Congressman Brett Guthrie, Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Congressman Bob Latta, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy, announced on April 15 a hearing titled “Nuclear Regulatory Commission: Oversight of Activities, Priorities, and Fiscal Year 2027 Budget.”
The hearing is scheduled for April 22 at 10:00 AM ET in the Rayburn House Office Building. According to Guthrie and Latta, “Nuclear energy plays a critical role in our nation’s energy security, delivering the reliable power generation our families and businesses need and helping to establish our nation as a global leader in energy production. This hearing will provide our members the opportunity to hear firsthand from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission on issues ranging from implementation of the ADVANCE Act and the President’s executive orders to the licensing of advanced reactors, as well as the steps the Commission is taking to ensure its regulatory processes are efficient, predictable, and supportive of American energy dominance.”
Commissioner David A. Wright of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is scheduled to testify before the subcommittee. In his prepared testimony for April 22, Wright said, “The NRC sits at the center of the nation’s nuclear energy landscape. Since being confirmed to the Commission in 2018, I have worked to transform the NRC into a more agile and modern regulator.” He added that Congress provided direction through NEIMA in 2019 for licensing reactors in a technology-neutral manner that maintains safety.
Wright said that recent regulatory updates include completion of Part 53 rulemaking ahead of schedule: “The Part 53 rulemaking — our Risk-Informed, Technology-Inclusive regulatory framework — is the culmination of that work and I am happy to say that we accomplished this nine months ahead of schedule.” He also referenced changes following passage of the ADVANCE Act in July 2024 and updates directed by executive order.
“In closing,” Wright said, “the NRC is delivering meaningful results through a modernized mission, a skilled workforce, and an unwavering focus on protecting public health and safety. Thank you for your support. I look forward to your questions.”
Further details about this hearing can be found in the organization’s press release.
