Third Way Statement on Trump’s Firing of NRC Commissioner Christopher Hanson

WASHINGTON—Third Way SVP for Climate and Energy Josh Freed released the following statement on Trump’s firing of NRC Commissioner Christopher Hanson without cause:

"The Trump Administration’s decision to fire NRC Commissioner Christopher Hanson is unwarranted, unlawful, and a deeply troubling violation of the Commission’s historic independence.

"The Nuclear Regulatory Commission was established to be a politically neutral, expert-led agency. That structure has helped the United States be a global leader in nuclear technology. With this action, the Administration threatens to end that independence and puts the future of American nuclear power at risk. 

"Today, American companies are lining up to get innovative advanced nuclear power plants, small modular power plants, and (hopefully very soon) more large light water nuclear power plants licensed in the US and competing with foreign rivals to do the same around the world. Hyperscalers are lining up to get power from existing or planned nuclear power plants. Public confidence in nuclear power is at near-record levels. The technology has broad, bipartisan support in Congress, across the last three presidential administrations, and in governors’ mansions nationwide. That progress has been made easier because the NRC has made real progress toward changing its operations and culture to license new reactors quickly, transparently, and safely. 

"The Commission has a lot more work to do to transform its culture, right-size its staff, and modernize its licensing to meet the moment. Firing a Commissioner without cause and ending the independence of the agency is a dramatic move in the wrong direction. As troubling, it sets the precedent that would enable an anti-nuclear President to come into office and gut civilian nuclear power.

"If the US is serious about maintaining our existing nuclear plants and deploying new nuclear at scale, it would preserve the credibility and independence of the NRC. Instead, this Administration unilaterally expands its own authority. 

"To be a truly pro-nuclear President, your policies must strengthen one another and endure long after you’ve lost power. This Administration simply doesn’t meet that standard."