WASHINGTON, D.C.
— The Trump administration’s “American Energy Dominance” agenda remains the core effort to strengthen the U.S. energy sector through increased domestic production of oil, natural gas, coal, nuclear power, and critical minerals, alongside aggressive deregulation and faster permitting.
The push began on day one with a national energy emergency declaration and the executive order “Unleashing American Energy,” which reopened federal lands and offshore areas, accelerated approvals, and prioritized a “drill, baby, drill” philosophy. And the president and Republicans are not slowing down. As of mid-July 2026, the administration’s agenda heavily emphasizes fossil fuel expansion, coal revival, nuclear growth, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) streamlining, and baseload grid reliability to support economic and AI-driven demand.
While official sources highlight record production and permitting wins, independent reports note the subsequent impacts on renewables investment.
I. Senate Overwhelmingly Passes Nuclear Energy Package
In a massive legislative victory for the administration’s agenda, the U.S. Senate voted overwhelmingly to pass a key piece of legislation aimed at bolstering the country’s nuclear energy sector. The bill passed by a decisive vote of 88-2, with only Sens. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) opposing the measure.
The nuclear package was combined with another bill that reauthorized the U.S. Fire Administration and grant programs for firefighters.
The measure aims to accelerate the approval process for new nuclear plants as many of the country’s existing plants reach the end of their serviceable lives. Additionally, it significantly reduces the licensing fees that power companies must pay to initiate projects. It also mandates the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to prepare a report examining ways to simplify and expedite the environmental review process.
In tandem with the Senate’s action, President Trump has issued four executive orders directing the NRC to streamline regulations and expedite the issuance of new licenses for nuclear power facilities, acting on applications within an 18-month timeframe. The United States was formerly the world leader in nuclear design and construction, but delays and exorbitant prices allowed China—which is currently building a record number of reactors—to capture that position. The new directives aim to expedite federal permitting for new nuclear projects and implement cost-cutting strategies to reduce the NRC’s regulatory footprint.
II. The Homeowner Energy Freedom Act
While the Senate focuses on nuclear power, a separate federal bill that could lower the cost of new homes by repealing energy efficiency programs is currently headed to the upper chamber.
The House bill, led by Fort Worth Republican Congressman Craig Goldman, aggressively targets and eliminates energy rules for home appliances that were put in place by the Biden administration. Goldman argues that the Biden administration’s expensive mandates have artificially inflated housing costs, making homeownership feel out of reach for many Americans. Proponents estimate that the law could let house prices drop by as much as $31,000.
“Affordability is way more than just a buzzword,” Goldman stated. “How do we decrease housing costs? How do we decrease oil and gas prices, like I mentioned? How do we decrease healthcare costs? You know, big issues that affect people in my district.”
The proposed *Homeowner Energy Freedom Act* would make it easier to install gas stoves and water heaters in new homes. If the bill passes the Senate and is signed by the president, the Department of Energy will be stripped of programs that reward low- and middle-income homes for utilizing specific, highly efficient electricity projects.
Furthermore, the legislation would end federal grants for training contractors in home energy efficiency and halt assistance to state and local governments for adopting strict building energy codes. The bill has garnered broad support, with representatives from both parties sponsoring the measure, including Texas Republicans Dan Crenshaw and Jake Ellzey.
Goldman, who made it a priority to undo Biden-era rules on the House Energy and Commerce Committee during his first year, noted that his main goals for his second year on Capitol Hill remain focused on broader affordability. He is hopeful the Senate will “swiftly” pass the legislation to deliver economic relief.
