EM has been setting the pace for a remarkable year, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said in prerecorded remarks to the audience at the 2023 Waste Management Symposia on Monday.

Granholm told conference attendees EM achieved priorities across the country ahead of time and under budget, as she praised employees who made it happen.

“We crossed the finish line on key demolitions, we treated and relocated millions of gallons of waste and we deepened our engagements with local tribes and communities,” she said. “All of this is thanks to our fantastic men and women on the ground — and I’m so glad I got to meet more of you at Hanford last summer.”

EM’s success in tackling critical risks across the country has now given the program the opportunity to pivot to other issues.

“Your quick work and dogged determination make me so confident that we’re ready to embark on a new and critical phase of our mission,” Granholm said. “Because after 30 years of triaging the most pressing risks, our cleanup program is now getting ready to tackle some of its toughest challenges.”

Granholm recognized EM Senior Advisor William “Ike” White and DOE Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy Kathryn Huff, who were in the audience. She paid special recognition to students and young professionals attending the conference, and promoted working for DOE in scientific research, national security or clean energy.

“I’m especially excited that there are a record number of students and young professionals in the audience today — because these opportunities are for you. We need a deep and diverse bench of science, technology, engineering and math talent to get these jobs done, today and tomorrow,” she said, referencing STEM areas.

Held every year in Phoenix, Arizona, the Waste Management Symposia is an international conference that focuses on the management of radioactive waste and related issues, including the disposition of radioactive material and the decommissioning of nuclear facilities.

Original source can be found here.