Jaczko ‘apology’ gets Reid, Heller thumbs up

Nevada Sens. Harry Reid and Dean Heller on Tuesday applauded efforts by embattled Nuclear Regulatory Commission Chairman Gregory Jaczko to soothe relations with fellow commissioners who have questioned his leadership abilities.

White House chief of staff Bill Daley said in letters released Monday night that the embattled commissioner had “apologized’ for the commission strife and pledged to soothe relations. Jaczko is scheduled to appear this week before two legislative committees over the internal spat.

"That’s a good step,” said Heller, a Republican.

Heller said that he supports Jaczko in his opposition to using Yucca Mountain as a nuclear waste dump.

“Let’s put personalities aside and get the commission back to work,” he said.

Reid, a Democrat, said he was “very happy” with the “very strong statement” the White House issued in support of Jaczko, who had worked for Reid before being named NRC commissioner.

“He’s actually a very brilliant man,” Reid said Tuesday.

Reid, who adamantly opposes opening Yucca Mountain as a nuclear waste storage facility, said that Jaczko is committed to nuclear safety while other commissioners appear to be more concerned with protecting the nuclear industry.

Politico reported the details of the White House letters on the news organization’s website. Jaczko is scheduled to appear Wednesday before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee where he’s likely to face hostile questioning from chairman Darrell Issa, R-Calif.