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After years of predictions about a nuclear comeback, policy changes, private-sector commitments, reactor demonstrations, and new licensing milestones are beginning to turn the conversation into action.

For years, a U.S. “nuclear renaissance” has seemed to be perpetually just around the corner. Nuclear power has long offered an appealing combination: large amounts of reliable electricity with very low operational carbon emissions. Yet high construction costs, long development schedules, regulatory complexity, fuel-supply constraints, and difficult project economics have limited new U.S. construction.

The EPA and HHS recently announced the draft Sixth Contaminant Candidate List (CCL6) for public review. This marks the first federal recognition of microplastics and pharmaceuticals as priority contaminants in drinking water and initiates a regulatory evaluation process that may lead to future enforceable standards. While scientific uncertainties and challenges remain in measurement and toxicological data, the draft CCL6 announcement signals increased federal scrutiny and highlights the need for environmental professionals to prepare for expanded monitoring and compliance efforts.