President Donald Trump has signed a set of executive orders that are set to jump-start a new era for nuclear energy in America. These orders are all about cutting red tape and speeding up the approval process for new reactors and power plants. Recently, the Tennessee Valley Authority took a significant step by applying for the first permit to install a small modular nuclear reactor, or SMR, in the nation.
The executive orders mandate the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to wrap up license reviews within 18 months. They also aim to provide federal land for reactor development and simplify the regulations and permitting processes. The United States, being the world’s largest producer and consumer of nuclear energy, has 94 nuclear reactors contributing to nearly 19% of its electricity.
Most of these U.S. reactors were built between the 1970s and 1990s, meaning they’re more than 40 years old on average. Since 2016, the only new reactor to come online is Georgia’s Vogtle, which was significantly over budget and delayed. White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Michael Kratsios noted that while over 100 reactors were constructed between 1950 and 1980, recent decades have seen a stark decline in nuclear advancements.
Kratsios emphasized that American innovators are facing obstacles in nuclear technology due to outdated regulations. He hailed the president’s orders as a bold move to reaffirm America’s energy leadership and provide affordable and reliable power. “President Trump is telling the world that America will build again,” he said, signaling the start of a nuclear renaissance.
Scott Hunnewell of the Tennessee Valley Authority recently signed the construction permit application for a small modular reactor in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The first executive order focuses on speeding up nuclear reactor testing and applications at the Department of Energy’s national labs. It includes a pilot program for developing new reactor designs within the next two years.
Another order seeks to streamline regulations for building reactors on federally owned land, aligning efforts between the Department of Energy and the Department of Defense. A third order aims to reform the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, ensuring license reviews are completed in a timely manner. The fourth order is all about boosting uranium production, looking back to when the U.S. was the largest uranium producer.
Back in 1980, domestic operations produced 44 million pounds of uranium, which powered the majority of the country’s nuclear plants. But after the Cold War, cheaper low-enriched uranium imports from Russia and Kazakhstan took over. By 2021, the U.S. was producing only 5% of the uranium used domestically, relying heavily on imports from countries like Canada and Australia.
The urgency to reduce dependency on Russian uranium became more pronounced after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In response, Congress swiftly passed the Prohibiting Russian Uranium Imports Act, signed into law by President Biden in 2023. This has led to the reactivation of several uranium mines across the U.S., meeting the rising global demand for nuclear power.
The president’s executive orders are expected to further support bipartisan efforts in Congress to boost nuclear power and encourage investment in SMRs. Public support for nuclear energy is growing, with nearly 57% of Americans backing it, according to a recent Pew Research Center poll. This marks an increasing trend in favor of nuclear energy in the U.S.
Secretary of Energy Chris Wright remarked to the Senate Appropriations Committee that these developments signal the beginning of a new era in commercial nuclear power. Yet, some senators raised concerns about the administration’s proposed cuts to the Department of Energy’s budget, particularly for its Office of Nuclear Energy.
Wright responded that his department is reprioritizing funds, moving away from intermittent energy programs like solar and wind. Instead, they are focusing on technologies that promise to significantly expand the nation’s energy capacity. “The nuclear industry is quite enthusiastic,” he said, confident that this administration will provide the best environment for nuclear power development.
The plan involves mobilizing large amounts of private capital, using governmental support to attract investments. This strategic shift aims to solidify America’s position as a leader in nuclear energy, ensuring a robust and sustainable energy future.
Darnell Thompkins is a Canadian-born American and conservative opinion writer who brings a unique perspective to political and cultural discussions. Passionate about traditional values and individual freedoms, Darnell’s commentary reflects his commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue. When he’s not writing, he enjoys watching hockey and celebrating the sport that connects his Canadian roots with his American journey.