Simpson Pushes Infrastructure Improvements at INL

Simpson Pushes Infrastructure Improvements at INL

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson, a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, this week scolded the Department of Energy for failing to put more resources toward new buildings, labs, and equipment at the Idaho National Laboratory and for killing its nuclear energy education assistance program.

While questioning Under Secretary David Garman during a hearing on the DOE's budget, Simpson expressed his frustration with the Department's woeful nuclear infrastructure funding request. "I told Under Secretary Garman that I can't understand how the DOE can propose a new multi-billion dollar, multi-decade nuclear research program but fail to fund improvements to the buildings in which the people doing this research are working," said Simpson. "All you need to do is go look at some of the buildings in which INL's scientists and researchers are working to know that the DOE has failed to provide adequate infrastructure resources to our lab. It's unacceptable to me and I am going to make sure there are changes."

Following the hearing, Simpson said he was pleased with the DOE's response to his questioning. "To his credit, Under Secretary Garman acknowledged the deplorable conditions of some of our facilities and said scientists should not have to work out of buildings that were once storefronts. He agreed that we need to make some significant, long-term infrastructure investments at the site. I consider this a good start and am hoping that in addition to tearing down old buildings in the desert, we can start building some new ones real soon," said Simpson.

Simpson also challenged the DOE to place a greater emphasis on nuclear education and university assistance programs in response to President Bush's proposal to eliminate funding for nuclear education. "I find it very troubling that President Bush is asking Congress to eliminate funding for the University Reactor Infrastructure and Education Assistance program," said Simpson. "At a time when we are finally seeing a resurgence in nuclear engineering enrollments, this Administration is proposing to cut off nuclear education funding. I think that's a terrible idea and I am optimistic about Congress reversing these cuts."

The House Energy and Water Development Subcommittee is expected to begin consideration of its fiscal year 2007 funding bill sometime in May.

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/id02_simpson/inl_buildings.html