ANS Expresses Appreciation to Outgoing NRC Chairman Macfarlane

The American Nuclear Society expressed its appreciation to outgoing Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Chairman Allison Macfarlane for her service, while urging the appointment of a qualified replacement with expertise and experience in nuclear technology and power generation.

ANS is urging President Obama to proceed expeditiously to appoint a qualified candidate to the Commission, and encourages the Senate to act promptly upon the nomination. “Commissioners have an important role in ensuring public health and safety, and the nomination and confirmation process should be handled in a responsible and nonpartisan manner,” noted ANS President Mikey Brady Raap, adding that it is essential that Commissioners be competent and experienced in nuclear technology application and regulation.

NRC Commissioners are appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the U.S. Senate.  The Commission oversees the operations of the NRC, a 4,000 member agency responsible for the independent regulatory oversight of applications of nuclear technology in the United States.  The Commission is responsible for ensuring safe operations at the nation’s  operating nuclear power plants, as well as medical and industrial uses of radioactive sources.

Dr. Macfarlane, who will resign from the Commission at the end of the year, assumed the Chairmanship during a tumultuous time at the agency. “Chairman Macfarlane returned collegiality to the Commission and worked hard to address critical issues,” Brady Raap said.  “We appreciate her service and look forward to working with her in the future.”