RELEASE: Congressman Cloud Joins X-energy and Dow as NRC Issues Historic Construction Permit for Seadrift Nuclear Project

Resources / Press Share on RELEASE: Congressman Cloud Joins X-energy and Dow as NRC Issues Historic Construction Permit for Seadrift Nuclear Project Nov 09, 2026 Press WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Michael Cloud (TX-27) joined X-energy CEO Clay Sell, Dow executives, and Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) leadership at NRC headquarters as the Commission issued a construction permit for the Long Mott Energy project at Dow’s Seadrift Operations in Calhoun County, Texas. Calhoun County is set to become home to the first commercial nuclear reactor in American history built to power an industrial plant. The permit clears the way for X-energy’s small modular reactors (Xe-100) to supply power and industrial heat to Dow’s Seadrift site. This is the first permit for a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor in over 50 years. What this means for Texas: Building a nuclear plant takes years of construction work, and running one requires a permanent, highly skilled workforce. The project brings major new investments and grid power to the area. Reliable, around-the-clock energy, in any weather, that isn’t tied to fuel prices. Dow’s Seadrift Operations is a cornerstone of the local economy. Its dependable power and heat help keep the plant competitive. “Texas’s 27th District is leading the nation into a new era of American energy,” said Congressman Cloud . “This permit will bring jobs, a stronger manufacturing base on the Gulf Coast, and energy built right here at home. Seadrift can power American industry for generations, and this is only the beginning for advanced nuclear energy in Texas,” concluded Congressman Cloud. Congressman Cloud has been a consistent advocate for the Seadrift project. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, he helped secure $2.675 billion for the Department of Energy’s Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP), which supports advanced reactor projects including X-energy’s work at Seadrift. In March, he wrote to urge that nuclear funds be prioritized for the project. X-energy and Dow are now in the construction and long-lead procurement phase of the project. The NRC completed its Environmental Assessment for the site in May. Share on