Trump’s Department of Energy loosens regulations on nuclear security

Over the past few months, nuclear reactors have been raising a lot of money – well it’s over $1 billion for now.

Data centers and their thirst for electricity have become one force. But the recent changes in federal nuclear safety policy may be another step that helps pave the way for rapid development and potential harm to public health and the environment.

The Trump administration has quietly changed the way the Department of Energy oversees the safety and security of nuclear power plants built on its site, according to the report from NPR. About one-third of the rule book has been closed, and several sections have been significantly altered. Previous requirements, including those aimed at reducing groundwater and environmental pollution, are speculative, and workers may be at greater risk. Plant protection policies are now owned by the company.

The new rules were made without public comment or notice, according to NPR. They only apply to reactors built on DOE property; those built elsewhere are under the supervision of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Several startups are making bids on DOE assets in hopes of hitting the Trump administration’s July 4, 2026, deadline.