Following mounting concerns from Nevada officials about proposed shipments of uranium-233 to the Nevada National Security Site, Department of Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz is planning to speak with Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval (R) on the topic. Sandoval sent a letter to Moniz last month opposing the shipment of material from Oak Ridge National Laboratory to Nevada and requesting a meeting with Moniz. Other Nevada officials, including Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D) and Rep. Dina Titus (D) have also opposed DOE’s plans. “As part of the Department’s ongoing engagement with Nevada state officials and the Nevada Congressional delegation, Secretary Moniz and Governor Sandoval are scheduled to speak later this week to discuss the state’s concerns about waste shipments and disposal operations at the National Nuclear Security Site,” DOE spokeswoman Lindsey Geisler said in a written response yesterday.
She added, “The safe and secure transport and disposal of these waste materials is a top priority for the Energy Department and we are committed to continuing to work with state officials and the Nevada delegation throughout this process.” Sandoval’s office did not respond to request for comment yesterday.