Jim Inhofe

I think we are witnessing now why sometimes things don't get done.

I have been very familiar with this individual.

I think we should encourage the EPA to be involved in this area. So I very strongly support this amendment.

I applaud both you and Senator Udall for your hard work.

Our investigation resulted kind of resulted in the changes that have taken place that make this committee hearing necessary.

It is critical that we move forward with the nominations under the jurisdiction of this committee so that our Federal agencies can fulfill their mission to serve the American people.

The Chemical Safety Board is a deeply troubled agency and its next Chairman will have to address a number of issues relating to how the agency is managed.

I think something has to be done to restore confidence.

Just last Tuesday, the EPA Inspector General (who acts as the CSB Inspector General) told our oversight subcommittee that the prior Chairman, Rafael Moure-Eraso, likely committed perjury and other crimes during his tenure at the CSB.

The advice and consent is very important. It is well ingrained in our system, so we always take it seriously.

I am very concerned that despite the clear risks posed by our Nation's chemical facilities, very little progress has been made to improve safety.

I have always felt, yes, the President should be given every opportunity to surround himself with his own people.

We have to call it what it is, so you have a daunting challenge but a tremendous opportunity.

I do not care whether you have a Democrat in the White House or a Republican, or whether I like that person or not; it is immaterial.

Thankfully, Mr. Moure-Eraso has resigned. But his legacy of mismanagement, harassment, and turmoil remains.

For the record, all four of you are in support of the change that will be coming forward.

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.

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

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

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

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 look forward to working with Senators Boxer and Markey on legislation to provide increased safety and more accountability during the decommissioning process.

The impression I get from a lot of people is we all started at the same place and we did not.

Last year, the Commission recognized the need to 'right-size' the agency and instituted Project Aim 2020.

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