The Voice News: President Donald Trump on Friday signed a set of sweeping executive orders aimed at dramatically increasing U.S. nuclear power production—seeking to quadruple output within 25 years. The move marks a bold push to revitalize a long-stagnant industry but faces significant skepticism from energy experts who view the goal as overly ambitious.
The orders shift key regulatory authority from the long-standing independent Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to the Department of Energy, granting the energy secretary the power to approve certain advanced reactor designs. This reallocation of authority is intended to fast-track the deployment of next-generation nuclear reactors amid rising electricity demands driven by artificial intelligence, data centers, and rapid digital expansion.
“We have enough electricity to win the AI arms race with China,” said Interior Secretary Doug Burgum at the announcement. “What we do in the next five years will shape the next fifty.”
Despite the administration’s enthusiasm, energy analysts note the U.S. currently has no next-generation nuclear reactors in commercial operation. Only two new reactors have been built in the past five decades—both at a Georgia plant, years behind schedule and at least $17 billion over budget.
Nuclear energy currently supplies about 19% of the nation’s electricity, compared to 60% from fossil fuels and 21% from renewable sources, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
A “Hot Industry”
In a signing ceremony at the White House, Trump, flanked by energy executives, declared nuclear power a “hot industry,” saying, “It’s time for nuclear, and we’re going to do it very big.”
The executive orders seek to:
Enforce an 18-month deadline for NRC to act on new nuclear project applications.
Launch a pilot program targeting the deployment of three experimental reactors by July 4, 2026.
Utilize the Defense Production Act to ensure domestic supply of uranium and reactor fuel.
Explore the feasibility of reopening closed nuclear plants.
Investigate federal lands and military bases as possible sites for future reactors.Additionally, the orders call for a major restructuring of the NRC. While the changes are expected to result in staff reductions, they will not immediately affect current commissioners. David Wright, the current chair, faces an uncertain future with his term expiring June 30.
Jacob DeWitte, CEO of the nuclear startup Oklo, presented Trump with a golf ball-sized piece of uranium at the ceremony, symbolizing the amount of fuel needed to power a single person’s energy needs for life. “It doesn’t get any better than that,” he said, to which Trump responded, “Very exciting indeed.”
Reactions and Concerns
While industry insiders hailed the orders as a breakthrough, critics expressed deep concern over the potential weakening of safety standards.
Edwin Lyman of the Union of Concerned Scientists warned that undermining NRC independence could compromise safety. “The U.S. nuclear industry will fail if safety is not made a priority,” he said.
Gregory Jaczko, a former NRC chairman under President Obama, sharply criticized the move, calling it a “guillotine to the nation’s nuclear safety system.” He warned that the plan would make nuclear power less safe and less reliable, while further complicating the climate crisis.
The U.S. joins a global trend toward accelerating the development of small modular reactors (SMRs), seen as a cleaner and more flexible option for meeting surging electricity demand. Countries like Canada are already moving forward, with Ontario breaking ground this month on the first of four planned SMRs.
Valar Atomics CEO Isaiah Taylor applauded the orders, saying U.S. nuclear innovation has been hampered by excessive regulation while Russia and China surge ahead. He praised the mandate for the Department of Energy to take a more active role in innovation.
Tori Shivanandan, COO of Radiant Nuclear, called the executive orders a “watershed moment” for American nuclear power. “This support from the highest level will give the advanced nuclear industry the momentum it needs,” she said.
The NRC, for its part, said it is reviewing the executive orders and will adhere to White House directives.
As the administration moves forward with its nuclear ambitions, the challenge will be balancing speed with safety—ensuring rapid growth does not come at the cost of public trust or environmental protection.