Physicist; Director of Nuclear Power Safety, UCS
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has proposed replacing the long-standing ALARA principle with a graded approach, maintaining existing dose limits while tightening actions based on potential radiation exposure. The move comes amid a push from the Trump administration to expand U.S. nuclear power, with officials arguing the change clarifies safety requirements. Critics warn potential dose creep toward limits.
The Department of Energy has begun lending up to $4.4 billion to restart three decommissioned U.S. nuclear plants—Palisades, Three Mile Island, and Duane Arnold—to restore about 2.25 gigawatts of power. Big Tech contracts underpin some plants, aiming to deliver carbon-free electricity quickly; critics warn safety and aging infrastructure risk. The Trump administration is backing nuclear as a fast-track energy solution.