ECA Update: May 16, 2012
Published: Wed, 05/16/12
Kentucky lawmakers say agreement keeps Paducah uranium plant open for another year, saves 1,200 jobs
James R. Carroll, The Courier-Journal May 15, 2012 WASHINGTON -- An agreement to process depleted uranium at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant will keep the sprawling facility open for another year and preserve 1,200 jobs, Kentucky lawmakers and federal energy officials announced Tuesday.
A series of arrangements involving the federal government and energy suppliers will provide a market for the uranium, Energy Secretary Steven Chu said in a statement.
The Paducah plant was scheduled to close at the end of this month.
The deal marks a reversal in the Obama administration's reluctance to keep the Paducah plant running. The agreement also is a victory for Republican lawmakers Mitch McConnell, the Senate GOP leader; Sen. Rand Paul; and Rep. Ed Whitfield; all of whom appeared to be fighting long odds just months ago.
Window is small to establish national park at Hanford B Reactor Annette Cary, Tri-City Herald May 13, 2012 Sooner is better to establish a Manhattan Project National Historical Park because ideal conditions won't last long, say supporters of Hanford's B Reactor, which would be included in the park.
They're hoping to convince the Senate Natural Resources Committee to follow the lead of Rep. Doc Hastings, R-Wash., with proposed legislation.
Draft Senate legislation requires a management plan to be written for a new Manhattan Project site, which could take several years, and then supporters would have to return to Congress to convince it to authorize the national park.
The draft House legislation from Hastings would establish the park immediately and then would give the National Park Service a two-year deadline to complete a management plan.
OAK RIDGE, Tenn. -- U.S. Congressman Chuck Fleischmann, R-3rd District, hosted Rep. Richard Norman "Doc" Hastings, R-Wash., on a visit to Oak Ridge on Friday. The Congressmen toured Oak Ridge National Laboratory, East Tennessee Technology Park and the Y-12 National Security Complex.
Hastings is chairman of the House Committee on Natural Resources. Representing a Washington state district with a history of nuclear production, Hastings established the House Nuclear Cleanup Caucus in 1995 to promote the cleanup of Manhattan Project sites, including Oak Ridge.
"It is a pleasure to welcome Chairman Hastings to Oak Ridge, so that he can see first-hand the invaluable work we are doing in the Environmental Management of nuclear programs," Fleischmann said. "With the Hanford site in Rep. Hastings' hometown, he understands firsthand how Environmental Management is vitally important to communities like ours with long term cleanup responsibilities from years of national security work.
Secretary of Energy Advisory Board, Small Modular Reactor Subcommittee Department of Energy, Federal Register May 16, 2012 This notice announces an open meeting of the Secretary of Energy Advisory Board (SEAB), Small Modular Reactor Subcommittee (SMR).
Purpose of the Meeting: The purpose of this meeting is to hear from external stakeholders and to provide the subcommittee members with additional information.
Tentative Agenda: The meeting will start at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, May 30, 2012. The tentative meeting agenda includes presentations from the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), external stakeholders, and environmental groups.
Public Participation: The meeting is open to the public. Individuals who would like to attend must RSVP no later than 5:00 p.m., Friday, May 25, 2012, by email at: SMRCommittee@hq.doe.gov. Please provide your name, organization, citizenship, and contact information. Space is limited. Anyone attending the meeting will be required to present government issued identification. Individuals and representatives of organizations who would like to offer comments and suggestions may do so at the end of the meeting on Wednesday, May 30, 2012. Approximately 30 minutes will be reserved for public comments. Time allotted per speaker will depend on the number of individuals who wish to speak, but will not exceed five minutes. The Designated Federal Officer (or designee) is empowered to conduct the meeting in a fashion that will facilitate the orderly conduct of business. Those wishing to speak should register to do so beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 30, 2012. Those not able to attend the meeting or have insufficient time to address the subcommittee, are invited to send a written statement to Renee Stone, U.S. Department of Energy 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585, or by email to: SMRCommittee@hq.doe.gov. AIKEN -- Modified benefit changes affecting about 6,000 Savannah River Site retirees and varying numbers of current workers will include a slower phase-in of higher premiums and the largest annual health care stipends within the U.S. Energy Department's nuclear weapons complex.
"We are trying to ease the transition from the old way," said Jim Hanna, the senior vice president for corporate services for Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, whose site management duties include overseeing benefits for current and retired workers.
In recent months SRNS drew the ire of the SRS Retiree Association, whose members have opposed a cost savings plan that would increase premiums and drop retirees 65 and older from the site's health plan and instead provide a stipend to buy Medicare or Medigap plans.
In a series of briefings Monday, company officials shared a final version of the new benefit plan, which will include an annual $2,400 health care stipend for Medicare-eligible retirees over 65. Added to that sum will be a one-time $500 contribution in 2013, the year the new program goes into effect.
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