The Trump administration has significantly loosened federal safety regulations governing nuclear reactors built on Department of Energy (DOE) properties. The changes, revealed in a recent NPR report, could accelerate the development of new nuclear technologies but at the potential expense of worker safety and environmental protection.
Deregulation of Nuclear Safety Standards
For months, nuclear startup companies have attracted over $1 billion in investment, driven by demand for clean energy solutions like small modular reactors (SMRs) for data centers and other high-energy consumers. The administration’s revisions to the DOE’s nuclear oversight policies appear to be designed to expedite reactor development by reducing bureaucratic hurdles.
Approximately one-third of the DOE’s existing nuclear safety rulebook has been eliminated, with critical sections substantially revised. Previously mandatory requirements related to groundwater and environmental contamination prevention are now merely recommendations, and worker exposure limits for radiation have been relaxed. Plant security standards are also shifting from enforced protocols to company-defined measures.
Lack of Transparency in Policy Changes
The new rules were implemented without public consultation or announcement. These changes only apply to reactors constructed on DOE land, leaving facilities elsewhere under the jurisdiction of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). Several startups are aiming to launch demonstration reactors on DOE properties by July 4, 2026, aligning with a stated Trump administration goal.
The significance: The deregulation of nuclear safety standards represents a deliberate policy shift prioritizing speed over caution. While proponents argue that these changes will unlock innovation, critics warn of increased risks to workers, communities, and ecosystems near DOE facilities. The lack of transparency surrounding the policy changes further raises concerns about accountability and long-term consequences.
The revised policies underscore a broader trend toward deregulation within the energy sector under the Trump administration, aiming to accelerate development even if it means easing safety constraints. Whether this approach will lead to rapid innovation or increased risks remains to be seen.
