Sanders sorry to see nuke chairman go

Vermont U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders says he’s “extremely disappointed” that the chairman of the Federal Nuclear Regulatory  Commission has announced his resignation. WAMC’s North Country Bureau Chief Pat Bradley has more….

Sanders reacted Monday to news of Gregory Jaczko’s departure by saying he has appreciated the chairman’s recognition that the NRC’s job is not to promote nuclear power, but to be a strong safety regulator.

Jaczko frequently clashed with other members of the commission, as he has pushed for reforms in the nuclear industry, especially following last year’s Fukushima disaster in Japan. He’s also come under fire from Republicans in Congress.

Sanders, a member of the Senate committee that oversees the NRC, says he hopes President Obama will pick a successor for Jaczko who will be as strong a regulator.

Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.