Throughout his career, Nieh has also taken leave from the NRC twice to pursue international positions in the world of nuclear regulation. In 2008, he joined the International Atomic Energy Agency as a communication advisor, where he supported the International Nuclear Safety Group. In 2015, he joined the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency as the head of the Nuclear Safety Technology and Regulation Division.
Testimonials: A Southern Nuclear spokesperson said in an email to Nuclear Newswire that Nieh’s “depth of experience, relationships, and understanding of nuclear power uniquely position him to continue the critical work needed to advance risk-informed modernization and ensure nuclear power’s future role supporting energy dominance.”
From 2010 to 2012, Nieh served as the chief of staff in the office of former NRC commissioner William Ostendorff. Speaking on Nieh’s nomination, Ostendorff told Nuclear News, “Ho directly led my team and worked collegially with the NRC staff on numerous high-visibility issues, including high-level waste, design certification of the AP1000, [combined operating licenses] for Vogtle and Summer, and the post-Fukushima regulatory reviews, just to name a few. Throughout, Ho demonstrated not only superior technical expertise and exceptional communications but most importantly how to build a cohesive team and the ability to work with others who did not necessarily agree with you . . . . I can think of no better choice than Ho Nieh.”
NRC shakeups: The news of Nieh’s nomination comes at a time of significant turbulence within the NRC and within Congress’s energy nominee confirmation process. This summer, the agency weathered two unexpected departures: the dismissal of Christopher Hanson in June, and the resignation of Annie Caputo in July.
The downsized commission has also been dealing with the changes brought about by President Trump’s executive order 14300, “Ordering the Reform of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.”
Reports of a Department of Government Efficiency detailee and the perception that President Trump is attempting to shift power from the NRC to the Department of Energy have caused pushbacks from Democrats in Congress.
In July, Sen. Whitehouse (D., R.I.) withdrew his support for the renomination of David Wright to the NRC over what he characterized as a “hostile takeover” of the NRC by the DOE and DOGE. On Nieh’s nomination, Whitehouse recently said, “I am not ruling out my support for him, but that depends on whether the independence of the NRC is respected or if it continues to be infiltrated by DOGE boys.”
