Fact Check: Christopher Hanson was appointed as the chair of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission by former President Joe Biden in 2021.

Fact Check: Christopher Hanson was appointed as the chair of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission by former President Joe Biden in 2021.

What We Know

Christopher T. Hanson was indeed appointed as the chair of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) by President Joe Biden. He was designated as chair effective January 20, 2021, after being sworn in as a commissioner on June 8, 2020. Prior to his appointment as chair, Hanson had a background in energy consulting and served on the Senate Appropriations Committee and at the Department of Energy (NRC.gov, Wikipedia).

Hanson's appointment followed his nomination by former President Donald Trump in 2020, indicating a continuity of service across different administrations. His term as chair was set to last until 2025 (NRC.gov, NucNet).

Analysis

The claim that Christopher Hanson was appointed as the chair of the NRC by President Biden is supported by multiple credible sources. The NRC's official website confirms that Biden designated Hanson as chair on January 20, 2021 (NRC.gov). Additionally, reputable news outlets such as the Washington Post and Politico corroborate this information, stating that Hanson was appointed by Biden and served in that role until he was later terminated by Trump in 2025 (Washington Post, Politico).

The reliability of these sources is high, as they are established news organizations with a history of accurate reporting. The NRC itself is a primary source of information regarding its own officials, further validating the claim.

However, it is important to note that Hanson's initial nomination to the NRC was made by Trump, which adds a layer of complexity to the narrative of his appointment as chair. This context is essential for understanding the political dynamics surrounding his role at the NRC (Washington Post, Exchange Monitor).

Conclusion

The claim that Christopher Hanson was appointed as the chair of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission by former President Joe Biden in 2021 is True. This is supported by multiple credible sources, including the NRC's official website and respected news organizations, confirming both the appointment and the date it took effect.

Sources

1. Commissioner Christopher T. Hanson | NRC.gov
2. Christopher T. Hanson - Wikipedia
3. Trump fires Democratic commissioner of independent ... - Washington Post
4. Trump fires former Biden chair from Nuclear Regulatory ... - Politico
5. NRC / Biden Appoints Commissioner Christopher Hanson ... - NucNet
6. NRC Commissioner Hanson terminated by President Trump - Exchange Monitor
7. People -- ANS / Nuclear Newswire
8. Trump fires Democratic commissioner of independent ... - WTOP