Nuclear Safety rules secretly loosened in Trump's rush to build reactors; DOE required to approve at least three reactors; NRC out of loop

President Donald Trump has launched a new initiative to fast-track advanced nuclear reactors, aiming to have at least three experimental designs operating by July 4, 2026 — the nation’s 250th anniversary. The program shifts oversight from the long-standing Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to the US Department of Energy (DOE), which will run the new Reactor Pilot Program.

The move comes as billions of dollars flow into startups developing small modular reactors that promise cheaper, scalable nuclear power. Industry leaders argue that lengthy NRC reviews have slowed progress. Under Trump’s executive order, Energy Secretary Chris Wright must approve at least three reactors to reach “criticality” by the 2026 deadline.

Supporters say the DOE-led process will accelerate innovation and help meet soaring electricity demand driven by AI and data centers. Tech firms and investors — including backers of companies like Oklo — have poured more than $6 billion into advanced reactor development in recent years. Eleven projects have been selected for the pilot, including three from Oklo, whose earlier reactor application was rejected by the NRC in 2022 over safety information gaps.

Critics, including former NRC chair Allison Macfarlane, warn that tight political deadlines and reduced transparency could compromise safety. They note the NRC was created in 1975 to independently oversee reactor safety and avoid conflicts of interest. Advocacy groups also question whether smaller reactors, while designed to be safer, could still pose radiation risks, especially if built near populated areas.

The DOE says safety remains its top priority and that NRC staff are assisting with reviews. Still, opponents argue the accelerated timeline and reliance on DOE findings for future commercial licensing could weaken independent scrutiny of a rapidly expanding nuclear sector.

Source: npr