Nuclear energy once held a special place in America’s future. In 1953, President Dwight D. Eisenhower gave a famous speech called “Atoms for Peace,” where he said that nuclear power could be used for peaceful purposes, like making electricity. Over the next 25 years, the U.S. built more than 100 nuclear reactors. But over time, nuclear power in America slowed down. Today, that dream is being revived.
President Donald Trump has announced a new plan to bring back nuclear energy. Through new executive orders, he is taking major steps to rebuild America’s nuclear industry and create new opportunities for innovation and clean energy.
What Slowed Down Nuclear Growth?
Back in the 1970s, the U.S. had many nuclear reactors either planned or being built. But things changed after the 1979 Three Mile Island accident, which caused public fear and a lack of trust in nuclear power. As more government rules and paperwork were added, it became harder to build and test new nuclear technologies.
Agencies like the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), which started out to keep nuclear energy safe, later made it so difficult to get approval that many companies gave up trying. On top of that, the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Energy (DOE) stopped many of their nuclear programs and focused on other things. Because of this, America lost much of its nuclear knowledge, technology, and industry base.
The Need for a Nuclear Comeback
President Trump understands how important nuclear power is for the country’s future. Nuclear energy is not only reliable and clean but also vital for national security. Right now, nuclear power supplies about 19% of America’s electricity—more than solar and wind combined.
Trump’s new goal is to grow nuclear energy capacity from 100 gigawatts (GW) to 400 GW by the year 2050. That’s a big step toward making the U.S. a leader in clean and safe energy again.
How the U.S. Plans to Bring Back Nuclear Power
To reach this goal, the Trump administration is focusing on four major actions:
1. Speeding Up Nuclear Reactor Testing
Many new nuclear designs look good on paper but need to be tested in real life. The Department of Energy’s national labs will now play a bigger role in quickly testing and improving these new reactors. This will also help gain public trust in nuclear energy.
2. Building Reactors on Federal Land
For safety and energy security, new reactors will be built on government-owned land. These reactors will provide strong and reliable energy for military and critical government operations, especially in areas where the power grid is weak or under threat.
3. Cutting Red Tape and Speeding Up Licensing
The government will now push the NRC to make quicker decisions. Licensing a new reactor will take no more than 18 months. The administration also plans to remove rules that are not based on science and that don’t actually make the public safer.
4. Reviving the Nuclear Supply Chain
To support the nuclear industry, the U.S. will start mining and processing uranium inside the country again. This will make America less dependent on foreign sources and ensure that both civilian and military reactors have the fuel they need.
Believing in American Innovation
More than 70 years ago, President Eisenhower believed that American scientists could use nuclear power to benefit the world. That belief is alive again. With the right support, America’s scientists and engineers can build a future where nuclear power is safe, clean, and reliable. President Trump’s 2025 plan aims to make that dream a reality, turning nuclear energy into a key part of the nation’s success and security.
