Senate Confirms Baran to Longer NRC Term

The Senate confirmed yesterday Jeffrey Baran to a longer term on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission on a 52-40 vote along party lines. President Barrack Obama nominated Baran to serve the remaining years left on departing NRC Chair Allison Macfarlane’s tenure, which would expire in June 2018. Baran initially was confirmed to serve out the remainder of former Commissioner William Magwood’s term, which expires next June, but this adds  an additional three years to the tenure of the former aide to Rep. Henry Waxman (D- Calif.). Republicans, however, objected to the confirmation, citing Baran’s lack of nuclear experience. They called for an Environment and Public Works committee hearing, but Chair Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) said another hearing was not necessary. Baran officially joined the Commission in October after the Senate approved his nomination in September.