Trump Administration Establishes Framework for Offshore Nuclear Reactors

The Marine Minerals Administration (MMA) and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) signed a memorandum of understanding on July 22, 2026, to create a regulatory framework for deploying offshore nuclear reactors in U.S. federal waters. The agreement divides authority between the two agencies: the MMA will manage leases and rights-of-way on the Outer Continental Shelf, while the NRC will oversee licensing, permits, and environmental analyses.

This initiative supports President Donald Trump's goal to quadruple U.S. nuclear power capacity by 2050 to ensure energy abundance and meet the rising electricity demands of data centers. The effort follows recent energy supply shortfalls during summer heat waves. While the agencies noted that no commercial projects are currently planned or approved, the framework allows them to respond to industry requests for novel offshore energy production by leveraging existing naval experience with submerged reactors.

The move is part of a broader strategy by the Department of the Interior to open federal waters to industrial activities, such as mining and space launches, even as the department continues to block offshore wind farms over national security concerns. The Center for Biological Diversity criticized the proposal, stating that placing nuclear reactors in federal waters would harm ocean life.