EM Assistant Secretary Anne White emphasized the invaluable role of American Indian tribes in a renewed focus on completing cleanup across the DOE.
Office of Environmental Management
March 26, 2019
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LAS VEGAS – EM Assistant Secretary Anne White emphasized the invaluable role of American Indian tribes in a renewed focus on completing cleanup across the DOE complex during a keynote address at this week’s Reservation Economic Summit 2019.
White said leaders of tribes located near DOE sites help EM make decisions on cleanups that are protective of the environment and that benefit everyone. She described the diverse opportunities for EM and Indian Country to do much together.
"I seek to move EM forward in a way that utilizes tribal businesses to advance our cleanup goals and ultimately being part of restoring the environment," White said.
Sponsored by the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development, the summit brings together tribal leaders, members of Congress, federal agency representatives, state and local officials, and CEOs.
As EM shifts to a procurement approach that drives accelerated completion of work and moves sites closer to their intended end-use faster, tribal businesses have opportunities to contribute as contractor partners, White said.
“I believe that tribes have significant contributions to make to this new chapter in the cleanup mission, and I want you to consider being a part of it,” she told the audience. "You are often the foremost experts on the land and natural resources on and around major EM sites."
That expertise recently came into play at the Hanford Site, where tribes were instrumental in revegetating a portion of the site after cleanup work had been completed, White said.
White also focused on collaborations to help EM understand tribal visions for future land use. Initiatives in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and workforce development are helping EM develop a 21st century workforce in tribal communities and beyond, White said.
“The Santa Fe Indian School is a great example of a DOE-tribal STEM partnership that is having impactful results," she added. “It operates a STEM-based program covering nuclear legacy issues and its impact on tribes.”
Noting EM’s 30th anniversary this year, White said the cleanup program has benefited from its strong relationship with tribal communities since EM’s inception. The cleanup is linked to tribal communities in states such as Washington, New Mexico, Idaho, Nevada, and New York.
“I am counting on your partnership and counsel as we work to bring the cleanup mission into the next chapter towards completion,” White said.