Nuclear Regulatory Commission Chair to Discuss Status of New-Build Regulatory Issues

Feb. 18, 2010 - PRLog -- DENVER  - Gregory Jaczko, Chairman of the independent U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, will update power industry leaders on the regulatory issues affecting the current applications for new reactors during a keynote address and Q&A at the EnergyBiz Leadership Forum on February 28-March 2 in Washington DC. http://EnergyBusinessReports.com/shop/item.asp?itemid=2898&affillink=PR

The Obama administration has sent conflicting signals to the power industry on the integration of nuclear into the energy mix. From the infusion of $18.5 billion in loan guarantees to the delays and suspensions of plant planning or construction, next generation nuclear power development has been stop and go for the power industry. http://EnergyBusinessReports.com/shop/item.asp?itemid=2898&affillink=PR

The 2010 Forum will examine the fallout of the economic downturn, look at stimulus funds and early returns on the Obama administration’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) investment, and discuss the country’s progress in developing a new energy economy. Speakers include representatives from utilities, government, consumer advocacy groups, research laboratories, energy associations, businesses, regulators, and the energy vendor community.

The Forum will be held in Washington, D.C., February 28 through March 2, 2010, at the Mandarin Oriental. Jaczko will speak Monday, March 1, from 2:00 - 2:30 pm, providing a national level perspective on nuclear regulatory issue.

The NRC Chairman’s remarks come amid the backdrop of a decline in the number of combined operating license applications under active consideration at the NRC. Just a few months ago the agency was looking at 17 applications covering 26 new reactors. Today, that number is 13 applications for 21 reactors.

The NRC determines where the action is when it comes to the future of nuclear power in America. We are pleased to have the head of the commission on hand to provide an up-to-date look at the regulatory environment for new nuclear reactors, indicated Marty Rosenberg, editor-in-chief of EnergyBiz magazine.

Jaczko who holds a doctorate in nuclear physics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, was designated NRC Chairman by President Barack Obama on May 13, 2009. He was first sworn in as a Commissioner on Jan. 21, 2005, and his term runs through June 2013.

Jaczko has led initiatives to strengthen security regulations for nuclear power plants - including requiring new nuclear power plants to be designed to withstand an aircraft crash. He has promoted efforts to modernize emergency preparedness programs and to develop a Commission policy on the importance of a healthy “safety culture” at the NRC and its licensees.

Immediately prior to assuming the post of Commissioner, Jaczko served as appropriations director for U.S. Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., and also served as the Senator's science policy advisor. He began his Washington, D.C., career as a congressional science fellow in the office of U.S. Rep. Edward Markey, D-Mass. In addition, he has been an adjunct professor at Georgetown University teaching science and policy.

In addition to Jaczko’s participation, Nuclear Energy Institute President (NEI) and CEO Marvin Fertel and Terra Power’s Nuclear Program Manager John Gilleland will deliver their perspectives on next generation development and where nuclear fits in the mix in energy’s emerging architecture.

A complete list of speakers and panelists includes:

   * Sharon Allan, Senior Executive, Accenture
   * Jon Arnold, Managing Director, Worldwide Power and Utilities, Microsoft
   * Denise Bode, Chief Executive Officer, American Wind Energy Association (AWEA)
   * David Coen, Board Member, Vermont Public Service Board; Chariman of the Board & President, National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC)
   * David Crane, President & Chief Executive Officer, NRG Energy
   * Rich Creegan, Vice President Product Marketing and Strategy, Itron
   * Mark Crisson, President & Chief Executive Officer, American Public Power Association (APPA)
   * Moray Dewhurst, Vice Chairman & Chief of Staff, FPL Group
   * Eric Dresselhuys, Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer, Silver Spring Networks
   * Anthony Earley, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, DTE Energy
   * Glenn English, Chief Executive Officer, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA)
   * Marvin S. Fertel, President & Chief Executive Officer, Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI)
   * S. Julio Friedmann, Carbon Management Program Leader, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
   * Clark Gellings, Vice President of Technology, Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)
   * John Gilleland, Nuclear Program Manager, TerraPower
   * Rep. Bart Gordon, Chair, House Committee on Science and Technology
   * Charles Gray, Executive Director, National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC)
   * Greg Guthridge, Managing Director, Global Retail Utilities Practice, Accenture
   * Mary Healey, Consumer Counsel, State of Connecticut; President, National Association of State Utility Advocates (NASUCA)
   * Ralph Izzo, Chairman of the Board, President & Chief Executive Officer, Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (PSEG)
   * Linda Jackman, Group Vice President, Oracle Utilities Product & Industry Strategy
   * Dr. Greg Jaczko, Chairman, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
   * Betty Ann Kane, Chairman, District of Columbia Public Service Commission
   * Sen. Harris McDowell III, Senator, State of Delaware
   * David M. Ratcliffe, Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer, Southern Company
   * Joseph Rig by, Chairman of the Board, President & Chief Executive Officer, Pepco Holdings
   * Stephan Scholl, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Tax & Utilities Global Business Unit, Oracle
   * Corporation
   * Ted Strickland, Governor, State of Ohio
   * Edward Tirello, Jr., Managing Director and Senior Power Strategist, Berenson & Company
   * Malcolm Unsworth, President & Chief Executive Officer, Itron
   * Guerry Waters, Vice President, Industry Strategy, Oracle Utilities
   * Barry Worthington, Executive Director, United States Energy Association
   * Stephen Wright, Administrator, Bonneville Power Administration
   * Will Wynn, Principal, LPB Energy Management; former Chairman, Austin Energy; former Mayor, City of Austin, TX

EnergyBiz magazine’s parent company, Energy Central produces the Leadership Forum. Through interactive presentations, Q&A sessions, and roundtables, the conference discusses and analyzes energy production, consumption, and policy in the United States. See the EnergyBiz Leadership Forum Web site (below) for details,  including a full schedule and agenda for the event.

The Full Event Program can be found at: http://EnergyBusinessReports.com/shop/item.asp?itemid=289...

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