Subcommittee Chairman Eric Burlison (R-Mo.) delivered opening remarks at a hearing titled “The New Atomic Age: Advancing America’s Energy Future.” During his statement, Burlison praised President Trump’s actions aimed at enhancing American energy production and Congress’s efforts to rejuvenate the nuclear industry. He also highlighted the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of nuclear energy, stressing the importance of finding new solutions to domestic energy challenges.
Burlison stated, “A new age for nuclear power has started—led by President Trump’s four recent executive orders on nuclear energy and Congressional action to reinvigorate the nuclear industry.” These orders focus on reforming permitting processes and reducing excessive regulations from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), which Burlison described as a “slow-moving, bureaucratic mess.”
According to Burlison, these reforms include a mandate for the NRC to rule on reactor license applications within 18 months. The executive orders also encourage expanding domestic mining, uranium enrichment, and nuclear-fuel recycling.
Burlison emphasized that these measures would help achieve U.S. energy independence and maintain a secure electrical grid amid increasing demands due to advancements in artificial intelligence.
He pointed out two key innovations driving nuclear power’s resurgence: small modular reactors (SMRs) and micro modular reactors (MMRs). According to him, these technologies promise efficient, scalable solutions for future energy needs while offering enhanced safety features.
The Department of Energy forecasts that data centers will consume 12 percent of U.S. electricity by 2028. Meanwhile, the Energy Information Agency projects record-high power consumption levels due partly to AI developments.
“Nuclear power is the answer to data centers’ growing appetite for stable energy,” said Burlison. He expressed confidence in the readiness of micro modular reactor technology but noted regulatory burdens as an obstacle hindering progress.
Under President Trump’s administration, efforts are being made to address these challenges. “The federal government is waking up to the roadblock that nuclear power has faced for decades,” he added.
Burlison concluded by asserting that SMRs and MMRs represent not only safe options but essential ones for achieving clean and reliable American energy independence.
