Washington (May 24, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, released the following statement after President Donald Trump signed an executive order to undermine the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC) ability to independently and responsibly regulate civilian nuclear activity in the United States. The order, titled “Ordering the Reform of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission,” directs the Commission to facilitate the expansion of nuclear energy, coordinate with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to cut staff and overhaul existing regulations, set time limits on license application reviews, and reduce public input under the guise of streamlining.

“Congress created the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to protect public health and safety, but Trump wants to speed up license reviews and rulemakings, ignore community engagement, and prioritize one of the most expensive sources of energy while eviscerating the cheapest – wind and solar. It will be impossible for NRC to maintain a commitment to safety and oversight with staffing levels slashed and expertise gone,” said Senator Markey. “Trump wants to turn this critical regulatory agency into the Johnny Appleseed of nuclear energy without safeguards and despite the law that states the NRC has no role in promoting the expansion of nuclear activity. This executive order is a giveaway to the nuclear industry, which has a track record that includes mismanaging for 15 years and at a $35 billion price tag, building just one nuclear power plant in Georgia. That is the very definition of waste.” 

In 2024, Senator Markey introduced the Nuclear Regulatory Commission Office of Public Engagement and Participation (NRC OPEP) Act, which would promote transparency and proactive engagement between the NRC and members of the public by creating an Office of Public Engagement and Participation within the agency.

In June 2024, Senator Markey delivered floor remarks opposing the inclusion of ADVANCE Act language to the to the Fire Grants and Safety Act, which altered the mission of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and failed to address nonproliferation and nuclear waste concerns.

In September 2022, Senator Markey sent a letter to the NRC urging the Commission to prioritize public safety and increase community engagement in the process for decommissioning nuclear power facilities, such as those in Plymouth, Massachusetts and across the country.

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