WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham released the following statement today commending the Congressional Defense Authorization Conference’s approval of language allowing the Department of Energy (DOE) to proceed with tank waste cleanup projects in South Carolina and Idaho:
“We are pleased that the conferees have adopted language that will allow the Department of Energy to move forward with safe and sensible environmental cleanup of nuclear waste storage tanks in South Carolina and Idaho. Under this law, we will be required to meet Nuclear Regulatory Commission performance criteria and continue our work with state authorities to ensure that our tank cleanup plans meet cleanup standards. We look forward to completing our work to ensure environmentally sound cleanup of nuclear waste storage tanks.
“I want to thank Senator Lindsey Graham and the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the Senate and House conference committee for their leadership on this important issue. I also want to thank Governor Dirk Kempthorne of Idaho and Governor Mark Sanford of South Carolina for their steadfast commitment to protecting their states’ environmental interests. In addition I want to thank Idaho Senators Larry Craig and Mike Crapo and Congressmen Mike Simpson and Butch Otter, along with Congressmen Gresham Barrett and John Spratt of South Carolina for their contributions and commitment to resolve this important issue.”
Media contact: Joe Davis, 202/586-4940
