Adequacy of the Regulatory Oversight of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and Terminal
T-RCED-90-55: Published: Mar 29, 1990. Publicly Released: Mar 29, 1990.
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GAO discussed the adequacy of federal, state, and private regulatory oversight to ensure the safe operation and maintenance of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS). GAO noted that: (1) several federal and state government agencies had oversight responsibilities regarding TAPS operation and maintenance and compliance with various safety, emergency response, and environmental requirements; (2) none of the agencies had the necessary disciplined oversight approach, detailed guidance on monitoring or enforcement procedures, adequate numbers of well-trained staff, or clear lines of regulatory and oversight authority; (3) agencies performed only limited oversight of TAPS; (4) although several agencies and the TAPS agent were aware of long-standing pipeline corrosion problems, they did not require increased monitoring for corrosion, did not independently assess corrosion detection data, and did not determine the extent, severity, and causes of corrosion problems; (5) no agency had tested the TAPS agent's emergency response capability and plan for oil spills; and (6) in response to the Exxon Valdez oil spill, several agencies sought to improve oil spill prevention, as well as TAPS oversight and coordination, through formation of a joint committee to review spill contingency plans and through increased monitoring, staffing, and expertise. GAO believes that a unified oversight approach, with designated leadership for such areas as prevention, detection, and spill response, is needed to ensure the safe operation and maintenance of TAPS.
Dec 10, 2020
Uranium Management:
Actions to Mitigate Risks to Domestic Supply Chain Could Be Better Planned and CoordinatedGAO-21-28: Published: Dec 10, 2020. Publicly Released: Dec 10, 2020.
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Offshore Wind Energy:
Planned Projects May Lead to Construction of New Vessels in the U.S., but Industry Has Made Few Decisions amid UncertaintiesGAO-21-153: Published: Dec 8, 2020. Publicly Released: Dec 8, 2020.
Nov 19, 2020
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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.
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