President Donald J. Trump has issued an executive order aimed at reforming the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to enhance the United States' position in the global nuclear energy market. The order outlines a comprehensive plan to restructure and modernize the NRC, emphasizing efficiency and innovation in nuclear power licensing and regulation.
The President's directive underscores the importance of abundant energy for national and economic security, noting that "nuclear energy can liberate America from dependence on geopolitical rivals." It criticizes the NRC for its slow pace in authorizing new reactors, stating that since 1978 only two reactors have entered commercial operation despite technological advances promising safer and more adaptable nuclear power.
The executive order calls for a reformation of the NRC's culture, structure, and regulations. It highlights a need to align with Congress's mandate that civilian use of radioactive materials should not be unnecessarily limited. The order references Public Law 118-67, which directs the NRC to facilitate nuclear power while ensuring reactor safety.
Key policy goals include reestablishing U.S. leadership in nuclear energy, expanding American nuclear capacity from approximately 100 GW in 2024 to 400 GW by 2050, and employing emerging technologies to accelerate new reactor designs' approval process. The order also aims to support current nuclear operations and reactivate prematurely closed facilities.
Reforms will involve reorganizing the NRC's structure with input from its Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Team. This includes reducing personnel where necessary but increasing functions related to new reactor licensing. A dedicated team will draft new regulations as directed by section five of the order.
The regulatory overhaul will set fixed deadlines for evaluating license applications and reconsider reliance on certain radiation exposure models deemed flawed by the administration. Other reforms include establishing expedited pathways for approving tested reactor designs by defense or energy departments and streamlining public hearings processes.
President Trump's order asserts that these changes are crucial for achieving "lasting American dominance" in nuclear energy markets while creating high-paying jobs domestically.
