Trump issues executive orders to overhaul nuclear industry

The orders: All four orders were posted to the White House website later on Friday. They are: Reinvigorating the Nuclear Industrial Base; Deploying Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technologies for National Security; Ordering the Reform of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission; and Reforming Nuclear Reactor Testing at the Department of Energy.

Reinvigorating Industry: The order, Reinvigorating the Nuclear Industrial Base, seeks to secure energy independence and strengthen national security by accelerating the licensing process for nuclear reactors and expanding the domestic nuclear fuel supply chain. The order addresses the slow growth in nuclear capacity and reliance on foreign nuclear fuel sources and sets ambitious goals for expanding domestic capabilities.

The order mandates accelerated licensing for nuclear reactors, expansion of domestic nuclear fuel production, and the strengthening of supply chains to reduce reliance on foreign sources. It addresses the slow pace of nuclear capacity growth, noting that the U.S. has added nuclear capacity at a fraction of the speed of other nations. It also outlines plans to quadruple nuclear power production over the next 25 years, emphasizing the need for a robust domestic fuel cycle and advanced reactor technologies.

A key component of the order is the formation of voluntary agreements with domestic nuclear companies to enhance capabilities in spent fuel management, recycling, and reprocessing. This initiative aims to ensure the continued reliable operation of the nation’s reactors and support the broader goals of energy dominance. The order also prioritizes the development of a skilled nuclear workforce, directing federal agencies to focus on education and apprenticeship programs to prepare Americans for careers in nuclear energy. This includes increasing access to research infrastructure and expertise at national laboratories.

Deployment of Advanced Reactors: The order, Deploying Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technologies for National Security, mandates the rapid deployment of Generation III+ reactors, small modular reactors, and microreactors.

Under the directive, the Department of Defense, led by the Secretary of the Army, will establish a nuclear energy program at a domestic military base by 2028. The DOE will provide technical and regulatory support to ensure these reactors meet national security needs.

In addition, the order emphasizes international collaboration, tasking the Secretary of State with securing new agreements for peaceful nuclear cooperation while promoting U.S. nuclear technology exports. This aligns with the administration's goal to position American nuclear companies as preferred global partners, enhancing both technological superiority and economic security.

Reform of the NRC: The order, Ordering the Reform of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, seeks to reduce regulatory barriers and facilitating the development of advanced nuclear technologies. The directive addresses the NRC's lengthy and costly licensing process, which has been criticized by industry for stifling innovation and limiting the deployment of new reactor designs while many view the NRC as "the gold standard" of nuclear regulatory agencies.

The order mandates a comprehensive review and revision of current regulations, with a focus on efficiency and technological advancement. Trump's plan includes increasing American nuclear capacity from 100 GW to 400 GW by 2050, employing emerging technologies to accelerate the testing and approval of reactor designs. The NRC will undergo structural and cultural reforms to align with congressional directives, ensuring that its mission supports both safety and the expansion of nuclear energy. The order also emphasizes the importance of maintaining the nation's reputation for nuclear safety while promoting economic growth and energy independence.

Reforming Testing: The fourth order, Reforming Nuclear Reactor Testing at the DOE, aims to reform the national laboratory process for reactor testing, expediting the review and approval of advanced reactors under the DOE’s jurisdiction. This move is designed to bolster the U.S.'s position as a leader in nuclear innovation and reduce dependence on foreign technology.

Central to the order is a pilot program to construct and operate reactors outside the national laboratories, with a target to achieve operational status by July 2026. The administration emphasizes the strategic importance of nuclear energy for national security and economic development, noting its potential to power critical industries like AI and hydrogen production.

The White House event: During the live signing in the Oval Office, President Trump called nuclear “a hot industry,” adding, “It’s a brilliant industry. [But] you’ve got to do it right. It’s become very safe and environmental.” The event included multiple leaders from industry and the Trump administration, including Doug Burgum, Secretary of Interior; Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Defense; Joe Dominguez, CEO of Constellation; Jake Dewitt, CEO of Oklo; and Maria Korsnick, CEO of NEI; among others.

"This is a huge day for the nuclear industry," said Burgum, highlighting the rollback of more than 50 years of what the administration has termed as overregulation. Hegseth added, "Energy security is national security," emphasizing the importance of nuclear power in maintaining military reliability. Dominguez noted, "We're wasting too much time on permitting... we need to do this for America."

The adminstration's goal is that by fostering innovation and easing regulatory barriers, the U.S. can regain its leadership in nuclear energy, ensuring a stable and secure energy future. Watch the full event below from the White House.