Why It Matters

First American Nuclear Co. is entering a legislative environment primed for advanced nuclear expansion. Multiple bills directly support the company’s mission, including the Small Modular Reactor Commercialization Act, the Nuclear REFUEL Act, and the ARMOR Act mandating reactor deployment at military bases.

The company’s shift to C2 Strategies marks a strategic expansion from October’s limited engagement with Mission Strategies LLC to sustained congressional lobbying. C2 brings substantial defense and federal procurement expertise through lobbyists Shannon L. Scott-Paul, Thomas Harper, and Daniel Wagner, suggesting First American is positioning for defense contracts, not just commercial markets.

By the Numbers

First American Nuclear Co. began federal lobbying in October 2025, engaging two firms:

C2 deployed three defense-focused lobbyists: Shannon L. Scott-Paul (two decades in defense contracting), Thomas Harper (defense acquisition specialist), and Daniel Wagner (defense industry veteran). None have congressional staff experience.

The Agenda

First American Nuclear Co. is lobbying on Small Modular Reactor manufacturing and nuclear fuels reprocessing, aligning with active congressional priorities:

  • Small Modular Reactor Commercialization Act: Updates SMR definitions and establishes federal commercialization programs
  • Nuclear REFUEL Act: Simplifies licensing for fuel recycling facilities
  • ARMOR Act: Mandates Army pilot programs for advanced reactors at military installations

Recent hearings have connected AI data center energy demands to nuclear solutions. Key champions include Rep. James R. Baird and Sens. Ted Cruz and Martin Heinrich.

Broader Context

Nuclear energy has become a central policy priority amid surging AI infrastructure electricity demand. The House Science Committee directly connected data center power needs to advanced reactor deployment potential.

Congressional members are publicly championing advancement. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann emphasizes SMRs for data center growth. Sens. Cruz and Heinrich introduced spent fuel recycling legislation. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito delivered keynotes on reactor development.

Between The Lines

Congress is actively advancing legislation aligned with First American’s priorities. The SMR Commercialization Act would expand federal financial assistance, while the Nuclear REFUEL Act supports fuel reprocessing licensing. The ARMOR Act creates defense procurement opportunities through Army reactor pilots.

Recent hearings underscore urgency. The House Science Committee examined AI infrastructure power needs, while Energy and Commerce highlighted SMRs for grid stability.

Competitive Landscape

The company faces competition from established players like Oklo Inc., X-Energy LLC, and TerraPower LLC, all actively lobbying on overlapping issues.

The Bottom Line

First American Nuclear hired C2 Strategies to expand beyond executive branch education to sustained congressional engagement. C2’s defense procurement expertise positions the company for appropriations and DOD contracts, though established competitors already dominate the space.
For more detailed insights access Legis1. Request a demo today!

Spot something wrong? Report an issue with this article