Website: [Official Executive Order Text](https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/05/ordering-the-reform-of-the-nuclear-regulatory-commission/) ### Overview | Field | Details | |----------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Bill/Law Number | Executive Order (Specific Number TBD, signed May 23, 2025) | | Title | Ordering the Reform of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Related Orders | | Jurisdiction | [[Federal]] | | Type | Executive Order | | Status | Enacted | | Introduced Date | May 23, 2025 | | Sponsor(s) | President Donald J. Trump | | Committee | N/A (Executive Action, no legislative committee) | ### Summary In May 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed a series of executive orders (EOs), collectively referred to as the Trump Nuclear EO, aimed at revitalizing the U.S. nuclear energy sector. The primary purpose of these orders is to significantly expand nuclear power capacity, targeting a quadrupling to 400 gigawatts by 2050, while streamlining regulatory processes to accelerate reactor approvals and deployment. These actions also address national security concerns by reducing reliance on foreign uranium and nuclear fuel supply chains through the invocation of the Defense Production Act. Key mechanisms include reforming the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to expedite licensing and approval processes, establishing pilot programs for experimental reactors by July 4, 2026, and promoting nuclear energy exports to counter global competitors like China and Russia. The orders also direct federal agencies to facilitate the development of nuclear infrastructure on federal lands and prioritize nuclear power for military and AI-driven data center needs. These policies impact a wide range of stakeholders, including nuclear utilities, technology developers, federal agencies like the Department of Energy (DOE), and state governments managing energy grids. The affected parties extend to consumers, who may see changes in energy costs and reliability, and environmental groups, who are divided on nuclear energy's role in decarbonization versus safety risks. The push for rapid deployment has also raised concerns about safety and oversight, as reported by [NPR](https://www.npr.org/2025/12/17/nx-s1-5608371/trump-executive-order-new-nuclear-reactors-safety-concerns), highlighting a tension between economic and security goals and potential regulatory shortcuts. ### Key Provisions - **Reform of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)**: Directs the NRC to streamline licensing and approval processes for new nuclear reactors, aiming for decisions within 18 months. - **Quadrupling Nuclear Capacity**: Sets a target of 400 gigawatts of nuclear power by 2050, a significant increase from current levels. - **Pilot Program for Experimental Reactors**: Mandates the development of three new experimental reactor designs by July 4, 2026, to test advanced nuclear technologies. - **Invocation of Defense Production Act**: Declares a national energy emergency to secure domestic nuclear fuel supply chains, reducing reliance on foreign sources like Russia and China. - **Nuclear Power for Military and AI Needs**: Prioritizes fast-tracked approvals for nuclear facilities supporting military bases and AI data centers. - **Expansion on Federal Lands**: Allows uranium mining and nuclear plant construction on federal lands to boost domestic production. - **Promotion of Nuclear Exports**: Directs agencies like the U.S. Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and Export-Import Bank (EXIM) to support civilian nuclear energy exports, starting with deals like U.S.-Saudi agreements. - **Funding and Incentives**: Allocates $800 million in DOE grants for new reactors and a $1 billion loan program for restarting shuttered plants, as noted in posts found on X. ### Legislative History | Date | Action | Details | |---------------|----------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------| | May 23, 2025 | Executive Orders Signed | President Trump signs four to five EOs related to nuclear energy expansion and NRC reform ([White House Fact Sheet](https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/05/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-directs-reform-of-the-nuclear-regulatory-commission/)). | | May 22, 2025 | Announcement of Intent | Reports surface of impending EOs invoking Cold War-era powers for nuclear energy ([NBC News](https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/trump-administration/trump-signs-executive-orders-aimed-expanding-easing-regulations-nuclea-rcna208788)). | | May 9, 2025 | Draft EO Leak | New York Times reports on a draft EO targeting 400 GW of nuclear by 2050, as noted in posts found on X. | ### Voting Record (if applicable) - House/Assembly vote: N/A (Executive Action, no legislative vote required) - Senate vote: N/A (Executive Action, no legislative vote required) - Notable supporters and opponents: Supporters include industry leaders and some Republican lawmakers praising energy dominance; opponents include environmental groups and safety advocates concerned about rushed approvals ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2025/12/17/nx-s1-5608371/trump-executive-order-new-nuclear-reactors-safety-concerns)). ### Fiscal Impact - **Estimated Cost or Savings**: Specific costs are not fully detailed in public sources, but the DOE has committed $800 million in grants for new reactors and a $1 billion loan program for plant restarts, as referenced in posts found on X. Long-term savings are projected from reduced energy import reliance. - **Funding Sources Identified**: Federal grants and loans through the DOE, alongside private investment encouraged by regulatory easing ([Department of Energy](https://www.energy.gov/ne/articles/9-key-takeaways-president-trumps-executive-orders-nuclear-energy)). ### Stakeholder Positions - **Supporters**: Nuclear industry groups, technology firms (especially AI companies needing reliable power), and national security advocates support the EOs for boosting domestic energy production and reducing foreign dependence. Posts found on X from figures like Charlie Kirk highlight enthusiasm for cheap energy and economic growth. - **Opponents**: Environmental and safety organizations, such as those cited by [NPR](https://www.npr.org/2025/12/17/nx-s1-5608371/trump-executive-order-new-nuclear-reactors-safety-concerns), express concerns over potential safety risks from accelerated approvals. Some state regulators worry about federal overreach in energy policy. ### Related Legislation - [National Energy Dominance Council Act of 2025 (H.R. 2926)](https://congress.gov): Mentioned in posts found on X as a legislative backbone to support Trump’s energy policies, including nuclear expansion. - No direct predecessor EOs are cited, but these orders build on prior federal efforts to promote nuclear under the Biden administration’s tripling goal by 2050, as noted in posts found on X. ### New Hampshire Implications The Trump Nuclear EO has indirect but significant implications for [[New Hampshire]], a state with a notable nuclear presence through the [[Seabrook Station]] Nuclear Power Plant, which provides a substantial portion of the state’s electricity. As a federal initiative, these EOs apply broadly and could influence Seabrook’s operations through streamlined NRC regulations, potentially easing relicensing or upgrades. New Hampshire utilities and grid operators, such as ISO New England, may benefit from federal incentives for nuclear expansion, aligning with regional energy reliability goals. While not model [[Legislation|legislation]] (as it is a federal EO), the policy could inspire state-level action to support nuclear energy within New Hampshire’s energy mix, especially as the state pursues clean energy targets under policies like [HB 710](https://legiscan.com/NH/bill/HB710/2023). However, safety concerns raised by rapid federal approvals may resonate with local communities near Seabrook, given historical debates over nuclear safety in the region. Additionally, federal funding or loans for nuclear projects could provide economic benefits if directed toward maintaining or expanding Seabrook’s capacity, aligning partially with New Hampshire’s energy diversification goals while raising questions about long-term environmental impacts. ### Implementation Status (if enacted) - **Effective Date**: Immediate upon signing on May 23, 2025, with specific timelines like the pilot reactor program by July 4, 2026 ([White House](https://www.whitehouse.gov/articles/2025/05/president-trump-signs-executive-orders-to-usher-in-a-nuclear-renaissance-restore-gold-standard-science/)). - **Regulatory Rulemaking Status**: NRC reforms are underway, with directives to expedite processes; detailed rulemaking updates are pending as of December 2025. - **Compliance Deadlines**: Key deadlines include the 18-month NRC approval window for new reactors and the 2026 pilot program target, as reported by [Holland & Knight](https://www.hklaw.com/en/insights/publications/2025/05/president-trump-signs-4-executive-orders). ### Closing Note The Trump Nuclear EO of 2025 represents a bold push to revitalize U.S. nuclear energy with ambitious capacity goals and regulatory reforms, currently in active implementation as of late 2025. *Report generated December 24, 2025*