Over the past two years, the United States has indeed enacted major bipartisan legislation aimed at modernizing and expanding nuclear energy — underscoring what many analysts call a renewed “nuclear renaissance.” The central piece of legislation is the ADVANCE Act (Accelerating Deployment of Versatile, Advanced Nuclear for Clean Energy), which was folded into the broader Fire Grants and Safety Act (S. 870). The Senate approved that bill with an overwhelming vote of 88–2.  On July 9, 2024, the ADVANCE Act was signed into law, formally establishing a streamlined regulatory and licensing framework for advanced nuclear reactors. Proponents from both parties — including Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R‑WV), Tom Carper (D‑DE) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D‑RI) — hailed the law as a major step toward strengthening the U.S. clean‑energy infrastructure, bolstering energy security, and maintaining American leadership in nuclear technology.

At its core, the ADVANCE Act was designed to eliminate many of the procedural barriers that have long slowed nuclear development in the U.S. Historically, building new nuclear plants — or deploying advanced reactors — was hampered by lengthy licensing processes, high costs, and regulatory uncertainty. The new law aims to change that. It gives tools to regulatory agencies: among other things, it simplifies licensing, encourages deployment of advanced and small‑modular reactors, and allows for repurposing brownfield or retired fossil fuel sites for nuclear use. By doing so, supporters believe the U.S. can accelerate deployment of cleaner, carbon‑free electricity, reduce emissions, and improve grid stability — while also creating jobs and strengthening national energy independence. At the same time, the federal government has doubled down on boosting nuclear energy capacity through executive‑branch action. In May 2025, the administration issued a mandate to reform the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), describing nuclear energy as a critical national and economic‑security interest. The directive called out the slow pace of reactor approvals and pledged to expedite nuclear project licensing for advanced reactors, framing nuclear power as key not only for clean energy but also for powering energy‑intensive industries like AI and quantum computing.  This move reflects a strategic vision: nuclear energy is no longer just a marginal or contested technology, but part of a long-term plan for U.S. competitiveness, energy resilience, and climate goals.

Nevertheless, the resurgence of nuclear energy has sparked concerns and debate. While the legislation and policies aim to reduce red tape and encourage innovation, critics — including safety advocates and environmental watchdogs — warn that easing regulatory friction must not come at the cost of public health, environmental protection, and robust oversight. The rapid push for nuclear expansion and streamlined licensing raises longstanding issues: safe storage of nuclear waste, environmental impacts, reactor safety, and potential risks to communities near nuclear sites. These remain unresolved challenges that cannot be dismissed lightly if nuclear power is to scale responsibly. While the public discourse now leans toward nuclear as a major part of a diversified energy mix, the tension between expedient deployment and precautionary regulation remains real.

The renewed nuclear focus reflects broader shifts in U.S. energy policy. As support for wind and solar becomes politically contested — especially with proposed changes to clean‑energy tax incentives — nuclear energy is increasingly framed as a stable, reliable, and low‑carbon alternative that does not suffer from the intermittency challenges of renewables. For example, recent legislative proposals would phase down tax credits for solar and wind projects much more aggressively than for nuclear, underscoring policymakers’ recognition that nuclear might play a central role in meeting rising electricity demand. Moreover, funding in 2025’s federal appropriation bills shows serious investment: for example, more than US$1.675 billion was allocated for nuclear energy research and development — including microreactor development and safer fuel technologies — along with substantial funds for advanced reactor demonstration programs.  This reflects a comprehensive, strategic emphasis on nuclear as part of a national clean‑energy, security, and industrial policy.

While the legislative and political momentum is clear, the ultimate impact remains to be seen. If implemented carefully, the new regulatory frameworks and financial incentives could usher in a modern nuclear era — one that delivers reliable, carbon‑free power, supports high‑tech industries, enhances energy security, and helps the U.S. lead in advanced reactor technology globally. But much hinges on execution: regulatory oversight, safe waste management, transparent environmental reviews, public engagement, and balancing innovation with safety. If oversight is weakened or corners cut, the risks — environmental, safety, community trust — could prove serious. For many analysts and stakeholders, the passage of the ADVANCE Act marks a historic turning point in U.S. energy policy: a shift toward reimagining nuclear energy’s role in climate strategy, infrastructure, and national security. Whether that promise is fulfilled depends on how responsibly the powerful tools it provides are wielded.