ALEXANDRIA, Va. - EM Assistant Secretary Anne White encouraged EM’s advisory boards last week to have a “completion mindset" toward the cleanup mission and focus on new ways of doing business in the program.
White met with members of the Environmental Management Advisory Board (EMAB) and the chairs and vice-chairs of the EM Site-Specific Advisory Board (EM SSAB) at their combined meeting.
The advisory board members also heard from:
* DOE Under Secretary for Science Paul Dabbar, who emphasized the Department’s commitment to stakeholder engagement and the importance of the advisory boards.
* Acting EM Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Mark Gilbertson, who gave an update on EM’s regulatory and policy affairs.
* Acting EM Associate Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Field Operations Ken Picha, who discussed activities at EM sites.
* EM Acting Associate Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Corporate Services Shari Davenport, who provided a briefing on EM’s budget.
Members of both advisory boards discussed their recommendations for EM. The SSAB chairs and vice-chairs discussed the priorities of the EM sites they represent.
The EM SSAB is considered a single advisory board. However, eight local boards fall under its charter - one at each major EM cleanup site. These bodies are made up of local citizens, including members of Native American tribes and community and public interest groups.
Similarly, the EMAB provides independent, external advice and recommendations to EM on corporate issues relating to cleanup and risk reduction. The EMAB’s membership reflects a diversity of views, demographics, expertise, and professional and academic experience.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Energy, Office of Environmental Management
