Senator Reeves: How One Murfreesboro Lawmaker Is Shaping Tennessee’s Energy Revolution

EDITOR’S NOTE
As a fellow lawmaker serving alongside Senator Shane Reeves in the Tennessee General Assembly, I am deeply proud of his tireless efforts to improve the lives of Tennesseans and advance our great state. Senator Reeves, who represents my home district, has been instrumental in championing Tennessee’s nuclear energy leadership through his work on the Senate Energy, Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. His vision and dedication exemplify the kind of forward-thinking leadership that is positioning Tennessee as America’s energy epicenter. It’s an honor to work with him in service to the people of Rutherford County and the entire state of Tennessee.
— State Representative Mike Sparks, District 49 (Smyrna, La Vergne, North Murfreesboro)
____________________________________________________________________

NASHVILLE, TN – State Senator Shane Reeves of Murfreesboro brought a distinctly local presence to a statewide conversation this week as the Senate Energy, Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee received a detailed update on Tennessee’s fast‑advancing nuclear energy strategy. Reeves, who chairs the committee, has become one of the most visible Rutherford County leaders shaping the state’s long‑term energy direction.

Reeves told the committee that the Council’s work is already paying off, pointing to Tennessee’s mix of research institutions, TVA assets, and a business climate that attracts advanced‑energy companies. He described the state as uniquely positioned to lead the next era of nuclear development, noting that the Council has helped “propel our state to the forefront of the industry while creating high‑quality jobs and securing our energy future.” For residents back home in Murfreesboro and across Rutherford County, Reeves emphasized that these efforts translate into workforce opportunities and long‑term economic stability.

The update highlighted Tennessee’s growing list of firsts, including the nation’s first regulatory framework for commercial nuclear fusion and TVA’s 2025 milestone as the first U.S. utility to apply for a small modular reactor construction permit. The Council is also shaping a statewide workforce plan aimed at preparing Tennesseans—from high school students to mid‑career workers—for jobs in the nuclear supply chain.

State investments guided by the Council’s recommendations now total more than $90 million, supporting everything from the Clinch River SMR project to university research and vocational training tied to nuclear career pathways.

Today, Tennessee is home to more than 229 nuclear‑related companies operating at over 350 locations. The American Nuclear Society recently called the state “the epicenter” of U.S. nuclear energy—a distinction Reeves says reflects both statewide leadership and the contributions of communities like Rutherford County.

About Senator Shane Reeves

Senator Shane Reeves is a conservative you can depend on to make our community proud. You can count on him for honesty, kindness, and excellence in all that he does.

Senator Reeves was born and raised in middle Tennessee where he learned the values of faith, family, and freedom from an early age. After becoming a pharmacist and then joining the family business, Senator Reeves learned how to lead a successful company and cast vision for the future. Now after 20 years of business ownership, Senator Reeves uses his experience in the private sector to serve the middle Tennessee community.

Senator Reeves has been highly active in his community, having served as Chairman for the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce, President of Leadership Rutherford, Leadership Middle Tennessee board member, and Chairman for Tennessee’s National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB). Senator Reeves has also been involved in the Blue Raider Athletic Association, Alzheimer’s Association, American heart Association, and the American Cancer Society.

Senator Reeves is honored to serve as deacon at North Blvd. Church of Christ in Murfreesboro where he and his wife, Amanda, attend with their three children, Will, Jack, and Emma-White.