News on the world's largest environmental cleanup
Office of Environmental Management
July 21, 2026
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Walsh Visits Idaho Cleanup Project, Highlights EM Support to Nuclear Mission
The Department of Energy's environmental cleanup program in Idaho is paving the way for advanced nuclear research while reaching key milestones. ⚛️
Tim Walsh, Assistant Secretary for the Office of Environmental Management, recently toured the Idaho Cleanup Project to highlight how safety milestones enable new scientific missions. Crews are working ahead of schedule to demolish legacy reactor prototypes and process complex waste streams. Read the full story to discover how these cleanup successes are driving the next generation of nuclear innovation.
EM Shares U.S. Vision for Used Nuclear Fuel Capability During Japan Visit
The U.S. Department of Energy's environmental cleanup program is strengthening its partnership with Japan to advance next-generation nuclear fuel solutions. 🤝
Paul Murray, Senior Advisor for the Office of Environmental Management, recently met with Japanese government and research leaders to discuss fuel recycling. The discussions centered on establishing a robust capability to recycle used nuclear fuel and recover strategic materials. Read the full story to discover how this international cooperation is supporting a modern nuclear renaissance.
Partnerships Key to Progress at Hanford’s High-Level Waste Facility
The Hanford environmental cleanup mission is accelerating progress after completing a critical vitrification test two months ahead of schedule. 🔬
Research teams at the Vitreous State Laboratory successfully evaluated melter and emissions systems for the site's high-level waste facility. The facility will eventually mix radioactive tank waste with glass-forming materials at high temperatures to prepare it for safe storage. Validating these designs early helps reduce future operational risks and ensures the facility is ready to safely treat high-level waste. Read the full story to learn how these strategic partnerships are advancing the Hanford cleanup.
Breaking Down History: Idaho Crews Remove Prototype Crane House
Idaho Cleanup Project crews have safely removed a historic crane house to advance above-ground demolition at the Idaho National Laboratory site. 🏗️
The mobile structure was part of the prototype used to train personnel for the USS Enterprise, the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. Removing the crane house marks a critical milestone in dismantling the legacy naval facility. Read the full story to see how crews are safely clearing the site.