Global Laser Enrichment Secures Victory for First-of-a-Kind Uranium Enrichment License

minute read | October.29.2026

Global Laser Enrichment LLC (GLE) successfully defended multiple legal challenges to its US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) license application to build a uranium enrichment facility in Paducah, Kentucky. Orrick secured victories in both the initial adjudication and appeal, resulting in the NRC dismissing every challenge to GLE’s license application and clearing a major obstacle to NRC issuance of a license to GLE in early 2027.

The victory builds on years of strategic advice supporting GLE during the NRC’s review of the most advanced commercial uranium enrichment application currently pending before the agency. GLE's proposed Paducah Laser Enrichment Facility will be the world's first commercial deployment of SILEX laser enrichment technology, converting depleted uranium into commercial nuclear fuel.

This project is of immense local and national importance and will help rebuild the US nuclear fuel cycle. With an estimated value of $1.8 billion, the project is one of the largest capital investments in Western Kentucky’s history and one of the nation’s most strategically significant fuel cycle projects.

THE CASE

The NRC is currently reviewing GLE’s application to construct and operate the Paducah Laser Enrichment Facility. The facility would convert depleted uranium and natural uranium hexafluoride into commercial nuclear fuel.
Two petitioners sought to intervene in the NRC’s review under 10 C.F.R. § 2.309 and requested an adjudicatory hearing before the NRC to challenge the license. If granted, a hearing would have led to a months-long delay in the licensing schedule and added significant costs for GLE.

THE DECISIONS

The NRC’s Atomic Safety and Licensing Board Panel (ASLBP) denied both hearing requests on all grounds and terminated the contested proceeding. Our team developed the standing, admissibility and procedural arguments that resulted in this dismissal.
The ASLBP agreed with all of Orrick’s arguments, finding that neither petitioner had demonstrated standing to intervene or offered a contention admissible under the NRC’s rules.
One of the petitioners appealed the ASLBP’s decision. Orrick again defended GLE. The Commission affirmed the ASLBP’s dismissal in agreement with Orrick.

THE IMPACT

The NRC can now continue reviewing GLE’s license application on a timely schedule —and hopefully issue the license in early 2027. GLE could then begin construction of this important facility.
The facility will strengthen domestic enrichment capacity, reduce reliance on foreign enrichment services and support both the existing reactor fleet and advanced reactors.

THE TEAM

The Orrick team is led by Amy Roma, with support from Stephanie Fishman, Cameron Hughes and Sam Stephens.

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Amy Roma Partner, Energy & Infrastructure, Nuclear & Fusion

Washington, D.C.

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Energy & Infrastructure
Nuclear & Fusion
Renewable Energy
Energy Innovation

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Amy Roma Partner

Washington, D.C.

She represents leading and emerging nuclear market participants — including reactor developers, industrial energy users, utilities, investors, and government stakeholders — on high-stakes commercialization strategy and strategic engagement with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the Department of Energy (DOE). Amy guides complex regulatory approvals, licensing proceedings, compliance matters, and investigations involving advanced reactors, small modular reactors (SMRs), microreactors, fusion systems, fuel cycle facilities, and space and defense nuclear applications.

Her practice is centered on the commercialization of first-of-a-kind energy technologies, advising companies, investors, and strategic partners on developing innovative regulatory pathways and durable commercial structures that enable deployment. She works with clients to design licensing and business strategies in parallel — aligning regulatory approvals, capital formation, investment structuring, offtake arrangements, and supply chain frameworks to bring advanced nuclear and fusion projects to market.

She also advises on strategic investments in new and existing nuclear projects, with particular focus on the unique business considerations that define the sector, including nuclear liability regimes, export controls, foreign ownership and control, and the evolving deployment landscape. Her work frequently sits at the intersection of nuclear energy with AI infrastructure, industrial decarbonization, space, and defense applications.

Recognized by the Financial Times as one of the Most Innovative Lawyers in Technology and among the top 10 Most Innovative Lawyers in North America, Amy is a trusted voice in global energy innovation. She maintains deep working relationships across DOE, NRC, DoD, State, Commerce, and NASA, and has testified multiple times before the U.S. Congress. Amy is frequently called upon to address issues of grid reliability, decarbonization, national security, and advanced energy deployment, and is consistently ranked by Chambers USA and Chambers Global for Energy: Nuclear (Regulatory & Litigation).

Amy is admitted to practice in the District of Columbia and Massachusetts and serves as a Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Global Energy Center.