WASHINGTON, D.C.—The following statement concerning the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is from the Nuclear Energy Institute’s president and chief executive officer, Marvin Fertel.
“Safe performance of nuclear energy facilities and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s credibility are the two most important factors for policymaker and public confidence in nuclear energy. As such, the industry is concerned with anything that threatens the credibility of either. It is critical that the NRC leadership, including Allison Macfarlane if confirmed by the Senate, take the steps necessary to ensure that the agency is an efficient, effective regulator.
“The industry is always concerned about the possibility of a chilled working environment at our facilities or at the NRC, including the possibility of staff intimidation, at a time when the senior management and staff are working on crucial licensing activities and post-Fukushima safety recommendations. The industry takes safety culture issues seriously, and we expect the same priority treatment of these issues by our regulator.
“Safety is maximized when NRC and industry resources are focused on those matters that are most important to safety. It is important that the NRC commission and staff have a professional, collegial environment that allows the important work of the agency to continue without interruption or distraction.”