News on the world's largest environmental cleanup
Office of Environmental Management
July 7, 2026
Estimated Read Time min
To receive the latest news and updates about the Office of Environmental Management, submit your e-mail address.
U.S. Delegation Visits France to Strengthen Nuclear Collaboration
The U.S. Department of Energy's environmental cleanup program is expanding its international collaboration to advance nuclear waste management technologies. 🔬
Tim Walsh, assistant secretary for the Office of Environmental Management, recently led senior-level delegation to France to study cutting-edge reprocessing and vitrification capabilities. The group toured premier industrial and research facilities to exchange best practices, aiming to apply key lessons learned to safely handle nuclear materials and reduce costs. Read the full story to learn more about this global partnership.
Tim Walsh Tours The Great American State Fair
The U.S. Department of Energy is celebrating American history and future innovations at The Great American State Fair. ⚛️
Tim Walsh, assistant secretary for the Office of Environmental Management, recently visited the department’s interactive booth, which highlights how scientific progress has fueled national prosperity. Running through July 10, the modern-day world's fair features 150 exhibits in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States. View photos from the landmark celebration.
DOE Closes Application Window for Used Nuclear Fuel Recycling Partnership, Shifts to Selection Phase
The Office of Environmental Management is preparing to select a private-sector partner to construct a next-generation nuclear fuel recycling facility. 🏗️
EM recently closed the application window for the project, which will be built at the Idaho National Laboratory site. The chosen partner will design, build, and operate the facility to recycle used fuel from the department's existing inventory into advanced fuel to power future reactors. Read the full story to discover how this initiative is strengthening American energy independence and driving the modern nuclear renaissance=.
Oak Ridge Identifies and Removes Hazards from Former Lab Slated for Demo
The Oak Ridge Office of Environmental Management is clearing hazardous radioactive materials from a legacy production lab to prepare the facility for demolition. 🛠️
Cleanup contractor United Cleanup Oak Ridge is using remote-controlled equipment and radiation-resistant cameras to safely remove 18 high-dose legacy materials from Building 3029’s hot cells. Crews have successfully packaged and removed 10 of the items, permanently reducing risks on the Oak Ridge National Laboratory campus. Read the full story to discover how these cleanup teams are overcoming complex radiation challenges to transform the historic lab.