VIDEO: Heinrich Presses DOE Environmental Secretary Nominee On WIPP Recovery, LANL Cleanup

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 16, 2015) - In a Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources hearing to confirm Dr. Monica C. Regalbuto as Assistant Secretary of Energy for Environmental Management, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) focused his questions to the nominee on WIPP recovery and opportunities for local small businesses to participate in cleanup efforts at Los Alamos National Labs.

WIPP, located in Carlsbad, New Mexico, is the only active facility in the United States that disposes defense-generated transuranic (TRU) waste. The facility halted operations in February 2014 following two separate accidents -- a fire and a radiation release.

Senator Heinrich has been a leading voice in making WIPP recovery a priority. Last August, Senator Heinrich joined Secretary Moniz at WIPP for an "all hands" employee meeting, surface tour, and townhall with Carlsbad residents. He also continues to support strong annual funding for the cleanup work at Los Alamos, subcontracting with local small businesses, regional economic development and community engagement.