U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, led an oversight hearing on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) with participation from the current NRC Chairman and Commissioners. This marks the first such hearing since March 2023.
In her opening statement, Capito discussed changes in the nuclear industry and highlighted ongoing policy, licensing, and management activities at the NRC. She pointed to the need for affordable and reliable energy for American homes and businesses.
Capito addressed longstanding concerns about NRC processes, stating that approval of new licenses has historically taken too long and cost too much. She referenced her collaboration with Ranking Member Whitehouse on the ADVANCE Act, which was signed into law last year to provide tools for the NRC to improve its efficiency and modernize regulations.
Since enactment of the ADVANCE Act, Capito noted that the NRC updated its Mission Statement for the first time in 35 years to better reflect its current role. The Mission Statement is now expected to guide both staff and commissioners in their daily work.
Capito also referenced President Trump’s Executive Order 14300 issued in May, which aims to reform NRC procedures by establishing clear licensing deadlines, reconsidering agency organization, and revising outdated regulations. According to Capito, these efforts are intended to support quicker deployment of nuclear power while maintaining safety standards.
During a visit to Wyoming in August at TerraPower’s construction site—a company focused on advanced nuclear reactors—Capito observed how revised NRC processes have expedited project approvals. She cited a new approach where parts of TerraPower’s system could be permitted by Wyoming while federal safety reviews continue.
Capito emphasized that changes made by the NRC must be predictable and repeatable for future license applications. She stated that “the Commission must ensure they can be repeated for future license applications and the NRC staff must then execute these streamlined processes.”
She outlined that it remains the Commission’s responsibility “to set NRC policy, approve nuclear regulations, and adjudicate licensing disputes,” adding that congressional oversight will continue.
The NRC staff has begun a comprehensive review of all agency regulations as directed by President Trump’s executive order. Capito cautioned against rapid or major disruptions that could create instability or uncertainty for financing future projects but stressed that nuclear safety should remain central.
She concluded by expressing optimism about bipartisan cooperation: “I’m optimistic the information that we gather today will be useful in my ongoing bipartisan efforts with Ranking Member Whitehouse to enable the use of nuclear energy.”
