US nuclear chief’s term renewed

Washington: The Senate on Monday confirmed the chairwoman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to another five-year term on the panel. President Donald Trump nominated Republican Kristine Svinicki for a new term last month. Ms Svinicki, a nuclear engineer, has served on the commission since 2008 and chaired it since January. She is expected to continue as chair. The Senate confirmed her nomination, 88-9. Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, called Svinicki knowledgeable and dedicated, and responsive to Congress. Since becoming a commissioner, Svinicki has testified 18 times before the Senate environment panel, he said. The NRC oversees the nation’s commercial nuclear power plants.