"Cordial and generally noncommittal, Allison M. Macfarlane, the new chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, gave her first testimony before Congress on Tuesday without reiterating some of the positions she has taken in the past on nuclear waste."

"Dr. Macfarlane, a geologist, replaced Gregory B. Jaczko, whose tenure as chairman was punctuated by criticism from his fellow commissioners and others that he was withholding information from them and impeding the commission’s work.

Dr. Macfarlane, a geologist with extensive experience in nuclear waste questions but not reactor operations, seemed to strive for a collaborative and inclusive tone on Tuesday. Appearing with three of her fellow commissioners before two House Energy and Commerce subcommittees, she said her colleagues were 'all talented professionals.'"

Matthew L. Wald reports for the New York Times' Green blog July 24, 2012. [2]