POGO letter requesting NRC Inspector General Bell to investigate Chairman Klein's negative and misleading comments about a whistleblower

Dear Inspector General Bell:

On March 18, 2008, POGO wrote the attached letter to Chairman Klein regarding his February 28, 2008 testimony before the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, which contained negative references to a Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station whistleblower. On April 18, 2008, POGO received Chairman Klein’s response, also attached, which in addition to not addressing our concerns, we feel may contain inaccurate and misleading statements.

We hope your office will investigate the matter to prevent the mistreatment of people who come forward to the NRC with allegations of fraud, waste, and abuse. This lack of discretion is particularly important because it involves the Chairman’s actions, and his behavior serves as a model to others. This whistleblower was especially important in drawing attention to problems of fitness-for-duty and sending a message throughout the nuclear power industry that over-working security officers is dangerous and unacceptable. Oversight bodies such as the IG and Congress are dependent on whistleblowers to ferret out fraud, waste, and abuse. When officials make negative references to whistleblowers it discourages others from stepping forward.

Thank you for your attention to this issue. If you have any questions or need further information, please contact me at (202) 347-1122.

Enclosures

• POGO’s March 18, 2008 letter to Chairman Klein
• Chairman Klein’s April 18, 2008 response to POGO