US President Signs Executive Orders Revitalizing Nuclear Industry, Overhauling Regulation

President Donald Trump signed multiple executive orders aimed at revitalizing the U.S. nuclear energy sector by streamlining the licensing process and reducing regulatory burdens at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). These orders grant the Energy Secretary authority to approve advanced nuclear reactor designs and encourage the construction of reactors on federal lands to support military and data center power needs. The administration criticized the NRC's risk-averse, lengthy licensing procedures as obstacles to new nuclear plant development, emphasizing the need to accelerate innovation and domestic supply chains for nuclear fuels. The initiative reflects a broader policy shift toward achieving U.S. nuclear dominance amid growing competition from Russia and China, which have surpassed the U.S. in nuclear capacity expansion. Additionally, the executive actions include support for uranium mining and nuclear infrastructure development, with specific projects like the San Rafael Energy Lab reactor and accelerated environmental reviews for mining operations in Utah. These moves aim to bolster national and economic security by enhancing nuclear energy production and securing supply chains while creating jobs and fostering industrial growth.