The Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) announced Thursday that President Barack Obama has nominated Jessie Roberson as the fifth commissioner of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).
The commission consists of five members, and the fifth seat has been vacant since the resignation of previous chairman Allison MacFarlane at the end of 2014.
“The nuclear energy industry congratulates Ms. Roberson,” NEI President and CEO Marvin Fertel said.“Her relevant experience with nuclear energy technology aligns well with the NRC’s mandate to ensure the safe operation of the nation’s nuclear energy facilities.”
Roberson has been the vice chair of the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board since 2010. She has worked within the nuclear engineering field for approximately 30 years and previously held roles at CH2M Hill, Georgia Power Company and Exelon Corp. She has also worked within the U.S. Department of Energy.
She holds a bachelor's degree in nuclear engineering from the University of Tennessee.
“The nuclear energy industry believes the nation is best served by a fully functioning, five-member commission to carry out the NRC's safety mission, and looks forward to learning more about Ms. Roberson's views during the confirmation process,” Fertel said.
Roberson will now go through the Senate confirmation process.
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