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Plant Vogtle Nuclear Power Plant in Waynesboro, GA, August 15, 2024.

Van Applegate | CNBC

President Donald Trump‘s push to approve nuclear plants as quickly as possible threatens to weaken the independent regulator tasked with protecting public health and safety, former federal officials warn. 

Trump issued four sweeping executive orders in May that aim to quadruple nuclear power by 2050 in the U.S. The White House and the technology industry view nuclear as powerful source of reliable electricity that can help meet the growing energy needs of artificial intelligence.

The most consequential of Trump’s orders aims to slash regulations and speed up power plant approvals through an overhaul of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The NRC is an independent agency established by Congress in 1975 to make sure that nuclear reactors are deployed and operated safely.

Trump accuses the NRC of “risk aversion” in his order, blaming the regulator for how few nuclear plants have been built in the U.S. over the past three decades. The president says that the NRC is focused on protecting the public from “the most remote risks,” arguing that such a cautious approach to approving plants restricts access to reliable electricity.

“We’ll be very safe, but we’ll be fast and safe,” Trump said about expediting nuclear plants at a conference on energy and artificial intelligence in Pittsburgh on Tuesday. The president said his administration would get a “whole different group of people” to regulate the industry.

But three former NRC chairs who spoke to CNBC say Trump is blaming the regulator that protects the public, when the industry’s fundamental problem is that new nuclear plants are incredibly expensive to build. The chairs were appointed by Democratic presidents. CNBC also spoke to the chief of staff for a chair appointed by George W. Bush.

Only two new reactors have been built from scratch in the U.S. over the past 30 years. Those new units at Plant Vogtle in Georgia came in $18 billion over budget and seven years behind schedule. Two reactors in South Carolina were canceled in the middle of construction in 2017 due to cost overruns. The mismanagement of the Georgia and South Carolina projects led to the bankruptcy of industry stalwart Westinghouse.

Trump’s intervention at the NRC threatens the independence that the regulator needs to protect the public interest, the former chairs said. If NRC independence is compromised, the regulator could become vulnerable to industry or government influence in ways that raise the risk of a nuclear accident, they warned.

Independence threatened

Trump’s executive order is unprecedented in the history of the NRC and it is dangerous, said Allison Macfarlane, who led the NRC as chairperson from 2012 to 2014. The Fukushima nuclear accident is an example of what can happen when safety regulators are not independent, said Macfarlane, who was appointed by President Barack Obama.

The 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan resulted in a severe accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. An investigation by Japan’s parliament concluded that the accident was manmade and found that collusion between government, industry and regulators was the root cause.

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Japan’s regulators and government focused on promoting nuclear power as safe and did not force the operator to implement measures that would have made the plant less vulnerable to a natural disaster, according to the 2012 investigation. In the wake of the accident, Japan shut down all of its nuclear plants for safety inspections, losing a power source that supplied 30% of the nation’s electricity.

“There was a massive impact on the economy and that is an issue of national security,” Macfarlane said of the accident in Japan.

“The reason why we have independent regulators, and by independent I mean free of industry and political influence, is to protect the public safety and to protect national security,” she said.

Slashing regulations

Trump’s executive order seems more focused on approving reactors fast than safety, said Stephen Burns, who chaired the NRC from 2015 to 2017. The order requires the NRC to make final decisions within 18 months on applications to build and operate nuclear plants. It calls for the regulator to make decisions even faster when possible.

“To the extent it’s saying NRC is the problem and we’re more concerned with deadlines than we are with the safety case — that’s where it concerns me,” said Burns, who was also appointed to the commission by Obama.

The NRC is also ordered to undertake a “wholesale revision” of its regulations and work with the White House Office of Management and Budget and the Department of Government Efficiency to accomplish this.

One of the goals of revising NRC regulations is to create a process to approve at a “high volume” microreactors and small modular reactors, advanced nuclear technologies that the industry believes will one day make plants cheaper and faster to build.

But these advanced reactors often have designs that are very different from the existing U.S. fleet and present different safety profiles as a consequence, said Richard Meserve, who chaired the NRC from 1999 to 2003. These new designs have not been deployed in the real world, and some use different reactor coolants such as sodium or molten salt rather than light water in traditional plants.

“We have very strict deadlines on reactors of a type that have not yet been thoroughly reviewed,” said Meserve, who was appointed by President Bill Clinton. “To set deadlines seems to me to be very imprudent. There has to be a careful analysis that is guided by data that may not be available even for some of these reactors.”

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And it’s unclear what role OMB and DOGE are playing in revising the NRC’s regulations. The NRC and White House declined to comment when asked whether OMB and DOGE would have the final say over how regulations are changed.

OMB has always reviewed major NRC regulations as a matter of procedure, said Paul Dickman, who served as chief of staff for NRC chair Dale Klein, an appointee of President George W. Bush. (Klein, when asked to comment, referred questions to Dickman. CNBC also reached out to Kristine Svinicki, who was appointed as chair during Trump’s first administration, but didn’t hear back.)

The question now is whether OMB and DOGE will also be passing judgement on the technical content of the regulations, Dickman said. The pair’s undefined role in the review process introduces uncertainty that could make the NRC vulnerable to political interference, he said.

“Are they going to reject something because they didn’t like an opinion?” Dickman asked. “What’s the basis of that? There’s no guidelines for review.”

Trump is “committed to modernizing nuclear regulations, streamlining regulatory barriers, and reforming the Nuclear Regulatory Commission while prioritizing safety and resilience,” White House spokesperson Harrison Fields said.

The NRC is “working quickly to implement Executive Orders to modernize our regulatory and licensing processes while protecting public health and safety,” spokesperson Scott Burnell said.

Staff cuts

Trump has also ordered a staff reduction at the NRC at a time when the regulator is now facing tighter deadlines and a major overhaul of its regulations, the former chairs said. An executive order that calls for staff cuts “is just another way to incentivize people to look for other jobs,” Dickman said.

“It’s a loss of personnel and competency which is really probably the most worrisome part of all this stuff,” Dickman said.

A senior White House official told reporters in May that the size of the staff cuts had not been determined. The executive order does allow for staffing to increase for plant licensing. The NRC and White House declined to comment when asked by CNBC about the potential cuts and whether licensing staff would be beefed up.

Last month, Trump fired NRC Commissioner Christopher Hanson, who was appointed by President Joe Biden. Hanson said in a statement that Trump terminated his position “without cause contrary to existing law and longstanding precedent regarding removal of independent agency appointees.” The White House declined to comment when asked why Hanson was fired.

“This is part of the overthrow of the NRC as an independent agency,” Meserve said.

Political interference, whether real or perceived, threatens undermine U.S. public confidence in nuclear power, Dickman said. Such interference would also tarnish the NRC’s reputation as the international gold standard for approving reactors, which would make it more difficult for U.S. companies to sell nuclear technology abroad, according to Macfarlane, Burns and Meserve.

“Public confidence in the safety of reactors is enhanced by the fact that there is an independent regulator that’s separated from the political process,” Meserve said. “There is a danger when you mix in political considerations and promotion along with the safety mission that the safety mission gets suppressed to some extent — and you could end up with some very bad mistakes being made.”

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Waymo outlengths Tesla: Elon’s phallic Robotaxi map backfires in Austin’s expansion battle

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July 17, 2025

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Waymo outlengths Tesla: Elon's phallic Robotaxi map backfires in Austin's expansion battle

Tesla started a dick measuring contest with Waymo, and it is losing. The Alphabet company is expanding its service area in Austin beyond Tesla’s recently updated penis-shaped service area.

Waymo is taking a few shots at Tesla in the announcement, too.

Last month, Tesla launched its ‘Robotaxi’ service in Austin.

As we have often reported in the last few months, the service is primarily for optics after years of being wrong about Tesla launching unsupervised self-driving in its consumer vehicles, CEO Elon Musk needed a “win” and therefore, Tesla launched a limited service in a small area of Austin, Texas with Tesla employees being in the cars at all-times ready to stop the vehicles.

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The service falls short of the promise that all Tesla vehicles built since 2016 would achieve unsupervised self-driving capabilities, and it’s also not comparable to Waymo’s service, which operates in Austin and several other cities without supervisors inside the vehicles.

Despite the situation, Tesla shareholders are hoping that the automaker is going to be able to scale faster than Waymo and eventually catch up.

They claimed victory when Tesla expanded its service area in Austin this week, but we noted that the expansion, which Tesla intentially made penis-shaped without any practical benefit, did more to illustrate the seriousness of the effort than anything else.

With the joke, Tesla inadvertently start a dick measuring context that it is now losing.

Today, Waymo announced its own service area expansion in Austin and it now covers 90 square miles:

After a successful four months serving riders together, Waymo and Uber are expanding our service territory in Austin – spanning North Austin to South Austin. Starting tomorrow, riders can take fully autonomous rides across 90 square miles of the city, including new neighborhoods like Crestview, Windsor Park, Sunset Valley  Franklin Park, and more, as well as popular destinations like The Domain and McKinney Falls State Park.

Waymo’s service area (blue) is now much bigger than Tesla’s (black):

But more importantly, Waymo’s service operates completely autonomously without any supervisor with a finger on a killswitch inside the vehicle like Tesla.

Waymo is well aware of the difference and poke Tesla in its announcement of the service area expansion:

We’re proud to offer the only fully autonomous, 24/7 experience for anyone in Austin, and are excited to offer more destinations across the city – no waitlists or caveats. In Austin, customers have been enjoying their experience, giving their Waymo trips 4.9 out of 5 on average. There are more than 100 Waymo vehicles on Uber in Austin, and that number will continually grow to hundreds over time.

By “fully autonomous”, Waymo means that it doesn’t have employees inside the vehicles. It also mentions “24/7” as Tesla’s service closes at midnight and also doesn’t operate in some weather conditions.

Waymo now serves more than 700 sq mi across the US, and it continues to expand fast.

Electrek’s Take

Waymo keeps doing its thing. It’s going to take some time, but at one point, Tesla shareholders are going to have to admit that Tesla has the same limitations in expanding its robotaxi service as Waymo does.

The main difference is that Waymo is already way ahead as it completed the phase with in-car supervisors years ago and already operates in a 10x bigger area than Tesla in the US.

It also has about 100x more vehicles.

The idea that Tesla will catch up by mid next year, which is what CEO Elon Musk claimed, is completely ludicrous.

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Exclusive $2,038 savings on EcoFlow’s DELTA Pro Ultra station at new $3,761 low + four 48-hour flash sale offers, Rad Power, more

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July 17, 2025

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Exclusive ,038 savings on EcoFlow's DELTA Pro Ultra station at new ,761 low + four 48-hour flash sale offers, Rad Power, more

Leading our Green Deals today is an exclusive deal we’ve secured for our readers with $2,038 savings on the EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra Portable Power Station at a new $3,761 low. We’ve also got a spotlight back on Rad Power’s RadExpand 5 Folding e-bike at its $999 low, as well as EcoFlow’s final four 48-hour flash sale offers that are apart of the soon-to-end Phase 3 Prime Day Sale, with units like the DELTA 2 Max station bundle that comes with an 800W alternator charger and protective bag at its $1,049 low. Lastly, we have a one-day-only sale on the Greenworks 80V 10-inch Cordless Pole Saw kit at $218, which comes in under its Prime Day pricing. Plus, there’s all the hangover Prime Day savings in our Prime Day Green Deals hub at the bottom of the page, as well as yesterday’s ALLPOWERS R1500 LITE power station preorder launch, and more.

Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories.

Our readers can score EcoFlow’s most expansive DELTA Pro Ultra station with $2,038 in exclusive savings to new $3,761 low

We’ve secured a great new exclusive deal from Wellbots for our readers on the EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra Portable Power Station for $3,761.10 shipped, after using the exclusive code 9TO5DPU10 at checkout. While it normally goes for $6,098 in full direct from EcoFlow, its starting rate at Wellbots is lower at $5,799. We last secured a similar exclusive cut to $3,799 back in April, which is getting beaten out by the combined $2,038 markdown here, landing down at a new all-time low price for this expansive whole-home backup solution from one of the most popular brands in the game.

EcoFlow’s DELTA Pro Ultra power station is the brand’s best option to gain whole-home backup support due to its modular design that allows you to bolster its capabilities with expansion over time. This unit starts with a 6.1kWh LiFePO4 battery capacity and max 7,200W output ability, which can be expanded upon with added equipment up to a massive 90kWh capacity and 21.6kW output. For context on what this starting setup can do – you’ll get up to two days of essential appliance backup power, which can climb up to 15 straight days when its been invested into a full expanded setup – and that’s not even taking solar charging equipment into mind, which only extends its coverage for even longer with regular sunlight exposure. There’s also the smart home integration that comes once you’ve added the brand’s Smart Home Panel 2 to your home setup, allowing for smart power analysis and roof panel connections.

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The DELTA Pro Ultra station’s solar input is also an expandable feature, as it can go from 5.6kW to 16.8kW, or you can recharge it to full via a wall outlet in just two hours, while also having hook-ups for EV piles and generators too. As a note for future plans, investing in its fully expanded system (three Ultra Pro stations + expansion batteries) while also having the maximum solar setup recharging it would give you the power you need to run your entire home for a single day off just one hour of sunny conditions. It also comes with a dust-proof and splash-proof IP54 construction, as well as the durability to stand against severe temperatures from -4 degrees to 113 degrees, making it ready for travel plans to campsites, on RVs, and more.

woman approaching e-bike with coffee in hand

Don’t miss Rad Power’s space-saving RadExpand 5 folding e-bike while at its $999 low

As part of Rad Power’s extended Prime Day promotions running through July 23, which include the ongoing second-ever savings on its new Radster Road Commuter and Radster Trail Off-Road e-bikes, we wanted to shine a spotlight on the continued low pricing on its RadExpand 5 Folding e-bike at $999 shipped. Before June saw the pricing come down this low, it was regularly keeping to its $1,599 full price and only dropping regularly to $1,299 during sales. Of course, since Father’s Day, we’ve been seeing this massive $600 markdown hang on so fans can score it at the best price to date, giving you a solid commuting option and versatile utility companion for errands and such.

If you want to learn more about this model, be sure to check out our original coverage here, as well as our full coverage of the Rad Power Sale running through July 23 here.

EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max power station sitting on countertop next to toaster oven

Save up to 59% on four EcoFlow flash bundles like the DELTA 2 Max with alternator charger and bag at $1,049 low

As part of its ongoing Phase 3 Prime Day Sale, EcoFlow has launched the last of its 48-hour flash sales that are taking up to 59% off four different bundle offers. Among the units we’re seeing included – three of which give you power stations and one allows you to expand an existing setup – things start with the DELTA 2 Max Portable Power Station bundle that includes an 800W Alternator Charger and a free protective bag for the station at $1,049 shipped, which you won’t currently find in stock at Amazon. It’s coming down from its full $2,577 price tag, with this same flash offers having appeared in last week’s Phase 2 Sale. Through July 18, you’ll have another chance at the biggest savings of $1,528, landing the costs back at the best price we have tracked. Head below for more on this bundle and the others we’re seeing discounted in this sale.

If you want to learn more about this power station’s capabilities, as well as the three other flash offers, be sure to check out our original coverage of the sale here.

Greenworks pole saw cutting through tree branch

You’ll get 14.5-feet of reach with Greenworks’ 80V 10-inch cordless pole saw at $218 (Today only)

As part of its Deals of the Day, Best Buy is offering the Greenworks 80V 10-inch Cordless Pole Saw for $217.99 shipped, which currently beats out Amazon where it’s sitting at full price. Normally going for $300, for the rest of the day, you can pick it up here with $82 taken off the tag. After spending January and the first half of February at $225, we’ve mainly seen discounts dropping the costs between $240 and $270 since then, with last week’s Prime Day event dropping things to $220. While we have seen it go lower in the past, you’re looking at a solid 27% markdown to one of the lowest prices we’ve spotted this year.

If you want to learn more about this electric lawn care solution, be sure to check out our original coverage here.

Best Summer EV deals!

Best new Green Deals landing this week

The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.

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Rivian announces new East Coast Headquarters coming to Atlanta, Georgia

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29 mins ago

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July 17, 2025

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Rivian announces new East Coast Headquarters coming to Atlanta, Georgia

Rivian headquarters

American automaker Rivian has shared its second release outlining expanded offices this week. Earlier today, Rivian shared plans for a new East Coast Headquarters coming to Atlanta, Georgia. The headquarters will operate near its massive new EV production facility being erected outside the city.

We’re almost having déjà vu on the Rivian news beat this week.

Just yesterday, we shared news that Rivian was planning to open a new international office in London, UK, which will become an AI-centric development hub.

At the time, we pointed out that Rivian currently operates out of a headquarters in Palo Alto, California, alongside its main production facility located in Normal, Illinois. Furthermore, the American automaker is currently in the process of building a second production footprint capable of housing 7,500 employees, located about 40 minutes outside of Atlanta, Georgia.

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Other US locations currently include offices in Irvine and Carson, CA, Wittmann, AZ, and Plymouth, MI. Outside of the US, Rivian operates out of offices in Vancouver, BC, Canada, Amsterdam, Netherlands, and Belgrade, Serbia.

Today, Rivian announced a further investment in Georgia, making Atlanta the new home of its East Coast Headquarters.

Rivian headquarters
Rending of Rivian’s future East Coast headquarters / Source: Rivian

Rivian’s new headquarters to open in late 2025

Rivian’s second headquarters was announced this afternoon alongside Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens.

The new office space, which is expected to support 500 employees, will occupy the lobby and top floor of the Junction Krog District building, located at 667 Auburn Ave NE, near the Eastside Trail of the Atlanta Beltline. The new headquarters will enable Rivian to operate closer to its pending production facility in Stanton Springs North, outside Atlanta.

With a growing footprint and investment in the Peach State, Rivian has already shared intentions to develop relationships and partnerships with universities, technical colleges, and local, regional, and state institutions. Governor Kemp spoke:

Georgia is a prime location for any company headquarters, and we’re glad to see Rivian will soon join the growing list of brands not only operating in our state but also wholly or partially based in our capital city. They recognize the unmatched value of Georgia’s talent and the location of their East Coast Headquarters in Atlanta is the latest demonstration of their commitment to the Peach State. I look forward to that commitment translating to new jobs and opportunities for hardworking Georgians.

Per Rivian, the new East Coast Headquarters is expected to officially open in late 2025 and employ around 100 people before expanding to 500 employees when fully built and operational.

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