Striking a blow against crippling bureaucracy, President Donald Trump has signed executive orders to secure America’s energy independence.
The orders specifically revamp the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and speed up the deployment of nuclear power plants.
His bold move will cut through decades of regulatory red tape that has stifled American energy independence and technological advancement.
The measures also address growing concerns about meeting future energy demands.
The orders will reform energy research, enable building reactors on federal land, and expand uranium mining and enrichment.
These are critical components for revitalizing America’s nuclear capabilities after decades of inaction under burdensome regulations.
The initiative comes as America faces growing energy demands, particularly with the quick expansion of power-hungry artificial intelligence technology that threatens to strain the nation’s electrical grid.
“It’s a hot industry. It’s a brilliant industry. You have to do it right,” President Trump declared during the signing ceremony, which was attended by numerous nuclear energy company CEOs and government officials.
The president’s pragmatic approach recognizes both the tremendous potential of nuclear energy and the necessity of proper implementation.
The executive orders specifically target the regulatory roadblocks that have nearly killed America’s nuclear industry since the 1970s.
Under the new directives, the NRC will be required to streamline its review and regulatory processes with a goal of making decisions within 18 months.
This is a dramatic improvement over the current system, which has approved only two operational reactors since 1978.
This bureaucratic logjam has severely limited America’s ability to develop reliable energy while countries like China and Russia have surged ahead in nuclear technology development.
Constellation Energy CEO Joseph Dominguez stated, “The problem in the industry has historically been regulatory delay.”
He highlighted how excessive government red tape has hindered nuclear energy development for decades.
President Trump’s orders establish a framework for the Departments of Energy and Defense to build nuclear reactors on federal land specifically for defense facilities and AI data centers.
This strategic approach recognizes the growing power needs of America’s technological infrastructure while ensuring national security through energy independence.
The focus includes both small, advanced reactors and support for constructing larger plants, rebuilding America’s nuclear energy capabilities that have suffered under decades of regulatory paralysis.
Nuclear stocks rose following the announcement, reflecting investor confidence in the administration’s commitment to revitalizing this critical industry.
Dominguez emphasized that nuclear power is particularly well-suited for AI data centers due to its consistent energy supply.
“Some of the largest companies in the world who need this energy for AI are now working with us to fund the development and construction of the next generation of nuclear,” he noted.
While liberals have raised concerns about the changes by claiming they compromise safety, the Trump administration has maintained that streamlining regulations does not mean abandoning safety standards.
The NRC will continue its oversight role while eliminating unnecessary delays and bureaucratic obstacles.
The commission is already reviewing the potential restart of two mothballed nuclear plants: Palisades in Michigan and Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania, which could quickly bring additional power generation online.
With U.S. electricity demand projected to increase significantly by 2030 and 2050 due to AI and other technological advancements, President Trump’s executive orders represent a vital step toward securing America’s energy future.
