WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama has nominated Nuclear Regulatory Commission Chairman Allison Macfarlane to a new five-year term.

Macfarlane, a geologist, took over the agency last summer after its former chairman, Gregory Jaczko, resigned amid complaints about an unyielding management style that fellow commissioners and agency employees described as bullying.

Macfarlane was initially named to a one-year term that expires in June. Obama named her Thursday to a new five-year term. The appointment requires approval by the Senate.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid praised Macfarlane and Reid said she was deeply committed to keeping U.s nuclear plants safe and secure.