LANL should clean up before making pits, Curry says
The Associated PressSANTA FE—Los Alamos National Laboratory should clean up its "legacy of pollution" before it produces more plutonium bomb parts, New Mexico's environment secretary said Thursday.
Ron Curry said in a statement it's "unconscionable" that the U.S. Department of Energy and the lab's operators are considering funding additional plutonium pit production "while at the same time refusing to put the required funding towards cleanup."
"Before it looks at new missions, the lab must meet its cleanup commitments to the people of New Mexico," Curry said.
He issued the statement as the National Nuclear Security Administration holds a series of hearings on a proposal to consolidate operations from eight nuclear weapons sites around the country, creating "centers of excellence."
Los Alamos essentially would be reduced to nuclear design and engineering, and become the plutonium manufacturing center for the U.S. nuclear arsenal.
The state Environment Department has wrangled with LANL over cleanup at lab sites, and has fined the lab's operator for dragging its feet.
The Department of Energy has informed the state agency that the lab's budget for next year won't be sufficient to meet the cleanup milestones outlined in a 2005 agreement, according to Deputy Secretary Jon Goldstein.
"Addressing and correcting LANL's legacy of pollution should be job number one for the lab," Curry said.
16 comments:
Those good old New Mexico pols know a cash cow when they see it.
Somebody give Curry a clue. Up here, we'd like to get things cleaned up, too. If he wants to get action, keep laying the pressure on the people with the purse strings...NNSA.
Lay off us in your rhetoric for cryin' out loud.
The state has enough drama queens.
This blog has become a joke. All week, various news stories have reported on the hearings. Many of these stories are actually positive or report the fact that folks are speaking out on behalf of the lab. Of course, none of this is posted here. Your interest is on slamming the lab, plain and simple.
Positive story lately? Ignore it. Negative story? Post it and bash.
What a joke.
I heard at the SSIP meeting last night that Mikey was convinced by several of his staff to hire a PR Firm from New York. They are going to try to re-package/re-sell the "New and improved Transformation" to northern New Mexico......
Oh by the way Mikey spoke for a few minutes, was not well recived , he had massive security around him, and was escorted into the meeting by heavy security, hmmm wonder why?
But...but...but...we're the best and brightest! We're the economic engine for the region! Without us New Mexico would revert eating dirt and pooping adobes. Don't you realize how much you need us!? Jeeeezzz..
"All week, various news stories have reported on the hearings. Many of these stories are actually positive or report the fact that folks are speaking out on behalf of the lab."
3/14/08 8:03 AM
I agree that it is unfortunate that there is not more balance. How about a link to one of these positive stories?
On the left side of the blog's main page there is a "Contact Us" link readers can use to email post suggestions.
There is also a link to the LANL Daily News Bulletin which generally has a positive tone.
And of course you can always provide further comments here that are unfiltered by anyone (except me if you get too vulgar).
Mike had security around him at an SSIP meeting? Why does that surprise you? Have you even skimmed through some of the moronic and sometimes frightening posts on this blog? I think it shows he has some sense.
Thanks Pinky for the LA Monitor posting. Now that's *real* fair-and-balanced.
I'm sorry I missed that one. I didn't intentionally skip it. If anyone has more, please send them in!
To 8:03, Why read and write to a blog if you think it's ajoke? I noticed that you did not leave a "positive message"....?
I heard that The New Mexican was not allowed to attend the meeting in Santa Fe last night..anyone have any info on this?
8:03 Balance...you want balance then talk to Kevin R, at LANL he will give you all of the balance you need.....
2:43 PM: "Mike had security around him at an SSIP meeting? Why does that surprise you? Have you even skimmed through some of the moronic and sometimes frightening posts on this blog? I think it shows he has some sense."
Yes indeed. However, these aren't "security" ala the Secret Service - they are LANL employees who are ex-cops, and who will in no way be able to do anything except get Mikey out of a confrontational situation. If there is violence, he is dead meat, and his security will be protecting themselves, for their families. Good for them.
It speaks volumes that our LANL Director now feels the need to have a security force around him. I doubt Paul Robinson felt the need for body guards when he was Director of SNL. Even Nanos, though hated by almost everyone in town, felt no need for this type of protection. Nanos use to do his family's grocery shopping at the local Smiths and could be found all around town. He also bought a home in this town. On these accounts, Mike falls far short of the infamous Admiral. From what I have witnessed, Mike inspires very little loyalty from the LANL staff.
11:48 am: Again, these aren't "bodyguards", they are simply LANL security employees who will try to keep Mikey from getting a pie thrown in his face, but little else. And BTW, all LANL directors have utilized them since Kerr.
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