Contacts:

Matt Dempsey Matt_Dempsey@epw.senate.gov (202) 224-9797

Katie Brown Katie_Brown@epw.senate.gov (202) 224-2160

EPW COMMITTEE UNANIMOUSLY APRROVES NRC NOMINEE

Inhofe Urges Quick Senate Confirmation

Washington, D.C. - Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.), Ranking Member on the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, today welcomed EPW Committee approval of the nomination of William Ostendorff to continue to serve on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). His nomination 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 the EPW Committee unanimously approved the nomination of NRC Commissioner Ostendorff," Senator Inhofe said. "Clearly today's vote shows 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. Given today's vote in Committee, the Senate should move forward with his confirmation as soon as possible."

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