Commissioner Wright on Nuclear's Future

Deck: 

Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Fortnightly Magazine - November 2022
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Nuclear generation is making a comeback and that is great news for an energy and utilities industry seeking ways to decarbonize but somewhat stymied by intermittency issues from renewable energy sources. This baseload source is most welcome to join the party.

Of course, use of radioactive materials is highly regulated for safety, and that brings in the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. There is so much going on at this independent agency, which regulates commercial nuclear power plants and other uses of nuclear materials, such as in nuclear medicine, through licensing, inspection, and enforcement of its requirements.

PUF thought it was time to catch up with the latest at the NRC and sought out a special regulator. Enter NRC Commissioner David Wright, also known to many from his time on the South Carolina Public Service Commission and as NARUC President.

PUF's Steve Mitnick: Talk about being a Commissioner at NRC.

Commissioner Wright: Some say we're the gold standard. I've not heard anyone say platinum, but that's what we strive for. When I first was nominated by President Trump in 2017, I had to wait almost thirteen months before I was confirmed by the Senate because of a variety of reasons, including political dynamics.

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