RELEASE: Breakthrough Institute Statement on Ho K. Nieh’s Designation as NRC Chairman

WASHINGTON, DC, Jan 9, 2026 – Yesterday, Ho K. Nieh was designated by President Trump as the 20th Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), effective immediately. Nieh was nominated to the Commission on July 30, 2025, and confirmed 66-32 on November 19, 2025. The Breakthrough Institute expressed support in October 2025 for Nieh’s nomination to the Commission.

Chairman Nieh brings extensive experience in nuclear regulation and policy to the role, having served two decades in a variety of leadership roles at the NRC, including Director of the Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation (NRR) and Chief of Staff to former Commissioner William Ostendorff. His designation marks a new chapter for the Commission as it continues to reform its regulatory framework and support the safe deployment of nuclear technologies.

“Chairman Nieh brings the combination of regulatory knowledge, technical depth, and reform-minded leadership to this role. His experience with implementing nuclear regulations from multiple perspectives—leading an NRC office, supporting operating plants, and working in industry safety standards organizations—will enable him to guide the agency through this transformation.” said Dr. Adam Stein, Director of Nuclear Energy Innovation, “We congratulate Chairman Nieh and look forward to working with him and the rest of the Commission to advance the pragmatic and effective operations at the NRC that the country needs.“

The designation also marks the conclusion of David Wright’s tenure as Chairman. The NRC started to meet its mission during Wright’s time as Chairman, including accelerating the NRC’s work to review license applications to meet the mandate of the ADVANCE Act and Executive Order 14300, and reviewing the first effort to return a decommissioning plant to power operations at Palisades. His continued service as a Commissioner will ensure continuity and institutional expertise at the agency.

After the swearing in of Douglas Weaver, on December 22, 2025, a full five-member Commission is now in place. Breakthrough Institute research shows that a full Commission is most effective and efficient when voting on commission papers (SECY), to respond to policies, procedures, and guidance put together by the NRC staff.. All five commissioners demonstrate a varied set of experiences spanning legal and technical backgrounds, policy expertise, and industry knowledge. We hope to see the agency function smoothly and move reforms forward by delivering timely decisions.

We expect Chairman Nieh to carry forward the momentum seen throughout 2025 and lead the NRC’s continued modernization. Nieh understands that the NRC must be a regulator that enables the safe and secure use and deployment of civilian nuclear energy technologies “for the benefit of society and the environment,” as the NRC’s updated mission statement affirms.

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Media Contact:

Adam Stein

Director of Nuclear Energy Innovation

adam@thebreakthrough.org