66th Annual Meeting
Sept. 21 – 23 | Biloxi, Miss.
The Southern States Energy Board’s 66th Annual Meeting brought Governors, legislative leaders, regulators, industry executives, researchers, and federal partners to Biloxi, Mississippi, Sept. 21–23, 2026, to examine the South’s role in powering America’s energy future. Hosted by Board Chairman and Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves, the meeting centered around connecting the region’s energy resources with opportunities for economic growth under the theme The Southern Power Plan: Strategic Resources. Shared Advantages.
Mississippi provided a timely setting as the state advanced Mississippi’s Power Play, Governor Reeves’ initiative to expand energy capacity, accelerate private investment, and support reliable, affordable, and abundant energy development. In his remarks, Reeves emphasized the connection between energy readiness and economic competitiveness, advocating an approach that includes natural gas, nuclear, hydropower, solar, emerging technologies, and energy efficiency. Growth in artificial intelligence infrastructure and other electricity-intensive industries underscored the importance of preparing energy systems to meet rising demand.
Our Governors Caucus featuring Reeves and Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer González-Colón explored expanding electricity production, addressing regulatory barriers, and supporting industrial investment. Their discussion highlighted the challenges and opportunities associated with data center development and the importance of sufficient energy capacity to attract jobs and sustain growth. Both governors identified regulatory obstacles as a concern in bringing new energy infrastructure online.
The meeting also marked a transition in Board leadership. During the Annual Board Business Session on Sept. 21, members elected Governor González-Colón as Chair for the 2026–2027 term, succeeding Governor Reeves. She is the second Puerto Rico governor to lead SSEB, continuing the Board’s tradition of regional cooperation on energy and environmental priorities. The gathering reinforced a shared focus: advancing reliable, affordable energy that supports economic development and improves quality of life across the Board’s states and territories.
Joint Meeting of the Radioactive Materials Transportation Committee & the Transuranic Waste Transportation Working Group
June 24, 2026 | Austin, Texas
The Southern States Energy Board’s Radioactive Materials Transportation Committee and Transuranic Waste Transportation Working Group met jointly on June 24, 2026, in Austin, Texas, during the National Transportation Stakeholders Forum Annual Meeting. Presentations covered Waste Isolation Pilot Plant priorities, DOE radiological emergency response capabilities, the upcoming Naval Spent Fuel Exercise, and planning for the High Burnup Research Cask shipment.
Additional updates addressed secure transportation of nuclear materials, Canada’s used nuclear fuel management program, specialized hazardous materials transportation, and Transportation Emergency Preparedness Program training and support activities. The meeting concluded with state updates and a roundtable discussion on radioactive materials transportation issues. The Committees are expected to meet again in December 2026. Presentations may be viewed below.
- DOE Radiological Assistance Program
James Mason
DOE, Carlsbad Field Office - Naval Spent Fuel Exercise
Mark Salamon
Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program - High Burnup Research Cask Shipment: Risk Evaluation Discussion
Kevin Connolly
Oak Ridge National Laboratory - Nuclear Waste Management Organization Activities
Yang Sui
Nuclear Waste Management Organization - Secure Hazardous Materials Transportation Projects and Services
Randy Dillion
Bennett Heavy & Specialized, LLC - Transportation Emergency Preparedness Program Update
Dan Mills
TRG Incorporated