President Trump Issues Sweeping Executive Orders Targeting Nuclear Regulation

The Trump administration has identified growth in the nuclear energy industry as a critical component of the President's campaign to establish American energy dominance and meet the rapidly increasing need for power. The consistent backing of the White House, coupled with record-breaking investment in nuclear technology from the private sector, has vaulted enthusiasm for nuclear power in recent months. In response to calls for reform, President Trump recently issued four executive orders (EO) designed to bolster domestic nuclear energy development and supply chains and accelerate regulatory timelines for nuclear technology licensing.

Nuclear Energy Overview

Over the last 50 years, growth in US nuclear energy generation has been stagnant and slow. From 1954 to 1978, 133 nuclear reactors were authorized to operate at 81 facilities across the country. Since 2012, over a dozen reactors have been closed. Yet, efforts are now underway to restart some of these reactors.