On May 23, 2025, President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders aimed at significantly expanding the United States' nuclear energy capacity. The directives seek to streamline regulatory processes, expedite reactor approvals, and quadruple nuclear power production by 2050.

The executive orders instruct the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to reduce the licensing timeline for new nuclear reactors from several years to 18 months. This initiative aims to facilitate the construction of ten large nuclear reactors by 2030 and enhance existing reactor capabilities. Additionally, certain regulatory functions are transferred from the NRC to the Department of Energy (DOE) to accelerate the development of advanced nuclear technologies. The administration also calls for increased domestic uranium mining and enrichment to ensure a stable supply chain for nuclear fuel, including invoking the Defense Production Act to secure nuclear fuel resources.

President Trump emphasized the importance of nuclear energy for national competitiveness and energy sufficiency, stating that these reforms will position the United States as a global leader in nuclear power, create jobs, and strengthen energy independence.

Supporters of the executive orders, including executives from companies like Valar Atomics and Oklo, praised the move as a significant boost for the nuclear industry. They argue that these measures are vital for meeting increasing energy demands and reducing carbon emissions. Jacob DeWitte, CEO of Oklo, stated, "This is a game-changer for the nuclear industry. The streamlined processes will allow us to bring innovative reactor designs to market much faster."

However, critics, including former NRC officials and safety advocates, express concerns over potential safety risks and the weakening of the NRC's regulatory independence. Gregory Jaczko, former chairman of the NRC, warned that hastening approvals could compromise public safety and undermine the credibility of nuclear regulation. He stated, "The NRC's independence has been a cornerstone of its operations, ensuring that safety regulations are enforced without political influence. These changes could erode that foundation."

The financial markets responded positively to the executive orders, with notable stock gains among nuclear and uranium firms. Shares of nuclear energy startup Oklo surged 23% following the announcement. However, broader market indices experienced declines due to other policy announcements, such as proposed tariffs on European Union imports and specific companies like Apple Inc.

The United States currently operates 94 nuclear reactors, contributing approximately 19% of the nation's electricity. However, only two large new reactors have been built in the last half-century. Previous attempts to expand nuclear capacity have faced challenges, including cost overruns and regulatory hurdles. The current initiative aims to overcome these obstacles by streamlining processes and providing financial support.

These executive orders represent a significant shift in U.S. energy policy, aiming to position nuclear power as a cornerstone of the nation's energy strategy. The success of this initiative will depend on balancing the goals of rapid expansion with the imperative of maintaining rigorous safety standards.