By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby declare:
Section 1. Purpose
The United States has long been a pioneer in civilian nuclear power, a journey initiated by the Atomic Energy Commission and institutions like the Idaho National Laboratory. This legacy has resulted in a reliable and plentiful energy source. However, over the past several decades, our progress in commercializing new nuclear technologies has stagnated. The Idaho National Laboratory, once a hub for reactor innovation, last constructed new reactors in the 1970s. Our once-unstoppable momentum has been thwarted by excessive regulation and a troubling sense of complacency.
As articulated in Executive Order 14156 on January 20, 2025 (Declaring a National Energy Emergency), the nation is in dire need of a stable, diverse, and cost-effective energy supply to foster advancements in technology, manufacturing, agriculture, transportation, and national defense. The potential of nuclear energy has never been more critical. Years of dedicated research and engineering have yielded advanced nuclear prototypes, equipped with passive safety features, enhanced reactor designs, and improved operational flexibility, along with more manageable fuel disposal options. Advanced reactors—including microreactors, small modular reactors, and Generation III+ and IV models—are on the brink of revolutionizing various industries such as data centers, microchip production, petrochemicals, healthcare, desalination, and hydrogen generation.
While the United States once took the lead in developing the first Generation IV reactor for commercial use, federal regulations have effectively stifled domestic advancements, allowing other countries to take the reins on this essential technology. This status quo is changing today. My Administration is committed to revitalizing nuclear innovation and accelerating the domestic deployment of advanced nuclear technologies.
Sec. 2. Definitions
For the purposes of this order:
- (a) The term “advanced reactor” aligns with the definition of “advanced nuclear reactor” as specified in 42 U.S.C. 16271(b)(1).
- (b) “Department” refers to the Department of Energy.
- (c) A “qualified test reactor” is an advanced reactor that meets criteria set by the Department, demonstrating that it can feasibly be operational within two years following the submission of a substantially complete application.
- (d) “Secretary” denotes the Secretary of Energy.
Sec. 3. Findings
With few exceptions, advanced reactors have yet to see deployment in the United States. I assert that the design, construction, operation, and eventual decommissioning of such reactors—under the Department’s oversight—should be regarded as research initiatives instead of attempts to validate their commercial viability as outlined in 42 U.S.C. 5842. The aim of testing these reactors at this critical juncture in our industrial evolution is to verify foundational technological feasibility. Therefore, for the foreseeable future, advanced reactors under the Department’s jurisdiction, which do not generate commercial electric power, will remain within the Department’s authority, which is tasked with nurturing research and development in nuclear technologies. This section does not interfere with the Department of Defense’s jurisdiction.
Sec. 4. Reforming the National Laboratory Process for Reactor Testing
- (a) Within 60 days of the issuance of this order, the Secretary shall provide guidance on what constitutes a qualified test reactor.
- (b) Within 90 days of this order, the Secretary will revise regulations and practices within the Department and its National Laboratories to expedite the review, approval, and deployment processes for advanced reactors. The goal is to ensure qualified test reactors become operational at Department-controlled facilities within two years of a complete application submission.
- (c) Upon receipt of a complete application for a qualified test reactor, the Secretary will establish a dedicated team comprising representatives from relevant offices and laboratories to assist with the swift processing of the application, reporting directly to the Secretary.
- (d) The Secretary shall prioritize qualified test reactor projects for processing in accordance with applicable laws.
Sec. 5. Establishing a Pilot Program Outside the National Laboratories
- (a) The Secretary shall initiate a pilot program for the construction and operation of reactors outside National Laboratories, pursuant to the Atomic Energy Act. This includes reactors under the Department’s oversight designed to meet regulatory requirements.
- (b) At least three reactors will be approved under this pilot program, with the objective of achieving criticality by July 4, 2026.
- (c) Upon approval, the Secretary will assign a team to assist the applicant as outlined in subsection 4(c).
Sec. 6. Streamlining Environmental Reviews
- (a) The Secretary, in consultation with the Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality, will reform compliance rules with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) by June 30, 2025, in line with the policies outlined in Executive Order 14154 of January 20, 2025.
- (b) The Secretary will utilize all available authorities to expedite the Department’s environmental reviews for necessary permits and approvals. This may include identifying Department functions not subject to NEPA, creating categorical exclusions for certain reactors, relying on existing exclusions, or employing alternative procedures under NEPA.
Sec. 7. Implementation
The Secretary will collaborate with the DOGE Team Lead as defined in Executive Order 14158, alongside the Director of the Office of Management and Budget and the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to effectively implement this order.
Sec. 8. General Provisions
(a) This order shall not be interpreted to impair or affect:
(i) the authority bestowed by law upon any executive department or agency, or its leadership; or
(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget regarding budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(b) This order will be executed in compliance with applicable law and contingent upon the availability of appropriations.
(c) This order does not intend to, nor does it create any enforceable rights or benefits for any party against the United States or its affiliates.
(d) The Department of Energy will allocate funds for the publication of this order in the Federal Register.
DONALD J. TRUMP
THE WHITE HOUSE,
May 23, 2025.
