Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Graham and distinguished members of the subcommittee, my name is Joe Colvin. I am the president and chief executive officer at the Nuclear Energy Institute, the Washington, D.C., policy organization for the nuclear industry. I am pleased to testify this morning about the need for comprehensive reform of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's regulatory process that provides oversight of the commercial nuclear energy industry

The Nuclear Energy Institute sets industry policy positions on various issues affecting the industry, including federal regulations that help ensure the safety of 103 operating nuclear power plants in 31 states. NEI represents 275 companies, including every U.S. utility licensed to operate a commercial nuclear reactor, their suppliers, fuel fabrication facilities, architectural and engineering firms, labor unions and law firms, radiopharmaceutical companies, research laboratories, universities and international nuclear organizations.

Summary of Key Points
Nuclear power plants, which produce nearly 20 percent of America's electricity, are our largest source of emission-free energy—an important consideration as Congress and other policymakers recognize the growing nexus of energy and environmental policy. Among the Congress, and indeed across the United States, there is a growing awareness that this is a proven industry with more than 2,000 reactor years of operating experience and with a product that will become even more valuable as we meet the demands of the 21st century.