"fusion should not be regulated in the same way that nuclear fission power plants are" -- yes, but neither should fission plants be regulated like they are! If you are looking to the NRC to regulate you, make common cause with fission to cut back the anti-progress forces inherent in the NRC's structure.
"When people hear “nuclear,” lots of them think about radiation and meltdowns. How do you begin to educate people that fusion is different from fission and maybe shouldn’t carry that kind of baggage?" This phrasing sounds like granting legitimacy to the critics of nuclear fission.
“Nuclear fusion holds the potential to provide the world with cheap, clean, virtually inexhaustible energy for the future.” Umm. (Checks notes) so does fission.
"fusion should not be regulated in the same way that nuclear fission power plants are" -- yes, but neither should fission plants be regulated like they are! If you are looking to the NRC to regulate you, make common cause with fission to cut back the anti-progress forces inherent in the NRC's structure.
"When people hear “nuclear,” lots of them think about radiation and meltdowns. How do you begin to educate people that fusion is different from fission and maybe shouldn’t carry that kind of baggage?" This phrasing sounds like granting legitimacy to the critics of nuclear fission.
“Nuclear fusion holds the potential to provide the world with cheap, clean, virtually inexhaustible energy for the future.” Umm. (Checks notes) so does fission.