Energy & Environment — DOGE comes to the NRC

View Online Energy & Environment Energy & Environment The Big Story  DOGE staffer takes on key role at NRC A staffer with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has now taken on a key role at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), which President Trump has sought to reduce and reform despite its independent status. © Adobe Stock David Wright, whom Trump has renominated for a spot on the commission, told the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee that "there is currently one staff member detailed to the NRC from [the Department of Energy]."   Wright, in written responses to questions from the Senate panel viewed by The Hill this week, said that the staffer is detailed to the Office of the Executive Director for Operations and is in charge of implementing Trump's executive order to reform the commission.   A source familiar told The Hill the DOGE lead at NRC is named Adam Blake and that he is in charge of implementing Trump's orders, adding that part of this responsibility includes handling reductions in force at the agency.   The source said in a Signal message this appointment is "not normal."    The NRC is an independent agency that regulates the safety of nuclear energy reactors. Presidents can nominate commissioners to the panel, but it does not answer directly to the president the way other administrative agencies do.   Energy Department spokesperson Andrea Woods noted that Trump's executive order "directs the NRC to work with DOGE to reform the organization's structure and accelerate permitting."   The order states that the NRC "shall, in consultation with the NRC's DOGE Team … reorganize the NRC to promote the expeditious processing of license applications and the adoption of innovative technology."   Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) blasted what he described as "a Department of Energy hostile takeover of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission" during a meeting this week when Wright's nomination was advanced to the full Senate.   Read more at TheHill.com. Welcome to The Hill's Energy & Environment newsletter, I'm Rachel Frazin  — keeping you up to speed on the policies impacting everything from oil and gas to new supply chains.   Programming note: I'm off on Monday, so there will be no newsletter. The Energy & Environment newsletter will be back in your inboxes Tuesday! Did someone forward you this newsletter? Subscribe here. Essential Reads  How policy will affect the energy and environment sectors now and in the future: Trump administration rhetoric on FEMA moves toward reform rather than termination Rhetoric from Trump administration officials appears to be shifting more toward reforming the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), rather than axing it entirely.  Full Story DuPont agrees to $27M settlement in Hoosick Falls water contamination lawsuit The village of Hoosick Falls is nearing a final victory against the companies that were accused of contaminating its water supply: DuPont has agreed to settle a class action lawsuit for $27 million.  Full Story Union demands EPA reinstate workers, charging illegal retaliation A union for employees at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is demanding the agency reinstate workers who were placed on leave for signing a letter critical of the Trump administration's environmental and personnel policies.  Full Story What We're Reading  News we've flagged from other outlets touching on energy issues, the environment and other topics: How a new coal credit snuck into the GOP megabill (E&E News) Ted Cruz ensured Trump spending bill slashed weather forecasting funding (The Guardian) On Our Radar  Upcoming news themes and events we're watching: Monday The House Appropriations Committee will hold a subcommittee markup of an energy and water funding bill   Tuesday The House Appropriations Committee will mark up a Commerce Department funding bill  The House Foreign Affairs Committee will hold a hearing titled "Breaking China's Chokehold on Critical Mineral Supply Chains." Former Sen. Joe Manchin (I-W.Va) is slated to appear. The House Natural Resources Committee will mark up a range of conservation-related bills Wednesday The House Science, Space and Technology Committee will hold a hearing on weather forecasting technology The Senate Commerce and Transportation Committee will hold a hearing on President Trump's picks to lead the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety and National Highway Traffic Safety administrations The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee will hold a hearing on the surface transportation reauthorization bill    Thursday The House Appropriations committee will do a full committee markup of the energy and water funding bill What Others are Reading  Two key stories on The Hill right now: New poll delivers troubling signs for Democrats The Democratic Party’s credibility with voters has plummeted even further since the 2024 election, raising alarm bells as the party looks to rebuild ahead of the midterms and the next presidential election, according to a poll obtained by The Hill.  Read more Dan Bongino fumes over Justice Department handling of Epstein files Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino is at the center of internal fighting in the Trump administration about the handling of files related to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, leading to questions about Bongino's future in his role. Read more   You're all caught up. See you Tuesday!  Check out The Hill's Energy & Environment page for the latest coverage. Like this newsletter? Take a moment to view our other topical products here 📩 Privacy Policy  |  Manage Subscriptions  |  Unsubscribe  400 N Capitol Street NW Suite 650, Washington, DC 20001 Copyright © 1998 - 2025 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved.

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