Markey Applauds NRC Chairman's Steps To Improve Transparency In NRC Decision-Making

Statement

Representative Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Chairman of the Energy and Environment Subcommittee of the Energy and Commerce Committee, today welcomed the response he received from NRC Chairman Gregory Jaczko to Rep. Markey's call last autumn for greater transparency in the NRC decision-making process.

"I am thrilled with Chairman Jaczko's desire to return transparency to the deliberations of the NRC. These steps would reflect the emphasis President Obama has placed on transparency and open government, and promote the public understanding of, and participation in, our nuclear regulatory processes," said Markey. "I urge the Commission to rapidly move forward with this important initiative."

In an October 2009 letter to the NRC, Rep. Markey stated that "as an independent regulatory agency operating in a democracy, the Commission has an obligation to conduct the public's business in public to the fullest extent possible… Members of Congress must cast their votes in public, and there is no reason why the NRC cannot join other independent regulatory agencies in doing the same."

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