Implementing Voluntary Agreements Under the Defense Production Act
What happened
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) adopted an interim final rule, published August 25, 2025, as final without changes, effective July 17, 2026. This rule establishes procedures for implementing voluntary agreements and plans of action under the Defense Production Act, providing a defense from antitrust laws for actions taken to develop or carry out these agreements. This action was signed by Donald Trump and was taken by the Office of Nuclear Energy within the DOE.
Why it matters
This rule allows companies to collaborate on national defense efforts, particularly concerning the nuclear industrial base and energy supply, without facing antitrust lawsuits. It streamlines how the government can partner with industry to secure critical resources, as identified in Executive Order 14302 (Reinvigorating the Nuclear Industrial Base).
Who it affects
- ›U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
- ›Domestic nuclear energy industry
- ›Businesses participating in voluntary agreements
- ›Representatives of industry, business, financing, agriculture, labor
The receipts are official. The summary is ours.
Read on Federal Register ↗Summaries are generated from the official text and may simplify or omit nuance. The official document is the source of truth.