Illinois Commerce Commission CEO chosen for US nuclear panel

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - The chairman and CEO of the Illinois Commerce Commission has been tabbed to serve on the U.S. Department of Energy's Nuclear Energy Advisory Committee .

Brien Sheahan's appointment was announced Wednesday by Energy Secretary Rick Perry.

The committee was established in 1998 to provide independent advice to the Office of Nuclear Energy on scientific, commercial, technical and program issues. The committee reviews the Energy Department's nuclear energy program and offers advice and recommendations.

Ed McGinnis is principal deputy assistant secretary for nuclear energy. He says committee members are chosen based on gaining a wide variety of expert advice for the office "as it supports the revitalization and expansion of the U.S. nuclear energy sector."

Sheahan's term expires in December 2019.