Nuclear Regulator Grilled Over Independence After Trump Firing

Nuclear Regulatory Commission Chair David Wright faced sharp questions from Democratic lawmakers about the commission’s independence during his renomination hearing Wednesday, where he also emphasized balancing safety with efficiency.

“This independent agency was created by Congress to do one thing: to regulate civilian nuclear activity with public safety as the first priority,” Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) said.

“This administration has fired commissioner and former NRC chair Hanson without cause—fired safety-focused staff for no good reason at the behest of DOGE,” he said.

“We’re an independent agency—we’re accountable to both Congress and ...