Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Directs Reform of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission

5/23/2025

Fact Sheets

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Action Summary

Objective: Reform the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to reduce dependence on foreign technologies and support a revitalized domestic nuclear industry.
Regulatory Reforms: Direct the NRC to complete rulemakings within 18 months, including:
- Fixed deadlines for licensing new reactor construction (18 months) and continued reactor operation (12 months).
- Adoption of science-based radiation limits instead of outdated exposure models.
- Revisions to regulations governing National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance.
- Creation of an expedited approval pathway for reactor designs tested by the Department of Defense or Department of Energy.
- Establishment of a process for high-volume licensing of microreactors and modular reactors.
- Reexamination and potential extension of existing license terms.
Cultural and Organizational Changes: Realign NRC culture and personnel to prioritize rapid license processing and innovative technological adoption, balancing safety with economic and national security benefits.
Nuclear Renaissance: Signal a major policy shift aimed at reestablishing U.S. leadership in nuclear energy; targeted expansion of nuclear capacity from approximately 100 GW to 400 GW by 2050.
Energy Independence and Deregulation: Support comprehensive energy policy by reducing bureaucratic barriers, fostering innovation, creating high-paying jobs, and enhancing the United States’ global energy standing.

Risks & Considerations

The Executive Order to reform the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) could lead to significant changes in the regulatory landscape for nuclear energy, which may impact research and development initiatives at Vanderbilt University, particularly those related to energy policy and environmental studies.
The focus on reducing regulatory barriers and expediting licensing processes may raise concerns about safety and environmental impacts, which could affect public perception and acceptance of nuclear energy projects. This may influence the university’s engagement with community stakeholders and its role in public discourse.
The emphasis on adopting science-based radiation limits and revising compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act could necessitate updates to research methodologies and compliance strategies for projects involving nuclear technology or environmental assessments.
Vanderbilt University may need to consider the potential for increased funding opportunities in nuclear energy research, as the Executive Order aims to expand American nuclear energy capacity and promote innovation in reactor technologies.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering may see increased demand for expertise in nuclear engineering and technology development, presenting opportunities for collaboration with federal agencies and industry partners.
The Vanderbilt Institute for Energy and Environment could play a crucial role in analyzing the environmental and policy implications of the NRC reforms, contributing to informed decision-making and public policy discussions.
Research centers focused on public policy and regulatory studies may need to adjust their focus to address the implications of deregulation and expedited licensing processes on safety and environmental standards.
The Office of Federal Relations might need to engage with policymakers to ensure that Vanderbilt’s interests and expertise are considered in the implementation of the Executive Order.

Financial Impact

The potential expansion of nuclear energy capacity and the promotion of innovative reactor technologies could lead to increased funding opportunities for research and development at Vanderbilt, particularly in engineering and environmental sciences.
Changes in regulatory requirements and compliance standards may necessitate additional resources for research projects, potentially impacting budget allocations and funding strategies.
Vanderbilt University might experience shifts in its research priorities and partnerships, as the focus on nuclear energy and deregulation aligns with national policy goals and funding priorities.
The emphasis on energy independence and economic growth could create opportunities for Vanderbilt to contribute to national and international energy policy discussions, potentially enhancing its reputation and influence in the field.

Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents moderate risks involving compliance and potential shifts in research priorities.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering should explore partnerships with the Department of Energy and Department of Defense to engage in research and development of new nuclear technologies. This could position the university as a leader in nuclear innovation and provide opportunities for securing federal research grants.
The Office of Federal Relations should monitor the progress of NRC regulatory reforms and identify potential impacts on research funding and collaboration opportunities. Engaging with policymakers to advocate for university interests in nuclear research could enhance Vanderbilt’s influence in shaping nuclear policy.
Vanderbilt’s Environmental Science Department should conduct research on the environmental impacts of revised NRC regulations, particularly concerning radiation limits and compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act. This research can inform public discourse and policy decisions, positioning Vanderbilt as a thought leader in environmental policy.
The Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization should assess the potential for commercializing innovations in nuclear technology developed at Vanderbilt. By identifying pathways for technology transfer and commercialization, the university can capitalize on the growing demand for advanced nuclear solutions.
Vanderbilt’s Career Center should prepare students for emerging job opportunities in the nuclear sector by developing specialized career services and partnerships with industry leaders. This proactive approach will ensure that Vanderbilt graduates are well-positioned to enter the expanding nuclear workforce.

Opportunities

The executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Research Centers to secure funding for projects related to nuclear energy and technology. By aligning research initiatives with national priorities, Vanderbilt can enhance its research portfolio and attract top talent in the field.
Vanderbilt can capitalize on the increased focus on nuclear energy by developing interdisciplinary programs that integrate engineering, environmental science, and policy studies. This could include new degree programs, research initiatives, and public forums that address the complexities of nuclear energy development.
The emphasis on deregulation and innovation in the nuclear sector offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Innovation Center to engage in collaborative projects with industry partners. By fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, the center can contribute to the development of cutting-edge nuclear technologies.
The order’s focus on expanding nuclear energy capacity aligns with Vanderbilt’s commitment to sustainability and energy independence. The university can develop targeted outreach and support programs for students and researchers interested in contributing to the future of nuclear energy.
By engaging with the broader energy community and policymakers, Vanderbilt can position itself as a leader in the national conversation on energy reform. Hosting conferences, workshops, and public forums on the implications of nuclear energy policies can further establish Vanderbilt as a hub for innovative energy thought and practice.

Relevance Score: 4 (The order presents the potential for major process changes required for Vanderbilt’s programs due to impacts on research funding and collaboration opportunities in the nuclear sector.)

Average Relevance Score: 2.8

Timeline for Implementation

18 months to complete rulemakings and for the construction and operation of new reactors.
12 months for the continued operation of an existing reactor.

The shortest deadline is 12 months, which falls into the 180 or more days category.

Relevance Score: 1

Impacted Government Organizations

Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC): The executive order directly targets the NRC for comprehensive reform, including revising regulations, establishing new licensing timelines, and reorganizing its culture to better promote nuclear energy while ensuring safety.
Department of Defense (DoD): The order calls for an expedited pathway for approving reactor designs that have been safely tested by the DoD, integrating their expertise into nuclear regulatory processes.
Department of Energy (DOE): Similar to the DoD, the DOE is referenced as a source of safely tested reactor designs, ensuring that innovation and safety are maintained in emerging nuclear technologies.

Relevance Score: 2 (Three Federal Agencies are directly impacted by this executive order.)

Responsible Officials

Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) – Tasked with overhauling its regulatory framework, establishing fixed deadlines for licensing, and reorganizing its internal structure to expedite nuclear technology approvals.

Relevance Score: 4 (Directives affect the agency head with substantial responsibilities for reforming national nuclear regulation policy.)