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“SUPPORT FOR INTERNATIONAL CENTERS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Energy was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1941 on Oct. 8, 1998.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
SUPPORT FOR INTERNATIONAL CENTERS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
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HON. MICHAEL D. CRAPO
of idaho
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, October 7, 1998
Mr. CRAPO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my strong support for the establishment of International Centers for Environmental Safety (ICES). The United States Department of Energy (DOE) and the Russian Ministry of Atomic Energy are currently responsible for overseeing components of the world's largest stockpiles of nuclear weapons, materials, and infrastructures. It is within the responsibilities of these two agencies to address the environmental impacts of nuclear activities resulting from the cold war. It is my understanding that these two agencies have recognized their responsibilities and are discussing the formation of ICES to address these important areas of responsibility.
The establishment of ICES enjoys strong support among DOE officials and representatives in the field. The primary mission of ICES would be to resolve environmental issues associated with the production and management of nuclear weapons materials, decontamination and decommissioning of nuclear facilities, and restoration of associated sites. ICES would be particularly helpful in assisting Russia decontaminate and decommission its obsolete nuclear submarine fleet, especially its spent nuclear fuel. The centers will draw upon the wealth of knowledge, expertise and technologies within the existing scientific infrastructures to accomplish these objectives.
In March of 1998, Russian Minister Adamov proposed to former Secretary of Energy Pena that ICES be established in the United States and Russia. Minister Adamov proposed that these centers be modeled after the International Nuclear Safety Centers that were established under former Secretary O'Leary and former Minister Mikhailov in January, 1996. Minister Adamov suggested that the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory (INEEL) and the Russian Research and Development Institute of Power and Engineering serve as the host sites for the centers. Subsequent discussions have been held between Minister Adamov and Secretary Richardson. I agree that the INEEL is the optimal site for this new mission because of its facilities and technical expertise working with spent nuclear fuel and other radioactive materials.
Mr. Speaker, I urge Congress to support DOE's efforts to deal with the important environmental impacts associated with the cold war and to support the creation of ICES.
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