Barriers erected by Trump himself in enacting his nuclear orders

In the Oval Office, President Donald Trump recently signed a series of four executive orders aimed at jumpstarting construction of new nuclear power plants across the United States. The orders, which have sparked debate and controversy, could potentially reshape the nation's nuclear energy landscape.

The first order instructed the Department of Defense to deploy new reactor technologies at military bases. This directive could pave the way for the integration of advanced nuclear technologies into the nation's defence infrastructure.

The second order targeted the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), mandating tighter deadlines and a study on whether the watchdog should assess the risks of radiation exposure differently. The order also called for staffing cuts, a move that has raised concerns among government accountability watchdogs who view the action as potentially illegal.

The third order directed the Department of Energy to speed up testing of new reactor designs and approve at least three new designs by July 4, 2026. This order could accelerate the development and deployment of innovative nuclear technologies.

The fourth order outlined a plan to "reinvigorate the nuclear industrial base" through direct federal funding for uranium fuel and new reactors, starting construction on at least 10 new large-scale reactors by the end of the decade, and opening the door to reprocessing spent fuel waste. This ambitious plan, if implemented, could significantly boost the nation's nuclear energy capacity.

However, Adam Stein, the director of the nuclear energy innovation program at the Breakthrough Institute, expressed concerns about the orders. He stated that the new orders introduce more uncertainty, potentially making multi-billion-dollar investments in nuclear plants more risky. Stein also noted that the orders could lead to improvements in efficiency, but increases uncertainty about the path forward and the final product.

The responsibility for implementing these executive orders related to nuclear energy within the NRC lies primarily with the Commission itself. The Commission oversees regulatory compliance and enforcement for nuclear safety, with specific internal offices or directors handling the detailed execution.

It's important to note that some of the orders simply reinforce changes already underway thanks to the Biden administration's nuclear policies or the ADVANCE Act Congress passed last year. However, the way the orders are written threatens to increase uncertainty and invite political blowback before any reforms can be fully implemented.

Moreover, the executive actions may not be enough to counteract the federal cuts proposed for the Energy Department's Office of Nuclear Energy. The potential for further uncertainty arises if things don't happen and Congress decides to start functioning and doing its job again, especially closer to midterm elections.

On Tuesday, officials from the Department of Government Efficiency, organized by Elon Musk, were reportedly at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The Department has been responsible for layoffs of key federal employees at the Energy Department's nuclear offices, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.

The initial executive order from February is currently in court, further adding to the uncertainty surrounding these ambitious plans. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how these executive orders will impact the future of nuclear energy in the United States.