On December 12, Good Energy released the following statement from Executive Director Jessica Lovering.
The U.S. Senate has confirmed President Biden’s nomination of Matt Marzano to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. We send our congratulations to Mr. Marzano and look forward to working together to ensure the deployment of just and equitable nuclear energy.
The NRC has had a vacant seat for well over a year, but Marzano's confirmation will ensure the presence of five well-qualified commissioners through the next administration. Since his nomination was announced this summer, Marzano has had the support of Good Energy along with leading nuclear and labor organizations, including the American Nuclear Society, Generation Atomic, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, the Fusion Industry Association, the Nuclear Innovation Alliance, and Third Way.
In Marzano’s current role as an advisor to Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chairman Carper, he was instrumental earlier this year in forging consensus on the ADVANCE Act. Notably, the legislation directs the NRC to streamline and improve its licensing processes across the board. Marzano helped write the legislation and worked successfully to craft the bipartisan approaches that led to its overwhelming support in the House and Senate (it passed 393-13 in the House and 88-2 in the Senate). Now, the NRC needs to implement the bill, and having Mr. Marzano on the Commission will ensure that Congress’ intent is carried out.
Marzano has the technical depth to complement the skills of the other NRC commissioners. He is a nuclear engineer and a licensed Senior Reactor Operator. He has run a nuclear powerplant control room and overseen safety, operations, and maintenance personnel on-site. Before that, Marzano had various roles in the construction phase of a new reactor project. He has also trained sailors for service onboard the Navy’s nuclear ships.
Whether you’re motivated by climate change or energy independence, nuclear energy is facing a resurgence in the U.S., with dozens of companies working on advanced technologies. But these entrepreneurs and innovators need a regulator working at full capacity to provide predictable licensing and, more importantly, to ensure public trust in the technology’s safety and security. Therefore, we are thrilled that the Senate has confirmed such a qualified nominee to fill this final seat on the Commission.
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