Reinvigorating the Nuclear Industrial Base

5/23/2025

Executive Orders

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Action Summary

Purpose: Reinvigorate America’s nuclear industrial base to secure national and economic security amid global AI competition, energy independence challenges, and critical power supply needs.
Policy Objectives:
- Accelerate domestic production and operation of nuclear energy.
- Promote advanced nuclear reactor technologies and secure supply chains.
- Enhance nuclear fuel efficiency through recycling and reprocessing.
Strengthening the Domestic Nuclear Fuel Cycle:
- Report Submission: Within 240 days, a comprehensive report addressing spent fuel management, reprocessing, recycling, and transportation of nuclear materials.
- Uranium Conversion and Enrichment: Develop a plan within 120 days to expand domestic capacities to meet civilian and defense needs.
- Surplus Plutonium: Halt the current disposal program and establish industrial processing for advanced reactor fuel fabrication.
- Excess Uranium Management: Update policies within 90 days to align with national security and modernization priorities.
- Voluntary Agreements: Within 30 days, use Defense Production Act authorities to secure agreements with domestic nuclear companies, enhancing spent fuel management and supply chain capacity.
Funding and Infrastructure:
- Prioritize efforts to achieve 5 gigawatts of reactor power uprates and the construction of 10 new large reactors by 2030.
- Encourage restarting closed plants and support new reactor construction, including repurposing for military microgrid applications.
- Coordinate funding through the DOE Loan Programs Office and small business programs for advanced nuclear technology deployment.
Workforce Expansion:
- Enhance nuclear engineering education and related career pathways through targeted Registered Apprenticeship and Career & Technical Education programs.
- Increase government and educational grants to support nuclear energy-related training and R&D opportunities at DOE National Laboratories and academic institutions.
Administrative and Legal Provisions:
- Ensure actions comply with budgetary, legislative, procurement, and nonproliferation requirements.
- Clarify that the order does not impair existing agency authorities or create enforceable rights against the government.

Risks & Considerations

The Executive Order aims to revitalize the U.S. nuclear energy sector, which could lead to increased federal investment in nuclear technology and infrastructure. This may create opportunities for research institutions like Vanderbilt University to engage in nuclear energy research and development.
There is a potential risk of increased regulatory scrutiny and compliance requirements for institutions involved in nuclear research, which could impact Vanderbilt’s operations if it chooses to participate in related projects.
The focus on nuclear energy workforce development may necessitate changes in educational programs to align with new federal priorities, potentially affecting Vanderbilt’s curriculum and training programs.
Vanderbilt may need to consider partnerships with federal agencies and other institutions to leverage funding opportunities and contribute to the national nuclear energy agenda.
The emphasis on energy independence and national security could lead to shifts in federal funding priorities, potentially impacting other areas of research and education funding at Vanderbilt.

Impacted Programs

School of Engineering at Vanderbilt may see increased demand for expertise in nuclear engineering and related fields, presenting opportunities for program expansion and collaboration with federal agencies.
Research Centers focused on energy and technology may benefit from new funding opportunities and partnerships to advance nuclear energy technologies and workforce development.
The Office of Federal Relations could play a crucial role in navigating new federal policies and securing funding for nuclear-related initiatives.
Vanderbilt’s Career Services may need to adjust its strategies to support students pursuing careers in the nuclear energy sector, including facilitating apprenticeships and technical education programs.

Financial Impact

The Executive Order could lead to increased federal funding for nuclear energy research and development, providing new grant opportunities for Vanderbilt University.
There may be a need for investment in infrastructure and resources to support expanded nuclear engineering programs and research initiatives.
Vanderbilt might experience changes in its funding landscape, with potential shifts in priorities towards nuclear energy and related fields.
Collaboration with federal agencies and industry partners could enhance Vanderbilt’s financial position and research capabilities in the nuclear sector.

Relevance Score: 4 (The order presents a need for potential major changes or transformations of programs.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering should explore opportunities to expand its nuclear engineering programs and research initiatives. By aligning with the national focus on nuclear energy, the school can attract federal funding and partnerships with the Department of Energy and other agencies.
The Office of Federal Relations should actively engage with federal agencies to identify funding opportunities for research and development in nuclear energy technologies. This proactive approach can position Vanderbilt as a leader in nuclear energy innovation and workforce development.
Vanderbilt’s Career Center should develop partnerships with industry organizations to create apprenticeship and career pathways in nuclear energy-related fields. This will enhance job prospects for students and align with the executive order’s emphasis on workforce development.
The Department of Political Science should conduct policy analysis on the implications of the executive order for energy independence and national security. This research can provide valuable insights for policymakers and enhance Vanderbilt’s role as a thought leader in energy policy.
Vanderbilt’s Office of Research should collaborate with the Department of Energy National Laboratories to increase access to research infrastructure and expertise for students and faculty in nuclear energy-related fields.

Opportunities

The executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt University to expand its research and development efforts in nuclear energy technologies. By leveraging its expertise in engineering and policy analysis, Vanderbilt can contribute to the advancement of nuclear energy and secure federal funding for innovative projects.
Vanderbilt can capitalize on the increased focus on nuclear energy by developing new educational programs and partnerships with industry leaders. This could include joint research initiatives, student exchange programs, and collaborative curriculum development, enhancing Vanderbilt’s reputation and reach in the energy sector.
The emphasis on workforce development offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Career Center to engage in policy analysis and advocacy. By providing evidence-based recommendations, the center can influence how workforce development funds are allocated and used to support educational equity and access.
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 funding impacts and opportunities in nuclear energy.)

Average Relevance Score: 4.2

Timeline for Implementation

Within 30 days: The Secretary of Energy, in coordination with the Attorney General and the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission, must seek voluntary agreements pursuant to section 708 of the DPA.
Within 90 days: The Secretary of Energy, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, is required to update the Department of Energy’s excess uranium management policy.
Within 120 days: Multiple directives must be implemented, including:
- Developing a plan to expand domestic uranium conversion and enrichment capacities;
- Increasing participation in nuclear energy workforce programs (in consultation with the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of Education);
- Enhancing access to DOE National Laboratories for nuclear engineering education.
Within 180 days: The Secretary of Energy, in coordination with the Administrator of the Small Business Administration, shall prioritize funding for qualified advanced nuclear technologies.
Within 240 days: A comprehensive report on strengthening the domestic nuclear fuel cycle is to be submitted by the Secretary of Energy in coordination with several other departments.

Relevance Score: 4

Impacted Government Organizations

Department of Energy: Tasked with multiple mandates including expanding nuclear capacity, managing the nuclear fuel cycle, and coordinating with industry through its Loan Programs Office and national laboratories.
Department of Defense: Involved in cooperatively assessing nuclear projects, updating excess uranium management policy, and ensuring national security aspects related to nuclear technologies.
Department of Transportation: Required to coordinate with the Department of Energy in the preparation and submission of critical reports regarding nuclear fuel cycle processes.
Office of Management and Budget (OMB): Consulted for oversight in budgeting, procurement processes, and coordination of legislative or funding proposals derived from the order.
National Energy Dominance Council: Its Chair receives the report prepared by the Secretary of Energy to help drive national policy on nuclear energy and supply chain security.
Office of Science and Technology Policy: Participates in the submission process for the national nuclear policy report to integrate scientific and technological considerations.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC): Engaged in consultation to develop plans to expand domestic uranium conversion and enrichment capabilities.
Department of Justice (Attorney General): Collaborates on legal coordination, including reviewing voluntary agreements under the Defense Production Act involving domestic nuclear energy companies.
Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Works alongside the Attorney General and Department of Energy to implement measures under the Defense Production Act for nuclear fuel procurement agreements.
Department of Energy Loan Programs Office: Prioritizes funding efforts to support restarting, uprating, or constructing nuclear reactors as part of the overall nuclear energy strategy.
Small Business Administration (SBA): Involved in coordinating funding opportunities and support for qualifying advanced nuclear technology initiatives.
Department of Labor: Tasked with increasing participation in nuclear energy-related apprenticeships and workforce programs in conjunction with the Department of Education.
Department of Education: Responsible for expanding educational grants and enhancing career and technical education pathways in nuclear engineering and related fields.
Employment and Training Administration: Evaluates and supports the development of registered apprenticeship programs to meet workforce needs in the nuclear sector.
Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education: Works to prioritize investments in training and education related to nuclear energy careers within its discretionary grant programs.

Relevance Score: 4 (Eleven to fifteen federal agencies and entities are impacted by this comprehensive order.)

Responsible Officials

Secretary of Energy – Oversees the majority of the directives, including preparation of key reports, policy updates, nuclear fuel management, workforce initiatives, and funding prioritization for nuclear projects.
Secretary of Defense – Consulted on nuclear fuel reprocessing, nuclear energy industrial base security, and assessing the feasibility of repurposing closed nuclear plants for military microgrid support.
Secretary of Transportation – Collaborates with the Secretary of Energy on infrastructure aspects related to nuclear fuel supply chain logistics.
Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) – Provides coordination for budgetary matters, legislative reviews, and planning involved in various nuclear energy initiatives.
Chair of the National Energy Dominance Council – Acts as a conduit to the President by receiving reports prepared by the Secretary of Energy and coordinating national energy strategy.
Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy – Receives policy submissions and helps coordinate technological aspects of the nuclear energy strategy.
Chair of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission – Consulted by the Secretary of Energy to develop plans for expanding domestic uranium conversion and enrichment capabilities.
Attorney General – Works with the Secretary of Energy and the FTC Chairman to form voluntary agreements under the Defense Production Act and oversees nuclear fuel reprocessing measures.
Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission – Partners with the Attorney General in forming and executing voluntary nuclear energy agreements.
Administrator of the Small Business Administration – Coordinates with the Secretary of Energy to prioritize funding support for qualified advanced nuclear technologies.
Secretary of Labor – Teams up with the Secretary of Education to expand and support nuclear energy-related workforce training and apprenticeships.
Secretary of Education – Involved in increasing participation in nuclear engineering and career and technical education programs related to the nuclear energy sector.

Relevance Score: 5 (The directives directly impact multiple Cabinet-level officials and agency heads, reflecting significant national strategic and security implications.)