LANL: The Real Story

6/21/2006

GAP Releases DOE Plan to Merge Office of Environment, Safety and Health

The Department of Energy has proposed dissolving the Office of Environment, Safety and Health (ESH) and eliminating the Assistant Secretary. DOE plans to merge part of ESH with another DOE Office that oversees security, while dispersing the rest of the ESH functions over five other offices. Although DOE has not released a detailed plan to Congress or the public, a May 19 copy has been obtained which is posted here. We understand that this May 19 plan has been revised, but has not been made available.

Click here to read the May 19 plan!

Three former DOE Assistant Secretaries for ESH, the American Society of Safety Engineers, the United Steelworkers, and the Building and Construction Trade Department have all urged DOE to stop its reorganization. Former DOE Secretary and now Governor Bill Richardson (NM) and Governor Christine Gregoire (WA) have also urged the DOE not to dissolve ESH.

Click here to read the letter from American Society of Safety Engineers!
Click here to read the letter from United Steelworkers Union!
Click here to read the letter from three former heads of ES&H!
Click here to read the letter from the Building and Construction Trade Department!
Click here to read the letter from Governors Richardson and Gregoire!