Nieh sworn in to NRC

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is now back up to four commissioners. Following a 66-32 confirmation vote in the U.S. Senate last month, Ho Nieh was officially sworn in last week.

He fills the seat left vacant following the dismissal of Christopher Hanson and is set to serve through the remainder of a term that will expire June 30, 2029.

Quotable: "I am grateful for the opportunity to return to the NRC to work alongside such a competent and dedicated workforce," said Nieh, in the NRC's press release announcing his being sworn in. "This agency shaped my career and my commitment to nuclear safety. It is an incredible honor to have been appointed by President Trump to serve on the Commission, and I look forward to serving alongside Chairman Wright, Commissioner Crowell, and Commissioner Marzano. I am energized by the opportunities the NRC has to enable the safe use of nuclear technologies for America during this pivotal period in its history."

More details: The NRC also highlighted that Nieh is the first former NRC resident inspector to serve as a commissioner. With more than 20 years as an NRC staff member, he has filled a variety of roles throughout the regulator, including:

• Director of the Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
• Senior Resident Inspector
• Director of the Division Reactor Projects in Region 1, in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania
• Director of Division Inspection and Regional Support at NRC headquarters
• Chief of Staff for Commissioner William Ostendorff

Nieh, a Republican, joins NRC Chair David Wright (another Republican) along with Commissioners Matthew Marzano and Bradley Crowell, both of whom are Democrats. The last seat on the Commission has been left vacant since the resignation of Annie Caputo earlier this year. Douglas Weaver, another NRC veteran, has been nominated by President Trump to fill the seat.

On Nieh's confirmation, Wright said, "I welcome Ho Nieh to the Commission as we continue our important safety mission. The NRC is at its best with a full complement of commissioners. Commissioner Nieh brings extensive experience to the NRC as it continues to carry out its mission during an exceptionally dynamic period in nuclear energy. I'm excited to work with him going forward."