14 - Reed Clay: The Texas Nuclear Alliance -- Energizing Robust Nuclear Growth

In this episode of the Advanced Nuclear podcast, we hear from Reed Clay, the founding president of the Texas Nuclear Alliance, who shares insights on the rapid and compelling growth of the nuclear industry in the Lone Star state. Reed explores the strong executive and legislative support that nuclear power has received in Texas, as well as the impact of President Trump's recent nuclear-focused executive orders. He reviews the many innovative nuclear projects currently underway in the state and the potential for employing nuclear energy on military bases and to support the data center and AI industries. Reed emphasizes the challenges facing advanced nuclear deployment and the role the Texas Nuclear Alliance plays in supporting the industry, concluding with a preview of the upcoming Texas Nuclear Summit, to be held in October 2025.

Reed Clay serves as President of the Texas Nuclear Alliance, 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. TNA seeks to educate Texans on the advancements in nuclear technology, advocate for public policy changes to support our country’s nuclear renaissance, and organize a growing grassroots army supporting nuclear technology. Reed founded the Texas Nuclear Alliance after recognizing that there was no single organization in Texas to advocate for the incredible advancements being made across the nuclear industry.

Reed was formerly the Chief Operating Officer of Texas under Governor Greg Abbott, where he worked daily alongside executive and legislative leadership to implement Governor Abbott's vision for the State of Texas. Reed has earned a reputation as a tireless worker who is trusted for his honest communication, strategic approach, and deep understanding of a broad range of industries and issues. He spent over a decade at the highest levels of government, and during that time gained a deep understanding of highly regulated industries and how government action impacts the bottom line.

After leaving government service, Reed founded the highly successful government affairs consulting firm Crestline Group. The firm has successfully represented dozens of clients, from Fortune 50 companies to early-stage start-ups across a wide variety of industries. Reed’s approach has led pundits inside Austin and outside of Texas to recognize him as one of the top public policy advocates in the State of Texas. Reed is also a founding partner of Clay Scott LLP, a boutique Texas law firm focused on administrative and regulatory law.

This podcast is brought to you by the United Coalition for Advanced Nuclear Power (UCAN Power) Homepage - https://ucanpower.org/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ucanpower