WASHINGTON - The Senate has confirmed Alison Macfarlane for a new term as chairwoman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Macfarlane, a geologist, has led the commission since last year.
She said in a statement that she was honored to be nominated for a full five-year term as chairwoman and grateful for the Senate vote Thursday night to confirm her. She pledged to make the commission transparent and open to public engagement.
Macfarlane has sparred with Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer of California over access to commission documents related to the San Onofre nuclear plant in California. The plan's operator said earlier this month that it will shut down operations after a series of problems.