Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm praised the work of the Office of Environmental Management (EM) during her remarks at the 2023 Waste Management Symposia in Phoenix.
“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,” Granholm said, according to a release by the Energy Department.
The annual conference, which concluded March 2, focused on topics related to the management of radioactive waste, including the disposition of radioactive materials and the decommissioning of nuclear facilities, the release stated.
Granholm praised EM's achievements and highlighted that they had accomplished their goals ahead of schedule and under budget. She also commended the hard work of the employees who made these achievements possible.
“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,” Granholm added.
Granholm recognized EM senior adviser William "Ike" White and assistant secretary for nuclear energy Kathryn Huff. She also thanked the students and young professionals attending the conference, encouraging them to consider pursuing careers 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 because these opportunities are for you," the secretary said. "We need a deep and diverse bench of science, technology, engineering and math talent to get these jobs done, today and tomorrow.”
Granholm added that the efforts the EM office has made in tackling critical issues nationwide will allow it to focus on other matters.
“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,” she said.
