On March 9, 2020, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Environmental Management (EM) released its first strategic plan in several years titled “A Time of Transition and Transformation: EM Vision 2020-2030” (the “Strategic Vision”) outlining past accomplishments and plans for future progress within the EM program. EM’s Strategic Vision provides a broad overview of EM initiatives
projected over the next decade, “laying the groundwork for a long-term plan to realize meaningful impact on the environmental cleanup mission.” Energy Communities Alliance (ECA) appreciates and supports the initiative to create a comprehensive vision for EM sites. ECA has also been told that EM is seeking input on the Strategic Vision.
To help provide clarity on the local response to the Strategic Vision, ECA developed a survey for local government officials and community leaders to garner feedback. Questions focused on what was included in the Strategic Vision for their individual sites, areas of agreements or concern, their involvement in the development of the Vision, and the viability under the Presidential FY 2021 budget
request.
ECA members responded with support for EM’s initiative to develop a long-term projection for cleanup activities across the complex and there was general agreement on what the Vision laid out.
The most significant and common feedback we received was that a majority of ECA members had not been contacted regarding its development. There was also concern about ensuring meaningful engagement with local governments and the opportunity to provide input into DOE’s decision-making process. Further, concern was expressed on footprint reduction and the need for a clear plan to work
collaboratively with the community.
ECA’s goal is to foster and encourage a strong working relationship between the DOE and local governments and their elected officials. These strong relationships include a necessary base of trust and communication to be fully operative and functional. All these components -- trust, communication, input, and support -- are pivotal towards the accomplishment of the shared goals of the interested parties.
The communication pathways between DOE and local communities impacted specifically by DOE activities must remain open and effective.
With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to unfold, ECA members are extremely concerned about the potential for severe and significant impacts to the EM program. It is more critical than ever for EM to focus and continue efforts to build and strengthen relationships with host communities.
ECA appreciates the opportunity to comment and work with EM on further development of the Strategic Vision as it is a “living” document. ECA’s members look forward to a direct dialogue with EM leadership and EM site officials on their site’s plan.
The full ECA analysis of EM’s Strategic Vision can be found HERE.
