Charleston Leader

Ranking Member Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) expressed her thoughts during the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee hearing on the nomination of Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Chairman Christopher Hanson for another term. Capito began by acknowledging Chair Hanson's efforts and interactions, stating, "And thank you, Chair Hanson, for being here today. I certainly have appreciated our conversations both in person and on the phone. Probably did a few Zooms during COVID, and you’ve always been very open and ready to respond so I appreciate that."

Capito highlighted the importance of nuclear power in the nation's energy landscape, emphasizing the need for reliable electricity generation. She mentioned, "Based on projections, we will need significantly more reliable electricity generation, including from nuclear energy, in the future." Capito also raised concerns about the Biden administration's focus on transitioning to electrification, potentially impacting the reliability of the power supply.

Regarding Chair Hanson's nomination, Capito acknowledged his support for certain policies but also expressed reservations about some of his decisions. She pointed out, "Chair Hanson’s nomination must be judged not only on his policy, but also on his management decisions as Chairman." Capito specifically mentioned concerns about the handling of telework policies and proposed rulemaking within the NRC.

In conclusion, Capito stressed the importance of having the right personnel in place at the NRC to address critical policy matters and ensure the advancement of the nuclear industry. She stated, "So I look forward to learning more about Chair Hanson’s plans for the Commission’s work and how he will consider these critical policy matters. And again thank you for coming and thank you to your family for joining him."

The hearing provided a platform for discussions on the future of nuclear energy regulation and underscored the significance of effective leadership within the NRC to address the evolving challenges in the energy sector.