US Nuclear in Transition

In recent years, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has been tugged in different directions. The public has clamored for improved domestic plant safety following the Fukushima disaster, while the industry forged ahead on a new, third generation of domestic nuclear reactors.

Following the resignation of Gregory B. Jaczko, chair of the NRC, the Obama Administration has nominated a geologist/academic to lead the five-member commission. The nominee is Dr. Allison M. Macfarlane, a professor of environmental science at George Mason University.