Nuclear Regulatory Expert Joins Deep Isolation as General Counsel

John Matthews Brings Three Decades of Experience

Berkeley, CA – John Matthews, an expert in nuclear regulatory issues and procedures, has joined Deep Isolation as General Counsel.

Matthews has successfully assisted clients in obtaining U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission approvals for “first of their kind” commercial transactions involving nuclear power plant sales. Some notable engagements include the sales of Zion, Vermont Yankee, Oyster Creek and TMI-2 for decommissioning, and transactions involving license transfers for the decommissioning of Crystal River and LaCrosse.

He retired as a partner from a long career at Morgan Lewis’s Energy Practice in 2020 to become a consultant, advising clients on commercial issues related to nuclear power plants and other nuclear assets, decommissioning, NRC license transfers, decommissioning trusts, security matters, and the unique insurance and liability issues associated with the ownership and operation of nuclear assets.

“We are incredibly happy to have such a respected nuclear industry veteran, with three decades of experience, join our team to help accelerate our efforts to permanently dispose of nuclear waste,” said Deep Isolation CEO Liz Muller. “John’s creative problem-solving approach and the lessons he has learned in the complex world of nuclear regulations will be invaluable to Deep Isolation as we aim to accomplish many more firsts in the coming years.”

Matthews’ other areas of expertise include foreign investment in U.S. nuclear assets, nuclear plant development, decommissioning funding, decommissioning trust funds, and sale leaseback arrangements involving nuclear facilities or nuclear fuel.

He said he is joining Deep Isolation because he wants to help the company reach its goal of disposing of spent nuclear fuel in deep boreholes.

“Deploying Deep Isolation’s solution will help solve a difficult problem and give a boost to the nuclear industry, including new plants,” Matthews said.

Matthews received his undergraduate degree at Georgetown University and completed his Juris Doctor at the University of Virginia School of Law while also serving as a captain in the U.S. Army Reserve Corps of Engineers. He’s received numerous accolades throughout his career, including being recognized on the Best Lawyers in America list by Energy Law and being ranked on the Leading Lawyers for Business list and the International Who’s Who Legal for Energy Lawyers.

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About Deep Isolation
Berkeley-based Deep Isolation is a leading innovator in nuclear waste storage and disposal. Founded through a passion for environmental stewardship, scientific ingenuity, and entrepreneurship, Deep Isolation has developed a patented solution using directional drilling and inclusive community engagement to safely isolate nuclear waste deep underground.