The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has addressed recent media coverage regarding its environmental cleanup efforts at the Hanford site. Secretary Chris Wright issued a statement on September 9, 2025, clarifying the DOE’s position in response to what he described as inaccurate news reports.
“Contrary to news reports, the Department of Energy has made no changes to its longstanding commitment to the environmental cleanup of the Hanford site. DOE is continuing to examine testing and operations of the DFLAW site to ensure waste disposal options are safe, cost-effective, and environmentally sound. Across the entire Department, we are actively working to improve the safety and efficacy of the important work we do each and every day,” Wright said.
The Hanford site has been a focus for federal cleanup activities due to its legacy from nuclear weapons production during World War II and the Cold War era. The Direct-Feed Low-Activity Waste (DFLAW) facility is central to ongoing efforts aimed at treating and disposing of radioactive waste at Hanford.
