Exclusive: Lawmakers push bill showing fusion's bipartisan appeal
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Sens. John Cornyn, left, and Alex Padilla speak at a hearing last month. Photo: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
Fusion hasn't actually arrived in reality, but a bipartisan group of lawmakers is already looking to make sure it sticks around in Washington.
Why it matters: A bill being introduced that would codify a new fusion office at the Energy Department might seem like inside baseball. But it's a concrete sign it's emerging as a bipartisan energy solution in U.S. politics.
Where it stands: Fusion — power from the stars — is still early in its development, and federal government support will likely be essential for it to ever actually exist.
- The first commercial plant could be built in the next few years.
Driving the news: The bill was introduced by Sens. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas), along with Reps. Don Beyer (D-Va.), Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.) and Lori Trahan (D-Mass.) in the House.
Surging power demand from the AI boom and rising electricity prices were key factors in the senators' push, according to statements announcing the bill.
- "Establishing the Office of Fusion is a bipartisan priority to support advancements in fusion technology to lower Americans' electric bills and meet the evolving energy needs of our nation," Padilla said.
- Codifying this office will help "accelerate the deployment of cutting-edge fusion energy as an abundant and reliable power source to help meet surging demand and bolster grid stability," Cornyn said.
Catch up fast: The Energy Department's Office of Fusion is one of several new ones that are part of Energy Secretary Chris Wright's sweeping changes at the department.
- That includes adding new offices but also renaming or doing away with some offices that have not been codified.
- One example is the Office of Environmental Justice, which the Biden administration created and which the Trump administration did away with earlier this year.
What they're saying: Commonwealth Fusion Systems CEO Bob Mumgaard told Axios the new fusion office will be greatly beneficial "when it comes to the prioritization of what to do" across the agency.
What we're watching: To what extent the federal government will support fusion projects, which is a key goal of the Fusion Industry Association, which met with senior Energy Department officials last week.
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