in effect
Executive Order 14299, signed May 23, 2025, directs the federal government to accelerate the deployment of advanced nuclear reactors at military bases and Department of Energy facilities. It also instructs several agencies to expand U.S. nuclear technology exports to allied and partner countries. The order treats reliable nuclear power as a national security requirement, particularly for defense installations and AI computing infrastructure.
The Army is designated as the lead for nuclear energy across the Defense Department and must have a reactor operating at a domestic military base by September 30, 2028. The Department of Energy must designate at least one site — such as a national laboratory — for a privately funded advanced reactor within 90 days, with a goal of that reactor operating within 30 months of the order. At least 20 metric tons of high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) from government stockpiles must be made available to private companies building reactors at those Energy Department sites. The State Department is directed to negotiate at least 20 new nuclear cooperation agreements (called “123 Agreements”) with other countries by the end of the 120th Congress, and export authorization decisions must be completed within 30 days of a complete application. Environmental review processes under NEPA are to be streamlined through existing categorical exclusions and, where needed, new ones.
Private nuclear energy companies gain potential access to government-owned land, uranium fuel stockpiles, faster export approvals, and expanded international markets. Military installations and Department of Energy facilities — including national laboratories — are the intended sites for new reactors, affecting the workers, contractors, and communities associated with those locations. Allied and partner countries that import energy technology may gain access to U.S. nuclear equipment, fuel, and financing through new trade and diplomatic agreements.