Today, the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, led by U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), held a business meeting to consider key nominations and resolutions. The committee favorably reported the nominations of Usha-Maria Turner for Assistant Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the Office of International and Tribal Affairs, and David Wright as a member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). Additionally, 32 General Services Administration (GSA) resolutions were approved by voice vote.
The nominations will now proceed to the full U.S. Senate for consideration. During her opening statement, Chairman Capito expressed support for both nominees. She emphasized the importance of the NRC in ensuring nuclear safety and efficiency, stating: “As our nation’s independent nuclear safety regulator, the NRC is critically important to our energy future.”
Capito acknowledged positive steps taken under Chairman Wright’s leadership at the NRC, including updates to its Mission Statement and efforts to expedite new nuclear licenses. She also noted Wright’s commitment to maintaining independent authority over nuclear material licensing.
Regarding Usha-Maria Turner’s nomination, Capito highlighted her experience in energy and environmental regulatory affairs as vital for leading EPA’s international and tribal initiatives. She urged colleagues to support both nominations along with GSA resolutions that facilitate repair projects nationwide.
