Today, the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, led by Chairman Shelley Moore Capito, held a business meeting in Washington, D.C. The committee considered the nominations of Usha-Maria Turner for Assistant Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and David Wright for membership on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). Additionally, 32 Committee Resolutions concerning prospectuses from the General Services Administration (GSA) were approved.
Both nominations received favorable reports from the EPW Committee. The GSA resolutions were approved by voice vote. These nominations will now move to the full U.S. Senate for consideration.
In her opening statement, Chairman Capito expressed support for both nominees. She highlighted the importance of the NRC as an independent nuclear safety regulator crucial to America’s energy future. Capito noted that Congress expects increased efficiency from the NRC under its current leadership.
Capito praised Chairman Wright’s leadership at the NRC, citing positive steps such as updating its Mission Statement and reducing approval times for new nuclear licenses. She emphasized a bipartisan commitment to holding the Commission accountable while ensuring nuclear safety.
Chairman Wright affirmed his dedication to maintaining the NRC’s independent authority over civilian nuclear material use in response to questions submitted jointly with Ranking Member Sheldon Whitehouse.
Capito also voiced her support for Usha-Maria Turner’s nomination, citing her experience in energy and environmental regulatory affairs as preparation for representing EPA internationally and with Tribal partners. She urged colleagues to back these nominations and support GSA resolutions authorizing key repair projects nationwide.
