Advanced Nuclear, the Official Podcast of UCAN Power 29 - Chris Ploch: From Executive Orders to Reactors: Powering America’s Nuclear Future
Mar 9, 2026
Chris Ploch, former DOE policy staffer now at Mission Strategies, shares his path from law to shaping U.S. nuclear policy. He unpacks implementing nuclear-focused executive orders and coordinating multi-deliverable pilots. He discusses NRC culture and licensing reforms, geopolitical competition with China and Russia, and workforce challenges tied to hands-on learning and awareness.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Hill To DOE Journey Into Nuclear Policy
- Chris Ploch went from law school to running nuclear policy for Congressman Byron Donalds and then DOE Office of Policy.
- He learned by cold-calling industry, sending a recurring "Breck Donald's nuclear update," and building a wide referral network.
Executive Orders Turn Policy Into Timed Deliverables
- The four nuclear executive orders created 38 deliverables and forced DOE to "herd the cats" to turn directives into executable plans.
- Ploch coordinated subject-matter experts, DOE front office, and the White House to set timelines like three reactors critical by July 4, 2026.
Pilot Goal Forces Speed And Licensing Efficiency
- The reactor pilot program goal (three reactors critical by July 4, 2026) was a deliberate red line to force speed and demonstrable progress.
- DOE aims to have DOE authorization feed NRC licensing so authorization covers ~60% of NRC review, reducing duplication.