Senate confirms Caputo, Wright, Baran as NRC commissioners

The U.S. Senate confirmed Annie Caputo and David Wright to serve as commissioners of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and reconfirmed Jeffrey Baran to serve a second term as commissioner, with unanimous consent on Thursday.

The U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee advanced Caputo and Wright’s nominations in June 2017 and Baran’s nomination in October. U.S. Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY), the chairman of the committee, applauded the confirmation votes on Thursday.

“I am glad the Senate has restored the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to its full slate of five commissioners,” Barrasso said. “Annie Caputo and David Wright will be outstanding commissioners at the NRC. Here on Capitol Hill, Annie is considered the ‘dean’ of nuclear energy policy. As a nuclear engineer, Annie knows the physics behind nuclear power. She also knows the challenges it faces and the bright future it can have if we make the right decisions here in Washington. Likewise, Annie knows the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. She understands how the NRC can be improved, so it can be more responsive to the American people and those the agency regulates.”

U.S. Sen. Tom Carper (D-DE), the ranking member of the committee, agreed that Thursday’s confirmation would give NRC a full complement of commissioners that each has a unique skill set.

“Part of our responsibility here in the Senate is to ensure that we have effective leaders that build up and support — not tear down — a strong and dedicated workforce across all our federal agencies,” Carper said. “Strong leadership is especially important at the NRC — the independent agency that oversees our country’s nuclear energy industry. I believe ensuring that the NRC continues to have experienced and dedicated leadership is one of the most important things that the U.S. Senate can do to maintain a high level of safety and excellence at our nation’s nuclear facilities.”