POGO supports Nuclear Regulatory Commission chair nominee Allison Macfarlane

Chairman Barbara Boxer

Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works

410 Dirksen Senate Office Building

Washington, DC 20510-6175

Ranking Member James M. Inhofe

Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works

456 Dirksen Senate Office Building

Washington, DC 20510-6175

Dear Chairman Boxer and Ranking Member Inhofe:

We write to express our support for the President’s nomination of Dr. Allison Macfarlane to chair the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). Founded in 1981, the Project On Government Oversight (POGO) is a nonpartisan independent watchdog that champions good government reforms. POGO’s investigations into corruption, misconduct, and conflicts of interest achieve a more effective, accountable, open, and ethical federal government. Thus, we are deeply concerned with how the NRC operates, and we have worked for decades to strengthen its independent oversight and openness.

We are pleased that Dr. Macfarlane exhibits an apparent independence from the industry she will be regulating, which gives us confidence in her appointment. She also shares our interest in better governance on the Commission. In her prepared statement at your Committee’s nomination hearing on June 13, Dr. Macfarlane indicated that she is committed to “openness, efficiency and transparency” in the NRC. She is correct in stressing that “protecting the safety of the American people and the environment” should be the key mission of the Commission.[1]

Dr. Macfarlane’s impressive combination of scientific and policy expertise will be assets to the NRC. We therefore urge you to confirm her as Chair.

Sincerely,

Danielle Brian

Executive Director

cc: Members of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works

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[ 1] Prepared Statement of Dr. Allison Macfarlane, Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, June 13, 2012. (Downloaded June 18, 2012)