Reps. Matt Boehnke and Skyler Rude have been appointed to serve on the National Conference of State Legislature’s (NCSL) Nuclear Legislative Working Group. The group, which meets two times per year, provides state lawmakers from across the nation an opportunity to discuss nuclear energy and waste management policy, as well as meet with federal officials from the Department of Energy (DOE).

Boehnke and Rude both noted ongoing cleanup at the Hanford nuclear reservation site will be of particular interest as they meet with the working group.

“With projected cleanup costs at Hanford having tripled in the past three years, it is vital we come up with new ideas to ensure the remaining cleanup is done safely and in the most efficient and cost-effective way possible,” said Boehnke, R-Kennewick. “Working directly with DOE and fellow legislators facing other waste management issues in their own states, I’m confident we can chart a new course. I look forward to attending our first meeting next week.”

“Part of our job as lawmakers is to adopt public policy that will ensure the continued health and safety of our communities,” said Rude, R-Walla Walla. “How we manage hazardous materials, especially as it relates to Hanford, is an important example of that. I’m hopeful through this working group we can gain a better understanding of the challenges with waste disposal and management, and continue to work with DOE and others to perfect the cleanup process at Hanford.”

The working group will meet in Carlsbad, New Mexico June 4-5. During the meeting, participants will tour the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant, where transuranic (TRU) waste from the Hanford site is shipped.

Both Boehnke and Rude are scheduled to attend.