Executive Order 14300

Ordering the Reform of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Signed May 23, 2025, printed at 90 FR 22587. 5 sections of substance, 1,693 words.

In plain English

This order reshapes the body that oversees nuclear plants. It says the body is too slow.

Sec. 1. Purpose

Abundant energy is a vital national- and economic-security interest. In conjunction with domestic fossil fuel production, nuclear energy can liberate America from dependence on geopolitical rivals. It can power not only traditional manufacturing industries but also cutting-edge, energy- intensive industries such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing. Between 1954 and 1978, the United States authorized the construction of 133 since-completed civilian nuclear reactors at 81 power plants. Since 1978, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has authorized only a fraction of that number; of these, only two reactors have entered into commercial operation. The NRC charges applicants by the hour to process license applications, with prolonged timelines that maximize fees while throttling nuclear power development. The NRC has failed to license new reactors even as technological

In plain English

This sets out the case the order makes. It says 133 reactors were approved from 1954 to 1978. It says far fewer came after that. It says only two have entered service. It says the regulator charges by the hour. It says long reviews raise fees and slow building.

Sec. 2. Policy

It is the policy of the United States to: (a) Reestablish the United States as the global leader in nuclear energy; (b) Facilitate increased deployment of new nuclear reactor technologies, such as Generation III+ and IV reactors, modular reactors, and microreactors, including by lowering regulatory and cost barriers to entry; (c) Facilitate the expansion of American nuclear energy capacity from approximately 100 GW in 2024 to 400 GW by 2050; (d) Employ emerging technologies to safely accelerate the modeling, simulation, testing, and approval of new reactor designs; [[Page 22588]] (e) Support the continued operation of, and facilitate appropriate operational extensions for, the current nuclear fleet, as well as the reactivation of prematurely shuttered or partially completed nuclear facilities; and (f) Maintain the United States' leading reputation for nuclear safety.

In plain English

This states the policy. The country is to lead in nuclear power again. New reactor types face lower hurdles. Capacity is to grow from about 100 gigawatts to 400 by 2050. New tools are to speed up testing and approval. Existing plants are to keep running. Safety standing must be kept.

Sec. 3. Reforming the NRC's Culture

The Congress has mandated that the NRC's ``licensing and regulation of the civilian use of radioactive materials and nuclear energy be conducted in a manner that is efficient and does not unnecessarily limit--(1) the civilian use of radioactive materials and deployment of nuclear energy; or (2) the benefits of civilian use of radioactive materials and nuclear energy technology to society.'' Accelerating Deployment of Versatile, Advanced Nuclear for Clean Energy Act of 2024, Public Law 118-67, sec. 501(a). Just as the Congress directed, the NRC's mission shall include facilitating nuclear power while ensuring reactor safety. When carrying out its licensing and related regulatory functions, the NRC shall consider the benefits of increased availability of, and innovation in, nuclear power to our economic and national security in addition to safety, health, and environmental considerations.

In plain English

This is about the culture at the regulator. It quotes a 2024 law. That law says rules must not needlessly limit nuclear use. It says helping nuclear power is part of the mission. Reactor safety stays part of it too. Gains to the economy must be weighed as well.

Sec. 4. Reforming the NRC's Structure

(a) The current structure and staffing of the NRC are misaligned with the Congress's directive that the NRC shall not unduly restrict the benefits of nuclear power. The NRC shall, in consultation with the NRC's DOGE Team (as defined in Executive Order 14158 of January 20, 2025 (Establishing and Implementing the President's ``Department of Government Efficiency'')), and consistent with its governing statutes, reorganize the NRC to promote the expeditious processing of license applications and the adoption of innovative technology. The NRC shall undertake reductions in force in conjunction with this reorganization, though certain functions may increase in size consistent with the policies in this order, including those devoted to new reactor licensing. The NRC shall also create a dedicated team of at least 20 officials to draft the new regulations directed by section 5 of this order. (b)

In plain English

This is about the shape of the regulator. It says its staffing does not match the law. It must reorganize with help from DOGE. The aim is faster license reviews. Some jobs would be cut. Others may grow, such as new reactor work. A team of at least 20 must draft new rules.

Sec. 5. Reforming and Modernizing the NRC's Regulations

The NRC, working with its DOGE Team, the Office of Management and Budget, and other executive departments and agencies as appropriate, shall undertake a review and wholesale revision of its regulations and guidance documents, and issue notice(s) of proposed rulemaking effecting this revision within 9 months of the date of this order. The NRC shall issue final rules and guidance to conclude this revision process within 18 months of the date of this order. In conducting this wholesale revision, the NRC shall be guided by the policies set forth in section 2 of this order and shall in particular: (a) Establish fixed deadlines for its evaluation and approval of licenses, license amendments, license renewals, certificates of compliance, power uprates, license transfers, and any other activity requested by a licensee or potential licensee, as directed under the Nuclear Energy Innovation and

In plain English

This orders a rewrite of its rules. The regulator works with DOGE and the budget office. Draft rules are due within 9 months. Final rules are due within 18 months. Fixed deadlines must be set for each review. That covers licenses, renewals and transfers.

Sec. 6. 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 22590]] (d) The Nuclear Regulatory Commission shall provide funding for publication of this order in the Federal Register. <GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT> (Presidential Sig.) THE

In plain English

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.