Trump Accelerates Nuclear Power Plant Development with New Executive Orders

President Trump signed four executive orders on Friday aimed at speeding up the construction of nuclear power facilities across the United States. These initiatives include support for a new generation of smaller, advanced reactors that promise quicker deployment, although they remain largely unproven.

One directive instructs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the country’s independent nuclear safety authority, to simplify its regulations and ensure that applications for new reactors are reviewed within an 18-month timeframe.

Another order charges the Energy and Defense departments with investigating the potential to site nuclear reactors on federal properties and military installations. This move could enable these agencies to bypass the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and develop faster approval mechanisms for such projects.

Doug Burgum, the interior secretary, praised the move during the Oval Office signing ceremony, calling it a pivotal moment for the nuclear sector. He stated, "Mark this day on your calendar. This action will reverse over five decades of excessive regulation."

Early in his administration, President Trump declared a "national energy emergency," citing insufficient electricity to meet rising demand, particularly from data centers powering artificial intelligence technologies. While most of the administration’s energy initiatives have prioritized coal, oil, and natural gas, nuclear energy has also received notable support.

Nuclear power maintains bipartisan support in Congress. Although some Democrats continue to express concerns about safety and nuclear waste management, a growing number endorse the technology due to its carbon-free energy production. Republicans favor nuclear power for its ability to provide consistent energy, unlike intermittent sources such as wind and solar.