NEI Nuclear Notes

The late Edward McGaffigan, Jr. on the mandate of NRC as quoted in yesterday's edition of the New York Times : The commission’s mandate, Mr. McGaffigan emphasized, is to “provide reasonable assurance of adequate protection, not absolute assurance of perfect protection.” “When they change the law to require absolute assurance of perfect protection,” he said, “there won’t be a lot of nuclear reactors in this country. Also, there won’t be a lot of cars or McDonald’s.” That puts things in the proper perspective. Once again, our condolences to Commissioner McGaffigan's family and friends, as well as to the staff at NRC . He'll be sorely missed.

Earlier today we heard the sad news that Edward McGaffigan , Jr., the longest-serving member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, had died after a battle with skin cancer . He was 58. On news of his passing, NEI's President and CEO, Skip Bowman, issued the following statement: “Ed McGaffigan was a giant among public servants, a commissioner who brought great passion and competency to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. “Commissioner McGaffigan was a voice of reason determined to assure public health and safety by advocating regulation that is rooted in sound science and engineering. He always voted his conscience, and he earned the respect of his colleagues and staff at the NRC, government leaders, the public and executives in the nuclear energy industry. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Ed’s family and his co-workers at the NRC.” For more information on McGaffigan's life, click here for an appreciation from NRC. Last December, Elizabeth Williamson wrote a story for t...

A report from David Kestenbaum .