House Republican takes steps to make several of Trump’s energy-related EOs permanent
Republican Florida congressman Rep. Byron Donalds has introduced the “Strengthening American Nuclear Energy Act” in an effort to codify several of President Donald Trump’s executive actions related to boosting nuclear energy production and use in the United States. Trump signed the orders late last month, and Donalds is now looking to solidify them through legislative action.
“In November, the American people granted us an unprecedented mandate to implement President Trump’s America First Agenda. Now more than ever, it’s up to Congress to hold up our end of the bargain,” Donalds told Fox News Digital. “Energy security is national security, and it’s imperative that our nation re-asserts our dominance in the nuclear space.”
Trump’s executive orders, signed on May 23, include measures such as deploying advanced nuclear reactor technologies for national security, establishing artificial intelligence data centers powered by nuclear energy, pursuing new international nuclear cooperation agreements, and preparing a comprehensive report on managing spent nuclear fuel and other high-level waste.
Donalds’ legislation seeks to codify these orders, as well as streamline regulatory processes to accelerate domestic nuclear energy production. The reforms aim to address safety concerns and reduce regulatory burdens that have hindered the growth of nuclear energy in the United States.
However, critics like Ernest Moniz, an Obama-era energy secretary and nuclear physicist, have raised concerns about the potential risks of hasty deployment of advanced reactors without proper safety measures. Moniz warned that a major event could set back nuclear energy for a long time if safety and security flaws are not adequately addressed.
On the other hand, supporters of Trump’s reforms argue that streamlining regulatory processes and reducing bureaucratic hurdles will help spur innovation and development in the nuclear energy sector. Paul Dickman, a former senior staffer on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, emphasized the importance of scientific foundation in implementing regulatory reforms.
As the debate over the safety and feasibility of nuclear energy production continues, Donalds’ efforts to codify Trump’s executive actions highlight the importance of prioritizing energy security and promoting domestic nuclear energy production. By streamlining regulatory processes and addressing safety concerns, the United States can reassert its dominance in the nuclear space and strengthen its energy security for the future.
