Dystopia Here and Now

I don’t read much non-fiction; as a former English teacher, I love to lose myself in the fully-realized worlds created by good writers and to marvel at the creator’s skill. I only wish that Gregory Jaczko’s Confessions of a Rogue Nuclear Regulator were fiction—that the world he so convincingly details of an industry more interested in the bottom line than in human safety and of a Congress beholden to the power of that industry were a figment of his overactive imagination. Unfortunately, it is not. The world he depicts is all too true and often ignores impressive scientific evidence and, even, common sense.  

Dr. Jaczko, a Ph.D. physicist, found himself in the unlikely role as a Nuclear Regulatory Commissioner (2005-09) after a series of political decisions took him from policymaker on the staff of (then) Congressman Edward J. Markey (D-MA) to the agency that is tasked with monitoring the nuclear energy industry. He then served as Chairman of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission from 2009-2012.  

Having no previous ties to the industry, Dr. Jaczko approached his position as an objective scientist. And, as a scientist, he helped regulators deal with the Fukushima Daiichi disaster, traveling to the site and offering advice to Japanese and American officials.

During his tenure at the Commission, Dr. Jaczko also experienced first hand other concerning, though less publicized, plant breakdowns. He was so concerned about the safety of U.S. nuclear plants that he proposed a series of essential measures to increase their safety. When those measures came before the Commission, he learned, however, that science often gives way to political and financial imperatives. In his book, Dr. Jaczko reveals just how political pressure is brought to bear on commissioners and how they often succumb to the will of the nuclear industry.  

If you want to read a political and science-based tell-all that is riveting—but more importantly—is both true and treats one of the most crucial issues of our time, Confessions of a Rogue Regulator is well worth the effort. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., President of Waterkeeper Alliance, describes the book:

“The infuriating inside story of how a corrupt, outmoded, and inefficient nuclear industry maintains its market position against safer, more efficient forms of renewable energy by hoodwinking and corrupting Congress and co-opting the regulators.”

Dr. Jaczko sums up his own journey during his NRC years when he writes:  

“I started by life as a scientist in awe of humans’ ability to see the genius of nature and harness it. I left my job as a nuclear regulator humbled at what nature can do to turn our technological inventions against us.”

Dr. Jaczko to Speak in Newbury, Mass. on September 12

Dr. Jaczko often speaks about his experiences and beliefs in hopes of educating others about what he has learned. Through the efforts of New Hampshire State Representative Peter Somssich and hosted by C-10, he is coming to our region and will speak at the First Parish Church of Newbury at 7 pm, September 12. Admission is free and copies of his book will be available. Details are on C-10’s events page, here.