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The Trump administration issued an executive order titled “Unleashing American Energy,” aiming to review all actions potentially burdening domestic energy resources, including nuclear power. The Department of Energy (DOE) responded by issuing four executive orders focused on boosting domestic nuclear deployment, reforming the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and modernizing reactor testing methods. The administration also sought to reorganize the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and dismissed the majority of the Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board members.
Major Shifts in DOE Policies Under New Leadership
Energy Secretary Chris Wright, known for his commitment to modernizing nuclear power and depoliticizing energy discussions, has put forth his agenda for his term. The newly appointed leader, confirmed by the U.S. Senate on February 3, immediately vowed to implement President Trump’s executive orders to boost American energy dominance.
The Trump administration, foreseeing a substantial surge in energy demand, promulgated four executive orders (EOs) on May 23. These orders are aimed at promoting domestic nuclear deployment, reclaiming leadership in nuclear technology, and fostering competitive advancements in AI.
Trump Administration’s Drive for Nuclear Deployment
The EO “Reinvigorating the Nuclear Industrial Base” seeks to expand the domestic fuel supply chain and speed up the reactor licensing process. The EO titled “Deploying Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technologies for National Security” sets a target for the Department of Defense to deploy a reactor at an installation by 2028 and advocates for international nuclear cooperation.
Further bolstering the nuclear industry, the EO “Ordering the Reform of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission” mandates a comprehensive review of NRC regulations to reduce regulatory barriers. The EO “Reforming Nuclear Reactor Testing at the Department of Energy” establishes a DOE reactor pilot program and focuses on reforming the national laboratory process for reactor testing.
Nuclear Industry Receiving Priority under DOE NEPA Rulemaking
Following the EO “Reforming Nuclear Reactor Testing at the Department of Energy”, the DOE updated its National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) rulemaking on June 30. The DOE Office of NEPA Policy and Compliance indicated that the rulemaking will eliminate most of the existing DOE regulations containing NEPA implementing procedures.
Presidential Support for Nuclear Power Embodied in Big Beautiful Bill Act
On July 4, President Trump signed H.R.1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which modified the tax credits from President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act. This act accelerates the phaseout of incentives for wind and solar energy while preserving support for nuclear, geothermal, and hydropower. With this act, the nuclear industry has gained a new tax credit for advanced facilities that employ at least 0.17 percent of the local population, highlighting the Trump administration’s favorability towards this energy source.
Trump Administration’s Overhaul of the NRC
The Trump administration has been dedicated to reorganizing the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), deregulating the energy sector, and deploying advanced reactors. As part of this process, NRC Commissioner Christopher Hanson was released from his duties on June 13, leaving one of the five commission seats vacant.
In July, seven out of the eight board members of the Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board were dismissed by the Trump administration. This independent federal agency is tasked with overseeing the scientific and technical validity of Department of Energy activities concerning high-level radioactive waste management and spent nuclear fuel disposition.
Changes in the NRC Leadership
In a significant reshuffle at the NRC, Commissioner Annie Caputo resigned a day after the U.S. Senate reconfirmed Chair David Wright, leaving two seats vacant. Ho Nieh, a nominee for the commissioner role, is expected to take one of the empty seats, serving through June 30, 2029. If confirmed, Nieh will be the first former NRC resident inspector to serve as a commissioner.
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