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Jeffrey S. Merrifield

Partner Emeritus
Washington, DC

Partner Emeritus, Washington, DC

T: +1.202.663.8718
T: +1.202.663.8718

Areas of Focus

Jeff’s unique perspectives gained from his experiences in Congress, as a member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and as an energy industry executive, have proven invaluable when guiding our company through the complexities of Washington, D.C. and helping our growth.
—Simon Irish, CEO, Terrestrial Energy

The Honorable Jeffrey S. Merrifield, a former presidential appointee to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, previously co-led the firm’s Energy Transition Practice as well as Pillsbury’s Nuclear Energy Team. With over 40 years of experience on the nexus of energy and environmental matters, he is widely recognized as an international thought leader on nuclear power, fusion energy and the deployment of complex energy systems for the avoidance of carbon generation.

During his four decades of involvement in the energy industry, Jeff has developed wide-ranging relationships throughout the international nuclear and fusion communities that allow him to identify strategic and legal solutions for major energy and environmental matters. He is considered a leader in advanced nuclear and fusion deployment and has assisted large and developing nuclear utilities, suppliers and governments in effectively meeting their regulatory requirements and strategic objectives regarding the deployment of complex energy systems. Jeff’s well-received corporate executive experience, as well as media and public speaking capabilities, provide a significant resource for the advocacy of common-sense and cost-effective solutions that allow business leaders to achieve their corporate objectives.

Representative Experience

  • Advised Abilene Christian University on general regulatory, licensing and federal advocacy regarding NEXT Lab (Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing Laboratory) construction of a 1 MW molten salt research reactor.
  • Advised University of North Carolina Charlotte on development and funding of its EPIC (Energy Production and Infrastructure Center) construction activities and assisted in successful efforts to obtain $160 million in funding from the National Science founding.
  • Advised Disa Technologies on NRC licensing issues and corporate strategy matters regarding an innovative uranium reclamation technology process. Disa platforms isolate geologic material ranging from precious and industrial metals to hydrocarbons and abandoned uranium mine material.

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  • Advised U.S. Forged Rings in its efforts to obtain government support to build a multi-billion dollar forging and manufacturing facility in North Carolina including providing strategic advice on supplier and customer engagement.
  • Advised Rhombus Power Ltd, developers of an advanced AI platform, on investment, corporate strategic growth and general regulatory issues.
  • Advised Subcritical Systems in efforts to seek an alternative licensing framework with the U.S. NRC to accelerate the deployment of their accelerator driven energy system.
  • Advised Homestake Mining Company on strategy and regulatory engagement with the U.S. NRC and other state and federal agencies and successfully convinced the U.S. NRC to adopt a more cost-effective approach to oversight of this facility undergoing remediation.
  • Advised Western Nuclear Inc. on strategy and regulatory issues which led to their successful transfer of a mining waste site to the Department of Energy providing savings of millions of dollars.
  • Advised Terrestrial Energy on regulatory, investor relations and advanced reactor matters for development and deployment of its Integral Molten Salt Reactor technology.
  • Advising newcleo on all aspects of its business, including export controls and licensing, M&A, and commercial matters, complex regulatory compliance in conjunction with the development of an advanced nuclear reactor for import and export control spanning multiple jurisdictions, including the U.S., Italy, and France.
  • Served as the outside counsel and for the Fusion Industry Association (FIA) and led their successful effort to receive U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission adoption of simplified accelerator framework under 10 CFR Part 30 to regulate future commercial fusion machines. Also served as the Confidential Counsel and Secretary to the FIA Board of Directors. Pillsbury’s efforts on Part 30 were recognized as the Financial Times 2023 Most Innovative Law Firms in the Energy Transition.
  • Provided strategic advice and advocacy to General Fusion on deployment of fusion technologies, including review of due diligence documents and the analysis of U.S. laws pertaining to fusion energy.
  • Advised Clean Core Thorium Energy, an innovative nuclear fuel company, on all aspects of the development and commercialization of its disruptive technology, including in its joint development agreement with an engineering firm, patent filings and IP protections, strategies for market entry, and agreements with potential partners and suppliers.
  • Advised Southern Nuclear Operating Company on licensing issues associated with the deployment of two Westinghouse AP1000 nuclear reactors in Georgia.
  • Provided regulatory and legal advice to RASA Industries, a TSE/TYO listed manufacturing company regarding U.S. and international technology deployment.
  • Advised the Aspen Institute for several years, including leading a team that provided strategic, regulatory and corporate advice on formation of the Zero Emission Maritime Buyers Alliance (ZEMBA), alongside co-founders Amazon, Patagonia and Tchibo. This work led by Merrifield for Aspen was recognized by the Financial Times as the Most Innovative Law Firm in the Energy Transition for 2024.
  • Served as co-outside counsel for the nuclear due diligence effort for Brookfield’s purchase of Westinghouse and served as outside nuclear counsel for a half-dozen confidential mergers and activities efforts.
  • Provided counsel and representation for several utilities before the Nuclear Regulatory Commission regarding how to meet a wide variety of NRC safety and security requirements.
  • Developed a successful regulatory strategy for a U.S. utility that reduced its security workforce by over 40%.
  • Served as co-outside counsel for the board of directors for a U.S. utility in an independent investigation of allegations directed against senior management of the company regarding nuclear safety culture.
  • Served as confidential counsel to a major international energy association, including engaging with over two dozen global utility CEOs, to address complex governance matters associated with their senior management and board of directors.
  • Served as confidential counsel to two startup companies providing innovative nuclear power applications for terrestrial and space-based nuclear applications.
  • Co-lead on nuclear regulatory analysis for the Nuclear Alternative Project, a DOE-sponsored effort to assess the deployment of advanced nuclear energy in Puerto Rico.
  • Provided advice and counsel on public communications and legislative engagement for a major fuel storage facility.
  • Served as outside legal advisor to Clearpath Foundation, a free-market, clean energy advocacy organization, which promotes nuclear power, clean coal and hydropower as non-carbon-based solutions to providing clean energy.
  • Provided confidential pro-bono counsel to over a half dozen non-governmental organizations focused on the nexus of energy and carbon-free generation matters.
  • Advised a middle eastern energy ministry in its negotiations with the United States government.
  • Advised Asia-based companies seeking to establish or expand their U.S. operations.
  • Advised several Canadian corporations and organizations who seek to expand their nuclear presence in North America.
  • Advised a leading artificial intelligence developer in Silicon Valley on its defense and nuclear energy deployment efforts.
  • Testified over a half-dozen times in front of the House and Senate on the deployment of advanced reactors since 2015.

Professional Highlights

  • Serves as Chair of the U.S. Nuclear Industry Council (USNIC); also serves as the chairman of the Advanced Nuclear Task Force, where he leads an effort to promote the deployment of this innovative nuclear technology.
  • Was a founding board member and past chair of E4 Carolinas—the 150-member Energy Association of North and South Carolina. Appointed to the 24-member Civil Nuclear Trade Advisory Committee (CINTAC) (2016–2018, 2021–2024, 2025–2026) that advises the Secretary of Commerce on nuclear trade issues.
  • Was a leading spokesperson for the U.S. nuclear industry during the Fukushima incident, fielding over 100 live interviews (TV and radio) over a two-week period following that unfortunate accident.

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  • Maintains close relationships with DOE and NRC senior leadership.
  • Honors & Awards
    • Recognized by Business Today in the “Top 10 Most Influential Nuclear Regulatory & Litigation Lawyers in 2023.”
    • Recognized by the Financial Times' Most Innovative Law Firms in North America (2023–2024) (Energy Transition).
    • Recognized by Chambers Global for Energy: Nuclear (Regulatory & Litigation) – USA (2020–2026).
    • Recognized by Chambers USA for Energy: Nuclear (Regulatory & Litigation) (2019–2026).
    • Presidential Citation, American Nuclear Society, 2023.
    • Presidential Citation, Fukushima Rapid Response, American Nuclear Society, 2011.
    • Tufts University Most Distinguished Alumni, 2024.
    • Stewardship award, U.S. Nuclear Industry Council, 2022.
    • Energy Leadership Award, Charlotte Business Journal, 2010.
    • Special Achievement Award, United States Transport Council, 2007.
  • Career Highlights
    • While serving on the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, became the most widely traveled commissioner ever, having visited 30 of the 31 countries then operating nuclear plants and toured 240 of the world’s 440 nuclear reactors.
    • Appointed by President Clinton and reappointed by President Bush to serve on the five-member, Senate-confirmed, independent Nuclear Regulatory Commission, serving from 1998 to 2007. Managed a staff of 3,250 employees and a budget of $900 million; set all policies and rules that governed the safe and secure use of nuclear materials at the 104 U.S. nuclear power plants then operating.
    • Served as president of The Merrifield Group LLC, providing energy and environmental consulting, advocacy and strategic advice for companies, organizations and individuals.
    • Senior vice president of global business development with Chicago Bridge & Iron Co.’s Power Business Unit. Led a team of 25 sales and proposal staff to develop and win over $1.5 billion in nuclear, fossil and renewable energy annual sales, including the first competitive, EPC combined cycle gas unit in over six years.
    • Senior vice president for The Shaw Group Inc.’s Power Group, overseeing external relationships, including nuclear business development, customer relations, strategic planning, marketing and communications, as well as government and regulatory affairs. Helped lead a business development team that increased Shaw’s nuclear outage services to achieve penetration of over 50% of the U.S. nuclear outage maintenance market.
    • For almost 10 years, served as a policy advisor on energy and environmental matters for two members of the United States Senate and was the staff director and counsel for a subcommittee of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee responsible for hazardous, solid and radioactive waste cleanup matters.
  • Board and Association Activities
    • Board member, Disa, Technologies, Inc. (2023–present).
    • Chair, U.S. Nuclear Industry Council, having previously served as Vice Chair (2022–2023); Chair of the Governance Committee (2019–2022); Chair, USNIC Advanced Nuclear Task Force (2016–present); Chair of the Board of Directors (2024–present).
    • Chair, E4 Carolinas (Energy Association) (2018–2023), founding board member of 150-member energy association since 2012; since becoming chair in 2018, helped oversee the growth of the association from two to seven full-time staff and increased membership by one quarter. 
    • Served on the board of directors for U.S. Ecology Corp. (NASDAQ listed) (2007–2014), one of the largest U.S. operators of both hazardous and low-level radioactive waste disposal facilities; lead director, chairman of governance committee and a member of the compensation and audit committees.
    • Advisory board member, Idaho National Laboratory, Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear Advisory Board, (2017–2020).
    • Advisory board member, ClearPath (2015–present)
    • Advisory board member, Elementl Power (2022–present)
    • Advisory board member, Pelican Limited Partnership (2023–present)
    • Board member, Central Piedmont Community College Foundation (2008–2015)
    • Advisory board member, University of North Carolina Charlotte – EPIC Program (2007–2015)
    • Board of Visitors, University of North Carolina Charlotte (2024–present)
    • Executive board member, Charlotte Chamber of Commerce (2010–2014)
    • Chair, Clean Carolinas Governance Board (2023–present)
    • Co-Chair, Southeast Nuclear Energy Advisory Committee (2021–2025)
    • Member, American Nuclear Society
    • Member, New Hampshire and District of Columbia Bar Associations
  • External Publications
    • “Nuclear Regulatory Commission Part 53 Final Rule Offers More Flexibility for Different Reactor Technologies,” The Energy Law Report, Sept. 2026. Coauthor.
    • “A Technology Risk-Informed Regulatory Regime for Space Nuclear Payload Launches, “The Air & Space Lawyer, Volume 38, Number 1, 2026, Sept. 24, 2025. Coauthor.
    • “Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Rejects Interconnection Proposal for Nuclear-Powered Data Center Project,” The Energy Law Report, Feb. 18, 2025. Coauthor.
    • “Climate Change Is Warming Public Opinion to Nuclear Power,” Financial Times, March 21, 2024. Author.
    • “Legal & Policy Update: Regulation,” Fusion Energy Insights Quarterly, Dec. 1, 2023. Coauthor.
    • “Improving the Effectiveness and Efficiency of the Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards,” Nuclear Innovation Alliance, March 2, 2023. Coauthor.
    • “The World Needs More Nuclear Power,” Foreign Affairs, Jan. 12, 2023. Coauthor.
    • “The Case for Nuclear: How the U.S. Can Bolster Global Energy Security,” The National Interest, Aug. 3, 2022. Coauthor.
    • “Nuclear Regulatory Commission Updates Guidance for Advanced Reactors,” Platts Inside NRC, Aug. 2, 2022. Author.
    • “NRC to develop risk-informed licensing for reactors near population centres,” Platts Nucleonics Week, (July 2022) Volume 63, Issue 29, July 22, 2022. Author.
    • “Jeff Merrifield: Russia Sees Gold in Ukraine’s Nuclear Plants,” Wall Street Journal, March 11, 2022. Author.
    • “Wanted: A Regulatory Framework for Commercial Fusion Energy,” Nuclear News, Feb. 5, 2022. Author.
    • “Bridging the Gap: How Nuclear-Derived Zero-Carbon Fuels Can Help Decarbonize Marine Shipping,” Clean Air Task Force, Aug. 5, 2021. Coauthor.
    • “Advanced Reactors: Turning the Corner,” Advanced Nuclear Energy, June 30, 2021. Coauthor.
    • “Fee Reform and Public Investment to Unlock Advanced Nuclear Energy Innovation,” Morning Consult, May 27, 2021. Coauthor.
    • “High Assay LEU,” Nuclear Plant Journal Volume 36, No. 5. September–October, 2018. Author.
    • “Keep Calm and Carry on with Nuclear Power,” Part II, The Hill, June 10, 2015. Author.
    • “Globally Engaged,” Nuclear Plant Journal, September–October 2012. Author.
    • “The Nuclear Renaissance,” Nuclear Plant Journal, July–August 2010. Author.
    • “Regulatory Perspectives on the Deployment of High Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactors in Electric and Non-Electric Energy Sectors,” Nuclear Plant Journal, September–October 2006. Author.
    • “Spent Fuel: Myths and Facts,” Nuclear Plant Journal, March–April 2006. Author.
    • « Enjeux et perspectives dans un environnement éclairé par le risque, » Contrôle N°155 (Autorité de sûreté nucléaire), Novembre 2003. Author.
    • “A Vision for Tomorrow, a Plan for Today,” Representative American Speeches 2000 – 2001, The Reference Shelf, Volume 73, Number 6, H.W. Wilson Company, 2001. Author.
    • “Dynamic Environments Demand Dynamic Performance,” Nuclear Plant Journal, September­–October 2000. Author.
    • “Tax Treatment of Environmental Costs,” Toxics Law Reporter, Nov. 2, 1994. Author
    • “California Leads in Environmental Claims,” Chemical Times & Trends, July 1993. Author.
  • Media Coverage
    • Featured in Financial Times article as Pillsbury named for Second Year in a Row the Most Innovative Energy Transition Law Firm, Dec 11, 2024.
    • Featured on Energy Frontier podcast: Exploring Nuclear Energy’s Future: Jeff Merrifield Discusses Industry Trends and Wyoming’s Role, Nov 27, 2024.
    • Featured in Hart Energy article: Jeff Merrifield: Recent Deal to Revive Three Mile Island Underscores Ongoing Interest in Nuclear Power, Sept. 30, 2024.
    • Featured in Utility Dive Article: U.S. Army Soliciting Proposals for New Advanced Modular Reactors to Provide Resiliency at Domestic Bases as Soon as 2030, June 17, 2024.
    • Featured in “Nuclear-Powered Profiles” series from Nuclear Matters: Nuclear-Powered Profiles: Jeffrey Merrifield, May 30, 2024.
    • Featured in Nuclear Newswire article, “New report details impact of nuclear energy in southeastern U.S.” Feb. 20, 2024.
    • Featured on Elemental Energy podcast, 019: Energy Security Part 2 with Honorary Jeffrey Merrifield, Dec. 14, 2023.
    • Featured in PoliticoPro article, “Senators weigh financial, regulatory assistance to support advanced nuclear projects,” Nov. 30, 2023.
    • Featured on Heritage Foundation podcast The Power House | Fusion: The Other Solar Energy, Sept. 6, 2023.
    • Featured on C.O.B. Tuesday Podcast for Wide-Ranging Nuclear Discussion, Sept. 6, 2023.
    • Featured in CNBC article, “Westinghouse announces a new small nuclear reactor — a notable step in the industry’s efforts to remake itself,” May 4, 2023.
    • Featured on the American Bar Association podcast: Policy and Regulation: Why NRC Regulations Must be Updated to Address Advanced Nuclear Reactors, May 3, 2022.
    • Quoted in Morning Consult article, “Murkowski, 5 Other Senators Join Push for End of Nuclear Financing Ban,” Nov. 18, 2019.
    • Featured on the Titans of Nuclear podcast, which spotlights nuclear energy experts from around the world, Sept. 29, 2018.

Education

  • J.D., Georgetown University Law Center

    B.A., Tufts University

    LL.D., Cavalla International University, Barclay College of Law, 2026
    (Honorary)

Admissions

  • District of Columbia

    New Hampshire

Jeff's Insights

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