WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump’s nominee to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) told a Senate panel Wednesday if confirmed, he will work to ensure the agency is independent and prioritizes safety.
In a statement to the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, Ho Nieh, a former NRC staffer of 23 years, said his desire to return to the agency reflects his “appreciation for the NRC safety mission and [its] dedicated workforce.”
Nieh said the NRC is at a “critical crossroads” due to previous licensing methods working in the past but not as applicable now thanks to emerging nuclear technology. However, Nieh said he is committed to the ADVANCE Act and executive order 14300, “Ordering the Reform of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission”, to improve and reform its processes.
“If confirmed, I will work to ensure that they are implemented effectively in ways that strengthen the credibility and public trust of the NRC,” Nieh said.
During the hearing, many of the Democratic senators questioned Nieh on how he would deal with recent changes at the NRC under the current Trump administration.
Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) told Nieh NRC is threatened by four dangers: political influence, infiltration of the Department of Energy, reduction of NRC staff and former fossil fuel industry members being placed at the agency.
When asked how Nieh would defend the NRC, Nieh said if confirmed he would be committed to the NRC’s mission of safety and independence. This includes hiring technically sound and qualified staff, he said.
While Nieh said he was unaware of fossil fuel advocates looking to interfere with nuclear deployment, he told Sen. Whitehouse he would monitor the situation.
The Trump White House has set an ambitious goal of reaching 400 gigawatts of nuclear energy installed by 2050 and having 10 large reactors under construction by 2030.
Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) asked Nieh if the NRC could achieve those nuclear licensing goals without compromising safety and foregoing public participation. Nieh said the public has a right to access nuclear project information.
“If anything comes before the NRC, if confirmed, then I will ensure that NRC does its job with safety first, it has to be safety first,” Nieh said. He was referencing DOE’s reactor pilot program’s timeline of July 4, 2026 to have at least three test reactors reach criticality. “Recognizing that there are some timelines on the table, the work of the agency has to be done with safety.”
Nieh was nominated July 30. If confirmed, Nieh will join NRC commissioners David Wright, Matthew Marzano and Bradley Crowell at the agency. His term would expire on June 30, 2029.