Today, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, chaired by U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, held a business meeting to discuss key nominations and resolutions. The committee reviewed the nominations of Usha-Maria Turner for Assistant Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and David Wright for a position on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). Additionally, 32 General Services Administration (GSA) resolutions were considered.
Both nominations received favorable reports from the committee and will now proceed to the full U.S. Senate for consideration. The GSA resolutions were approved by voice vote.
In her opening statement, Chairman Capito expressed support for both nominees. She emphasized the importance of the NRC as an independent nuclear safety regulator and highlighted recent positive developments under Chairman Wright's leadership. Capito noted, "The Commission updated its Mission Statement, reduced the timeframe to approve new nuclear licenses, and is addressing unique regulatory challenges with new reactor designs."
Capito also supported Turner's nomination due to her extensive experience in energy and environmental regulatory affairs. She urged colleagues to back both nominations and the GSA resolutions authorizing various projects across the country.