Ordering the Reform of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission

5/23/2025

Executive Orders

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Action Summary

Purpose: Leverage nuclear energy as a key element of national security and economic strength by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and geopolitical rivals, while supporting advanced industries such as AI and quantum computing.
Policy Goals:
- Reestablish U.S. leadership in nuclear energy globally.
- Accelerate deployment of new reactor technologies (Generation III+, IV, modular, microreactors) and expand capacity from 100 GW to 400 GW by 2050.
- Support ongoing operations, license renewals, and reactivation of halted nuclear projects.
- Maintain a strong reputation for nuclear safety.
Reforming NRC Culture:
- Shift focus from excessive risk aversion to balanced safety and economic benefits.
- Align NRC’s mission with congressional mandates to promote efficient licensing and innovation in nuclear power.
Reforming NRC Structure:
- Reorganize the agency to expedite license applications and adopt innovative technologies.
- Implement staff reductions where appropriate and create a dedicated team to draft new regulations.
- Reduce the role of the Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards to focus on novel issues only.
Modernizing NRC Regulations:
- Establish fixed, science-based deadlines for licensing (18 months for new reactors; 1 year for operating extensions) with fee caps.
- Reconsider traditional radiation models (LNT and ALARA) to adopt more determinate, data-backed safety thresholds.
- Revise environmental review processes and streamline public hearings in consultation with relevant agencies.
- Create expedited pathways for approving reactor designs already vetted by the DOD or DOE and for high-volume licensing of modular/microreactors.
- Adjust regulations to limit design changes during construction and extend license durations as justified by new data.
General Provisions:
- Clarify that agency authorities and existing legal functions remain unaffected.
- Ensure implementation is consistent with law and appropriations availability.
- Mandate NRC funding for the publication of the order in the Federal Register.

Risks & Considerations

The reform of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) aims to expedite the licensing process for nuclear reactors, which could lead to increased nuclear energy production. However, this acceleration may raise concerns about safety and environmental impacts if not managed carefully.
The shift towards nuclear energy as a primary power source could impact Vanderbilt University’s research focus, particularly in energy-related fields. There may be increased demand for expertise in nuclear technology and safety.
Changes in regulatory frameworks and safety standards could pose compliance challenges for institutions involved in nuclear research and development, necessitating adjustments in research protocols and safety measures.
The emphasis on nuclear energy may affect funding allocations for alternative energy research, potentially impacting Vanderbilt’s research initiatives in renewable energy and sustainability.
Vanderbilt may need to consider the implications of increased nuclear energy production on its environmental policies and community engagement strategies, particularly in relation to public perception and safety concerns.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering may see increased opportunities for research and collaboration in nuclear technology and safety, potentially leading to new partnerships with federal agencies and industry stakeholders.
The Vanderbilt Institute for Energy and Environment could play a crucial role in assessing the environmental impacts of expanded nuclear energy production and developing strategies for sustainable energy use.
Vanderbilt’s Office of Research may need to adjust its funding strategies and priorities to align with the increased focus on nuclear energy and the potential shift in federal research funding.
The Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization might explore opportunities for licensing and commercializing innovations in nuclear technology developed at Vanderbilt.

Financial Impact

The reform of the NRC could lead to increased federal funding opportunities for research in nuclear technology and safety, potentially benefiting Vanderbilt’s research programs.
Vanderbilt may need to invest in infrastructure and resources to support expanded research and education in nuclear energy, which could have financial implications.
Changes in energy policy and funding priorities could impact the financial landscape for research in alternative energy sources, necessitating strategic adjustments in grant applications and partnerships.
The potential for increased collaboration with federal agencies and industry partners in the nuclear sector could open new revenue streams and funding opportunities for Vanderbilt.

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

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering should explore research opportunities in nuclear reactor technologies, such as Generation III+ and IV reactors, modular reactors, and microreactors. By aligning with the national focus on nuclear energy, the school can secure funding and partnerships for innovative projects.
The Office of Federal Relations should monitor developments in the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC) reform and engage with policymakers to understand potential impacts on research funding and regulatory compliance. This will help Vanderbilt navigate changes and maintain compliance with new regulations.
Vanderbilt’s Center for Energy and Environmental Policy should conduct research on the implications of revised NRC regulations on environmental policy and safety standards. This research can provide valuable insights into the balance between energy production and environmental protection.
The Department of Political Science should analyze the geopolitical implications of increased U.S. nuclear energy capacity and its impact on international relations. This analysis can inform Vanderbilt’s strategic positioning in global energy discussions.
Vanderbilt’s Career Center should prepare students for emerging job opportunities in the nuclear energy sector by developing relevant career resources and partnerships with industry leaders. This will ensure that graduates are well-equipped to enter this growing field.

Opportunities

The executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering to expand its research and development in nuclear energy technologies. By leveraging its expertise, the school can contribute to the design and evaluation of safe and efficient nuclear reactors, potentially influencing national energy policy.
Vanderbilt can capitalize on the increased focus on nuclear energy by developing new programs and partnerships with industry leaders. This could include joint research initiatives, student internships, and collaborative projects, enhancing Vanderbilt’s reputation and reach in the energy sector.
The emphasis on supporting nuclear energy expansion offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Center for Energy and Environmental Policy to engage in policy analysis and advocacy. By providing evidence-based recommendations, the center can influence how nuclear energy policies are shaped and implemented.
By engaging with the broader energy community and policymakers, Vanderbilt can position itself as a leader in the national conversation on nuclear 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 regulatory and funding impacts.)

Average Relevance Score: 3

Timeline for Implementation

Within 9 months of May 23, 2025: The NRC must issue notice(s) of proposed rulemaking for revising its regulations.
Within 18 months of May 23, 2025: The NRC must issue final rules and guidance to complete the revision process, and also for final decisions on new reactor construction applications.
Within 1 year of the initiation of the licensing process: The NRC must render a final decision on applications to continue operating an existing reactor.

The score is based on the shortest timeline, which is 9 months (over 180 days required to comply).

Relevance Score: 1

Impacted Government Organizations

Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC): The primary agency mandated for comprehensive reform, including changes to its structure, processes, and regulations to accelerate nuclear power deployment.
Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards (ACRS): Tasked to scale back its function to only address novel or noteworthy permitting and licensing issues as directed by the order.
Department of Defense (DOD): Consulted regarding the adoption of new, science-based radiation limits and for validating reactor design safety, especially when designs have been previously evaluated by the DOD.
Department of Energy (DOE): Involved in consultations related to reactor safety and the evaluation of reactor designs that have undergone DOE testing.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Called upon to collaborate on establishing revised radiation limits, ensuring that environmental health considerations are balanced with the benefits of nuclear power.
Office of Management and Budget (OMB): Required to work with the NRC and other agencies during the overhaul of regulatory guidance and approval processes.
Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ): Engaged in revising NRC’s regulations related to the National Environmental Policy Act in light of recent legislative amendments.

Relevance Score: 3 (Between 6 and 10 federal agencies are impacted by this Executive Order.)

Responsible Officials

Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Head – Responsible for reorganizing the agency’s structure, staffing, and regulatory framework to meet the directives outlined in Sections 3–5.
NRC DOGE Team – Tasked with consulting on the reorganization and modernizing the NRC’s operational processes and regulations.
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) – Collaborating with the NRC to review and revise regulations and guidance documents.
Department of Defense (DOD), Department of Energy (DOE), and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – To be consulted by the NRC regarding the adoption of science-based radiation limits and streamlined reactor oversight, as specified in Section 5.

Relevance Score: 4 (Directives affect agency heads responsible for substantial restructuring and policy changes within the NRC.)