President-elect Donald Trump recently hinted at his support for nuclear energy on Joe Rogan’s podcast, calling it “better” than other energy sources and expressing interest in advancing small modular reactors.

His endorsement comes amid soaring electricity demands from Big Tech’s AI products and an urgent need for reliable energy to supercharge America’s economic future and restore U.S. energy independence. About 50 years ago, President Richard Nixon envisioned a similar path, laying the groundwork to construct, as the Atomic Energy Commission predicted, 1,000 nuclear reactors across the country by the year 2000. Although Nixon’s plan ultimately faltered due to high costs, construction setbacks, and his resignation, today’s renewed interest in nuclear raises the question: Are we finally ready to bring Nixon’s nuclear dream to life?

In the annals of American energy policy, few moments stand out as boldly as the unveiling of Nixon’s nuclear agenda. His plan, set against the backdrop of the 1973 oil embargo, was both a response to the immediate crisis and a long-term strategy for the nation’s energy security. One allure of nuclear power was its potential to diversify America’s energy portfolio and market, providing a backup in case of a crisis in one sector. Nixon envisaged a future where America’s cities and industries would be powered by the atom, reducing domestic risks associated with dependence on foreign oil.

The rationale behind Nixon’s nuclear ambition was sound. Nuclear power plants serve as a stable and reliable power source, unlike the intermittent nature of renewables such as solar and wind. With modern technological advancements, the safety and efficiency of nuclear plants have significantly improved, making them an even more attractive option for national energy grids.

However, several factors derailed Nixon’s nuclear dream. During the Cold War, concerns about nuclear proliferation were already mounting, particularly around civilian nuclear programs that could lay the groundwork for weapon development if nuclear energy expanded into politically unstable regions. These proliferation concerns, combined with environmental fears intensified by the Three Mile Island accident in 1979 and later the Chernobyl disaster in 1986, significantly dampened public and political support for nuclear energy. This climate of skepticism led policymakers to impose regulatory hurdles on nuclear plant construction that ultimately proved insurmountable.

Despite these setbacks, the underlying need for a robust and diversified energy portfolio remains. Today, as we grapple with the twin challenges of energy security and energy reliability, revisiting Nixon’s vision offers valuable lessons. The global landscape has changed, and the need for consistent, reliable, affordable energy has never been more obvious. 

Modern advancements in nuclear technology, such as small modular reactors (SMRs) and improved safety protocols, have addressed past concerns. SMRs offer the potential for lower capital costs, enhanced safety features, and flexibility in deployment, making them suitable for a variety of settings, including remote areas and existing power plants. SMRs are becoming the reactor of choice for companies like Microsoft and Amazon that seek to power their AI technologies.

A concerted effort is required from policymakers and industry leaders to realize the potential of nuclear energy. Streamlining regulatory processes, investing in research and development, and fostering public trust through transparent communication and community engagement are of the utmost importance. Additionally, investing in deep geological repositories and recycling technologies will be required to provide permanent waste storage solutions. 

My colleagues and I at the Texas Public Policy Foundation recently released research addressing these challenges while also providing a roadmap for policymakers interested in reviving the atomic age. To accelerate the adoption of nuclear energy, we recommend that the U.S. military, with its significant energy demands and presence in Texas, should lead nuclear technology development through microreactor pilot projects in ERCOT, while Texas streamlines permitting with a centralized contact, federal delegation, and proactive site selection supported by early meteorological and seismic data collection.

Richard Nixon’s nuclear vision may have been overly optimistic, but the desire to leverage nuclear power as a reliable and secure energy future remains imperative. As we face the future of increased energy demand, embracing a diversified energy strategy that includes nuclear power is the key to meeting our needs and ensuring a resilient energy grid. Revisiting and updating Nixon’s dream, with the benefit of modern technology and lessons learned, will pave the way for a brighter and more prosperous future.