Sen Carper Commends Choice of Greg Jaczko to Head NRC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 13, 2009 CONTACT: Bette Phelan (202) 224-2441 SEN. CARPER COMMENDS CHOICE OF GREG JACZKO TO HEAD NRC WASHINGTON (May 13, 2009) - Today's appointment of Gregory B. Jaczko as the new chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) won support from Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Clean Air and Nuclear Safety. Sen. Carper said: "Commissioner Jaczko shares my commitment to the highest standards of safety and security at our nation's nuclear power plants, and understands the need for transparency in all NRC decision making. If we are going to meet our nation's energy and climate goals, safe nuclear power must be part of our energy mix and the NRC will play a crucial role in making this nuclear renaissance happen. "Now, more than ever, a capable and conscientious NRC is critically important. The 104 nuclear reactors in operation today require strong oversight and must remain the Commission's top priority. The Commission must also begin to prepare for the future and closely examine applications for new reactors that are under consideration. Dr. Jaczko's experience on the Commission provides him with the background necessary to guide the NRC as Chairman during this important time for nuclear power. "I look forward to continuing to work with Dr. Jaczko and the other commissioners as the nation moves toward a new generation of nuclear reactors, while still maintaining the highest level of safety at our existing facilities." The NRC was established by the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 to license and regulate the civilian use of nuclear materials to protect public health and safety and the environment. The NRC is responsible for consistent oversight of the nation's 104 power plants and approving licenses for any new facilities that may be built.