The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) just made two big moves that could reshape the future of nuclear energy in America.

First, DOE announced a new pilot program on June 18 to help companies build and test advanced nuclear reactors—outside the usual confines of government labs. The goal? Get at least three new reactor designs up and running by July 4, 2026. “For too long, the federal government has stymied the development and deployment of advanced civil nuclear reactors,” said Energy Secretary Chris Wright. “We are expediting the development of next-generation nuclear technologies.”

Then on June 20, DOE followed up with a $100 million loan disbursement to Holtec International to help restart the Palisades Nuclear Plant in Michigan, which shut down back in 2022. If approved by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, this would be the first time a shuttered U.S. commercial reactor is brought back online. “The Palisades Nuclear Plant will help to reinvigorate our nuclear industrial base,” said Wright.

Critics of the new reactor test program argue the timeline is incredibly tight and that most of these designs are still unproven. Groups like the Union of Concerned Scientists have long warned that "advanced" doesn’t always mean safer.

As for Palisades, environmental and community advocates are worried about safety and necessity. Some local groups say Michigan doesn’t need the power if it invests more in renewables. Others are concerned about aging equipment and long-term health risks, citing past studies on increased cancer risks near older plants.

Together, these two initiatives signal a serious nuclear push from the federal government—both looking forward with next-gen tech and back with plant restarts. It’s part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to boost U.S. energy independence and reassert nuclear leadership on the global stage.

But whether this nuclear comeback is a smart move or a risky gamble depends on how these projects are executed—and whether safety, cost, and public trust can keep pace with the speed of development.