Documents › Executive orders › 14299
Executive Order 14299
Deploying Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technologies for National Security
Signed May 23, 2025, printed at 90 FR 22581. 9 sections of substance, 2,777 words.
This order backs new nuclear plants. It aims to build small reactors faster.
Sec. 1. Background
The United States faces a critical national security imperative to ensure a resilient, secure, and reliable energy supply for critical defense facilities designated under section 824o-1(c) of title 16, United States Code, and other mission capability resources. Advanced computing infrastructure for artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities and other mission capability resources at military and national security installations and national laboratories demands reliable, high-density power sources that cannot be disrupted by external threats or grid failures. These facilities and resources' vulnerability to energy disruption represents a strategic risk that must be addressed. Advanced nuclear reactors include nuclear energy systems like Generation III+ reactors, small modular reactors, microreactors, and stationary and mobile reactors that have the potential to deliver resilient, secure,
The United States faces a critical national security imperative to ensure a resilient, secure, and reliable energy supply for critical defense facilities designated under section 824o-1(c) of title 16, United States Code, and other mission capability resources. Advanced computing infrastructure for artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities and other mission capability resources at military and national security installations and national laboratories demands reliable, high-density power sources that cannot be disrupted by external threats or grid failures. These facilities and resources' vulnerability to energy disruption represents a strategic risk that must be addressed. Advanced nuclear reactors include nuclear energy systems like Generation III+ reactors, small modular reactors, microreactors, and stationary and mobile reactors that have the potential to deliver resilient, secure,
This sets out the case the order makes. It says defense sites need steady power. It says AI computing needs dense power too. It says grid failure is a strategic risk. It names newer reactor types. Small modular and micro reactors are named. It says these could supply that power.
Sec. 2. Policy
It is the policy of the United States to: (a) ensure the rapid development, deployment, and use of advanced nuclear technologies to support national security objectives, such as the protection and operation of critical infrastructure, critical defense facilities, and other mission capability resources; (b) enable private sector investment, innovation, development, and use of advanced nuclear technologies in the United States, recognizing their benefit to national security, by aligning incentives across the Federal Government to fully leverage federally owned uranium and plutonium resources declared excess to defense needs, related nuclear material, supply chain components, and research and development infrastructure; and (c) coordinate regulatory efforts across the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy, ensuring that these agencies optimize resources and risk allocation in
It is the policy of the United States to: (a) ensure the rapid development, deployment, and use of advanced nuclear technologies to support national security objectives, such as the protection and operation of critical infrastructure, critical defense facilities, and other mission capability resources; (b) enable private sector investment, innovation, development, and use of advanced nuclear technologies in the United States, recognizing their benefit to national security, by aligning incentives across the Federal Government to fully leverage federally owned uranium and plutonium resources declared excess to defense needs, related nuclear material, supply chain components, and research and development infrastructure; and (c) coordinate regulatory efforts across the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy, ensuring that these agencies optimize resources and risk allocation in
This states the policy. New reactor types are to be built fast. Private firms are to be drawn in. Federal uranium and plutonium stocks are to be used. Those are stocks beyond defense needs. Two departments must line up their rules. The aim is shared resources and clear risk.
Sec. 3.
Deployment and Use of Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technologies at Military Installations. (a) The Secretary of Defense, through the Secretary of the Army, shall establish a program of record for the utilization of nuclear [[Page 22582]] energy for both installation energy and operational energy. The Secretary of Defense, through the Secretary of the Army, shall commence the operation of a nuclear reactor, regulated by the United States Army, at a domestic military base or installation no later than September 30, 2028. The Secretary of Defense shall designate the Secretary of the Army as the executive agent for both installation and operational nuclear energy across the Department of Defense. (b) The Secretary of Energy shall provide technical advice, as requested, to the Secretary of Defense on the design, construction, and operation of any advanced nuclear reactor on a military
Deployment and Use of Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technologies at Military Installations. (a) The Secretary of Defense, through the Secretary of the Army, shall establish a program of record for the utilization of nuclear [[Page 22582]] energy for both installation energy and operational energy. The Secretary of Defense, through the Secretary of the Army, shall commence the operation of a nuclear reactor, regulated by the United States Army, at a domestic military base or installation no later than September 30, 2028. The Secretary of Defense shall designate the Secretary of the Army as the executive agent for both installation and operational nuclear energy across the Department of Defense. (b) The Secretary of Energy shall provide technical advice, as requested, to the Secretary of Defense on the design, construction, and operation of any advanced nuclear reactor on a military
This is about reactors on bases. Defense must set up a program through the Army. A reactor must run at a base by September 30, 2028. The Army would regulate it. The Army becomes the lead for nuclear power at Defense. Energy must give technical advice when asked.
Sec. 4.
Deployment and Use of Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technologies at Department of Energy Facilities. (a) The Secretary of Energy shall initiate the process for designating AI data centers within the 48 contiguous States and the District of Columbia, in whole or in part, that are located at or operated in coordination with Department of Energy facilities, including as support for national security missions, as critical defense facilities, where appropriate. The electrical infrastructure, including both nuclear and non-nuclear power generation infrastructure, needed to operate such shall be considered defense critical electric infrastructure, for purposes of this order and subsequently across all applicable statutes, regulations, and directives or other non-regulatory statements of policy, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law. (b) Within 90 days of the date of this order, the
Deployment and Use of Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technologies at Department of Energy Facilities. (a) The Secretary of Energy shall initiate the process for designating AI data centers within the 48 contiguous States and the District of Columbia, in whole or in part, that are located at or operated in coordination with Department of Energy facilities, including as support for national security missions, as critical defense facilities, where appropriate. The electrical infrastructure, including both nuclear and non-nuclear power generation infrastructure, needed to operate such shall be considered defense critical electric infrastructure, for purposes of this order and subsequently across all applicable statutes, regulations, and directives or other non-regulatory statements of policy, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law. (b) Within 90 days of the date of this order, the
This is about Energy Department sites. AI data centers there may be named defense sites. That covers the lower 48 states and the capital. The power that runs them would count as defense supply. That holds for nuclear and other plants. More steps follow within 90 days.
Sec. 5. Uranium and Related Materials for Reactors Referenced in this Order
(a) Within 90 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Energy shall identify all useful uranium and plutonium material within the Department of Energy's inventories that may be recycled or processed into nuclear fuel for reactors in the United States. (b) The Secretary of Energy shall release into a readily available fuel bank not less than 20 metric tons of high assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) for any project from the private sector which receives authorization to construct and operate at a Department of Energy-owned or controlled site and that is regulated by the Department of Energy for the purpose of powering AI and other infrastructure. The Secretary of Energy shall retain such stockpiles of fuel as are necessary for tritium production, naval propulsion, and nuclear weapons as well as other existing national security obligations and therefore draw from other caches of
(a) Within 90 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Energy shall identify all useful uranium and plutonium material within the Department of Energy's inventories that may be recycled or processed into nuclear fuel for reactors in the United States. (b) The Secretary of Energy shall release into a readily available fuel bank not less than 20 metric tons of high assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) for any project from the private sector which receives authorization to construct and operate at a Department of Energy-owned or controlled site and that is regulated by the Department of Energy for the purpose of powering AI and other infrastructure. The Secretary of Energy shall retain such stockpiles of fuel as are necessary for tritium production, naval propulsion, and nuclear weapons as well as other existing national security obligations and therefore draw from other caches of
This is about reactor fuel. Within 90 days Energy must list usable uranium and plutonium. Some of it could be recycled into fuel. It must release at least 20 tons of enriched fuel. That goes to private projects on Energy sites. Fuel needed for weapons and navy use is held back.
Sec. 6. Interagency Coordination
The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Energy shall execute any useful contract or agreement under any of their respective authorities to support implementation of this order, including contracts or agreements for technical advisory support from the Department of Energy at Department of Defense installations for research, development, design, acquisition, specification, construction, inspection, installation, certification, testing, overhaul, refueling, operation, maintenance, supply support, and disposition of advanced nuclear reactor technologies in support of mission assurance objectives for critical infrastructure and to ensure military readiness and support from the Department of Defense to identify novel uses of advanced nuclear reactor technologies for defense applications and testing at Department of Energy-owned or controlled sites.
The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Energy shall execute any useful contract or agreement under any of their respective authorities to support implementation of this order, including contracts or agreements for technical advisory support from the Department of Energy at Department of Defense installations for research, development, design, acquisition, specification, construction, inspection, installation, certification, testing, overhaul, refueling, operation, maintenance, supply support, and disposition of advanced nuclear reactor technologies in support of mission assurance objectives for critical infrastructure and to ensure military readiness and support from the Department of Defense to identify novel uses of advanced nuclear reactor technologies for defense applications and testing at Department of Energy-owned or controlled sites.
This is about working together. Defense and Energy may sign any useful deal. Energy may give technical help at bases. That covers design, building and testing. Refueling and repair are covered too. Defense may find new uses for the reactors. Those may be tested on Energy sites.
Sec. 7. National Environmental Policy Act Compliance
The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Energy shall consult with the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality regarding: (a) applying the Department of Defense's and the Department of Energy's established categorical exclusions under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq., for the construction of advanced nuclear reactor technologies on certain Federal sites within the United States and for any other appropriate measures for the purposes of implementing this order; (b) adopting other executive departments and agencies' (agencies) categorical exclusions for the same purposes; (c) establishing new categorical exclusions for the same purposes; (d) seeking to utilize other agencies' emergency and other permitting procedures for the siting and construction of advanced nuclear reactor technologies; and (e) developing alternative arrangements for
The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Energy shall consult with the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality regarding: (a) applying the Department of Defense's and the Department of Energy's established categorical exclusions under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq., for the construction of advanced nuclear reactor technologies on certain Federal sites within the United States and for any other appropriate measures for the purposes of implementing this order; (b) adopting other executive departments and agencies' (agencies) categorical exclusions for the same purposes; (c) establishing new categorical exclusions for the same purposes; (d) seeking to utilize other agencies' emergency and other permitting procedures for the siting and construction of advanced nuclear reactor technologies; and (e) developing alternative arrangements for
This is about green reviews. Two agency heads must talk with a White House council. They may use their own review shortcuts. They may adopt shortcuts other agencies use. They may create new ones. Emergency permit routes may also be used.
Sec. 8. Promoting American Nuclear Exports
(a) The Secretary of State or the Secretary of State's designee shall: (i) lead diplomatic engagement and negotiations for Agreements for Peaceful Nuclear Cooperation pursuant to section 123 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, 42 U.S.C. 2153 (123 Agreements); (ii) aggressively pursue at least 20 new 123 Agreements by the close of the 120th Congress to enable the United States nuclear industry to access new markets in partner countries; (iii) aggressively renegotiate 123 Agreements set to expire within the next decade; (iv) fully leverage the resources of the Federal Government to promote the United States nuclear industry in the development of commercial civil nuclear projects globally; and (v) lead engagement with the Congress regarding the progress and reporting of negotiating 123 Agreements. [[Page 22584]] (b) The Secretary of Energy shall expeditiously review and, subject to the
(a) The Secretary of State or the Secretary of State's designee shall: (i) lead diplomatic engagement and negotiations for Agreements for Peaceful Nuclear Cooperation pursuant to section 123 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, 42 U.S.C. 2153 (123 Agreements); (ii) aggressively pursue at least 20 new 123 Agreements by the close of the 120th Congress to enable the United States nuclear industry to access new markets in partner countries; (iii) aggressively renegotiate 123 Agreements set to expire within the next decade; (iv) fully leverage the resources of the Federal Government to promote the United States nuclear industry in the development of commercial civil nuclear projects globally; and (v) lead engagement with the Congress regarding the progress and reporting of negotiating 123 Agreements. [[Page 22584]] (b) The Secretary of Energy shall expeditiously review and, subject to the
This is about selling reactors abroad. State must lead the talks on nuclear deals. It must seek at least 20 new ones. Deals expiring in the next decade must be redone. It must promote the industry abroad. It must keep Congress informed on progress.
Sec. 9. Prioritization of Nuclear Clearances
The Secretary of Defense, through the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency and in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, shall prioritize the issuance as appropriate of Department of Energy and Department of Defense security clearances including ``L'', ``Q'', ``SECRET'', ``TOP SECRET'', ``RD'', ``CNWDI'', and ``SCI'' to support the rapid distribution and use of nuclear energy and fuel cycle technologies.
The Secretary of Defense, through the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency and in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, shall prioritize the issuance as appropriate of Department of Energy and Department of Defense security clearances including ``L'', ``Q'', ``SECRET'', ``TOP SECRET'', ``RD'', ``CNWDI'', and ``SCI'' to support the rapid distribution and use of nuclear energy and fuel cycle technologies.
This speeds up clearances. Defense must act. A security agency inside it does the work. Energy is consulted. Several kinds of clearance are named. Some come from Energy. Some come from Defense. They must be issued first where fit. The aim is fast work on nuclear power. Fuel cycle work counts too.
Sec. 10. Other Provisions
Every order carries this. It is not what the order does.
Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect OMB functions related to procurement actions and related policy. This order shall be carried out subject to the budgetary, legislative, and procurement processes and requirements established by the Director of OMB, and coordinated with OMB, as appropriate, prior to the initiation of any new program, obligation, or commitment of Federal funds or submission of any legislative or procurement proposal arising from this order. This order shall be carried out in a manner which adheres to applicable legal requirements, conforms with nonproliferation obligations, and meets the highest safeguards and safety and security standards.
Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect OMB functions related to procurement actions and related policy. This order shall be carried out subject to the budgetary, legislative, and procurement processes and requirements established by the Director of OMB, and coordinated with OMB, as appropriate, prior to the initiation of any new program, obligation, or commitment of Federal funds or submission of any legislative or procurement proposal arising from this order. This order shall be carried out in a manner which adheres to applicable legal requirements, conforms with nonproliferation obligations, and meets the highest safeguards and safety and security standards.
This is the closing clause that nearly every order carries. It says the order does not change what the law already allows. It also says no one can sue to enforce it.
Sec. 11. General Provisions
Every order carries this. It is not what the order does.
(a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect: (i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or (ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals. (b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations; (c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person. [[Page 22586]] (d) The Department of Energy shall provide funding for publication of this order in the Federal Register. <GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT> (Presidential Sig.) THE WHITE
(a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect: (i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or (ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals. (b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations; (c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person. [[Page 22586]] (d) The Department of Energy shall provide funding for publication of this order in the Federal Register. <GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT> (Presidential Sig.) THE WHITE
This is the closing clause that nearly every order carries. It says the order does not change what the law already allows. It also says no one can sue to enforce it.
How this order is quoted
Each section is quoted as the order prints it, under its own number and heading. Executive orders are United States government works and are not under copyright. Long sections are cut at a sentence and the whole order is a click away.