The MOU will ensure nuclear energy projects on the OCS are developed in a safe and environmentally responsible manner by fostering interagency communication and cooperation, clearly delineating areas of expertise and jurisdiction, and helping the regulated community understand applicable regulations. The agreement will also allow MMA and the NRC to responsibly respond to industry requests, supporting novel offshore energy production.
“Submerged reactor systems have been safely deployed in naval applications for decades, demonstrating their potential as a reliable source of energy in demanding marine environments. While no commercial deployment on the Outer Continental Shelf is planned or approved at this time, it could greatly strengthen America’s energy security in the future,” said MMA Acting Director Matt Giacona. “With nearly 3.2 billion acres of the Outer Continental Shelf under federal jurisdiction, this MOU is an important step toward building the technical expertise, regulatory clarity, and interagency coordination needed to assess whether and how this technology could be responsibly implemented in the years ahead.”
“We are pleased to formalize our cooperation with the Marine Minerals Administration as we strengthen federal coordination on licensing and oversight of potential Outer Continental Shelf nuclear projects,” said Jeremy Bowen, Director of the NRC’s Office of Advanced Reactors. “This agreement creates a clear framework for how our agencies will work together and ensures our processes remain efficient, transparent, and technically robust. By combining expertise, we can provide clarity and confidence to potential future applicants and enable the safe, secure, and efficient deployment of emerging nuclear technologies.”
The agreement follows the Trump administration policy of accelerating US deployment of nuclear technologies for national security, industrial competitiveness, and energy resilience, as directed in Executive Orders Deploying Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technologies for National Security, Reforming Nuclear Reactor Testing at the Department of Energy, and Reinvigorating the Nuclear Industrial Base.
As of July 10, 2026, the Department of the Interior has reunified the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management and the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement into the Marine Minerals Administration, which will oversee the responsible development of the nation’s offshore energy and marine mineral resources with an integrated focus on safety, environmental protection, and efficient oversight.
