NNSA Evaluating Misclassification Incidents at Los Alamos

The National Nuclear Security Administration is evaluating the causes of several of misclassified material at Los Alamos National Laboratory in response to a Department of Energy Inspector General report that revealed that “sensitive, national security information” had been inadvertently disclosed by a LANL classification officer. The IG report included several instances where guidance on classified information was not issued or not properly disseminated, including an incident that appeared to involve whistleblower James Doyle, a nonproliferation analyst who has alleged his firing in July was linked to an article he wrote that was cleared for publication only to be later classified.

 

In a response to the IG report, NNSA Administrator Frank Klotz said the agency would use its evaluation of the issues highlighted by the IG to “validate and/or establish additional controls as necessary.” He said NNSA headquarters would also expand its reviews to place “additional focus on processes in place for requesting and providing interpretative guidance to determine its formality and adequacy.” Klotz said the NNSA “takes seriously any potential breach in protocols” and also said the agency would “continue to perform periodic program reviews to ensure we sustain a strong oversight presence.”