Key Elements of Effective Independent Oversight of DOE's Nuclear Facilities
T-RCED-88-6: Published: Oct 22, 1987. Publicly Released: Oct 22, 1987.
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GAO discussed the proposed Nuclear Protections and Safety Act of 1987, specifically the establishment of a Nuclear Safety Board to oversee the Department of Energy's (DOE) nuclear facilities. GAO noted that the proposal addressed five key elements it considered essential, specifically: (1) independent oversight; (2) technical expertise; (3) ability to perform reviews of DOE facilities as needed; (4) authority to require DOE to address the board's findings and recommendations; and (5) a system to provide public access to the board's findings and recommendations. GAO also noted that the legislation should clarify the: (1) board's review function as a specific responsibility; and (2) frequency with which the board will evaluate the implementation of DOE health and safety standards.
Nov 19, 2020
Nuclear Waste Disposal:
Better Planning Needed to Avoid Potential Disruptions at Waste Isolation Pilot PlantGAO-21-48: Published: Nov 19, 2020. Publicly Released: Nov 19, 2020.
Oct 29, 2020
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Nuclear Safety:
DOE and the Safety Board Should Collaborate to Develop a Written Agreement to Enhance OversightGAO-21-141: Published: Oct 29, 2020. Publicly Released: Oct 29, 2020.
Oct 15, 2020
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Nuclear Weapons:
NNSA Plans to Modernize Critical Depleted Uranium Capabilities and Improve Program ManagementGAO-21-16: Published: Oct 15, 2020. Publicly Released: Oct 15, 2020.
Jul 24, 2020
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Nuclear Weapons:
Action Needed to Address the W80-4 Warhead Program's Schedule ConstraintsGAO-20-409: Published: Jul 24, 2020. Publicly Released: Jul 24, 2020.
Jun 24, 2020
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National Nuclear Security Administration:
Analyzing Cost Savings Program Could Result in Wider Use and Additional Contractor EfficienciesGAO-20-451: Published: Jun 24, 2020. Publicly Released: Jun 24, 2020.
Jun 9, 2020
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Nuclear Weapons:
NNSA Needs to Incorporate Additional Management Controls Over Its Microelectronics ActivitiesGAO-20-357: Published: Jun 9, 2020. Publicly Released: Jun 9, 2020.
May 13, 2020
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Environmental Liabilities:
DOE Needs to Better Plan for Post-Cleanup Challenges Facing SitesGAO-20-373: Published: May 13, 2020. Publicly Released: May 13, 2020.
May 12, 2020
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Hanford Waste Treatment Plant:
DOE Is Pursuing Pretreatment Alternatives, but Its Strategy Is Unclear While Costs Continue to RiseGAO-20-363: Published: May 12, 2020. Publicly Released: May 12, 2020.
Apr 29, 2020
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Priority Open Recommendations:
Department of EnergyGAO-20-285PR: Published: Apr 22, 2020. Publicly Released: Apr 29, 2020.
Apr 17, 2020
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Priority Open Recommendations:
Nuclear Regulatory CommissionGAO-20-286PR: Published: Apr 10, 2020. Publicly Released: Apr 17, 2020.
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