The U.S. Department of Labor is reopening and extending the comment period on proposed changes to the government’s nuclear workers compensation program.
The comment period has been extended through May 9, apparently as a result of a strong request from U.S. Sens. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Tom Udall (D-N.M.). The senators urged Labor Secretary Thomas Perez to allow time for a newly created advisory panel to review the 70-plus proposed changes in the program’s provisions.
The Advisory Board on Toxic Substances and Worker Health is scheduled to meet for the first time in late April.
In a response to the Labor Department’s action, Alexander issued this statement:
“I’m pleased the Department of Labor responded to our letter by deciding to listen to more than a thousand Tennesseans who wanted more time to share their concerns and give the newly selected advisory board time to review these new rules and possibly suggest changes before rushing them in place.
“The people who worked to research and produce nuclear weapons during the Cold War era sacrificed much to keep our country safe. These cold warriors weren’t serving in the heat of the battle, but in the laboratory, daily handling materials that posed risks many scientists didn’t understand at the time. We should make sure they get the benefits they deserve.”
