U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright visited the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility in Virginia, joining Governor Glenn Youngkin and business leaders to discuss advancements in nuclear science and artificial intelligence (AI) under President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB). The event included a roundtable focused on the impact of OBBB and ongoing Department of Energy (DOE) initiatives aimed at building AI capabilities.
During his visit, Secretary Wright toured the Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility (CEBAF), recognized as one of the most advanced particle accelerators for studying atomic nuclei. He also introduced the new MOLLER experiment, described as a significant national scientific initiative.
Secretary Wright emphasized the role of Jefferson Lab in advancing science and energy technology: “Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility is driving world-class science, training the next generation of STEM leaders, and advancing technologies that will strengthen America’s energy future,” said Secretary Wright. “Thanks to the One Big Beautiful Bill, we’re investing in the breakthroughs happening here and across our National Labs to unleash American energy dominance, lead the world in AI innovation and ensure the U.S. stays ahead of strategic competitors.”
Governor Glenn Youngkin highlighted Virginia’s contributions to federal research efforts: “Jefferson Lab, one of the Department of Energy’s 17 National Laboratories, is a world leader in nuclear research and nuclear science, as well as the largest production facility for intelligence,” said Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin. “The critical work that we’ve done here in Virginia to support facilities like JLab put us in a strong position to be the federal government’s number-one partner in unleashing all-American, all-of-the-above energy. It was an honor to join Secretary Wright for today’s events as we heard about the enthusiasm from the private sector and the new investments being made under the One Big Beautiful Bill. Virginia is ready to lead the next chapter of America’s nuclear energy renaissance.”
Jens Dilling, Director of Jefferson Lab, pointed out its partnership with both DOE and Virginia: “Jefferson Lab is proud to be a DOE national laboratory and very fortunate to have a strong partnership with the Commonwealth of Virginia, proving that Virginia is indeed for science lovers,” said Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility Director Jens Dilling. “We are pleased that Secretary Wright and Governor Youngkin had an opportunity to visit the nation’s premier nuclear physics laboratory, and learn firsthand how we are harnessing AI, advancing nuclear science and training the workforce that will meet our nation’s challenges and power the nation’s next generation of innovation.”
This stop marked Secretary Wright’s 14th visit among DOE’s 17 national laboratories this year. The tour underscores an ongoing commitment by federal leadership toward supporting U.S. progress in both nuclear workforce development and artificial intelligence through OBBB funding.
