Florida AG Seeks Easing of Nuclear Regulations

Uthmeier petitions NRC to clarify rules for smaller, lower-risk nuclear projects

Jan. 27, 2026 at 11:07am

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Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has filed a petition with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), seeking a declaratory order that would clarify whether 'small-scale, low risk reactors' fall under federal regulations. If granted, this could allow for easier development of smaller nuclear facilities without requiring full NRC licenses.

Why it matters

Uthmeier argues that excessive regulations have 'prevented innovation and blocked attempts to make safe, affordable nuclear energy available to more Americans.' The petition is supported by a right-leaning advocacy group, America First Legal, which claims bureaucracy is standing in the way of the country's urgent need for more energy.

The details

Uthmeier's 33-page petition asks the NRC to determine if companies developing 'compact micro-reactors' that pose 'negligible risk' should be exempt from the definition of a 'utilization factory' under the Atomic Energy Act. This would allow for easier development of smaller nuclear projects. The petition cites nuclear development company Last Energy Inc. as an example of a business working on this type of technology.

  • Uthmeier filed the petition with the NRC this week.

The players

James Uthmeier

The Attorney General of Florida who filed the petition with the NRC.

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)

The federal agency that regulates nuclear energy and will consider Uthmeier's petition.

Last Energy Inc.

A nuclear development company cited in the petition as an example of a business working on 'compact micro-reactors' that pose 'negligible risk.'

America First Legal

A right-leaning advocacy organization that joined the petition, claiming bureaucracy is standing in the way of the country's urgent need for more energy.

Eric Yesnerb

An attorney with the Florida law firm GrayRobinson who is listed as one of the petitioners.

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What they’re saying

“Nuclear energy is the safest and most efficient form of baseload power generation. Yet, for 70 years, the unaccountable Nuclear Regulatory Commission's red tape has prevented innovation and blocked attempts to make safe, affordable nuclear energy available to more Americans.”

— James Uthmeier, Florida Attorney General

“Our country urgently needs more energy, and bureaucracy stands in the way. The NRC should curb its overreach, follow the law, and allow clean, American-made nuclear innovation to deliver reliable energy at a lower cost for the American people.”

— Gene Hamilton, President of America First Legal

What’s next

The NRC will consider Uthmeier's petition and determine whether to issue the requested declaratory order that could ease regulations on smaller nuclear projects.

The takeaway

This petition highlights the ongoing debate over the role of government regulation in fostering innovation in the nuclear energy industry. Proponents argue that excessive 'red tape' has stifled progress, while critics contend that robust safety standards are necessary. The NRC's decision could have significant implications for the future of nuclear power development in the United States.