Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Streamlines Nuclear Reactor Testing at the Department of Energy
5/23/2025
Action Summary
- Streamlining Reactor Testing: President Trump signed an Executive Order on May 23, 2025, to reform and accelerate reactor testing at the Department of Energy (DOE). The Order designates advanced reactors under DOE control as research subjects under its current jurisdiction.
- Secretary of Energy Responsibilities:
- Guidance Issuance: Define what qualifies as a test reactor and streamline application processing.
- Regulatory Revisions: Revise existing regulations, guidance, and procedures to speed up approval and deployment of advanced reactors, aiming for operational test reactors within two years from application completion.
- Pilot Program: Establish a pilot program to construct and operate at least three reactors outside National Laboratories, with a goal of achieving criticality by July 4, 2026.
- Environmental Review Modifications: Expedite or eliminate internal environmental reviews for permits and authorizations related to reactor testing.
- Fostering Nuclear Innovation:
- Restores U.S. leadership in nuclear energy by streamlining processes that have been hindered by overregulation.
- Promotes the development and commercial deployment of advanced reactors to support industries such as data centers, microchip manufacturing, petrochemicals, healthcare, and more.
- Ensures that innovators have clear pathways for next-generation nuclear technologies to bolster economic prosperity and national security.
- Unleashing American Energy:
- A National Energy Emergency was declared to remove bureaucratic barriers and support all forms of reliable, dispatchable energy, including nuclear, fossil fuels, and emerging technologies.
- This initiative aims to create jobs, improve the trade balance, enhance U.S. competitiveness, and foster international peace and security.
Risks & Considerations
- The Executive Order aims to streamline nuclear reactor testing, which could lead to accelerated development and deployment of advanced nuclear technologies. This may present opportunities for research institutions like Vanderbilt University to engage in cutting-edge nuclear research and development.
- There is a potential risk of environmental and safety concerns associated with the expedited processes for reactor testing and deployment. Vanderbilt may need to consider the implications of these changes on its environmental policies and research ethics.
- The focus on nuclear innovation could shift federal funding priorities, potentially affecting grants and research opportunities in other energy sectors. Vanderbilt may need to adjust its research strategies to align with these new priorities.
- Vanderbilt’s engineering and science programs could benefit from increased collaboration opportunities with the Department of Energy and other federal agencies involved in nuclear research.
Impacted Programs
- Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering may see increased demand for expertise in nuclear engineering and technology, presenting opportunities for program expansion and collaboration with federal agencies.
- The Environmental Science and Policy Program might need to address the potential environmental impacts of accelerated nuclear reactor testing and deployment, ensuring that research and policies align with new federal guidelines.
- Vanderbilt’s Research Centers focused on energy and technology could benefit from new funding opportunities and partnerships with the Department of Energy to advance nuclear innovation.
Financial Impact
- The Executive Order could lead to increased federal funding for nuclear research and development, providing Vanderbilt with opportunities to secure grants and contracts in this area.
- Vanderbilt may need to reallocate resources to support research initiatives aligned with the federal focus on nuclear energy, potentially impacting other research areas.
- There could be long-term financial benefits from participating in advanced nuclear technology development, including potential commercialization and industry partnerships.
Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents moderate risks and opportunities, particularly in compliance and research alignment with federal priorities.)
Key Actions
- Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering should explore partnerships with the Department of Energy to engage in research and development of advanced nuclear reactor technologies. By aligning with federal initiatives, the school can enhance its research capabilities and contribute to the advancement of nuclear innovation.
- The Office of Federal Relations should monitor the implementation of the Executive Order to identify potential funding opportunities for research projects related to nuclear energy. Engaging with DOE’s pilot programs could provide valuable resources and collaboration opportunities for Vanderbilt researchers.
- Vanderbilt’s Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization should assess the potential for commercializing technologies developed through partnerships with DOE. By leveraging the streamlined processes for reactor testing, the center can facilitate the transfer of innovative technologies to the market.
- The Department of Political Science should conduct research on the policy implications of the Executive Order, particularly in terms of regulatory changes and their impact on energy policy. This research can inform Vanderbilt’s strategic positioning in the energy sector and contribute to public discourse on nuclear energy.
Opportunities
- The Executive Order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering to expand its research portfolio in nuclear energy. By participating in DOE’s pilot programs, the school can gain access to cutting-edge technologies and contribute to the development of next-generation reactors.
- Vanderbilt can capitalize on the focus on nuclear innovation by developing interdisciplinary programs that integrate engineering, policy, and environmental studies. This approach can position the university as a leader in addressing the complex challenges of nuclear energy development.
- The emphasis on reducing bureaucratic barriers offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Office of Federal Relations to advocate for policies that support academic research and innovation. By engaging with policymakers, the office can help shape a favorable regulatory environment for university-led research initiatives.
- By hosting conferences and workshops on nuclear energy innovation, Vanderbilt can establish itself as a hub for thought leadership in the field. These events can facilitate collaboration between academia, industry, and government, enhancing Vanderbilt’s reputation and influence in the energy sector.
Relevance Score: 4 (The Executive Order presents significant opportunities for Vanderbilt to engage in nuclear energy research and innovation, requiring major process changes to capitalize on these opportunities.)
Timeline for Implementation
- Within two years following a completed application for operational test reactors.
- Criticality for pilot program reactors by July 4, 2026.
The shortest timeline from the Order’s directives is set by the pilot program with a fixed date of July 4, 2026.
Relevance Score: 1
Impacted Government Organizations
- Department of Energy (DOE): The Executive Order primarily directs reforms and streamlining measures within the DOE, including the expedited processing of reactor test applications, regulatory revisions, and the establishment of a pilot reactor program.
Relevance Score: 1 (Only 1 agency is directly impacted by the order.)
Responsible Officials
- Secretary of Energy – Responsible for issuing guidance, revising regulations, establishing pilot programs, and expediting environmental review processes related to nuclear reactor testing.
Relevance Score: 4 (This directive directly impacts an agency head responsible for DOE operations.)