Nuclear Energy Institute Congratulates MacFarlane on Senate Approval for Full Term

WASHINGTON, June 28, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The U.S. Senate confirmed Allison Macfarlane to a full, five-year term as chairman of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission last night. Following is a statement by Marvin Fertel, the Nuclear Energy Institute's president and chief executive officer.

"The Nuclear Energy Institute congratulates Chairman Macfarlane on her confirmation to a full term on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. We look forward to continuing to engage with Chairman Macfarlane and her fellow commissioners to ensure that industry and agency resources are properly focused on those matters most important to the safety of commercial nuclear energy facilities.

"Over the past year Chairman Macfarlane has done an outstanding job of restoring collegiality within the commission and demonstrating respect for differing opinions to allow the agency to fully focus on fulfilling its safety mission. The credibility of the NRC is immensely important to us, as well as to the global nuclear energy community, given the agency's stature worldwide.

"With new reactors being built domestically, operating license extensions under review, post-Fukushima safety enhancements being implemented, and license applications for small reactors on the horizon, this is a challenging and exciting time in the U.S. nuclear energy sector. A common challenge for our facilities and the NRC is ensuring that regulatory requirements focus on those matters of the highest safety significance.

"Chairman MacFarlane and her colleagues are responsibly taking on this challenge. NEI and our member companies are as well, for the betterment of our nation's energy security and economic and environmental well-being."

The Nuclear Energy Institute is the nuclear energy industry's policy organization. This news release and additional information about nuclear energy are available at www.nei.org.