May 23, 2025 - U.S. President Donald Trump has signed a series of executive orders aimed at overhauling the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and expediting the deployment of new nuclear reactors. The directives mark a significant shift in federal nuclear policy, targeting both regulatory reform and expanded reactor development across the United States.

The orders mandate the NRC--an independent agency overseeing the nation's nuclear fleet--to issue licensing decisions within 18 months, a dramatic acceleration compared to current timelines. The administration described the move as a "total and complete reform" of the NRC, potentially involving staff reductions and internal restructuring. However, the five NRC commissioners will remain in place.

At the White House signing ceremony, Trump emphasized support for small modular reactors (SMRs) and large-scale nuclear facilities. He was joined by industry leaders, including Joe Dominguez, CEO of Constellation, the largest U.S. nuclear plant operator. Dominguez criticized current regulatory delays and highlighted efforts to restart Three Mile Island Unit 1 by 2028.

The executive orders also authorize the Departments of Energy and Defense to build nuclear reactors on federal land using their own permitting authority, bypassing the NRC for national security-related projects. These reactors are expected to support defense facilities and AI data centers, enhancing grid resilience.

The nuclear industry responded positively to the announcement, with stocks rising following the news.

Source: cnbc.com