However, resources are not unlimited. As the size of our nuclear industry shrinks, the NRC must recognize that it can accomplish its mission with fewer resources.

I believe the only way the nuclear industry can remain a vibrant part of our energy mix is if it has the confidence of the public.

We are looking forward to working in an aggressive way to enhance nuclear power in America.

That is good. That is specific and that needs to be said.

That needs to be called to the attention of the American people, people who are closely watching this.

We have to learn from Fukushima and do everything we can to avoid having something similar happen here.

What we have seen over time is an agency that has grown in spite of a decreasing workload and now, unfortunately, a shrinking industry.

A Japanese government report noted that the equipment the NRC required...might have made the difference at Fukushima.

This clearly is not a partisan issue, and is not even a rural or urban issue.

I would ask the same thing of Chairman Burns, why would it take to 2020 to achieve that reduction?

I am a very, very strong proponent and feel that we need to catch up with some of the other countries that are able to provide a lot more energy from this source.

Thank you, Senator Boxer.