401 | Energizing New Mexico: Ecosystem Building with the Nuclear Forum with Scott Lopez

Bio:  Scott Lopez is the Founder and CEO of the New Mexico Nuclear Alliance, where he advances New Mexico's nuclear energy ecosystem through advocacy, policy, and economic development. He is also the Founder and CEO of Vida Mejor Capital and one of the principal organizers of the annual New Mexico Energy Policy Symposium, now in its third year, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, Tribal governments, investors, and communities to shape the state's energy future. With more than 25 years of experience in business development, public policy, and capital formation, Scott works to align policy, investment, and partnerships while emphasizing responsible stewardship of New Mexico's nuclear legacy through cleanup, community engagement, and long-term accountability as well as supporting the growth of the state’s broadband infrastructure.

This episode is sponsored by the coaching company of the host, Paul Zelizer. Consider a Strategy Session if you can use support growing your impact business.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

Key Takeaways in Energizing New Mexico: Ecosystem Building with the Nuclear Forum with Scott Lopez

1. Introduction and Guest Background

  • Introduction to Awarepreneurs and host Paul Zelizer

  • Introduction of Scott Lopez as the guest

  • Overview of Scott’s roles: founder of New Mexico Nuclear Alliance, Vida Mejor Capital, organizer of New Mexico Energy Policy Symposium

  • Scott’s focus on advocacy, policy, economic development, and broadband infrastructure in New Mexico

2. Scott’s Personal and Professional Journey

  • Scott’s upbringing in northern New Mexico and educational background

  • Military service in the Marine Corps

  • Professional experience in investment banking, finance, and medical devices

  • Return to New Mexico and work with Kelly Cable (utility contractor)

  • Learnings from infrastructure work and role as VP of Business Development and lobbyist

3. The Importance of Energy and Economic Development in New Mexico

  • Linking infrastructure development with economic opportunity

  • Energy as a foundational pillar for community prosperity

  • The correlation between reliable energy and societal prosperity (quote from Senator Ann Thornton)

  • Emphasis on a portfolio approach to energy sources

4. The New Mexico Energy Policy Symposium

  • Description of the symposium as an ecosystem convening

  • Historical context: silos and lack of interconnection between agencies and communities

  • Goals of the symposium: collaboration among policymakers, tribal and rural leaders, and industry representatives

  • Examples of areas discussed: microgrids, EV charging, tribal development, and energy for underserved areas

5. Momentum and Desiloing in New Mexico’s Clean Energy Sector

  • Recognition of growing momentum and an “inflection point” in the clean energy ecosystem

  • Focus on relationship-building, partnership, and collaboration among different stakeholders

  • Impact of upcoming governor election and the need for bipartisan engagement

6. Scott’s Focus on Nuclear Ecosystem Building

  • Identification of the gap in nuclear ecosystem advocacy in New Mexico

  • Recap of panel moderation at Energy Policy Symposium on nuclear energy

  • Description of New Mexico’s “cradle-to-grave” nuclear industry: fuel mining, enrichment, national labs, nuclear medicine, waste isolation, educational institutions

  • Economic and workforce importance: 34,000–35,000 employed, $9–10 billion output

7. The Founding and Purpose of New Mexico Nuclear Alliance

  • Realization of the absence of a nuclear industry trade association or advocacy voice

  • Balancing legacy issues and new opportunities: acknowledgment of past harms, embracing stewardship, and commitment to compensation (RECA)

  • Inspiration to form the Alliance rooted in personal family history tied to Los Alamos

8. Upcoming Los Alamos Nuclear Forum

  • Announcement and description of the Nuclear Forum event

  • Types of participants: uranium miners, regulators, lab leaders, engineers, investors, fusion companies, nuclear medicine entities

  • Coverage of emerging technologies and research in microreactors, modular reactors, grid-nuclear nexus

  • Forum’s ambition to become a nationally and internationally recognized conference

9. Who Benefits from the Nuclear Forum

  • Description of the target audience: entrepreneurs, companies (large and small), academia, investors, co-op and utility leaders, students, regulators, talent seekers

  • The holistic nature of the nuclear and energy ecosystem and its interconnectedness

10. Vision for Nuclear Ecosystem Applications

  • Potential deployment of microreactors and modular reactors in under-resourced areas (e.g., Navajo Nation, rural co-ops)

  • Discussion of future technology integration (fusion, desalination)

11. Importance and Philosophy of Ecosystem Building

  • Scott’s passion for service leadership, community service, and making a difference

  • Emphasis on operator support (e.g., utility companies, co-ops) as a paradigm for effective ecosystem building

  • The need to convene stakeholders for project success

  • Centrality of relationships and reputation in New Mexico

12. Financial Sustainability in Ecosystem Entrepreneurship

  • Explanation of Scott’s business structure: nonprofit work (food systems, broadband), 501c6 trade association (Nuclear Alliance), private company (Lopez Enterprises)

  • Pathways for entrepreneurs to support themselves while building ecosystems: side hustles, skill-building, continuing education

  • Advice for younger professionals about career development, balancing volunteerism with paid work

13. Long-Term Impact and Vision for New Mexico’s Nuclear Industry

  • Overview of nuclear legislation efforts and policy ambitions (nuclear as a renewable energy option)

  • Near-term focus: advocacy, development, convening, attracting companies to New Mexico

  • Long-term aspirations: deployment of advanced reactors, clean energy for all, legacy cleanup, and economic development

14. Closing Thoughts and Call to Action

  • The central role of infrastructure (energy, broadband, water, roads, workforce) in economic development

  • Encouragement to get involved in infrastructure-related careers and collaborative efforts

  • Details on how to access forum information or connect with Scott Lopez (event website, email, LinkedIn)

  • Appreciation for Scott’s work and invitation for listeners to follow, share, and get involved

Paul Zelizer