Sunday, March 20, 2016

The people that regulate the US nuclear industry

Hey guys,

Do you actually know the people that govern a good bit of your energy laws? Until I took my systems class, I had no idea. So I am going to bring them into the light for you to see. I have compiled a small background story on each member and here they are:

DOE Secretary Ernest Moniz:
Ernest Moniz was born in 1944. Graduated Summa Cum Laude with a bachelor of sciences in Physics from Boston College, then went to Stanford University, obtaining his PhD in Theoretical Physics in 1972. A year later he became a faculty member for MIT, and has remained one since. His research Focus has been “Energy technology and policy, including a leadership role in MIT interdisciplinary technology and policy studies on the future of nuclear power, coal, nuclear fuel cycles, natural gas, and solar energy in a low-carbon world.” Secretary Muniz has served as Under Secretary of the Department of Energy under President Clinton, where he led a comprehensive review of nuclear weapons stockpile stewardship, and served as the Secretary’s special negotiator for Russian nuclear materials disposition programs.
Comparing Secretary Muniz to his predecessor Dr. Chu, both are very distinguished individuals. Dr. Chu was co-recipient of the noble prize. There is slight deviation in research interests with Secretary Muniz more slanted towards nuclear power as his choice for alternative energy and Dr. Chu’s research shows that he is more interested in Bio Fuels and Solar technology.


Chairman Stephen G. Burns
Chairman Stephen Burns graduated from Colgate College with a bachelor’s degree in 1975. He then went on to obtain a Law Degree from George Washington University in 1978. He has spent most of his career working for the NRC, 33 years, starting out as an attorney for the Regional Operations and Enforcement division. He has received rewards for his service, including the Presidential Meritorious Executive Rank Award, and Distinguished Service Award. Chairman Burn’s term will be up in 2019

Commissioner Kristine L. Svinicki
In 1988 Ms. Svinicki graduated from the University of Michigan with a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Engineering. She has previously worked for the offices of Nuclear Energy and the Civilian Radioactive waste management in the Department of Energy. She has also worked for the senate armed services committee under Sen. John Warner and Sen. John McCain. There she was “responsible for the committee’s portfolio of defense science and technology programs and policies as well as the atomic energy defense activities of the U.S. DOE.” Commissioner Svinicki’s term will be up in 2017.

Commissioner William C. Ostendorff
Commissioner Ostendorff attended the Naval Academy and graduated with a degree in Systems Engineering. He has also earned law degrees from Georgetown University and the University of Texas. He served in the United States Navy for 26 years, commanding an attack submarine and a squadron of attack submarines throughout that time. He has also served on the House Armed Services Committee as a staff member. He was “staff director for the Strategic Forces Subcommittee with oversight responsibilities for the Department of Energy’s atomic energy defense activities as well as the Department of Defense’s space, missile defense and intelligence programs.” Commissioner Ostendorffs term will be up in 2016.

Commissioner Jeff Baran
Mr. Baran attended Ohio University and received a bachelor’s and master’s degree in political science. He also attended Harvard Law School and has a law degree. He has worked for the United States House of Representatives filling many positions such as: counsel to the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, staff director of Energy and Environment, and was a member of Energy and Commerce Committee. Mr. Baran has helped out with a multitude of issues including, reactor licensing and uranium mining, milling, and enrichment. His term will be up in 2018.



I know, long and boring. But it is important to know that people that are regulating you!

The Nuke Cow

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