Why it Matters: Oklo Inc. is betting big on Washington influence by adding its fifth lobbying firm since starting federal advocacy in 2024. This expansion brings Oklo’s total lobbying investment to over $2.15 million, signaling the company sees a critical policy window opening.
By the Numbers:
Oklo’s lobbying army now includes five firms with diverse expertise:
- In-house lobbying: $1.36 million through July 2025
- Cassidy & Associates: $280,000
- CGCN Group: $180,000
- Holland & Knight: $330,000
- King & Spalding: Amount TBD
Steven Kupka leads King & Spalding’s effort. His $8.6 million career spans healthcare, telecommunications, and infrastructure. Notable experience includes post-Hurricane Maria power restoration work for Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority.
Broader Context:
Nuclear energy is having a Washington moment. The ADVANCE Act passed Congress 88-2 in July 2024, streamlining reactor licensing. Trump’s May 2025 executive orders aim for 18-month licensing approvals. Russian uranium sanctions created urgent domestic fuel needs. These changes create immediate opportunities for advanced reactor companies.
The Agenda:
Oklo’s lobbying focuses on advanced nuclear reactor deployment and federal appropriations. The company targets fast reactor funding in House and Senate Energy and Water bills. It also pushes fuel recycling programs and regulatory reforms at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Department of Energy.
Competitive Landscape:
The advanced reactor field is crowded and competitive. TerraPower and X-Energy secured major DOE demonstration funding. NuScale faced setbacks with project cancellations. Multiple companies compete for limited High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium fuel allocations from DOE.
Between the Lines:
Oklo’s timing reflects regulatory urgency. The company plans to submit its Aurora reactor license application after a 2022 NRC rejection. The ADVANCE Act’s 25-month review timeline creates pressure to get applications right. King & Spalding’s infrastructure expertise could help Oklo access territorial markets like Puerto Rico, where energy security needs align with small reactor capabilities.
The Bottom Line:
Oklo is assembling a lobbying superteam for nuclear energy’s make-or-break moment. With regulatory reforms taking effect and federal funding flowing, the company sees a narrow window to establish itself in the advanced reactor market.
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