DOE and Nevada Sign MOU Formalizing NNSS Working Group

The Department of Energy and Nevada have signed a memorandum of understanding formalizing the working group to address issues at the Nevada National Security Site. The state and DOE established the group of senior-level officials in 2013 after concern from Nevada regarding a batch of uranium-233 from Oak Ridge that DOE had been slated for disposal at NNSS, and have held regular meetings since. The working group will cover topics including waste streams and waste acceptance criteria, as well as environmental stewardship and future missions at NNSS. The MOU “formalizes a long-standing and productive relationship between the Department and the State of Nevada,” DOE Secretary Ernest Moniz said in a Dec. 24 statement. “I have been very pleased with the positive interactions of both parties to date and look forward to collaborating further on matters associated with the Nevada National Security Site in the years to come.”

 

Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval said in a Dec. 24 statement:  “This is an important step forward in ensuring continuity in collaboration between Nevada and the Department of Energy. Today’s announcement solidifies the Nevada National Security Site Working Group and represents a milestone achievement in our commitment to candid and direct communication on these critical issues.”