Congresswoman Lofgren Criticizes Administration's Nuclear Energy Cuts and Staff Reductions
Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, has voiced strong concerns regarding recent actions by the current administration that she believes undermine U.S. leadership in advanced nuclear reactors. During an Energy Subcommittee hearing titled 'Powering the Nuclear Renaissance: Accelerating U.S. Leadership in Advanced Nuclear Reactors,' Lofgren highlighted the vital role nuclear energy plays in providing clean, reliable power and the potential of advanced nuclear technologies, including fusion. She specifically criticized the firing of Chris Hanson, the Senate-confirmed Commissioner and former Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), and the loss of hundreds of expert staff across various agencies, including the NRC and the Department of Energy's Nuclear Energy, Clean Energy Demonstrations, and Loan Programs Offices. Lofgren also pointed to executive orders aimed at undermining the NRC's independence and proposed major budget cuts ...