U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright visited the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility in Virginia, where he joined Governor Glenn Youngkin and business leaders to discuss recent federal investments in nuclear science and artificial intelligence (AI). The visit highlighted the impact of President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) on research and development at Department of Energy (DOE) laboratories.
During his tour, Secretary Wright observed ongoing work in next-generation nuclear technology and STEM workforce training. He also introduced the new MOLLER experiment, described as a significant scientific initiative for the nation. The secretary toured the Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility (CEBAF), which is recognized for its advanced capabilities in studying atomic nuclei.
“Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility is driving world-class science, training the next generation of STEM leaders, and advancing technologies that will strengthen America’s energy future,” said Secretary Wright. “Thanks to the One Big Beautiful Bill, we’re investing in the breakthroughs happening here and across our National Labs to unleash American energy dominance, lead the world in AI innovation and ensure the U.S. stays ahead of strategic competitors.”
Governor Youngkin noted Virginia’s role in supporting federal research facilities. “Jefferson Lab, one of the Department of Energy’s 17 National Laboratories, is a world leader in nuclear research and nuclear science, as well as the largest production facility for intelligence,” said Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin. “The critical work that we’ve done here in Virginia to support facilities like JLab put us in a strong position to be the federal government’s number-one partner in unleashing all-American, all-of-the-above energy. It was an honor to join Secretary Wright for today’s events as we heard about the enthusiasm from the private sector and the new investments being made under the One Big Beautiful Bill. Virginia is ready to lead the next chapter of America’s nuclear energy renaissance.”
Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility Director Jens Dilling emphasized collaboration with both DOE and state partners: “Jefferson Lab is proud to be a DOE national laboratory and very fortunate to have a strong partnership with the Commonwealth of Virginia, proving that Virginia is indeed for science lovers,” said Dilling. “We are pleased that Secretary Wright and Governor Youngkin had an opportunity to visit the nation’s premier nuclear physics laboratory, and learn firsthand how we are harnessing AI, advancing nuclear science and training the workforce that will meet our nation’s challenges and power the nation’s next generation of innovation.”
This visit marks Secretary Wright’s 14th stop among DOE’s 17 national laboratories this year as part of an effort to promote investment in U.S. leadership within both nuclear technology sectors and AI through OBBB.
