U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Chairman Gregory B. Jaczko announced his resignation Monday following a stormy tenure of three years.
Jaczko, who has been the NRC chairman since 2009 and has served on the Commission for over seven years, said he would continue to serve until his successor is confirmed.
"After an incredibly productive three years as Chairman, I have decided this is the appropriate time to continue my efforts to ensure public safety in a different forum," Jaczko said in a statement.
He added, "This is the right time to pass along the public safety torch to a new chairman who will keep a strong focus on carrying out the vital mission of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission."
Jaczko's resignation comes after fellow NRC commissioners publicly complained about his management style.
Last year, four commissioners sent a letter of complaint to the White House and later told a House Committee that Jaczko had withheld information from them and acted like a bully in the work place.
Sen. James Inhofe, R-Okla., ranking member on the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, reacted to Jaczko's resignation in a statement on Monday.
"Given the numerous reports of Chairman Jaczko's failed leadership at the NRC, it was right of him to step down today," Inhofe said. "Throughout his time at the NRC, it was abundantly clear that Chairman Jaczko used his office to undermine the NRC to the point that all four of his fellow commissioners wrote to the President to ask for assistance as a last resort."
Inhofe added, "With his resignation today, the NRC can focus on its mission of safety without the distractions of Jaczko's inappropriate behavior."
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., also commented on Jaczko's resignation, noting that the NRC Chairman had previously served as his aide.
"I thank Dr. Jaczko for his service as Commissioner and later Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission," Reid said. "He dedicated his tenure to improving the safety of nuclear energy, and his leadership during the Fukushima nuclear crisis protected millions of Americans."
He added, "I am confident whomever replaces Chairman Jaczko will share his commitment to protecting the safety of the American people over the interests of a single industry. This is an opportunity for the nuclear industry to demonstrate its commitment to public safety by supporting a Chairperson who puts the safety of American citizens first."
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