When President Barack Obama appointed Jeff Baran to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in 2014, his confirmation faced little opposition from the Democratic majority in the Senate. Similarly, when President Donald Trump renominated Baran for another term in 2018, the GOP-led Senate easily approved him. However, President Joe Biden’s attempt to secure Baran a third term on the commission has faced significant backlash from Republicans who view him as an “obstructionist” with a record of voting against policies that support the nuclear industry.
The Senate recently went on a two-week break, effectively leaving Baran’s current term to expire on June 30 without a decision on his reappointment. This vacancy could potentially create gridlock and revive partisan disputes within the commission. Senator Shelley Moore Capito has publicly announced her intention to vote against Baran, citing his lack of alignment with the commission’s mission to promote safe nuclear technologies.
The White House and Senate Democrats are hoping to reinstate Baran in a vote next month, highlighting his professionalism and empathy towards communities affected by pollution and poverty. This debate underscores the growing tension surrounding nuclear energy in the United States. Despite being the first country to build a full-scale fission power plant, the U.S. has made little progress in expanding its nuclear energy capacity since the end of the Cold War.
Addressing climate change requires a reliance on electricity for various purposes, which necessitates a stable electrical grid without greenhouse gas emissions. While renewable energy sources like solar and wind are growing rapidly and economically viable, they require vast amounts of land and minerals. Additionally, they often rely on natural gas backup when conditions are unfavorable. In contrast, countries like France and Slovakia have successfully implemented nuclear power as a low-emission alternative.
The United States has seen a decline in its nuclear sector over the past decade, with the closure of numerous reactors and the limited construction of new plants. Delays in certification and construction have allowed countries like China and Russia to surpass the U.S. in developing new nuclear technologies and reactors. Furthermore, U.S. companies are dependent on Russia for uranium fuel, which hinders the growth of the nuclear industry.
Critics argue that Baran’s regulatory priorities have contributed to the decline of the nuclear sector in the U.S. Several pro-nuclear organizations have urged the Senate Committee to reject his nomination for a third term. They believe that Baran’s voting record demonstrates obstructionism and a failure to support the advancement of nuclear energy.
Baran assumed his position during a time when the nuclear industry was experiencing a decline. The Obama administration’s decision to cut funding for the Yucca Mountain project and the Fukushima accident in Japan further disrupted the industry. As a result, Baran advocated for more frequent safety inspections on existing plants. However, he opposed measures that would facilitate the regulatory process for new reactor designs, such as small modular reactors (SMRs).
SMRs differ significantly from traditional nuclear reactors in terms of design and output. Baran’s vote against proposals to ease the construction process for SMRs and update environmental permitting requirements has drawn criticism from supporters of these innovative technologies.
In conclusion, the debate over Baran’s reappointment reflects the broader challenges faced by the nuclear energy sector in the United States. The country lags behind in terms of reactor construction, fuel supply, and regulatory support for new technologies. The decision regarding Baran’s future on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission will impact the industry’s trajectory and its ability to play a significant role in tackling the climate crisis.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
