Despite the government shutdown, Tim Walsh, the new head of the Department of Energy’s Office of Environmental Management (EM) introduced himself to staff this week in a “Dear EM Team” email.
“I’m thrilled to be sworn in as the EM Assistant Secretary and privileged to lead this exceptional organization,” said Walsh, who was sworn-in by Secretary of Energy Chris Wright on Oct. 23.
“My career has been defined by a steadfast commitment to serving the American people- a principle forged during my time at West Point and carried forward through every role since. I am deeply honored to begin this next chapter alongside each of you, united in purpose and driven by excellence,” Walsh wrote.
“Leading the world’s largest environmental cleanup program is a responsibility I don’t take lightly,” Walsh said. “Together, as a cohesive team, we will deliver on our duty to remediate the environmental legacies of our nation’s past defense programs while boldly transforming these liabilities into opportunities.”
Cleaning up old nuclear sites will contribute to the “golden era of unleashing American energy dominance through a nuclear renaissance,” Walsh added.
“Though I am new to EM, the challenges associated with safely delivering complex projects on time and on budget are part of my professional DNA,” Walsh said. “I draw inspiration from my experiences commanding combat engineers for the U.S. Army, constructing cutting-edge advanced technology facilities for the semiconductor and biotech industries, and directing large-scale developments that push the boundaries of what’s possible. “
A combat veteran, of Operation Desert Shield, and Colorado real estate developer, Walsh was confirmed by the Senate 51-to-47 in early October as part of a large bloc of nominees.
Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash) had put a hold on the Walsh nomination apparently over DOE hesitancy to give final approval to operating Direct-Feed Low-Activity Waste (DFLAW) Facilities at the Waste Treatment Plant at the Hanford Site in Washington state. But the plant started up before the Oct. 15 deadline and Walsh was confirmed. President Donald Trump nominated Walsh in March to head EM.
Walsh went on to say: “in the weeks ahead, I look forward to seeing the tremendous progress you are making, learning more about the challenges we need to address, and working with all of you as we deliver on our duty to clean up the legacy of the past and build a strong future for America.”
In his July testimony to the Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee, Walsh said he would ensure the “the most pressing risks receive maximum attention.” He also vowed to bring “decisive decision-making and disciplined project management” to nuclear cleanup while collaborating with Congress, local communities and tribal nations.