Sen. Capito Questions NRC Nominee on Hiring and EPA Nominee on International Agreements

NRC Hiring and Workforce Strategy

• 💡 David Wright, NRC Commissioner Nominee, addressed concerns about top technical expertise leaving the agency.
• 🔑 He acknowledged a significant portion of employees are nearing retirement age and that the agency has been developing a strategic workforce plan.
• 🚀 The Advance Act has provided additional hiring authorities, including direct hire, which the NRC is utilizing to address staffing needs.
• 🧠 Wright emphasized his approach of personally engaging with staff to understand their roles and build a strong leadership team, respecting personal and family reasons for retirement.
• ✅ He expressed confidence that the agency will grow again due to upcoming work and the passion of its remaining staff.

EPA International Environmental Priorities

• 💬 Usha-Maria Turner, EPA Assistant Administrator Nominee for International and Tribal Affairs, highlighted the importance of international environmental engagement.
• 🎯 She clarified that the Department of State sets international policy, with the EPA providing technical expertise.
• 🌍 Prioritized international engagements include agreements like Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm, which deal with hazardous waste, transportation, and chemicals.
• ⚠️ Engagements also cover Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in the Arctic and the development of standards for mining of critical minerals.
• 📈 The EPA will monitor developing technologies and adapt international conventions as needed, lending its expertise to the Department of State.