The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has returned to full strength with five members after the Senate confirmed Douglas Weaver Wednesday by a vote of 71-29.
Weaver, who spent 20 years at the NRC as a staffer, received support from some Democrats, including Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (R.I.), the ranking member of the Environment and Public Works Committee.
Whitehouse saidduring the Dec. 10 business meeting voting on Weaver that the nominee along with the other NRC commissioners must resist pressure from the Trump administration and prioritize safety and independence.
“The nuclear industry’s success depends upon the credibility of its regulator,” Whitehouse said. ...