Feds Exclude Untested Nuclear Reactors From Environmental Review

Critics say move undermines safety and environment, especially at Idaho National Lab test site.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The Trump administration has eliminated a critical review step for experimental nuclear reactors under the National Environmental Policy Act, according to a notice posted by the U.S. Department of Energy. Critics argue this decision undermines safety and environmental protections, especially at the Idaho National Laboratory which is hosting five new reactor design projects - the most of any state.

Why it matters

The Idaho National Lab has a history of testing experimental nuclear reactors dating back to the 1950s, but the surrounding area is no longer as isolated as it once was. Experts warn that bypassing environmental analysis could endanger public health and safety in the region if there are any accidents or radioactive material releases from the new untested reactors.

The details

The Department of Energy is accepting public comments on the new exclusion of advanced nuclear reactors from environmental review through March 4. Critics like Edwin Lyman of the Union of Concerned Scientists argue these experimental reactors have no operating experience to justify claims they will be safe without further analysis of potential impacts.

  • The Trump administration has posted a notice in the Federal Register to exclude advanced nuclear reactors from review under the National Environmental Policy Act.
  • The public comment period on this new exclusion is open through March 4, 2026.

The players

U.S. Department of Energy

The federal agency that has posted the notice to exclude advanced nuclear reactors from environmental review.

Edwin Lyman

Director of nuclear power safety for the Union of Concerned Scientists, who argues the exclusion undermines safety and environmental protections.

Idaho National Laboratory

A federal research facility that is hosting five new nuclear reactor design projects, the most of any state in the country.

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What they’re saying

“None of these experimental reactors have any operating experience to point to that would be sufficient to justify a claim that you can just turn them on and they're going to be so safe that you don't have to worry, you don't have to even consider the impacts of these reactors on the environment.”

— Edwin Lyman, Director of nuclear power safety (Union of Concerned Scientists)

“By trying to bypass or avoid the hard look at the potential impacts of these federal actions, they could be endangering public health, safety and the environment for the whole region.”

— Edwin Lyman, Director of nuclear power safety (Union of Concerned Scientists)

What’s next

The public comment period on the Department of Energy's new exclusion of advanced nuclear reactors from environmental review will close on March 4, 2026.

The takeaway

This decision to bypass environmental analysis for experimental nuclear reactors at the Idaho National Laboratory raises serious concerns about potential risks to public health and safety in the surrounding region, especially as the area has become less isolated over time. Experts warn that untested reactors should not be allowed to operate without a thorough review of their environmental impacts.