EXCLUSIVE:
Seventeen
U.S. Department of Energy’s National Labs
embody the heritage of American scientific research, development, and technological innovation driven by collective post-war investments—but over the ensuing decades, much of their progress has faced hurdles due to mounting regulations, according to the U.S. energy secretary for Fox News Digital.
In an interview Wednesday,
Energy Secretary Chris Wright
He mentioned that he took the unusual measure of convening meetings with all 17 individuals to understand what would help them perform their duties most effectively, as per what the lab officials had informed him. Upon returning to Washington, Wright drafted an order incorporating the most frequently requested adjustments from the laboratory directors.
Wright humorously remarked that as a teenager smitten with physics, he viewed the national laboratories as incredibly significant from a scientific standpoint. He noted that these institutions had been overlooked by previous energy secretaries, prompting him to prioritize them during his term.
Exclusively obtained by Fox News Digital, Wright called for multiple measures from lab authorities aimed at simplifying a cumbersome permitting procedure for new laboratory structures. He noted that much of the post-war infrastructure has reached the end of its useful life, yet replacing this outdated setup needs to become a more straightforward process.
ENERGY SECRETARY WRIGHT HIGHLIGHTS TOP AGENDAS FOR DAY 1: RESTOCKING STRATEGIC PETROLEUM RESERVE, REPEALING PROPOSALS LIKE THE ADMINISTRATION’S KITCHEN APPLIANCES REGULATIONS, AND REVAMPING NUCLEAR POLICIES
An initiative aims to broaden the application of the NNSA’s “OSHA-Plus” framework for subcontracted construction work at the National Labs. This move seeks to enhance contract competitiveness and cut expenses without compromising safety standards.
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A key aspect of the four-section directive aims to assess the advantages and disadvantages of reducing certain labor agreement terms within contracts. This order, dated the 21st, is set to be released publicly on Friday afternoon.
“These measures are representative of focused and purposeful actions to prudently streamline our processes, place decision-making authority at the appropriate level, and reduce unnecessary administrative burden on both the laboratories and federal stewards to more efficiently and effectively enable critical mission objectives,” Wright said in the order.
Wright stated that although numerous laboratories might not be widely recognized by name, Americans acknowledge their significant contributions to both science and national security.
In Los Alamos, situated in New Mexico, J. Robert Oppenheimer conducted research and carried out tests for the atomic bomb. Oak Ridge, located in Tennessee, serves as the country’s leading hub for nurturing advancements in energy technologies.
“He mentioned that these institutions are the largest producers of Nobel Prizes globally, acting as national treasures that emerged following World War II.” He further noted that bureaucratic obstacles have somewhat dulled their brilliance.
If an issue arose, they implemented a new rule; some concerns were focused on individual favorites; others were entangled with diversity, equity, inclusion, and culture matters; plus, there were absurd safety regulations coupled with incredibly difficult permits.
Chris Wright Confirmed as Secretary of Energy
What we have done is take these wonderful hubs of science and innovation and tie them down with bureaucratic red tape and inefficiency — they do not mix well.
Wright highlighted a key concern raised during discussions with lab directors, who jointly mentioned that constructing or acquiring a facility costs them approximately 60% more compared to regular businesses situated merely on the opposite side of the street.
Dr. Steven Ashby, who leads the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, praised the directive, stating that Wright’s “decisive move to enable the national labs to more effectively provide groundbreaking scientific and technical achievements” will be advantageous for American taxpayers.
This represents the most substantial and fastest improvement in laboratory processes that I’ve observed during my extensive tenure at DOE.
The secretary emphasized that extra rules which could lead to higher expenses are prudent for Energy Department facilities handling plutonium pits or hazardous or delicate technologies—but such stringent standards should not apply to laboratories focused on environmental issues or energy production.
He stated, ‘We announced that you won’t have to pay extra fees anymore. Regarding all other structures that qualify as fully commercial establishments, we will eliminate unnecessary red tape so that buildings can be constructed quicker and with greater ease.’
Laboratories have faced an extra layer of safety regulations beyond those established by OSHA, which is regarded as the benchmark. When these labs look for contract opportunities, they often do not attract the most high-quality bids, since potential contractors prefer to avoid dealing with excessive and superfluous bureaucratic hurdles.
“As a result, you end up with only a few bidders who are ready to navigate through a far more complex process, which implies that constructing that building could become costlier,” Wright explained.
He mentioned that these directives and modifications are precisely consistent with
President Donald Trump’s
Overall initiative to simplify governmental operations and increase cost-efficiency for the taxpayer.
Wright mentioned visiting another structure at the Y-12 National Security complex separate from the laboratories but close to the Oak Ridge facility. This particular building was in such poor condition that sections of its roof were collapsing.
The facility near Knoxville was constructed around 1943 in less than 18 months, according to Wright — drawing a comparison with current standards briefly.
“The bulk of the enriched uranium required for constructing a bomb was generated using those Calutron machines within that structure. Consequently, it holds significant historical importance regarding the U.S. weaponry initiatives. Even after eight decades, it remains functional and continues to be an essential component of our nuclear production infrastructure,” he stated.
Original article source:
Energy head cuts through bureaucratic hurdles that caused a 60% surge in costs, hampering operations in ‘crucial’ laboratories.
