The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) stressed the advances it has made over the past year and pushed back against concerns raised over its independence and budget cuts at a recent House of Representatives subcommittee on energy.

At the hearing, attended by all five NRC commissioners, Democrat representative Frank Pallone, an energy and commerce committee ranking member, said actions including the dismissal of former NRC chairman Chris Hanson last year were “dangerous and they jeopardise the future of nuclear energy in our nation”.

Pallone went further to say that the future of nuclear was at stake.

“Whether or not nuclear energy has a bright future in the United States may come down to how – or if – the NRC can protect its independence over the next few years. Commissioners, you have a duty to the American people to uphold that independence and ensure safe and secure nuclear energy in our nation.”