The NGA Center Federal Facilities Task Force (FFTF) met for the 10th Intergovernmental Meeting with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Other participants included state, local and tribal representatives from the Energy Communities Alliance, the Environmental Council of the States, the National Association of Attorneys General, the National Conference of State Legislatures and the State and Tribal Government Working Group. The meeting provided an opportunity for each of the intergovernmental groups to hear from and share concerns and priorities with each other as well as senior officials from the DOE Office of Environmental Management (EM), including Acting Assistant Secretary David Huizenga.

Topics covered included the overall status of the environmental management program, the priorities of the intergovernmental groups and their role in the cleanup of the weapons complex, strategies for achieving success in difficult fiscal times, waste management and footprint reduction, the Blue Ribbon Commission on America’s Nuclear Future, opportunities for increased communication and transparency, and the role of risk assessment in cleanup decisions. Participants also received an update from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regarding their role in the cleanup process.

PRESENTATIONS:

  • Intergovernmental Group Priorities 2011
  • Update on Environmental Management
    • David Huizenga, acting assistant secretary for environmental management, US DOE
  • Update from the US Environmental Protection Agency
    • Lisa Feldt, deputy assistant administrator, Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response, US EPA
  • Budget Update and Planning in Uncertain Times
    • Terry Tyborowski, acting deputy assistant secretary for program planning and budget, DOE-EM; Steve Trischman, deputy director of strategic planning and analysis, DOE-EM
  • The Blue Ribbon Commission
    • Timothy A. Frazier, designated federal officer to the Blue Ribbon Commission on America’s Nuclear Future
  • Waste Management, Footprint Reduction, and the Long-Term View of the Complex
  • Environmental Management Communications
    • Colin Jones, senior policy advisor, Office of Communications & External Affairs, DOE-EM
  • Risk Assessment and Cleanup Decision-Making
    • Bill Levitan, director of environmental compliance, DOE-EM
  • CRESP Oak Ridge Prioritization Project