Energy Secretary Chris Wright signed a key document on January 28 that creates a categorical exclusion for advanced nuclear reactors under the National Environmental Policy Act. According to the Federal Register announcement published February 2 by the Department of Energy, this means projects like small modular reactors and Generation IV designs normally skip full environmental reviews if they meet safety criteria on fuel type, design, and waste management. World Nuclear News reports the move aligns with May 2025 executive orders praising advanced nuclear for passive safety and lower risks, speeding up deployment for power and industry while still checking for extraordinary impacts.
On the same front, the Department of Energy's Office of Environmental Management announced a partnership on February 4 with California nuclear fuel firm General Matter. American Nuclear Society news states they signed a lease for the long-dormant Fuels and Materials Examination Facility at Hanford Site in Washington, a 190,000-square-foot building idle since 1993. The goal is to revive it for advanced fuel cycle tech to meet artificial intelligence energy demands, with General Matter handling upgrades and community talks. EM Assistant Secretary Tim Walsh called it a step toward American energy dominance under President Trump.
Also on February 4, the Office of Environmental Management restarted uranium recovery at the Savannah River Site H Canyon Facility in South Carolina, as detailed in their official release, boosting domestic fuel processing.
Meanwhile, lawmakers introduced the Energy Threat Analysis Center Act of 2026 on February 2. Industrial Cyber reports Representatives Kathy Castor and Gabe Evans propose expanding Department of Energy cyber support for the energy sector through 2031, including threat sharing and analysis centers to counter rising attacks from state actors and ransomware.
These steps highlight a push for nuclear revival, fuel security, and cyber defenses in recent days.
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