Reinvigorating The Nuclear Industrial Base

Background

• The U.S. faces challenges in energy independence and securing national security through nuclear energy.
• The country's nuclear capacity growth has lagged compared to other developed nations.
• There is heavy reliance on foreign sources for uranium and nuclear fuel cycle services.

Goals of the Executive Order

• Expedite nuclear energy production and operation.
• Enhance national security and energy independence.
• Develop supply chains for advanced nuclear technologies.

Key Action Items

• Report to the President (240 days)

  • Recommend national policy for managing spent nuclear fuel and waste.
  • Review statutory authorities for necessary legislative changes.
  • Evaluate spent nuclear fuel recycling processes.
  • Analyze legal and budgetary considerations for fuel transfer.
  • Develop recommendations for efficient use and disposal of nuclear waste.

• Plan for Uranium Capacity (120 days)

  • Expand domestic uranium conversion and enrichment capacities.
  • Ensure sufficient stockpiles for national defense and civilian needs.

• Surplus Plutonium Disposal (Secretary of Energy's actions)

  • Establish a program to process surplus plutonium for industry use.

• Nuclear Waste Management Policy Update (90 days)

  • Align the policy with national security needs and modernize the nuclear weapons stockpile.

• Support for Domestic Nuclear Energy Companies (30 days)

  • Form voluntary agreements to enhance collaboration and resource sharing.

Prioritizing Nuclear Capacity Expansion

• Focus on 5 gigawatt power uprates and developing 10 new large reactors by 2030.
• Revise policies to support the restart of closed nuclear plants for military energy resilience.

Funding and Support for Advanced Nuclear Technologies

• Prioritize grants and loans for advanced nuclear tech development.
• Collaborate with the Small Business Administration for financial support.

Education and Workforce Development

• Encourage education and career pathways in nuclear energy careers.
• Increase participation in apprenticeships and practical learning opportunities in the nuclear sector.

Legal and Compliance Notes

• Ensure adherence to budgetary, legislative, and nonproliferation obligations.
• This order does not create enforceable rights against the United States or its agencies.

Implementation Considerations

• Actions must align with existing legal frameworks and available funding.
• The Department of Energy is tasked with publication and dissemination of this order.