Former Reid aide named Nuclear Regulatory Commission chairman

WASHINGTON — Gregory Jaczko, a former aide to Nevada Sen. Harry Reid and a member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission who has expressed doubts about storing nuclear waste at Yucca Mountain, on Wednesday was designated chairman of the federal nuclear safety agency.

President Barack Obama approved the promotion, which was announced by White House officials.

Jaczko, 38, becomes the chief face of the agency that regulates the operation of civilian nuclear power plants and the handling of nuclear materials. He also assumes responsibility for administrative actions and long-range planning and would be the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's ultimate authority for decisions that might be necessary in the event of a nuclear emergency.

“I am honored President Obama has entrusted me with the responsibility of serving as the chairman of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission,” Jaczko said in a statement.

Administrative law judges assigned by the agency are considering a Department of Energy application to build a nuclear waste repository at the Yucca Mountain site in Nevada. As a commissioner, Jaczko can cast a vote on Yucca Mountain matters that might be brought before the commission, although there have been few opportunities to date.

It was not clear whether Jaczko as chairman would have additional authority on matters involving Yucca Mountain, an issue that could remain before the agency for years to come. But he is likely to use his bully pulpit to talk about how the nation manages its nuclear waste.

Jaczko was science adviser to Reid and managed the Nevada Democrat’s opposition to the Yucca project before he was appointed to the NRC in 2005. The appointment came at Reid’s urging, and Jaczko remains linked with the Senate majority leader.

Reid in April 2008 swore in Jaczko when the former aide was given a second term on the commission. At the NRC, Jaczko has focused on power plant security issues and emergency preparedness, according to a biography on the agency’s Web site.

“Greg’s entire career has been dedicated to applying science to public policy,” Reid, D-Nev., said in a statement. “His work in Congress and at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has improved the safety of nuclear power plants.”

Jaczko’s elevation to the chairmanship was not unexpected once Obama took office. Jaczko is the only Democratic appointee on the panel, and Reid was expected to push for his promotion. Three others, including present chairman Dale Klein, were Republican appointees. The five-member commission has one vacancy. Jaczko’s term on the commission expires June 30, 2013.

NRC spokeswoman Beth Hayden said the agency chairman serves at the pleasure of the president and does not require additional Senate confirmation. There would be no limit to Jaczko’s term as chairman, as long as the president wants him in that job.

A native of upstate New York, Jaczko earned a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University and a doctorate in physics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Klein’s term as commissioner runs until June 30, 2011. According to reports in the trade press, Klein has expressed an interest in continuing to serve out his term whether he is chairman or not.

Contact Stephens Washington Bureau Chief Steve Tetreault at stetreault @stephensmedia.com or 202-783-1760. �