Charleston Leader

Today, the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee convened to consider the nomination of Matthew Marzano for a position on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). Ranking Member Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) delivered an opening statement.

Capito began by acknowledging the significance of September 11, stating, "I appreciate the Chairman's tribute, but also his final words that ‘we will never forget’ how we felt, and how we feel about the events of 9/11." She extended her gratitude to Mr. Marzano and his family for attending.

Capito highlighted Marzano's background with the EPW Committee and his selection as an American Nuclear Society Glenn Seaborg Congressional Science and Engineering Fellow in 2022. She noted ANS’s long-standing support for congressional fellowships since 2000.

“Your decision to then select the EPW Committee for your fellowship was fortunate,” Capito remarked, emphasizing Marzano’s subsequent work at Idaho National Laboratory before rejoining Chairman Carper’s staff as a lab detailee.

Capito criticized current energy policies under the Biden-Harris Administration, particularly targeting what she termed a regulatory strategy aimed at reducing fossil-fuel energy reliance. “We have continuously seen a regulatory strategy intended to suffocate our fossil-fuel energy,” she stated.

She argued that these policies could lead to reliability challenges and increased costs for American families and businesses. “The negative effects on energy prices...will be compounded by the growing demand that will result if the ‘electrify everything’ proposals are put into place.”

Capito underscored America's need for reliable and affordable energy sources, advocating for nuclear energy as part of this mix. “Nuclear energy can and should continue to be a part of America’s energy portfolio,” she said.

She pointed out global developments in nuclear energy policy, mentioning Russia's geostrategic dependencies through state-backed contracts and China's plans to significantly increase its nuclear power capacity.

“To meet these challenges,” Capito noted her bipartisan efforts alongside Chairman Carper and Senator Whitehouse in passing the ‘Accelerating Deployment of Versatile, Advanced Nuclear for Clean Energy Act,’ or ‘ADVANCE Act.’ The law aims to streamline NRC’s licensing process to make it more efficient.

“The ADVANCE Act will help streamline the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s licensing process to be faster, cheaper, and more efficient,” Capito stated. She emphasized that proper implementation would position the U.S. as a leader in nuclear energy.

In closing remarks directed at Marzano, Capito stressed the importance of effective resource management within NRC. “Each Commissioner weighs in on the budget formulation process,” she said, seeking clarity on how Marzano would ensure value maximization if confirmed.

Capito concluded by expressing anticipation for further insights into Marzano's experience and perspectives on critical policy matters during his confirmation process.