U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, representing West Virginia and serving as the Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, cast a vote against Matthew Marzano's nomination to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) during a business meeting in Washington, D.C.
In her opening remarks at the meeting, Senator Capito emphasized the historical significance of the NRC and highlighted previous commissioners' qualifications. She expressed concerns that Mr. Marzano's lack of experience might impact both the effectiveness of the NRC and the advancement of nuclear energy.
Senator Capito stated: "Thank you, Chairman Carper, for holding this hearing and thanks for the witnesses that are coming before us today. I am pleased to be at this business meeting." She noted that October 11 marked half a century since the Energy Reorganization Act was signed into law—a pivotal moment in U.S. nuclear safety policy.
Capito further explained: "This landmark law was a turning point in how our nation approached nuclear safety issues." The Act established a five-member commission structure aimed at overseeing civilian use of nuclear power effectively through diverse expertise among its members.
Reflecting on past nominees with distinguished careers in various fields, she argued for comprehensive consideration of Mr. Marzano’s background given current challenges faced by both NRC and Congress’s push for change via legislation like the ADVANCE Act.
"I believe that the White House has sort of exaggerated Mr. Marzano’s experience in the nuclear energy industry," she remarked while acknowledging his training and work history at a power plant but questioned his capability to lead regulatory changes.
Capito also addressed Chair Hanson's interpretation of congressional directives under recent legislative acts: "Despite this clear direction – Chair Hanson has stated that he views the ADVANCE Act as an ‘endorsement’... communicating his position...that status quo is acceptable."
Expressing dissatisfaction with NRC staff recommendations on updating mission statements required by new laws as insufficiently ambitious, Capito stressed: "Those recommendations missed the mark...The ADVANCE Act was not an ‘endorsement’ of status quo."
Concluding her assessment after reviewing responses from Mr. Marzano during confirmation proceedings she said: “I do not have confidence that he has necessary background or experience...So I will be voting no on Mr. Marzano’s nomination.”
As discussions continue regarding candidates filling this vacancy within NRC leadership ranks—the senator urged continued operational efficiency within existing frameworks until appointments align fully with congressional vision laid out through reforms such as those embodied by recently enacted statutes like ADVANCE Act.
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