Among various federal agencies, I chose office of environmental management(EM) under the department of energy(DOE). They agency's mission is to complete the safe cleanup of the environmental legacy brought about from five decades of nuclear weapons development and government sponsored nuclear energy research. They reduced the risk and environmental liability by embracing a mission completion philosophy. For example, EM constructs and operates facilities to treat radioactive liquid tank waste into a safe, stable form to enable ultimate disposition. They also secure and store nuclear material in a stable, safe configuration in secure locations to protect national security.
The waste management is one of EM's major mission. They are dedicated to safely disposing of waste and seeks cost effective and environmentally responsible project execution methods. The nuclear materials disposition is one of example for waste management. DOE also complies with all applicable environmental laws and regulations and establishes its own environmental requirements to ensure workers, the public, and the environment is protected from hazards associated with all Department operations. DOE provides assistance to the field to implement these policies, works in resolving environmental protection issues, and provides feedback to enhance environmental performance throughout the Department. DOE is committed to promoting environmental justice in all its activities in keeping with Executive Order : Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-income Populations. Also, DOE's goa is to carry out all operations in a manner that protects the public and the environment and complies with all applicable environmental laws and regulations.
Hi Yeana,
ReplyDeleteI did not know about the Office of Environmental Management. They have an important job, which involves keeping us safe and protecting the environment. We have seen the terrible side effects that can occur from nuclear waste. It is also very noteworthy that they addressed environmental justice and are trying to combat environmental racism that targets minority populations.
Hey Yeana,
ReplyDeleteThis efforts of the Office of Environmental Management appears to be similar to the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (USNRC). The USNRC also is involved in regulating nuclear and/or radioactive waste, much like the Office of Environmental Management. This shows that multiple agencies can be involved with the same task, such as regulating nuclear and/or radioactive waste.