Contacts:
Matt Dempsey Matt_Dempsey@epw.senate.gov (202) 224-9797
Katie Brown Katie_Brown@epw.senate.gov (202) 224-2160
Inhofe Welcomes Boxer Agreement to Move NRC Nomination Expeditiously
Hearing Reveals Strong Bipartisan Support for NRC Commissioner Ostendorff
Washington, D.C.-Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.), Ranking Member on the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, today welcomed Chairman Barbara Boxer's (D-Calif.) agreement to move the nominees considered in today's hearing immediately after the recess. The confirmation of William Ostendorff to serve on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is crucial, especially as the Commission continues to make important decisions regarding nuclear safety. Only last year, Commissioner Ostendorff was confirmed in the Senate by unanimous consent to serve the remainder of a term, and President Obama has re-nominated him to serve another full, five year term.
"I am pleased that Chairman Boxer agreed during today's hearing to move the nomination of Commissioner Ostendorff expeditiously through the EPW Committee," Senator Inhofe said. "As today's hearing clearly demonstrated, there is strong bipartisan support for the nomination of William Ostendorff to continue to serve on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Not only is Commissioner Ostendorff an expert in the field of nuclear power, he also has extensive knowledge of the national security issues surrounding it. His perspective is essential as the Commission works to unravel lessons learned from the Fukushima accident and concludes its review of the first new nuclear plant licenses in over 30 years. The public would be ill-served if politics impedes the confirmation of one of the Commission's most distinguished members - and the only one with significant reactor operations and nuclear security experience. The Senate should move forward with his confirmation as soon as possible."
Democrats Support Quickly Moving Forward with Ostendorff's Confirmation:Senator Webb (D-Va.): "I again would like to express my gratitude for moving forward with this nomination on a very timely basis and I believe that what Mr. Ostendorff brings to the NRC is going to be extremely valuable as we evaluate our nuclear programs in the future." Link to Video
Senator Murray (D-Wash.): "Given the full slate of issues pending before the Nuclear Regulatory Commission I believe it is imperative that we have a full set of commissioners and the Senate should quickly reconfirm William Ostendorff." Link to Seattle Times Editorial
Senator Cardin (D-Md.): "[Ostendorff] You come to this hearing with incredible credentials and experience and we look forward to your testimony and we look forward to your continued service." Link
Senator Carper (D-Del.): "Although Commissioner Ostendorff and I don't agree on every single issue...he has shown a commitment to safety and to make the NRC a very strong and impartial regulator and for that we thank him. At a time when we have so many challenges in the nuclear industry I hope we can quickly move forward on the nomination process for Commissioner Ostendorff and make sure that we have a fully complemented NRC." Link to Video
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