More than 90 officials from local, state and tribal governments recently took part in a virtual meeting where U.S. Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management Assistant Secretary Tim Walsh addressed five national intergovernmental groups with representatives located near cleanup sites who provide community perspectives to EM leadership. February 3, 2026
Office of Environmental Management
February 3, 2026
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U.S. Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management Assistant Secretary Tim Walsh speaks with more than 90 officials from local, state and tribal governments during a recent virtual meeting.
More than 90 officials from local, state and tribal governments recently took part in a virtual meeting where U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Environmental Management (EM) Assistant Secretary Tim Walsh addressed five national intergovernmental groups with representatives located near cleanup sites who provide community perspectives to EM leadership.
Walsh said he looks forward to working with the community groups as EM builds bridges across government, communities and industry to expedite remediation and redevelopment opportunities. He asked attendees to envision the broader EM mission to help enable American energy, innovation and security, and advance infrastructure critical to winning the artificial intelligence race.
“In my experience, the best outcomes come when working closely with stakeholders,” Walsh told the participants.
The community representatives expressed interest in the burgeoning nuclear renaissance. Chuck Hope, an Oak Ridge City Council member and Energy Communities Alliance chair, remarked about his community’s enthusiasm for the new chapter of remediation, revitalization and redevelopment. He added that he supports the remediate-to-reuse approach.
The intergovernmental groups communicated their shared priorities: transparency, the need for ongoing dialogue, and regular interactions and coordination among DOE offices.
Walsh told the attendees he will visit EM sites and meet with community leaders.
The National Governors Association hosted the meeting, which included representatives from the Energy Communities Alliance, Environmental Council of States, National Association of Attorneys General and State and Tribal Government Working Group. The groups are set to meet for their annual in-person meeting in June.
-Contributor: Jill Conrad
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