Jerry Jackson U.S. President Donald Trump has signed executive orders aimed at speeding up nuclear power development across the country. The plan requires the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to cut licensing times for nuclear reactors and plants from over ten years to just 18 months. This move is designed to help America build more nuclear energy infrastructure faster.
Michael Kratsios, head of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, called the plan a new beginning for U.S. energy. He said, “President Trump is making it clear—America is ready to build again.”
The orders also call for a review of the NRC’s structure and encourage stronger cooperation between the Department of Energy and the Department of Defense. The Pentagon is expected to install nuclear reactors on military bases. These reactors would provide independent power sources, reducing reliance on civilian grids and improving energy security for defense sites.
This cooperation aims to create a steady demand for small modular reactors, accelerating their deployment across federal lands.
The new plan targets increased uranium mining and enrichment in the U.S. to reduce dependency on foreign supplies. By expanding domestic production, the administration hopes to ensure a stable fuel supply for the growing nuclear sector.
Earlier this year, Trump declared a national energy emergency, citing rising power demand, especially from AI-powered data centers. While previous policies favored fossil fuels, these orders highlight a shift towards nuclear energy as a clean and scalable solution.
This strategy positions the U.S. to lead a nuclear energy revival, driven by both economic needs and national security.
The government’s effort signals a major shift in energy policy, focusing on faster approvals and stronger domestic supply chains. As the U.S. moves forward with these initiatives, nuclear power could become a key part of America’s clean energy future.