Statement from Third Way on the Renomination of NRC Chair Christopher Hanson

WASHINGTON—Today, Third Way released the following statement from Josh Freed, Senior Vice President for the Climate and Energy Program, following the White House announcement that it will renominate Christopher Hanson to serve as Chair of the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).

“Third Way strongly supports the Biden Administration’s renomination of Christopher Hanson to serve another term as Chair of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Chair Hanson has led the NRC during a transformative moment for American nuclear energy that will set the tone for the remainder of the decade. Under his leadership, the NRC is effectively charting a new licensing process for advanced reactors, reviewing legacy procedures to boost efficiency, and working with existing operators to keep nuclear plants like Diablo Canyon from premature retirement.

It is critical for the United States’ national security, economic, and clean energy interests that the Senate act swiftly on Chair Hanson’s renomination. Multiple developers will be submitting applications for building advanced reactors in the United States in the near future. The US is on the path to produce nuclear fuel for existing and advanced nuclear power plants domestically. Several critical, existing nuclear power plants that are the backbone of our nation’s clean electricity system will be applying for license extensions. This will all be easier with Chair Hanson remaining at helm of the Commission.

Particularly at a moment when the country is divided on so many issues, it is striking how much bipartisan support the nation’s civilian nuclear energy agenda has in Congress and from the White House. We hope this bipartisan support extends to the confirmation of Chair Hanson.

We thank the White House for prioritizing this nomination and urge the Senate to reconfirm Chair Hanson before his current term expires in June.”