Donald Trump has signed a series of executive orders aimed at revitalizing the U.S. nuclear energy sector. The orders set an ambitious goal: to quadruple the nation’s nuclear power capacity by 2050. To achieve this, the administration plans to streamline regulatory processes, including reducing the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC) licensing timeline for new reactors from over a decade to just 18 months .
The executive orders also call for a comprehensive overhaul of the NRC, directing the agency to revise its radiation safety standards and reconsider its “as low as reasonably achievable” radiation exposure model. The administration argues that current models are overly conservative and hinder the development of nuclear energy .
In addition to regulatory changes, the orders encourage the construction of nuclear reactors on federal lands, including military bases, and aim to bolster domestic uranium production. The Department of Energy is tasked with expanding uranium enrichment capabilities for both energy and defense purposes .
While supporters laud the move as a necessary step toward energy independence and meeting the growing electricity demands of data centers and artificial intelligence, critics express concern over potential safety risks. Former Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz warned that reducing the independence of the NRC could lead to the hasty deployment of reactors without adequate safety measures .
