Late last week, with just hours to go before Nuclear Regulatory Commissioner Kristine Svinicki’s term officially expired and the agency was left with just four members, the Senate confirmed Svinicki to another four-year term and also confirmed Allison Macfarlane to serve out the remaining year of current Chairman Gregory Jaczko’s term. The naming of a new Chairman brings to a close a period of exceptional turmoil for the agency at its highest levels, played out on a national stage after four commissioners wrote to the White House in October expressing concern about Jaczko’s mismanagement of the agency. After two turbulent Congressional hearings in December, Jaczko’s abrupt resignation in May and last week a 100-page IG report detailing the former chairman’s bullying tactics at the agency, Jaczko’s chairmanship is officially over. During confirmation hearings in June, Macfarlane stressed her dedication to working "collegially" with her fellow commissioners.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), for whom Jaczko once worked as an aide, said in a statement late last week: "I am pleased that the Senate quickly confirmed Dr. Allison Macfarlane as the next chair of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Her experience and focus on the safety and security of all Americans will serve the Commission well." Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.), ranking member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, who has been highly critical of Jaczko said, "It is good news that today former NRC Chairman Greg Jaczko was replaced. While I still have some reservations about Allison Macfarlane’s experience in nuclear safety and her potential pre-conceived notions regarding spent fuel disposal, she assured me in her testimony before the EPW committee that she is committed to being a collegial leader and will take her fellow Commissioners seriously. I expect that she will follow through." Inhofe also said, "I am especially pleased that the United States Senate approved Kristine Svinicki to serve another term as a Commissioner."
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