Trump Set to Sign Energy Orders to Spark a ‘Nuclear Revival’

Trump Set to Sign Executive Orders for Nuclear Development

On Friday, President Donald Trump is anticipated to sign several executive orders aimed at initiating what has been referred to as the “nuclear renaissance.” These orders are intended to eliminate significant regulatory barriers that can impede nuclear development.

Four of these orders will put the Department of Energy (DOE) in charge of leading research and development initiatives in nuclear energy. They also seek to advance nuclear power generation and promote related scientific endeavors while revamping the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). Additionally, one order will endorse “gold standard science” to help the U.S. maintain its leadership in global research and innovation.

“Today marks an important moment as President Trump undertakes significant steps to regain control over America’s energy supply, aiming to provide accessible and reliable energy for all Americans,” stated Michael Kratzos, president of the White House’s Office of Science and Technology Policy during a press briefing. “Through these measures, President Trump is signaling that the U.S. is ready to rebuild and usher in a new era for nuclear energy.”

Kratzos noted the challenges faced by U.S. innovators in the nuclear sector, pointing to a stark contrast between past and present achievements. “Since the 1950s, the U.S. has been a leader in nuclear innovation, constructing more than 100 reactors over three decades. Yet, in the last 30 years, we’ve seen the establishment of only two new reactors. We’ve essentially dismantled commercial reactors nationwide, retreated from R&D, and essentially lost faith in nuclear energy’s potential.”

According to senior officials, one executive order will expedite the testing of nuclear technologies at DOE sites and support pilot construction projects in the coming two years. Another order will simplify regulations to facilitate reactor constructions on federal properties, especially at DOE and Department of Defense locations.

Another significant order will mandate the NRC to decide on nuclear license applications within 18 months. Reportedly, reforms within the NRC are expected to advance nuclear technology development. The remaining orders will address uranium mining and incorporate scientific research into federal research bodies.

Senior officials have described “gold standard science” as research that is reproducible, transparent, and immune to conflicts of interest, emphasizing the need for peer review.

As Kratzos noted, the average age of reactors in the U.S. is around 42 years, with only two new reactors constructed in the past 30 years. Electricity demand is projected to rise significantly in the U.S. in the coming years, prompting officials to emphasize the need for enhanced energy generation capabilities.

Since returning to the White House in January, Trump declared a national energy emergency, describing the “integrity and expansion of our country’s energy infrastructure” as urgent for protecting national security and economic stability. “The anticipated renaissance for American nuclear energy should have a strong start during President Trump’s term,” remarked Wright, underlining the necessity for the U.S. to spearhead affordable and abundant nuclear energy as global demand grows.