Charleston Leader

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, engaged in a hearing discussing the nomination of Christopher Hanson to continue serving on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).

During the hearing, Capito highlighted the necessity of the NRC conducting in-person work to fulfill its mission. She expressed her concerns regarding the reduction of in-person work at the NRC and its impact on operational efficiency, stating, "I think that's part of the problem you see government-wide...nobody's coming back to work full time."

Capito also questioned Hanson's decision-making as NRC Chairman, specifically addressing his vote to overturn previously issued license renewals. She inquired about the alignment of this decision with Hanson's previous statements emphasizing reliability and predictability within the NRC's regulatory actions.

Furthermore, Capito urged Hanson to commit to enhancing the NRC's capacity and efficiency. She presented a statement outlining the need for improvements in the review process of subsequent license renewal applications. In response, Hanson expressed a willingness to engage with the staff to update the roadmap for achieving set goals, emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement within the NRC.

In his response to Capito's inquiry, Hanson clarified his stance on the number of applications to be reviewed simultaneously, stating, "I'm not trying to walk that back." He highlighted the importance of understanding the staff's capacity and setting reasonable goals to enhance efficiency within the NRC.

The discussion between Capito and Hanson underscored the critical role of operational efficiency and reliability in the NRC's regulatory functions, with both parties emphasizing the need for continuous improvement to meet the evolving demands of the energy and environmental landscape.