Media Coverage
Media Coverage
Press Contacts: Erik Cummins, Matt Hyams, Olivia Thomas
03.15.22
The continuation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict has led many to question the safety of American nuclear facilities, among others across the world. Pillsbury global Energy section leader and former U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) commissioner Jeff Merrifield offered insights to both radio and television audiences on Russia's possible motive for taking Chernobyl and the safety of nuclear facilities in the U.S.
“I think they want to control the power supplies,” Merrifield told ON Point with Alex Pierson about Russia’s potential motive. “Nuclear represents about fifty percent of the total power in Ukraine. I think they do want to control and be able to turn on and off that grid as they feel fit....”
In another interview with Click2Houston, Merrifield described U.S. nuclear facilities as having “a multi-layer defense.” The protection of U.S. plants was of utmost importance when Merrifield served as the NRC commissioner after the 9/11 attacks. “We demonstrated through significant investment of research dollars… that these plants can withstand those kind of attacks,” he said. To read the full Click2Houston article, click here.