Trump Signs Orders to Accelerate Nuclear Reactor Construction

WASHINGTON, May 22 (Reuters) – President Donald Trump signed several executive orders on Friday to accelerate the construction of nuclear reactors in the United States, addressing the growing energy demand driven by artificial intelligence.

The executive actions aim to simplify regulatory processes, allowing new reactors to be built more quickly. Trump called the effort essential for meeting rising power needs. Energy Secretary Chris Wright likened the push to a new ‘Manhattan Project‘ focused on modern energy requirements.

One key component of the orders uses the Cold War-era Defense Production Act to declare a national emergency regarding dependence on foreign sources of enriched uranium. The plan also directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to streamline its approval processes, now requiring applications for new reactors to be approved within 18 months, down from the current five-year timeline.

At the signing ceremony, Doug Burgum, the Interior Secretary, stated, ‘This is a huge day for the nuclear industry. Mark this day on your calendar.’ The administration plans to build a new generation of advanced reactors, which promise quicker deployment.

The orders also encourage collaborations between the Department of Energy and Department of Defense to site reactors on federal lands, potentially expediting the construction process.

While there is bipartisan support for nuclear energy as a reliable and emission-free power source, safety concerns persist. Critics warn that pushing the NRC to speed up approvals could compromise safety protocols. Edwin Lyman from the Union of Concerned Scientists emphasized the need for safety to remain a priority in the nuclear industry.

The Trump White House indicated that while it aims to boost nuclear power, challenges remain, including high costs and a lack of infrastructure for new reactors.

Despite these challenges, the administration’s orders are considered the most aggressive move towards nuclear energy expansion since the early 2000s.