Obama names new chief nuclear regulator

New York Times : Geologist and nuclear waste expert Allison Macfarlane has been nominated by President Obama to replace Gregory Jaczko as chairman of the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). Described by colleagues as objective and able to work professionally under pressure, Macfarlane is considered by many to be a good choice to replace the reputedly controversial Jaczko. Although Macfarlane has been critical of the proposed Yucca Mountain nuclear waste repository in Nevada, which puts her at odds with industry supporters, “she’s certain to be an improvement over the incumbent,” said Mitch McConnell (R-KY), the Senate minority leader.