In the race for critical minerals, legal frameworks are becoming as important as supply chains. This week, Elisa is joined by Brian Egan, Partner at Skadden and former Legal Adviser at the State Department and National Security Council, to unpack the legal complexities behind securing minerals from foreign—and often unfriendly—nations. From sanctions and treaty negotiations to private sector deals and foreign investment, they explore how lawyers across government and industry are navigating national security risks in today’s resource-driven economy.

Brian Egan is Partner in National Security, CFIUS, and International Trade at Skadden

References:

H.R.1042 - Prohibiting Russian Uranium Imports Act

Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977

NSLT Ep. 205, "Seabed Mining as a National Security Threat: The Laws of the Sea with Matt Gianni (Part 1)

In Part 2 of their two-part discussion, Elisa and Dr. Koroush Shirvan of MIT’s Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering explore how small-scale reactors compare to other green alternatives, why the U.S. continues to trail global leaders, and what policy and infrastructure gaps must be addressed to move forward. They also discuss rising energy costs at home—and what it will take to keep nuclear power affordable as demand grows.

Dr. Koroush Shirvan is the Atlantic Richfield Career Development Professor in Energy Studies

References:

VIDEO: “How Does Nuclear Energy Work? – Presentation by Professor Koroush Shirvan (MIT).” YouTube, uploaded by the Australian Nuclear Association, 2024.

Project Pele Overview

As pressure mounts to modernize America’s energy systems, nuclear power is back on the table. In Part 1 of this two-part episode, Elisa is joined by Dr. Koroush Shirvan, nuclear expert and professor in MIT’s Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering, to break down the fundamentals of nuclear energy and its potential role in national security. Together, they explore what powers today’s nuclear plants, how they compare to coal, and the infrastructure, training, and regulation required to bring new facilities online.

Dr. Koroush Shirvan is the Atlantic Richfield Career Development Professor in Energy Studies

References:

VIDEO: “How Does Nuclear Energy Work? – Presentation by Professor Koroush Shirvan (MIT).” YouTube, uploaded by the Australian Nuclear Association, 2024.