deployment, and workforce development.”

Topics to advise the governor about include nuclear energy policy, spent nuclear fuel, and energy resiliency and security. Other issues it would delve into are fuel creation, enhancement and minimization as well as legislative and regulatory reforms to promote safe development of advanced nuclear projects.

Another responsibility of this organization is to create “marketing materials that position Idaho as a national hub for nuclear innovation, research, and private-sector development.”

Little also noted in his order that the group should also examine deploying in Idaho advanced nuclear technologies like small modular reactors, microreactors and molten salt reactors.

BOISE, Idaho — For many Idaho construction workers, the path to a skilled career begins with personal struggle and transformation. One Iraq War veteran says joining the carpenters union helped him rebuild his life – and ultimately led him to one of the Treasure Valley’s biggest construction projects.

Private First Class Ryan Cullenward joined the U.S. Marine Corps just 10 days after graduating high school, motivated by the Sept. 11 attacks.

“Like, all right, well, it’s time for me to do that. So the second I could, I joined the delayed entry program. And then about 10 days after graduating high school, I was on my way. That was June 2003,” Cullenward said.

WATCH | Bronze Star Marine finds new purpose in Idaho construction—

From combat to construction: Union helps veteran build a new path in Idaho

He served four years, deployed to Iraq, and was awarded the Bronze Star for heroism. After returning home, he says transitioning into civilian life was extremely difficult.

“Strange. Very different. That’s a lot slower pace, you know… It was just different,” he said.

After moving to Idaho, Cullenward said he found stability and support through the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters.

“I bought a house, a new truck, married, kid on the way, everything has been substantially better knowing that you have someone helping to ensure that you’re getting treated fairly… making sure that you have a pension to fall back on… So it’s all around been amazing,” Cullenward said.

Today, he works on Micron’s multi-billion-dollar semiconductor expansion in Boise — the largest job he has ever been part of.

“It’s very different… definitely the biggest job I’ve ever been on… It’s a great project and knowing it’s going to be around for a long time,” he said.

Union leaders say stories like Cullenward’s highlight the impact of training, benefits, and community.

“The benefits are training, structure, a brotherhood, first and foremost… good wages, benefits, and working conditions… and retire with dignity,” said Gil Ruxette of the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters.

Cullenward hopes other veterans and workers struggling to find direction consider the trades.

“You know, find out what you can… get in touch with the representative. They’ll show you the right way,” he said.