About the Course
Introduction
This CLE webinar will explore the emerging legal framework governing commercial fusion energy projects. The panel will review the NRC's Part 30 licensing framework, the DOE Fusion Roadmap, and early commercial precedents. The program will explore key issues in permitting, siting, interconnection, and contract risk allocation.
Description
Fusion is no longer science fiction. 2025 has seen the first commercial siting and funding wave, creating new regulatory and contractual questions for energy practitioners. Counsel must now advise clients on state regulatory and licensing oversight, local land use and environmental review, corporate PPAs for first‑of‑a-kind (FOAK) projects, and the application of tax, insurance, and milestone‑based DOE funding to fusion ventures.
Listen as our panel of energy regulatory and finance experts outlines the legal landscape for fusion development and commercialization, providing practical insight into drafting agreements, securing approvals, and mitigating project risk.
Presented By
Mr. Edwards joined the FIA in 2025 after 26 years of public service in the Legislative and Executive Branches of the Federal Government. Originally from Alaska, he served as Counsel to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee for twelve years, with a focus on nuclear energy, international energy, the Department of Energy’s Office of Science, ARPA-E, the Arctic, and insular areas. Mr. Edward also served as the Legislative Director for Senator Lisa Murkowski and as the primary counsel and policy advisor to the U.S. Arctic Research Commission.
Mr. Fowler helps clients navigate the complex landscape of next-generation energy transition technologies, including fusion, nuclear, advanced recycling and hydrogen energy. He provides comprehensive regulatory services to energy sector clients, advising them on regulatory matters and, when necessary, representing clients before regulatory bodies including the NRC, FERC, OMB, EPA and OSHA. Mr. Fowler frequently provides due diligence for investments into energy technology developers, ensuring that regulatory aspects are thoroughly evaluated and addressed. He also partners with clients in developing targeted strategies for engagement on emerging issues, with a holistic view of legislative, agency and political issues, to address and mitigate potential regulatory impacts.
Mr. O'Neill is Senior Counsel, Policy and Regulatory Affairs at Commonwealth Fusion Systems. His career and law practice have centered on the nexus of global energy policy, energy regulatory development and compliance, and emerging energy technologies and markets.
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This 90-minute webinar is eligible in most states for 1.5 CLE credits.
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Date + Time
- event
Thursday, April 23, 2026
- schedule
1:00 p.m. ET/10:00 a.m. PT
I. Introduction: the fusion landscape
II. The licensing pathway
A. NRC, federal permitting
B. State and local oversight
III. International law
IV. Project contracting and risk allocation
V. Case studies
VI. Community outreach
VII. Practitioner takeaways
The panel will discuss these and other key issues:
- NRC's decision to regulate fusion under 10 CFR Part 30 and its implications for project timelines
- State program interaction with federal oversight
- Fusion siting and environmental review
- Corporate and utility PPAs in early-stage fusion deployment and how to allocate risk
- Assess key legal risks: tritium handling, liability management, IP ownership, export controls
