Washington, DC -- Congressional Eliot Engel applauded the White House’s quick action in nominating Allison Macfarlane to chair the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). Rep. Engel, a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, urges a rapid confirmation from the U.S. Senate.

Rep. Engel said, “Prof. Macfarlane brings strong credentials to the position.  If the Senate approves her nomination, Professor Macfarlane will be making important, even vital decisions at the NRC, including the relicensing of Indian Point.  I would welcome the opportunity to speak with her about Indian Point.  Safety has to be our first priority in this post-Fukushima era.”

“My position on this is unambiguous; I am against Indian Point being relicensed. My reasons are clear; it is too close to New York City, it is old, dangerous, in disrepair and not even necessary.

“I would like to sit down with Professor Macfarlane and discuss this with her, not only to tell her where I stand, but to hear her outlook. For the people living in the vicinity of Indian Point there will be no more important decision made by the NRC than the one about relicensing that nuclear plant.”

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