The United States is preparing a series of executive orders to expedite the construction of nuclear power plants in response to growing electricity demand, the New York Times reported on Friday. The draft orders call for a comprehensive overhaul of federal safety regulations to streamline the process. A key element of the plan involves the Department of Defense, which would play a pivotal role in ordering and installing reactors on military bases across the country.

The initiative aims to address concerns over the nation’s lagging progress in nuclear energy expansion compared to global competitors. The report notes that the US has fallen behind China in nuclear development, with 87% of new nuclear reactors built since 2017 based on Russian and Chinese designs. To reverse this trend, the administration’s goal is to quadruple the country’s nuclear power capacity by 2050.

One of the draft orders, titled "Ushering In a Nuclear Renaissance," underscores the urgency of action, stating: "As American development of new nuclear reactor designs has waned, 87 percent of nuclear reactors installed worldwide since 2017 are based on Russian and Chinese designs. These trends cannot continue; swift and decisive action is required to jump-start America's nuclear renaissance."

The proposed measures reflect a broader strategy to reclaim the US’s leadership role in nuclear technology, ensure energy security, and modernize infrastructure. Experts are watching closely to see how the ambitious targets will be translated into concrete steps and what challenges may arise in balancing safety with rapid development.