Hanford Cleanup
Nuclear production at Hanford helped win World War II and provide the nuclear deterrence that helped defeat communism and end the Cold War.
This nuclear production also resulted in a large amount of nuclear waste. The federal government has a moral and legal obligation to cleanup this waste in a safe, efficient and timely manner.
While in Congress, I have successfully worked with both Republican and Democrat Administrations to provide the resources needed for Hanford cleanup each year. I am the founder and Chairman of the House Nuclear Cleanup Caucus – a group of lawmakers who represent communities with nuclear waste sites across the nation. As a Caucus, we have banded together to advocate for safe, timely and efficient nuclear waste cleanup.
Today, we are moving aggressively toward completing Hanford cleanup in my lifetime – something not even considered just a few years ago.
With real progress being made, it’s time for a renewed emphasis on preparing the Tri-Cities for life after Hanford. The Tri-Cities is my home and I want to make sure a vibrant and prosperous community exists long after Hanford cleanup is complete.
A key part of that future is the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory – and I’ve been working hard to help provide new lab facilities for scientists and lab personnel working in Hanford’s 300 Area.
