Fact Check: The Nuclear Regulatory Commission stated it could continue its work without Christopher T. Hanson, as it has functioned in the past with fewer than five commissioners.

Fact Check: "The Nuclear Regulatory Commission stated it could continue its work without Christopher T. Hanson, as it has functioned in the past with fewer than five commissioners."

What We Know

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) confirmed that it could continue its operations without Commissioner Christopher T. Hanson, stating, "The NRC has functioned in the past with fewer than five commissioners and will continue to do so" (NPR). This statement came after President Trump terminated Hanson's position on June 16, 2025. The NRC, established in 1974, is responsible for overseeing nuclear reactor safety in the United States and is typically composed of five commissioners, who are appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate (NPR, Washington Post).

Historically, the NRC has operated with fewer than five commissioners during various periods, which supports the agency's assertion that it can continue to function effectively without a full panel (AP News).

Analysis

The claim that the NRC can operate without all five commissioners is substantiated by the agency's own statements and historical precedent. The NRC has indeed functioned with fewer than five members in the past, which indicates a level of operational flexibility. For instance, after the departure of certain commissioners, the agency has continued to fulfill its regulatory responsibilities without interruption (NPR, Washington Post).

The reliability of the NRC as a source is high, given its status as an independent regulatory body with a mandate to ensure public safety concerning nuclear energy. Additionally, the statements made by the NRC regarding its operational capacity are consistent with its historical practices and the legal framework governing its operations (NPR, AP News).

Critics of the administration's decision to terminate Hanson, such as Edwin Lyman from the Union of Concerned Scientists, have raised concerns about the implications for nuclear safety. However, these critiques do not contradict the NRC's operational capabilities but rather highlight concerns about governance and oversight in the nuclear sector (NPR, Washington Post).

Conclusion

The claim that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission stated it could continue its work without Christopher T. Hanson, as it has functioned in the past with fewer than five commissioners, is True. The NRC has explicitly confirmed its ability to operate under such circumstances, and historical evidence supports this assertion.

Sources

1. President Trump fires a member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission
2. Commissioner Christopher T. Hanson | NRC.gov
3. PDF Chair Christopher T. Hanson - Congress.gov
4. Trump fires Democratic commissioner of Nuclear Regulatory Commission
5. Trump fires nuclear regulator as White House seeks to soften oversight
6. Trump fires former Biden chair from Nuclear Regulatory Commission
7. Trump fires NRC commissioner, law violation alleged
8. Trump administration begins overhaul of the NRC -- ANS / Nuclear Newswire