U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), who chairs the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, led a hearing to consider the nominations of Lee Beaman for the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Board of Directors and Douglas Weaver for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).
In her opening statement, Capito highlighted the significance of both organizations in U.S. energy security and outlined the qualifications of each nominee.
“Today, we will consider nominations of Douglas Weaver to serve as a member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Lee Beaman to be a member of the Tennessee Valley Authority Board of Directors.
“First, we will hear from Mr. Weaver. This is the third NRC nomination hearing since June and the fifth NRC nominee to come before the EPW Committee in the last 18 months. Confirming Mr. Weaver to the NRC will return the Commission to its full complement of five members, as Congress had designed.
“A full slate of Commissioners is best suited for the Agency to carry out its business to full extent of the law and make important, and necessary, decisions on the future of nuclear power generation in the United States. These decisions include selecting experienced, key permanent career leaders to fill the NRC’s most important positions and approving an updated organizational structure to more efficiently fulfill its obligations.
“Selecting highly qualified leaders and modernizing its organizational structure will enable the Commission and the staff to fully confront the challenging and vital work that is expected and needed at the NRC.
“The NRC fills a crucial position in delivering on a shared, bipartisan agenda to deploy more nuclear energy, and do so quickly and safely. To deliver on this agenda, the Commission must implement its statutory obligations, including those in the ADVANCE Act, respond to President Trump’s Executive Orders, and accomplish this while continuing to efficiently carry out its licensing duties.
“The role of nuclear technology in our energy future will be set by the actions taken by the NRC today. These actions must not be compromised, either procedurally or substantively, by taking shortcuts or undercutting the NRC’s Principles of Good Regulation.
“Because of the consequential impacts of the NRC’s ongoing work, the Commission must ensure the Agency’s decisions are clear, workable, and enduring. Doug Weaver’s comprehensive expertise with nuclear technology provides him with the perspective to effectively meet this challenge.
“Mr. Weaver began his career in the Navy, serving for nine years on active duty in the Nuclear Navy, and then 12 years in the Naval Reserve. During his time serving our country, he has received multiple medals in recognition of his service and assisted in our nation’s response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the Pentagon.
“After leaving active duty, Mr. Weaver spent nearly 20 years as an NRC staffer, including as Deputy Chief of Staff for Chairman Dale Klein. He departed from NRC employment to work for companies involved with nuclear supply chains where he was responsible for regulatory compliance as an NRC licensee.
“I believe Doug Weaver’s service in Nuclear Navy operations, experience within NRC staff roles, and private sector involvement make him well-rounded and well-qualified to be confirmed as an NRC Commissioner. I will say, as a point of personal privilege, his in-laws are my constituents and very good friends.
“We will also consider nomination to fill a vacancy on TVA Board of Directors.
“In 1933 Congress passed legislation establishing TVA as a federally owned public utility tasked with providing electricity across seven southeastern states while managing river systems and supporting economic development efforts.”
Capito noted that four recent nominees were favorably reported by committee vote; their confirmation would restore quorum so board business can proceed without delay at TVA.
She described Beaman's background: “The current nominee Mr. Beaman would bring considerable experience in business operations... sold his successful automotive group in 2020 now serves as chairman & CEO Beaman Ventures.”
“If confirmed,” Capito said regarding Beaman's responsibilities at TVA: “he must support & uphold each fundamental responsibility which has served people Tennessee Valley well for decades.”
