President Trump has issued multiple executive orders to hasten the approval and construction of nuclear power plants, aiming to meet rising energy demands and support clean energy initiatives.
Trump Accelerates Nuclear Power Plant Construction with New Executive Orders
Trump Accelerates Nuclear Power Plant Construction with New Executive Orders
U.S. President signs measures to expedite nuclear energy development, aiming to address national energy needs.
In a significant move concerning energy policy, President Trump has signed four executive orders aimed at fast-tracking the construction of nuclear power plants across the United States. This initiative includes advancing the development of small, innovative reactors that promise quicker deployment, although their operational reliability has yet to be demonstrated.
One of the key directives instructs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to simplify its regulatory framework and limit the approval timeline for new reactor applications to an unprecedented 18 months. Additionally, Trump has tasked the Departments of Energy and Defense with investigating the feasibility of placing reactors on federal lands, including military bases. This could allow these departments to circumvent typical NRC protocols and establish expedited approval processes for reactors.
At the signing event in the Oval Office, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum hailed the day as a landmark moment for the nuclear sector, proclaiming it as a reversal of more than five decades of stringent regulations. This initiative follows Trump’s declaration of a “national energy emergency” focused on addressing the increasing electricity demands driven by data centers, particularly those supporting artificial intelligence operations. While Trump's prior energy policies have leaned heavily towards fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas, there has been noticeable support for nuclear energy from his administration.
Nuclear energy has garnered bipartisan support in Congress. Although some Democratic representatives express reservations due to safety issues and nuclear waste disposal concerns, a growing number acknowledge its potential as a low-emission energy source amidst climate change discussions. Republicans favor nuclear power for its consistent energy output, providing reliable baseload power unlike intermittent sources like wind and solar.
