Chairman Carper’s Opening Statement: Hearing on Nuclear Regulatory Commission Nomination

WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Wednesday, September 11, 2024, the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee will hold a hearingto consider the nomination of Matthew J. Marzano to serve as a member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).

Below is the opening statement of Chairman Tom Carper (D-Del.), as prepared for delivery:

"Before we begin, it is important that we recognize that today marks 23 years since the deadly 9/11 terror attacks. I'd like to take a moment to reflect on this tragic day in our nation's history. In the days, months and years following the horrific 9/11 attacks, we have mourned the loved ones we lost. We have also become stronger as a nation in our resolve to move forward and rebuild in their memory.

"Today, we honor all of those who died on that tragic morning and in its aftermath as well as their families, the heroic first responders and recovery workers, and those who consoled the many families whose lives were forever changed. We will never forget.

"Today, we meet to consider Matthew James Marzano's nomination to serve a five-year term as a member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

"This hearing comes at an exciting and critical moment for nuclear energy in the United States. Today, nuclear energy is one of our most powerful tools to ensure the reliability of the electric grid and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Our colleagues on this committee have heard me say this before but it bears repeating - nuclear power is the largest source of clean power in the United States, providing almost 20 percent of America's total electricity and nearly half of our nation's clean power.

"The nuclear industry also creates economic opportunity and supports tens of thousands of good-paying jobs. In fact, according to the International Monetary Fund, nuclear power provides the highest-paid jobs within the clean energy sector.

"And a new age of nuclear power is on the horizon with smaller, cheaper and safer nuclear technology. In order to support the cutting-edge nuclear technologies that will power us into the future, Congress passed the ADVANCE Act, and President Biden signed it into law on July 9th. The bipartisan work by the members of this committee and our staffs was essential to making the bill a reality.

"The ADVANCE Act, which was led by Ranking Member Senator Capito, empowers the Nuclear Regulatory Commission with the tools it needs to keep existing reactors safe and to review new nuclear technologies efficiently. This landmark law also directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to support 21st century applications of nuclear energy.

"To ensure successful implementation of the ADVANCE Act and to secure our clean energy future, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission needs a full slate of commissioners. Thankfully, President Biden has nominated Matt Marzano to serve a five-year term on the commission and to fill the final vacancy.

"Matt understands the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's mission and the importance of deploying more safe and clean nuclear power. He is deeply committed to maintaining the public's trust and confidence in the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's work. He has the technical expertise - gained over the course of a decade in the nuclear industry - to get the job done. As a Senior Reactor Operator, Matt led installation testing to improve plant performance and safety at Braidwood Nuclear Power Station in Illinois.

"In South Carolina, Matt supported the enforcement of safety standards for 3,000 personnel during the construction of a first-of-its-kind NRC-certified advanced nuclear reactor design. Matt also taught safety procedures and protocol to naval personnel as a civilian instructor for the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program at the U.S. Department of Energy.

"As Matt has performed his current role on the Environment and Public Works Committee, I have had the privilege to see first-hand how he applies his background as a nuclear engineer to his work on energy policy. I have witnessed Matt's dedication to public service and his commitment to crafting and implementing lasting bipartisan solutions. In fact, Matt's expertise was essential to developing and ultimately moving the ADVANCE Act to the President's desk. With a decade of experience in the nuclear industry, combined with his work for this committee, Matt will bring particularly valuable credentials to the commission if confirmed.

"In closing, if Matt is confirmed - and I very much hope that he will be - the Nuclear Regulatory Commission will again have a full slate of commissioners to protect the safety of our current nuclear energy assets while facilitating the efficient deployment of 21st century nuclear technologies. We have an opportunity to meet this crucial moment for the future of nuclear energy, and I believe that Matt Marzano will help us seize the day."

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