Trahan Hails Historic Fusion Energy Progress

Press Release

Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03), a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, praised reported news about the first-ever production of net energy from a fusion energy reaction, an historic breakthrough in fusion energy research and development.

"Fusion energy is essential to solving the energy problems we face today. Unlocking this virtually unlimited source of clean energy will drive down costs for families struggling with fluctuating gas and oil prices, reduce our carbon footprint, and help ensure the future of our planet for generations to come," said Congresswoman Trahan, a Bipartisan Fusion Energy Caucus member. "This breakthrough is massive and speaks to the power of U.S. innovation. However, it also highlights the desperate need for historic levels of funding for fusion research and development. With every dollar we invest in fusion energy, we speed up the existence of fusion energy on the grid and help guarantee that our children and grandchildren inherit a livable planet."

Representing the Third District, which is home to commercial fusion industry leader Commonwealth Fusion Systems and down the road from partners at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Trahan has emerged as a Congressional leader on fusion energy. In 2020, Trahan and fellow Fusion Caucus member Congressman Conor Lamb (PA-17) secured passage of an amendment to the Energy Act of 2020 to establish a milestone-based fusion development program that would expand fusion research and development across our nation's labs and universities and facilitate greater private investment in fusion technology. The amendment also maintained U.S. participation in ITER, ensuring that American scientists can continue collaborating and learning from other countries.

Following passage of her amendment, Trahan partnered with Lamb to author an op-ed highlighting the importance of federal funding fusion for energy research and fusion's potential impact on U.S. energy and national security. Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced $50 million to launch the milestone program established by Trahan's amendment. Trahan also supported passage of the CHIPS and Science Act, which includes a new $50 million authorization for fusion materials research, and the Inflation Reduction Act, which includes $1.55 billion for DOE's Office of Science that includes fusion energy.

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