Leading the Nation in Nuclear Energy Innovation and Protecting 2nd Amendment Rights
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Leading the Nation in Nuclear Energy Innovation and Protecting 2nd Amendment Rights
By State Senator
Ken Yager
The Tennessee General Assembly has completed the second week of the 2026 legislative session, with legislation being filed as the bill deadline approaches next week. As this work moves forward, our focus remains on advancing thoughtful, long-term policies that strengthen Tennessee’s energy future while protecting the constitutional rights of our citizens.
This week, the Senate Energy, Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee received an update on Tennessee’s nuclear energy strategy and the work of the Nuclear Energy Advisory Council. The Council was established in 2023 by Governor Bill Lee, and has helped position Tennessee as a national leader in advanced nuclear innovation through smart policy, strategic investments, and strong public-private partnerships.
Tennessee’s leadership in nuclear energy is built on unique assets like Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the Tennessee Valley Authority, world-class research institutions, and a business-friendly climate. Investments in small modular reactors, workforce training, vocational education, and supply chain development are creating high-quality jobs while ensuring reliable and affordable energy for Tennesseans.
I have been extremely happy and thankful to partner with the Council on multiple occasions for key investments, right here in District 12 and Oak Ridge. I want to especially thank all of our local leaders that have partnered with the State to ensure that Tennessee is the epicenter of nuclear energy. In fact, the American Nuclear Society recognized Tennessee as exactly that: ”the epicenter” of U.S. Nuclear Energy.
To safeguard renters’ 2nd Amendment rights, the Commerce and Labor Committee, of which I am a member, passed Senate Bill 350. I was proud to support this vital piece of legislation to ensure landlords cannot prohibit tenants or their guests from lawfully possessing or transporting firearms on the property and clarifies that renters may lawfully possess a firearm in a vehicle parked on the premises. Tennesseans should not lose their constitutional rights simply because they choose to rent rather than own their home.
As always, it is an honor to serve you in the 12th Senatorial District.
If you have any questions or would like to set up a visit to the Capitol, reach my office at: [email protected] or at (615) 741-1449.