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

On May 23, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed a series of executive orders aimed at revitalizing the U.S. nuclear energy sector. These directives instruct the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to expedite reactor licensing processes and set ambitious targets for expanding nuclear capacity.

The executive orders mandate the NRC to reduce the licensing timeline for new nuclear reactors to under 18 months and for existing reactor renewals to 12 months. The administration aims to quadruple the nation's nuclear capacity from approximately 100 gigawatts (GW) to 400 GW by 2050, with a significant focus on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). The directives also instruct the NRC to streamline applications for SMRs, expedite approval of designs tested by the Department of Energy (DOE) or Department of Defense (DOD), and stimulate advanced reactor development through pilot projects.

Industry leaders have expressed support for the initiative. Companies like Holtec International and TerraPower believe that faster licensing will advance reactor deployment and innovation. Holtec's Palisades plant in Michigan is among the facilities poised to benefit from the streamlined processes.

However, critics have raised concerns about the potential safety implications of expedited approvals. The Union of Concerned Scientists and Senator Edward J. Markey warn that rushing the licensing process may compromise safety, especially for novel technologies requiring careful validation. They emphasize the importance of maintaining rigorous safety standards to prevent potential risks.

The NRC has indicated its intention to comply with the directives while reassessing its implementation strategies. However, staffing constraints due to workforce reductions and broader challenges—such as limited fuel production and capital financing—pose potential limitations. The effectiveness of these orders hinges on maintaining regulatory integrity and resource sufficiency.

Since 1978, only two new nuclear reactors have begun construction and entered into commercial operation in the U.S. The current initiative represents a significant shift in policy aimed at reversing decades of stagnation in the nuclear sector. The administration emphasizes that expanding nuclear energy capacity is vital for national competitiveness and energy sufficiency, particularly in meeting the rising electricity demand driven by AI and data centers.

President Trump's executive orders mark a pivotal moment in U.S. energy policy, aiming to rejuvenate the nuclear sector through expedited licensing and ambitious capacity expansion. While the initiative has garnered support from industry leaders, it also raises critical questions about safety, regulatory capacity, and the balance between rapid development and public trust. A thorough examination of these factors is essential to understand the full implications of this policy shift.