Executive Order 14215: A Strategic Shift in U.S. Nuclear Energy Policy
- Ralph A. Cantafio
- May 28, 2025
- 3 min read
On May 23, 2025, President Donald Trump signed four executive orders, including
Executive Order 14215, aimed at revitalizing the U.S. nuclear energy sector. These
directives seek to streamline regulatory processes, bolster domestic nuclear fuel
production, and accelerate the deployment of advanced nuclear technologies. While
proponents argue that these measures will enhance energy security and economic growth, critics express concerns about potential safety risks and environmental implications.
Key Provisions of Executive Order 14215
Accelerated Licensing Process
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is mandated to expedite the licensing of new
reactors, setting an 18-month deadline for approvals. This aims to reduce bureaucratic
delays and encourage the development of advanced nuclear technologies, including small modular reactors.
Regulatory Reforms
A comprehensive revision of existing radiation exposure standards and environmental
regulations is ordered, emphasizing science-based approaches. The intent is to streamline compliance requirements while maintaining safety
Deployment on Federal Lands
The Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Defense (DoD) are authorized
to construct nuclear reactors on federal lands, including military installations and DOE
facilities. This includes plans to build a reactor at a domestic military base by 2028 to
support operational energy needs.
Support for AI Infrastructure
Recognizing the energy demands of AI data centers, the orders designate these centers as critical defense facilities. The administration plans to power them with advanced nuclear reactors, ensuring a reliable and secure energy supply.
Enhancement of Domestic Fuel Supply
To reduce reliance on foreign uranium, the DOE is instructed to release at least 20 metrictons of high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) for use in private-sector nuclear
projects. Additionally, efforts will be made to bolster domestic uranium mining and
enrichment capabilities.
Industry Response
The nuclear industry has largely welcomed these executive orders, viewing them as a
catalyst for innovation and growth. Shares of nuclear energy companies, such as
Constellation Energy Corp. and Vistra Corp., experienced significant gains following the
announcement.
Implications for Small Modular Reactors and AI Energy Demands
One of the most consequential aspects of Executive Order 14215 is its potential to
accelerate the development and deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), which
are compact, scalable nuclear power systems designed to serve localized or specialized
energy needs. By directing the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to expedite
licensing and permitting within 18 months, the executive order removes one of the most
significant barriers historically facing SMR projects: regulatory delay. This is particularly relevant for high-tech companies like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon, which operate vast data centers that power artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure. These facilities consume massive amounts of electricity and increasingly demand clean, stable, and decentralized energy sources. SMRs are uniquely suited for this purpose because of their modularity, reduced physical footprint, and enhanced safety features. Several industry partnerships and pilot projects are already underway. For example,
Google has signaled interest in working with advanced nuclear providers like Oklo and
X-energy to explore co-location of SMRs near AI data campuses. Executive Order 14215
reinforces these initiatives by not only simplifying licensing but also supporting
deployment on federal lands and streamlining access to high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU), which is essential for fueling most advanced reactors. Ultimately, this policy shift may establish the United States as a leader in AI-ready nuclear infrastructure, providing clean, reliable power for the next generation of computational demands while fostering innovation and energy resilience in the private
sector.
Criticisms and Concerns
However, some experts and former officials have expressed concerns about the potential risks associated with expedited licensing and reduced regulatory oversight. Ernest Moniz, former Energy Secretary, cautioned that diminishing the independence of the NRC could lead to safety and security challenges. Furthermore, environmental groups have raised objections regarding the lack of permanent radioactive waste storage solutions and the safety of proposed reactor designs.
Conclusion
Executive Order 14215 represents a significant shift in U.S. nuclear energy policy,
aiming to rejuvenate the industry through regulatory reforms, infrastructure development, and support for emerging technologies. While the initiatives promise economic and strategic benefits, they also prompt a debate over safety, environmental impact, and the role of federal oversight. Balancing these factors will be crucial to the successful implementation of the administration's nuclear energy agenda.
References
The White House. *Executive Order on Ordering the Reform of the Nuclear Regulatory
Commission.* May 23, 2025. https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-
actions/2025/05/ordering-the-reform-of-the-nuclear-regulatory-commission.
The White House. *Executive Order on Deploying Advanced Nuclear Reactor
Technologies for National Security.* May 23, 2025.
reactor-technologies-for-national-security.
The White House. *Executive Order on Reinvigorating the Nuclear Industrial Base.*
the-nuclear-industrial-base.
Washington Post. “Trump Plan for Fast-Tracking Nuclear Power Takes Aim at
Regulators.” *Washington Post*, May 23, 2025.
Reuters. “U.S. Would Assess Nuclear Waste, Plutonium for Reactor Fuel under Draft
Order.” *Reuters*, May 15, 2025. https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/us-would-
assess-nuclear-waste-plutonium-reactor-fuel-under-draft-order-2025-05-15.
MarketWatch. “Nuclear Power Stocks Rise as Trump Signs Orders to Aid Sector.”
*MarketWatch*, May 24, 2025. https://www.marketwatch.com/story/nuclear-power-
stocks-rise-as-trump-signs-orders-to-aid-sector-progress-may-be-slow-analyst-warns-
1c2c2d04.
Public Power Association. “Executive Orders Call for NRC Reform, Deployment of
Advanced Nuclear Technologies.” *American Public Power Association*, May 24, 2025.
deployment-advanced-nuclear-technologies.
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