Trump Issues Executive Orders to Strengthen U.S. Nuclear Energy Sector
Former President Donald Trump signed multiple executive orders aimed at revitalizing nuclear energy in the United States. These directives seek to accelerate the construction of new reactors and enhance the domestic mining and processing of uranium—a fuel source the U.S. largely imports.
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump stated, “We’re signing major executive orders today that will position us as a global leader in nuclear energy.” The administration’s focus includes easing regulatory hurdles and promoting the development of smaller, advanced reactors that are especially appealing to energy-intensive industries such as technology and artificial intelligence.
Among the key changes is a restructuring of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to ensure quicker decision-making on reactor applications, targeting an 18-month review window. While concerns about nuclear safety remain, Trump insisted that the process would remain both “fast and safe.”
The orders mark a significant shift as nuclear energy garners renewed interest across the country. Despite high construction costs and lingering public concerns—especially after the 2011 Fukushima disaster—momentum is growing. Michael Kratsios, who headed the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, hailed the move as a landmark step toward a “nuclear renaissance” in America.
A senior official noted that the administration aims to test and deploy next-generation reactors before the end of a potential second Trump term in January 2029. The orders intend to reduce regulatory obstacles and shorten the timeline for new nuclear projects, transforming how the NRC functions.
Trump had previously declared an "energy emergency" to expand fossil fuel development and reverse climate measures introduced under President Joe Biden. However, the growing demand for clean energy—driven in part by companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft seeking zero-emission power—has led to a broader strategy that includes nuclear energy.
In line with these efforts, plans are underway to reactivate dormant nuclear plants, including the Three Mile Island facility, known for the worst nuclear accident in U.S. commercial history in 1979. The push for domestic uranium production has also intensified. While the U.S. has traditionally sourced most of its uranium from countries such as Canada, Australia, and Kazakhstan, it banned imports from Russia in 2024 due to geopolitical tensions surrounding the war in Ukraine.
The global interest in nuclear power has surged recently as nations seek carbon-free alternatives and grapple with rising energy costs, driven in part by the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe. While countries like Germany moved away from nuclear energy post-Fukushima, others are now reconsidering its role in the energy mix.
