Trump Signs Executive Orders to Revitalize U.S. Nuclear Energy Sector

President Donald Trump signed four executive orders on Friday, streamlining regulations and paving the way for expanded nuclear energy production. The orders aim to modernize the nuclear industry by overhauling the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), reducing licensing timelines, and allowing federal land to host new nuclear reactors.
Under the new directives, the NRC must decide on nuclear reactor licenses within 18 months, significantly speeding up a process that previously took years. The orders also authorize the Department of Energy (DoE) and Defense Department to build reactors on federal land, prioritizing energy needs for defense and artificial intelligence (AI) programs.
White House officials highlighted the benefits of nuclear energy for powering critical facilities and AI data centers, which require substantial energy. Michael Kratsios, director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, called the orders "historic," emphasizing their role in achieving energy dominance and security.
The move marks a shift from past concerns over nuclear energy, particularly following incidents like the 1979 Three Mile Island meltdown. The orders also include provisions for uranium mining and enrichment, reducing reliance on foreign sources.
The administration asserts that nuclear energy is essential for advancing next-generation technologies, securing economic dominance, and ensuring national security. These actions aim to revitalize the U.S. nuclear industry while addressing high costs and delays seen in recent projects, such as the Plant Vogtle reactors in Georgia.

Published: 5/23/2025