Trump to Sign Executive Orders to Boost Nuclear Energy Stocks

President Donald Trump plans to sign executive orders to increase nuclear energy production in the US, invoking the Defense Production Act and directing the Department of Energy and Defense to locate federal land and facilities for nuclear plants. This could boost nuclear energy stocks such as Oklo (OKLO), Uranium Energy (UEC), and NuScale Power (SMR), with UEC offering the largest upside potential at 103.49%.

President Donald Trump is set to sign executive orders aimed at significantly increasing nuclear energy production in the United States. The measures, which are expected to be announced on Friday, include invoking the Defense Production Act and directing the Department of Energy and Defense to locate federal land and facilities for nuclear plants. This move could potentially boost nuclear energy stocks, including Oklo (OKLO), Uranium Energy (UEC), and NuScale Power (SMR) [1].

The executive orders are designed to accelerate the development and deployment of nuclear power, which currently accounts for about 18% of the total electricity generation capacity in the U.S. [3]. The orders aim to reduce U.S. dependence on Russia and China for enriched uranium, nuclear fuel processing, and advanced reactor components, and streamline the permitting and siting of new nuclear facilities. This could significantly impact the nuclear energy sector and related stocks.

The orders also encourage the Energy Department’s Loan Programs Office to use loan guarantees and direct loans to aid reactor construction. Nuclear power has broad bipartisan support among U.S. lawmakers, with Democrats appreciating its emissions-free nature and Republicans valuing its reliability compared to wind and solar [3].

The executive orders come amidst a surge in demand for electricity driven by the growth of artificial intelligence data centers. The U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright has compared the AI race to the "next Manhattan Project" [3]. The executive orders could potentially lead to significant changes in the nuclear energy landscape, with the U.S. aiming to quadruple its nuclear production within the next 25 years [1].

While the executive orders are expected to boost nuclear energy stocks, they also face criticism. Critics argue that the measures could compromise safety and violate legal frameworks, potentially weakening the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and making regulation less effective [1]. The orders could also lead to significant staff reductions at the NRC, although it is unclear if the current commissioners will be reappointed [1].

In conclusion, President Trump's executive orders are aimed at significantly increasing nuclear energy production in the U.S. The measures are expected to boost nuclear energy stocks and streamline the permitting and siting of new nuclear facilities. However, the orders also face criticism and potential legal challenges.

References:
[1] https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/05/23/trump-executive-orders-nuclear-power-speed-up-approvals/
[2] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/trump-signs-executive-orders-on-us-nuclear-energy-production-and-regulations/videoshow/121369429.cms
[3] https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/oklo-uranium-energy-nu-scale-stocks-surge-as-trump-reportedly-gears-up-to-boost-nuclear-sector/ch0Q5wuRbq5