[Senate Hearing 113-287]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
S. Hrg. 113-287
KIMBALL, LOPEZ, AND REGALBUTO NOMINATIONS
=======================================================================
HEARING
before the
COMMITTEE ON
ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES
UNITED STATES SENATE
ONE HUNDRED THIRTEENTH CONGRESS
SECOND SESSION
ON
THE NOMINATIONS OF DR. SUZETTE M. KIMBALL, TO BE DIRECTOR OF THE UNITED
STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY; MR. ESTEVAN R. LOPEZ, TO BE COMMISSIONER OF
RECLAMATION; AND DR. MONICA C. REGALBUTO, TO BE AN ASSISTANT SECRETARY
OF ENERGY (ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT)
__________
MAY 13, 2014
Printed for the use of the
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
----------
U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
88-083 PDF WASHINGTON : 2014
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing
Office Internet: bookstore.gpo.gov Phone: toll free (866) 512-1800;
DC area (202) 512-1800 Fax: (202) 512-2104 Mail: Stop IDCC,
Washington, DC 20402-0001
COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES
MARY L. LANDRIEU, Louisiana, Chair
RON WYDEN, Oregon LISA MURKOWSKI, Alaska
TIM JOHNSON, South Dakota JOHN BARRASSO, Wyoming
MARIA CANTWELL, Washington JAMES E. RISCH, Idaho
BERNARD SANDERS, Vermont MIKE LEE, Utah
DEBBIE STABENOW, Michigan DEAN HELLER, Nevada
MARK UDALL, Colorado JEFF FLAKE, Arizona
AL FRANKEN, Minnesota TIM SCOTT, South Carolina
JOE MANCHIN, III, West Virginia LAMAR ALEXANDER, Tennessee
BRIAN SCHATZ, Hawaii ROB PORTMAN, Ohio
MARTIN HEINRICH, New Mexico JOHN HOEVEN, North Dakota
TAMMY BALDWIN, Wisconsin
Elizabeth Leoty Craddock, Staff Director
Sam E. Fowler, Chief Counsel
Karen K. Billups, Republican Staff Director
Patrick J. McCormick III, Republican Chief Counsel
C O N T E N T S
----------
STATEMENTS
Page
Heinrich, Hon. Martin, U.S. Senator From New Mexico.............. 5
Kimball, Suzette M., Nominee to be Director of the United States
Geological Survey.............................................. 7
Landrieu, Hon. Mary L., U.S. Senator From Louisiana.............. 1
Lopez, Estevan R., Nominee to be Commissioner of the Bureau of
Reclamation.................................................... 11
Manchin, Hon. Joe, U.S. Senator From West Virginia............... 3
Murkowski, Hon. Lisa, U.S. Senator From Alaska................... 2
Regalbuto, Monica C., Nominee to be Assistant Secretary of Energy
for Environmental Management................................... 15
Udall, Hon. Tom, U.S. Senator From New Mexico.................... 4
APPENDIX
Responses to additional questions................................ 33
KIMBALL, LOPEZ, AND REGALBUTO NOMINATIONS
----------
TUESDAY, MAY 13, 2014
U.S. Senate,
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources,
Washington, DC.
The committee met, pursuant to notice, at 10:06 a.m. in
room SD-366, Dirksen Senate Office Building, Hon. Mary
Landrieu, chair, presiding.
OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. MARY L. LANDRIEU, U.S. SENATOR FROM
LOUISIANA
The Chair. Good morning.
Let me call the Energy and Natural Resources Committee to
order this morning. I thank the members for their help and
attendance. This committee meets this morning to consider 3
important nominations.
First, Dr. Suzette Kimball, to be Director of the United
States Geological Survey.
Next, Mr. Estevan Lopez, to be Commissioner of Reclamation.
Finally, Dr. Monica Regalbuto, to be Assistant Secretary of
Energy for Environmental Management.
These are 3 very, very important offices.
First, USGS is an agency that helps keep our country safe
from natural disasters and has been doing so for a long time
with accurate mapping and scientific research. With a staff of
over 8,000 people, USGS provides real time information critical
to minimizing loss of life and property from earthquakes,
volcanoes, floods, droughts, wildfires and coastal erosion, all
problems this committee is very intimately familiar with.
We are proud, particularly in Louisiana, to host a number
of USGS facilities that do important work. There are many
around the country.
Dr. Kimball has a Ph.D., in Environmental Science in
Coastal Oceanography processes. I was pleased to spend some
time talking with her about coastal issues. She began her
career working for the Army Corps of Engineers in Vicksburg,
Mississippi. She will be introduced more fully later by a
member of the committee.
Mr. Lopez, Bureau of Reclamation.
Congress established this Bureau in 1902 to construct and
operate the dams, reservoirs and canals needed to provide water
to allow people to live and prosper on land in the 17 Western
States. At the same time Congress established a Reclamation
fund in Treasury which was originally funded by the sale of
public land and water in Western States to pay for these
Reclamation projects. Later, 40 percent of the royalties from
mineral leases on public lands were dedicated to the
Reclamation fund.
Mr. Lopez has been the Director in New Mexico, will be
introduced further by Senator Udall, as such he clearly
understands western water issues. We look forward to hearing
more from him.
But let me make a comment of personal privilege. I hope as
this committee listens to the work that the Bureau of
Reclamation has done for Western States, the committee will
realize the current injustice that exists between the 17
Western States and the 30 plus coastal States. Three producing
coastal States have sent $218 billion to the Federal Treasury
and have received virtually nothing back to keep water out of
our homes.
The Reclamation Fund is trying to keep water in homes and
in fields and in businesses. We're trying to keep water out. We
look forward to that discussion at a later date in this
committee.
Finally, Dr. Regalbuto, Assistant Secretary of Energy for
Environmental Management, oversees the Department of Energy's
program to clean up retroactive and chemical contamination left
behind after a half of century of nuclear weapons production.
It accounts for $5.8 billion of the Department of Energy's $27
billion budget, nearly a quarter of the budget. She has a
Ph.D., in Chemical Engineering and is recognized as an expert
in nuclear fuel technology.
Let me welcome all 3 of our nominees to the committee.
I'd like to turn it over for brief opening remarks to
Senator Murkowski. Thank you so much for your help.
Then they'll be more formally introduced by the Senators
present.
Senator.
STATEMENT OF HON. LISA MURKOWSKI, U.S. SENATOR
FROM ALASKA
Senator Murkowski. Thank you, Madame Chairman. I appreciate
the opportunity to have these nominees in front of us today. I
welcome each of you.
Beginning with Dr. Kimball, I note that you have been with
the USGS since 1999. You have served as its Acting Director for
over a year now. Your background is solid, an advanced degree
in geology and geophysics, previously served as Associate
Director for Geology. So again, I am encouraged by your
background and your qualifications.
I received a letter from a former Alaskan and friend and
former head of USGS, Dr. Mark Myers and he speaks very highly
of you.
At the same time, Dr. Kimball, if you are confirmed as
Director, you still have a pretty considerable task ahead of
you. I think you recognize that. Many of us believe that USGS
has suffered from no small amount of mission creep in recent
years. I am concerned that some of the agency's newer
priorities are perhaps pushing its core foundational missions
to the margin. I think we see that particularly when it comes
to the Minerals Resource Program where funding has been cut by
roughly one third over the past decade.
I am also concerned that USGS seems to be deemphasizing the
budget for its core mission in natural hazard forecasting and
warning, whether it's earthquake, volcano or flood hydrology
programs. I consider those deserving of budget priorities since
they are so vital for the health and safety of Americans,
especially Alaskans. On Saturday morning I woke up to a 5.5
rattler that shook everybody in town. It was just one of those
reminders that seismologists look at Alaska with great
interest.
In my questions I am going to very briefly touch upon the
King Cove road issue. As you know this is an issue of major
significance for me, not only because of its impact on the
health and safety of Alaskans in King Cove, but because, in my
view, it's emblematic of what I think is a need for more
balance from Fish and Wildlife Service. The Secretary,
unfortunately, has shown little regard for the people of King
Cove and not much interest in finding a solution at this point
in time.
I understand that you did not make a decision with regards
to rejecting the road, but I do want to ask you about the Black
Brant because I know that USGS has studied it extensively.
Mr. Lopez, you have been nominated to be Commissioner of an
agency with a $1 billion budget, 5,000 employees in facilities
across 17 Western States. The Bureau and its leadership
confront, on a daily basis, many challenging policy issues.
Chief among them are the Bureau's efforts to strike a balance
between its mission of water delivery and compliance with
environmental laws and regulations at both the State and the
Federal levels. Requirements under the Endangered Species Act
have emerged as a strong concern and are no small undertaking
at a time of continuous drought in so many States across the
West.
Mr. Lopez, you have spent many years helping manage water
delivery in a drought racked State so I am curious as to how
you plan to balance the need for water delivery with the limits
imposed by environmental regulations. I do not know if you have
viewed my energy water nexus white paper that I released last
week, but I would be interested in your views on that.
Finally, Dr. Regalbuto, you are nominated to lead the
Department of Energy's environmental cleanup efforts. Your
extensive expertise working on nuclear waste related issues
should be valuable in addressing the pressing challenges to the
Office of Environmental Management, including the situation at
the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant and ongoing, overall nuclear
material cleanup efforts. I am interested in hearing your
thoughts on how best to proceed on issues related to the back
end of the nuclear fuel cycle.
Madame Chairman, again I want to say how pleased I am to
have these well qualified nominees. I think most of them appear
to be pretty non-controversial. So if the hearing goes well and
we do not have any significant concerns emerge, I believe we
will be able to report them from our committee soon.
The Chair. Thank you very much.
Let's begin with Senator Manchin, who is a member of the
committee and would like to introduce further, Dr. Kimball.
STATEMENT OF HON. JOE MANCHIN, U.S. SENATOR FROM WEST VIRGINIA
Senator Manchin. Thank you, Madame Chairman.
I would thank all of you for having this important hearing
today because we have fine people, I believe, that will serve
and have served very, very applicably and very well.
I'm happy to be able to introduce Dr. Suzette Kimball
today.
Last month I had the pleasure of meeting with Dr. Kimball,
who has lived in Summit Point, West Virginia for almost 16
years. We both have a passion for the rich history of our
shared State. Dr. Kimball is an active member of the Eastern
Panhandle's farmland and the historic preservation communities.
In fact, she and her husband, Curt, live at White House
Farm. It's a local landmark built in the 1740s and used during
the Revolutionary War to aid American troops. The farm was even
surveyed by George Washington.
Beyond our personal connection, Dr. Kimball impressed me
with her dedication to the scientific mission of the U.S.
Geological Survey. We had in depth talks about that and also
what we do overseas. The USGS services a vital role working to
understand and improve responses to national disasters,
providing needed information on energy and mineral resources,
monitoring our waters and many other indispensible services.
In her testimony Dr. Kimball details her upbringing in a
family that prioritized public service both in military and
civilian life, something West Virginians pride themselves on. I
believe she will bring this to her role as Director of the
USGS. I'm delighted that Dr. Kimball has chosen West Virginia
her home. I encourage my colleagues to support her nomination.
Thank you, Madame Chairman.
The Chair. Thank you so much, Senator Manchin.
Senator Udall and Senator Heinrich wanted to give
additional remarks in reference to Mr. Lopez's nomination.
Senator Udall, why don't you proceed?
STATEMENT OF HON. TOM UDALL, U.S. SENATOR
FROM NEW MEXICO
Senator Udall. Thank you very much, Chairwoman Landrieu and
Ranking Member Senator Murkowski. Good to be with you here
today.
I'm pleased to be here along with Senator Heinrich to
introduce Estevan Lopez of New Mexico for this committee's
consideration as the next Commissioner for the Bureau of
Reclamation.
As we all know water is a defining issue of today's
American West. We're in the midst of a historic drought, the
worst drought in half a century in my State. The harsh
realities of climate change raise troubling questions whether
this is a drouth or the new normal, sustainable water is
crucial.
Failure is not an option because it means that our
communities may run out of safe drinking water.
That our farmers will not be able to provide the food we
put on the table.
That species that depend on the land and rivers will not be
able to thrive.
That our forests will be ravaged more frequently by massive
wildfires.
That when the rain does come our homes are threatened by
catastrophic floods.
These are great challenges. The Bureau of Reclamation plays
a pivotal role. The selection of its Commissioner is not
something to be taken lightly. That is why I'm honored to
introduce Mr. Lopez today.
First and foremost, Estevan is a veteran water manager. For
more than 2 decades he has been engaged in water issues in
government and in the private sector. At the local and State
level as a public utility engineer, as a county manager in
Santa Fe, New Mexico, Estevan has always been--has always
brought a command of policy, a sharp intellect and deep rooted
desire to resolve problems.
Since 2003 Estevan has led the New Mexico Interstate Stream
Commission. As the Executive Director and Deputy State Engineer
he has helped direct New Mexico water policy. let me tell you
water issues in New Mexico aren't easy.
Estevan has worked for 2 different administrations, one
Democratic, Governor Bill Richardson, who many of you on this
panel know and one Republican, Governor Susana Martinez and in
one of the most important appointed positions in the State.
Very few people can say that. He has shown great ability to
work with all commerce to identify complex problems and to find
solutions.
One of the words I've heard used to describe Estevan is
unflappable. That quality has served him and us well allowing
him to work with diverse interest groups and at times to
disagree without being disagreeable. I expect that unflappable
will be on display today. Unflappability will be on display
today.
I regret that New Mexico will be losing the benefit of
Estevan's service to the State. But I know he will ably follow
in the footsteps of my good friend, Mike Connor, as the next
great Commissioner for the Bureau of Reclamation from New
Mexico.
I look forward to continuing to work with Estevan on the
challenges facing our State and the entire West. I'm very
pleased to support his confirmation.
Thank you very much, Madame Chair.
The Chair. Thank you very much for that thoughtful
introduction.
Senator Heinrich.
STATEMENT OF HON. MARTIN HEINRICH, U.S. SENATOR
FROM NEW MEXICO
Senator Heinrich. Madame Chair and Ranking Member
Murkowski, I'm very pleased to join Senator Udall today in
introducing Mr. Estevan R. Lopez as the nominee for Director of
the Bureau of Reclamation.
Mr. Lopez's qualifications are exemplary.
He has served as Director of the New Mexico Interstate
Stream Commission since 2003. In this capacity Mr. Lopez has
played a key role in implementing the Taos and Aamodt Indian
Water Settlements insuring that our tribes and pueblos have
fair access to water rights. His nomination, I would note, has
overwhelming support from New Mexico's tribal communities.
Mr. Lopez has also served as Land Use and Utilities
Director of Santa Fe County from 2000 until 2001. As Utilities
Department Director of Santa Fe County from 1998 to 2000 and as
Utilities Division Deputy Directory of Santa Fe County from
1997 to 1998. Was a public utility engineer at the New Mexico
Public Utility Commission from 1990 until 1997.
Mr. Lopez has additional private sector experience as well
working as an operations engineer and well work supervisor for
Arco Alaska Incorporated.
As we all know the Bureau of Reclamation is of critical
importance to the entire Western United States providing water
to more than 31 million people. In New Mexico today State,
local and tribal authorities are currently working with the
Bureau of Reclamation on some incredibly important water supply
projects. These efforts include the Navajo Gallup Water Supply
Project which will provide clean, reliable water to 43 Navajo
chapters, the city of Gallup and the Jicarilla Apache Nation,
serving a quarter million people by 2040.
The Bureau is also a critical partner in the Eastern New
Mexico Rural Water System project which will provide long term
water security for the citizens of Curry and Roosevelt Counties
as well as Cannon Air Force Base.
With the Western United States experiencing severe drought
and increased wildfire conditions and water levels decreasing
to dangerously low levels in nearly every river basin, the
Bureau of Reclamation's responsibilities underscore the
importance of having a skilled and experienced leader as
Commissioner. While Deputy Secretary Mike Connor has left some
big shoes to fill at Reclamation, Estevan Lopez has extensive
experience with water management in New Mexico make him an
ideal candidate to step into those shoes.
Madame Chair, thank you for holding this hearing today for
the committee to consider all of these important nominations. I
yield back the balance of my time.
The Chair. Thank you very much, Senator.
If the nominees would take their seats at the table, please
and then stand for your oath of testimony?
Oath of testimony?
[Laughter.]
The Chair. If you all would please stand and raise your
right hands? Raise your right hand.
The rules of the committee which apply to all nominees
require that they be sworn in in connection with their
testimony.
Do you all solemnly swear that the testimony you are about
to give this committee, Senate and Energy Natural Resources,
shall be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth,
so help you God?
[Witnesses respond, I do.]
The Chair. Please stay standing.
Before you begin your statement I will ask these 3
questions to each nominee.
Will you be available to appear before this committee and
other Congressional Committees to represent departmental
positions and respond to issues of concern to Congress?
[Witnesses respond, I will.]
The Chair. Are you aware of any personal holdings,
investments or interests that could constitute a conflict of
interest or create the appearance of such a conflict should you
be confirmed and assume the office to which you have been
nominated by the President?
[Witnesses respond, no.]
The Chair. Are you involved or do you have any assets held
in a blind trust?
[Witnesses respond, no.]
The Chair. Please be seated.
OK, at this time we will hear your opening statements. If
you could limit it to the time allotted, we would appreciate
it.
Let's begin with Dr. Kimball.
TESTIMONY OF SUZETTE M. KIMBALL, NOMINEE TO BE DIRECTOR OF THE
UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY
Ms. Kimball. Chair Landrieu, Ranking Member Murkowski and
members of the committee, I'm honored to appear before you
today as President Obama's nominee to be the Director of the
U.S. Geological Survey.
My husband and I are proud West Virginia residents, not by
birth, but by choice. I very much appreciate Senator Manchin's
kind introduction. Thank you.
I was raised to not only value public service, but also to
see it as a responsibility. My heart beats faster watching the
troops passing in review, seeing the flag or riding in a Fourth
of July parade in our small town.
My father and brother had military careers. My mother was a
teacher. Both my uncles were in civil service. Most of my
cousins served in the military or civil service or are
educators. For me, public service is kind of like the family
business.
Unlike many of the Interior nominees that appear before
this committee, I cannot point to a childhood steeped in
outdoor experiences that set the stage for my career path.
Despite the focus on science brought by my father, a physicist
and engineer with the Army Signal Corps and my mother, who
taught Health Sciences, I started my academic career in English
Literature. However, I had the good fortune to take a Geology
course from an extraordinary educator, Dr. Gerry Johnson. His
compelling lectures engaged my imagination and passion for
understanding the processes that drive Earth systems and the
impacts of natural hazards.
My master's degree program focused on field geology and
geophysics. Important issues addressed by USGS science
incorporate those fundamental aspects, the understanding of the
processes that drive both the physical and biological systems
and understanding the risk imposed by potential impacts of
those processes.
My Ph.D., program at the University of Virginia showed me
the value of an integrated Environmental Sciences context that
forces one out of narrow academic boundaries and requires
competence in a spectrum of disciplines. My particular research
area, Coastal Beaches and Barrier Islands, is the poster child
for an integrated approach. This perspective will serve me well
if confirmed as the USGS Director as the questions we face
today also transcend traditional academic fields and ask us to
understand not only the geologic foundation and the operative
physical processes but also the potential impacts to biological
systems and to the human environment.
I've had the good fortune to serve in both academia and in
the Federal Government. My years with the National Park Service
gave me an understanding of the pressures that land managers
face and the types of information that can be most useful to
them. This experience gives me a unique perspective to support
and partner with the entire department.
Since coming to the USGS in 1998 I've had the opportunity
to see the breadth and depth of this outstanding organization
from many perspectives. USGS is an unusual Federal agency. The
longevity of careers here is remarkable.
But also noteworthy is that unlike many of our sister
bureaus at Interior, we do not issue regulations nor do we
manage resources. Without a regulatory or management mandate
the USGS provides impartial science that meets the demands of
the changing world around us. This scientific nature of the
USGS, its national perspective and its non regulatory role
enable USGS science to be both policy relevant and policy
neutral.
Since its founding in 1879 the USGS has made enormous
contributions to the health and well being of the country and
to the world. These achievements include the science that has
delineated the mineral and energy resource base of the Nation.
That helps protect lives and livelihoods from the effects
of natural hazards.
That ensures safe public water supplies.
That supports the restoration of ecosystems.
Provides assistance to the Nation and other Nations for
resource and hazard issues.
Our society faces pressing issues that science can and must
help address. Challenges like ensuring sustainable development
of energy and mineral resources, dealing with climate change,
coping with natural disasters and ensuring water and food
security. We live in a global economy. Understanding the
worldwide distribution of both resources and risks is essential
to the country's security and to its economic health.
Looking to the future we need to continue these efforts for
which we have unique capabilities and on which the public
relies such as the stream gauge network or mineral and energy
assessments, our seismic networks, just to name a few. But we
also need to be responsive to emerging needs.
We are increasing the involvement of sociologists and
economists in our studies in order to provide better products
for the American people.
We are providing new technologies to protect public health
and safety and new tools for communities to become resilient in
the face of challenges such as changing climates or water
scarcity.
We are engaging young scientists to be part of our future.
I'm deeply grateful that Secretary Jewell and President
Obama have chosen to nominate me to lead this outstanding
scientific organization. If confirmed, I look forward to
working with you to address the challenges facing our Nation.
Thank you for this opportunity to appear before you. I will
be happy to respond to your questions.
[The prepared statement of Ms.. Kimball follows:]
Prepared Statement of Suzette Kimball Nominee to be Director of the
U.S. Geological Survey, Department of the Interior
Chair Landrieu, Ranking Member Murkowski, and Members of the
Committee, I am honored to appear before you today as President Obama's
nominee to be the Director of the U.S. Geological Survey. I would not
be able to appear before you today without the encouragement of my
family and the love and support of my husband, Curt Mason, who
rescheduled major surgery so he could be here with me today. I am also
grateful to my other family: the employees of the USGS. Every day, I am
inspired by their dedication of time, talent, energy, and intellect. It
has been a privilege to serve as their Acting Director, and it is an
honor to be offered the opportunity to lead this outstanding
organization.
I was raised to not only value public service but also see it as a
responsibility to our country. I am one of those whose hearts beat
faster watching the troops passing in review, hearing the Washington
Post March, seeing the flag, or riding in a small town 4th of July
parade, which is one of the privileges I have enjoyed living in West
Virginia. My father and brother both had military careers; my mother
was a teacher; both my uncles were in the civil service; and most of my
cousins have served in the military or civil service, or are educators.
For me, public service is kind of like the family business.
Unlike many of the Department of the Interior nominees who have
come before this Committee, I cannot point to a childhood steeped in
outdoor experiences that set the stage for my career path. With the
exception of our family vacations at the beach, I tended to spend my
spare time in the library. And despite the focus on science brought by
my father, a physicist and engineer with the Army Signal Corps, and my
mother, who taught health sciences, I started my academic career in
English literature. But as I approached my senior year, I had the
singular good fortune to take a geology course from an extraordinary
educator, Dr. Gerry Johnson, and my world view changed. His compelling
lectures brought to life the extraordinary forces that shaped the earth
and engaged my imagination and passion for understanding the processes
that drive earth systems and the impacts of natural events.
My Master's degree program focused on field geophysics and
impressed upon me two things that have been valuable in my tenure at
USGS: I studied the transport of contaminants in ground water which
shifted my focus from the purely theoretical sciences to an
appreciation for the applications that science can bring to the human
environment. Almost all the issues addressed by USGS science
incorporate two fundamental aspects: understanding how physical
processes drive both the physical and biological systems; and how that
basic knowledge can be applied to management or policy decisions.
Second, at the time I received my M.S., very few women were graduating
with degrees in geophysics. Having experienced being a minority in my
field of study, I am compelled to reach back--to provide opportunities
for the next generation of scientists, especially from underserved
communities, to create a mentoring culture and an inclusive workplace.
My Ph.D., program at the University of Virginia provided the third
transformative experience that will serve me well if confirmed as the
USGS Director. UVa's earth science program was presented in an
integrated environmental sciences context that forced one out of narrow
academic boundaries and required competence in a spectrum of
disciplines. My particular research area, coastal beaches and barrier
islands, is the poster child for an integrated approach. The questions
that are posed of a USGS scientist today also transcend traditional
academic fields and ask us to understand not only the geologic
foundation and the operative physical processes, but also the potential
impacts to the biological systems and to the human environment. My
academic training and subsequent professional positions at the Virginia
Institute of Marine Science (another integrated program) and back at
UVa are particularly suited to understanding and advocating for a
comprehensive, multidisciplinary science program.
I have had the good fortune to work in both academia and in the
federal government, both of which satisfy my public service ethic.
Immediately prior to USGS, I worked for the National Park Service,
first as a research scientist and, ultimately, as the Associate
Regional Director for Resource Stewardship and Science in the
Southeast. This experience, besides having the opportunity to work in
some of the most beautiful places in the country, gave me an intrinsic
understanding of the pressures that land managers face and the types of
information that can be most useful to them considering the types of
decisions that need to be made. Given that USGS sits in the Department
of the Interior with some of the world's most respected land and
resource management agencies, I believe this experience will give me a
unique perspective to create a coordinated science framework to support
and partner with the entire Department.
I came to the USGS in 1998. Since then I have had the opportunity
to see the breadth and depth of this organization from many
perspectives. First as Regional Executive for Biology, then as Regional
Director, Associate Director for Geology, Deputy Director and Acting
Director, I have been able to be engaged with all parts and all mission
areas of this organization and to participate in some of the
transformative enterprises of this great agency. Recently, I
participated in a celebration of the first USGS streamgage, still in
operation 125 years later, on the Rio Grande in Embudo, New Mexico.
While celebrating our history and one of our iconic monitoring systems,
I have also had the opportunity to work with a group of our scientists
to design and deliver a Center for Innovation in the Earth Sciences
which takes advantage of private sector capabilities and advances in
technologies for the 21st century and beyond. I have been able to work
with local communities to bring community-driven water sampling
projects to fruition as exemplified by the USGS partnership with the
Yukon River Intertribal Watershed Council, connecting with Alaskan
native communities; and on the international landscape to address
critical mineral and rare earth concerns, global mapping and data
sharing, and hazards response. I was privileged to watch the flawless
launch and deployment of Landsat 8, which continues a 42-year history
of earth observations. And I have had the opportunity to apply my own
research expertise in coastal systems and catastrophic storms as we
responded to such events as Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Sandy.
I have heard some say that Federal workers are not pulling their
weight. I see just the opposite at the USGS: in small things, like
offering to take extra furlough days last year in order to save their
colleagues from financial hardship, or staying late to collect that
last sample-- or big things, like dedicating their careers to providing
the information that is used by decision makers and the public to save
lives, enhance quality of life, sustain communities, and support the
resources everyone needs. Just last week I participated in the annual
USGS Honor Awards ceremony and presented a record number of 40-year
service awards--and in past years we have recognized 50 and 60 years of
service. Even after they retire, many of our scientists keep working as
volunteers, publishing their research and mentoring younger scientists.
This has always been a great strength of the USGS: the loyalty and
dedication to mission that keeps our employees working productively
when they are 70, 80, or 90 years old and the mentoring culture that
nurtures the next generation of scientists.
USGS is an unusual Federal agency in many ways. The longevity of
careers here is remarkable (my 15 years puts me less than halfway
through the average USGS scientist's career) but also noteworthy,
unlike many of our sister bureaus at Interior, we do not issue
regulations nor do we manage resources. Without a regulatory or
management mandate, the USGS provides impartial science that meets the
demands of the changing world around us. USGS scientists work to
describe and understand the Earth, its processes, and its living
resources, providing reliable, timely scientific information that
serves the Department of the Interior, the Nation, and the world. Field
investigations, direct observations of natural science processes, and
monitoring and data collection at scales from local to national and
even global are the foundation of USGS research. The scientific nature
of the USGS, its national perspective, and its non-regulatory role
enable USGS science to be both policy relevant and policy neutral.
Since its founding in 1879, the USGS has made enormous
contributions to the health and wellbeing of the country--and the
world. These achievements include the science that has delineated the
mineral and energy resource base of the Nation; that helps protect
lives and livelihoods from the effects of earthquakes, wildfires,
volcanic eruptions, landslides, and floods; that continues to provide
safe public water supplies; that supports restoration of ecosystems
throughout the United States; and that provides assistance to other
nations for resource and hazard issues. The diversity of scientific
expertise within the USGS enables it to carry out large-scale, multi-
disciplinary investigations that build our knowledge about the Earth
and give decision makers at all levels of government, and citizens in
all walks of life, the science information they need.
Our growing and expanding society faces pressing issues that
science can and must help address -issues like ensuring sustainable
development of energy and mineral resources, dealing with climate
change, coping with natural disasters, and ensuring water and food
security. We live in a global economy; understanding the worldwide
distribution of both resources and risks is essential to the country's
security and economic health.
Looking to the future, we need to continue those efforts for which
we have unique capabilities and on which the public relies, such as the
streamgage network, but we also need to look at ways to be relevant to
the public's emerging needs. Consequently, we are engaging our
sociologists and economists to an ever increasing degree in our studies
in order to bring our science to the American people; we are providing
new tools and technologies to protect public health and safety, whether
that is earthquake early warning, or our focus on environmental health
including the impacts of extractive resource development; we are
providing new tools for communities to become sustainable and resilient
in the face of challenges such as changing climates or demands
affecting water use and availability; and if we are to also be
resilient and sustainable, we need to engage young scientists to be
part of our future.
We have a 135-year long and storied history at USGS, and still a
lot of work and contributions to make in the next 135 years.
I am deeply grateful that Secretary Jewell and President Obama have
chosen to nominate me to lead this outstanding scientific organization.
If confirmed, I look forward to working with you to address the
challenges facing our Nation.
Thank you for the opportunity to appear before you. I will be happy
to respond to your questions.
The Chair. Thank you very much, Dr. Kimball.
Mr. Lopez.
Turn on your mic and speak closely into it.
TESTIMONY OF ESTEVAN R. LOPEZ, NOMINEE TO BE COMMISSIONER OF
THE BUREAU OF RECLAMATION
Mr. Lopez. Chair Landrieu, Ranking Member Murkowski and
members of the committee, good morning. Thank you also for the
opportunity to meet with several of you in person over the last
few days.
Unfortunately my family is not able to join me here today.
Nonetheless I want to acknowledge the importance of my family.
I remain grateful for the love and the continuing support of my
wife, Suzanne, and our children, Victoria and Juan.
I greatly appreciate that New Mexico Senators Heinrich and
Udall were gracious enough to introduce me to this committee. I
also sincerely appreciate the letters submitted on my behalf by
retired New Mexico Senators Bingaman and Domenici.
I'm a professional engineer, who has served as Director for
the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission under both
Republican and Democratic Governors in New Mexico. With over 2
decades of water resource management experience I have worked
directly on many of the issues that affect water management
throughout the Western United States.
By way of telling you a little bit about myself, I am a
native New Mexican and have lived most of my life in New
Mexico. I grew up irrigating pastures from centuries-old
acequias, community irrigation systems, that are fed by the Rio
Santa Barbara, a small tributary of the Rio Grande originating
in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains thus beginning a lifetime of
work in water management. I attended New Mexico Tech in
Socorro, New Mexico and was conferred a Bachelor of Science
degrees in petroleum engineering and chemistry in 1979.
Upon graduation I went to work in oil production in Prudhoe
Bay, Alaska working for Arco Alaska.
A few years later I went to work in the New Mexico Public
Utility Commission reviewing the sufficiency of water rights
portfolios and the adequacy of water management policies of the
privately owned public utilities that we regulated.
After a few years I had an opportunity to help the County
of Santa Fe start a new water utility. At Santa Fe County, I
led the County Utility Department, then the County's Land Use
and Utility Department and ultimately I became the County
Manager.
When Governor Richardson was elected I was asked to be the
Director of the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission in
2003.
When Governor Martinez was elected she reappointed me in
2011.
My time at the Interstate Stream Commission has been a
fascinating mix of technical, legal, financial and political
challenges. It has been a perfect training ground for someone
asked to serve as Commissioner of Reclamation allowing me to
learn about and deal with many of the issues Reclamation is
faced with, albeit, at a regional scale.
I have had the privilege to represent New Mexico as
Governor Martinez's representative to the Colorado River
Compact, New Mexico's Commissioner to the Upper Colorado River
Compact and Canadian River Compact Commissions and New Mexico's
Engineer Advisor to the Rio Grande Compact Commission.
I have been involved in finding river management solutions
to difficult endangered species issues on the Rio Grande,
Colorado, San Juan, Pecos and Canadian Rivers. These efforts
for balancing the preservation of endangered species with other
resource goals, most importantly the protection of water users
in the arid Southwest, has required innovation, collaboration
and perseverance.
My work with colleagues in New Mexico--I have worked on
settlements of Indian Water Rights Claims of 6 of the States,
Indian Nations and Pueblos. Successful resolution of Native
American Water Rights Claims is critical to water security for
all Americans, not just for our Native American communities.
I have worked on the development of Eastern New Mexico
Rural Water Supply Project to deliver renewable surface water
from Ute Reservoir on the Canadian River to communities like
Clovis and Portales, New Mexico. Without this water supply
project these communities are expected to begin running out of
water within 10 years.
During my tenure New Mexico completed the last of 16
regional water plants as well as its first formal State water
plan. All these water plans are currently being updated.
I am proud of the work that we have done during my time
with the Commission helping to assure water security for our
people, particularly in the last several years of record
setting drought. These efforts have required establishment of
strong relationships with diverse stakeholders including our
neighboring States, local governments, Indian tribes,
agriculture and municipal water users, power users and
environmental interests.
Interestingly one of our key partners in almost all our
efforts I have described has been the Bureau of Reclamation.
Now President Obama and Secretary Jewell have seen fit to
nominate me to serve as Commissioner.
As you know, Michael Connor, who was recently confirmed as
Deputy Secretary for the Department of Interior, most recently
held the position of Commissioner of Reclamation. I know Mr.
Connor well and realize that he leaves large shoes to fill. I
am excited by the challenge this presents and believe that my
professional experience has prepared me for the challenge.
I'm also comforted in knowing that I will be joining a
strong team.
If confirmed I am committed to working with the public,
affected stakeholders and Congress to collaborate to find
balanced solutions to the water resource and hydropower
generation challenges facing the Western United States.
Thank you for the opportunity to address my nomination. I
look forward to continuing to work with you. I will be happy to
respond to questions at the appropriate time.
[The prepared statement of Mr. Lopez follows:]
Prepared Statement of Estevan Lopez, Nominee to be Commissioner of the
Bureau of Reclamation
Chair Landrieu, Ranking Member Murkowski, and members of the
Committee, I am honored to appear before you today. Thank you also for
the opportunity to meet with many of you in person over the last few
days. Unfortunately, given work and school commitments, my family could
not join me today. Nonetheless, in their absence, I want to acknowledge
the importance of my family in whatever professional success I have had
to date. I remain grateful for the love and continuing support of my
wife Suzanne and our children Victoria and Juan.
I greatly appreciate that New Mexico Senators Heinrich and Udall
were gracious enough to offer to introduce me to this Committee. I also
sincerely appreciate the letters of support submitted on my behalf by
retired New Mexico Senators Bingaman and Dominici, both of whom
previously served on this Committee.
I am honored to appear before you today as President Obama's
nominee to be the Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation. I am a
professional engineer who has served as Director of the New Mexico
Interstate Stream Commission under both Republican and Democratic
Governors in the State of New Mexico. With over two decades of water
resources management experience, I have worked directly on many issues
that affect water management throughout the entire western United
States, including interstate stream compacts, endangered species,
drought, Indian water rights, rural water projects, water conservation
and river management for multiple resource goals.
By way of telling you a little about myself, I am a native New
Mexican and have lived most of my life in New Mexico. I grew up working
on my father's small ranch, irrigating pastures from centuries-old
acequias, community irrigation systems, that are fed by the Rio Santa
Barbara, a small tributary of the Rio Grande originating in the Sangre
de Cristo Mountains, thus beginning a lifetime of work in water
management. I attended New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology in
Socorro, New Mexico and was conferred Bachelor of Science degrees in
Petroleum Engineering and Chemistry in 1979. Upon graduation, I went to
work in oil production in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska working for Arco Alaska,
Inc. I loved Alaska and the work was challenging and exhilarating, but
I wanted to move back to New Mexico, back to family and to the state
that I wanted to make a difference in.
After a few years doing construction work and traveling abroad, I
went to work as a Utility Engineer for the New Mexico Public Utility
Commission. Here, I once again began working on water management as I
reviewed the sufficiency of the water rights portfolios and the
adequacy of water management policies of the privately owned water
utilities that the state regulated. After a few years, I had an
opportunity to help the County of Santa Fe start up a new water utility
in the fast growing area around the city of Santa Fe. Before long, the
County created a County Utility Department that I led, then that
Department was merged with the County's Land Use Department and I got
to lead the County's Land Use and Utilities Department, managing
firsthand the interconnectedness of water availability and development
potential. By this time, I was completely engaged in the complexities
of managing New Mexico's scarce water resources. When Governor
Richardson was elected, I was asked to be Director of the New Mexico
Interstate Stream Commission and Deputy State Engineer in 2003. When
Governor Martinez was elected, she reappointed me as Director of the
Interstate Stream Commission in 2011. My time at the Interstate Stream
Commission has been a fascinating mix of technical, legal, policy,
financial and political challenges. It has been a perfect training
ground for someone asked to serve as Commissioner of the Bureau of
Reclamation.
I believe that my tenure as Director for the New Mexico Interstate
Stream Commission has allowed me to learn about and deal with many of
the issues that the Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation is faced
with, albeit at a regional scale. The New Mexico Interstate Stream
Commission, created by the New Mexico legislature in 1935, has broad
powers to investigate, protect, conserve and develop New Mexico's
waters including both interstate and intrastate stream systems. The
Commission is responsible for ensuring compliance with New Mexico's
eight interstate stream compacts, and is also responsible for regional
and state water planning in New Mexico.
My service as Director of the New Mexico Interstate Stream
Commission for the last 11 years has been a tremendously rewarding
experience. I have had the privilege to represent New Mexico as
Governor Martinez's Representative to the Colorado River; New Mexico's
Commissioner to the Upper Colorado River Compact and Canadian River
Compact Commissions; and New Mexico's Engineer Adviser to the Rio
Grande Compact Commission. I have also represented New Mexico on water
issues in both the US/Mexico Border Governors Conference and the New
Mexico/Chihuahua Commission.
Given the Interstate Stream Commission's broad statutory
responsibilities, I have been involved in finding river management
solutions to difficult endangered species issues on the Rio Grande, as
well as the San Juan, Pecos and Canadian Rivers. I have served as New
Mexico's representative on the Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Work
Group, a federal advisory committee to the Department of Interior on
managing multiple resource objectives in the reach of the Colorado
River between Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Mead. These efforts for
balancing the preservation of endangered species with other resource
goals, including the protection of water users in the arid southwest,
has required innovation, collaboration and perseverance.
Working with my colleagues at the New Mexico Interstate Stream
Commission and Office of the State Engineer, I have worked to promote
and implement settlement of Indian water rights claims of six of the
state's Indian Nations and Pueblos. I also helped draft and testified
in favor of New Mexico legislation to create a New Mexico Indian Water
Rights Settlement Fund to set aside state cost share funds needed for
implementation of those settlements. To date, New Mexico has provided
about $65 million toward a $130 million cost share obligation.
Successful resolution of Native American water rights claims is
critical to the water security of all New Mexicans, not just for our
Native American communities.
The Interstate Stream Commission has also been a strong advocate
for assuring a long-term water supply for New Mexicans in the eastern
part of the state where ground water supplies in the Ogallala aquifer
are rapidly dwindling. In that vein, I have supported development of
the Eastern New Mexico Rural Water Supply Project to deliver renewable
water from Ute Reservoir on the Canadian River to communities like
Clovis and Portales New Mexico. Without this water supply project,
these communities could begin running out of water within 10 years. The
Interstate Stream Commission has been at the forefront of water
planning efforts in New Mexico through its management of the state and
regional water planning programs in the state. During my tenure as
Director, New Mexico completed the last of 16 regional water plans as
well as its first formal state water plan and all of these water plans
are currently being updated.
I am proud of the work that we have done during my time as Director
the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission. All told, we have helped
assure water security for our people, while improving the operation of
our river systems for the benefit of the endangered species and other
resources and the natural ecology generally. Particularly in the last
several years of record setting drought, we have found innovative ways
to conserve and stretch the utility of this scarce but vital resource.
All of these efforts have required establishment of strong
relationships with diverse stakeholders, including our neighboring
states, local governments, Indian tribes, agricultural and municipal
water users, power users, and environmental interests.
Interestingly, one of our key partners in almost all of the efforts
I have described is the Bureau of Reclamation and now, if confirmed, I
would have the opportunity to serve as the Commissioner for the Bureau
of Reclamation. I am deeply honored and appreciative that President
Obama and Secretary Jewell have seen fit to nominate me for this
important position.
As you know, Michael Connor who used to staff this Committee and
was recently confirmed as Deputy Secretary of the Department of
Interior most recently held the position of Commissioner of
Reclamation. I know Mr. Connor well and realize that he leaves large
shoes to fill. I am excited by the challenge this presents and believe
that my professional experience has prepared me for the challenge. I am
also comforted knowing that Mr. Connor will still be at Interior to
advise and guide me; and knowing the capabilities of many of the people
in leadership positions at Reclamation and the Department of Interior.
I realize that I will be joining a strong and capable team.
If confirmed, I am committed to working with the public, affected
stakeholders and Congress to collaborate to find balanced solutions to
the water resource and hydropower generation challenges facing the
western United States.
Thank you for the opportunity to address my nomination. I look
forward to continuing to work with you and will be happy to respond to
questions at the appropriate time.
The Chair. Thank you very much, Mr. Lopez.
Dr. Regalbuto.
TESTIMONY OF MONICA C. REGALBUTO, NOMINEE TO BE ASSISTANT
SECRETARY OF ENERGY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
Ms. Regalbuto. Chair Landrieu, Ranking Member Murkowski and
the members of the committee.
The Chair. Can you pull the microphone closer to you,
please?
Ms. Regalbuto. Yes.
The Chair. Thank you.
Mr. Regalbuto. I appreciate the opportunity to appear
before you as President Obama's nominee for Assistant Secretary
for Environmental Management at the United States Department of
Energy.
I would like to begin my statement by expressing my
gratitude to the President for his confidence demonstrated by
this nomination. I am honored and humbled to be here. Should I
be confirmed I will do my best to meet that confidence.
I would also like to thank Secretary Moniz for his support
and for his leadership of the Department of Energy.
Professional achievement is seldomly an individual effort.
I have the privilege of working with a multitude of talented
people throughout my career as a chemical engineer. There are
countless family members, friends, mentors and colleagues who
have done so much over the years to make this day possible. I
want to especially thank and recognize my husband, John, for
always being supportive and patient. To my adult children,
Ricky, Carol and Robby, for their sense of humor as they grew
up in a hybrid culture hearing my daily use of science based
Spanglish.
Last, I would not be here without the loving support of my
parents, Horacio and Conchita, for instilling in me great
values during my childhood and for my parents-in-law, John and
Carole, who I consider my second set of parents.
Madame Chair, I began my studies in Mexico where through a
great economic sacrifice of my family, I attended private
schools which offer a better education. In high school I
discovered an interest and gift in math and science and started
college seeking a degree in chemical engineering and computer
science at the Monterrey Tech.
At the time there were very few women in engineering with
limited job opportunities. This reality has heavily influenced
me. As such, I have always supported and led efforts that
substantially enhance employment and opportunity for women and
minorities.
I met my husband, John, while I was a student and
eventually married him and moved to the United States and
proudly acquired my U.S. citizenship.
After completing my Ph.D., at the University of Notre Dame,
I joined Argonne National Laboratory in 1998. I started my
career supporting the development of technologies for the
treatment of high level waste at the Department of Energy
Plutonium Productionsites. After developing strong technical
skills I joined BP-AMOCO in 1996 where I enhanced my skills at
managing complex projects, large budgets and multi-disciplinary
staff in an industrial setting. I returned to Argonne in 2001
and became the head of the Process Chemistry and Engineering
Department where I worked on new technologies for the treatment
of used nuclear fuel.
In addition I was a member of the fuel cycle team at the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. My participation in the
study not only allowed me to gain experience working with high
level officials and non-governmental organizations, but brought
to my attention the need for the safe, permanent disposal of
all types of radioactive waste.
In 2008 I had the unique opportunity to join DOE's Office
of Environmental Management where I served as the Senior
Program Manager supporting their strategic mission in waste
processing area.
I currently serve as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for
fuel cycle technologies within the Office of Nuclear Energy. In
this position I am responsible for directing research and
development programs involving 10 national laboratories, 32
universities, over 400 scientists and 300 professors.
The last few years have been an eventful period with
respect to nuclear energy. I was directly involved in providing
and coordinating emergency responses to the Fukushima Dai-ichi
nuclear power plant disaster focusing on options to mitigate
the highly contaminated water resulting from the emergency
cooling of reactors damaged by the earthquake and subsequent
tsunami.
Over the past decades I have seen various nuclear waste
management programs from a variety of vantage points.
As a scientist at Argonne I have worked on and led efforts
to identify technical solutions to difficult waste management
issues.
In my current role, I have been responsible for formulating
and articulating strategic options to expedite the resolution
of our waste management needs. I have also experienced the
intricacies of nuclear waste management from a perspective of
being a waste generator and from a waste disposal specialist
during my time at DOE.
Madame Chair, the Manhattan Project was a critical
component of the success of World War II and the cold war. The
communities and regions that were home to these sites have made
sacrifices for our Nation and the environmental remediation is
both a legal and moral obligation.
2014 marks the 25th anniversary of the EM program. During
my tenure at Argonne and now at DOE I have watched EM complete
91 sites and have made successful progress toward the remaining
16. But great challenges still remain that require innovative
strategies to cleanup efforts while ensuring the work is
completely done safely.
I believe my background, experience and commitment have
prepared me to lead the Office of Environmental Management
during this particular critical time and I welcome the
opportunity to continue my service to the Nation as Assistant
Secretary for EM.
If confirmed, I pledge to work closely with this committee
and others in Congress to assure that we continue the safe
cleanup of the environmental legacy.
Madame Chair, thank you for the opportunity to appear
before you and your committee today. I look forward to
answering any questions.
[The prepared statement of Ms. Regalbuto follows:]
Prepared Statement of Monica C. Regalbuto, Nominee to be Assistant
Secretary of Energy for Environmental Management, Department of Energy
Chair Landrieu, Ranking Member Murkowski, Members of the Committee:
I appreciate the opportunity to appear before you today as President
Obama's nominee for Assistant Secretary for Environmental Management at
the United States Department of Energy.
I would like to begin my statement by expressing my gratitude to
the President for the confidence in me that he has demonstrated in his
nomination. I am honored, and humbled to be here, and should I be
confirmed, I will do my best to meet that confidence.
I would also like to thank Secretary Moniz for his support and for
his leadership of the Department of Energy.
Professional achievement is seldom an individual effort. I have had
the privilege of working with a multitude of talented people throughout
my career as a chemical engineer. There are countless family members,
friends, mentors and colleagues who have done so much over the years to
make this day possible.
I want to especially thank and recognize my husband John for always
being supportive and patient and to my adult children, Ricky, Carol,
and Robby for their sense of humor as they grew up in a hybrid culture,
where they learned my unique daily use of science-based ``Spanglish.''
Lastly, I would not be here without the loving support of my parents,
Horacio and Conchita, for instilling in me great values during my
childhood and for my parents-in-law, John and Carole, whom I consider
my second set of parents.
Madam Chair, I began my studies in Mexico where through the great
economic sacrifice of my family, I attended private schools which
offered a better education. In high school, I discovered an intense
interest and gift in math and science, and started college seeking a
degree in chemical engineering and computer science at Monterrey Tech
(ITESM). At the time there were very few women in engineering with
limited job opportunities. This reality has heavily influenced me, and
as such I have always supported and led efforts that substantially
enhanced employment of and opportunities for women and minorities. I
met my husband John while I was a student and eventually married him
and moved to the United States and proudly acquired my U.S.
citizenship.
After completing my Ph.D. at the University of Notre Dame, I joined
Argonne National Laboratory in 1988. I started my career supporting the
development of technologies for the treatment of high-level waste at
the Department of Energy plutonium production sites. After developing
strong technical skills, I joined BP-AMOCO in 1996, where I enhanced my
skills at managing complex projects, large budgets and a multi-
disciplinary staff in an industrial setting. I returned to Argonne in
2001, and became the Head of the Process Chemistry and Engineering
Department where I worked on new technologies for the treatment of used
nuclear fuel.
In addition, I was invited by the Massachusetts institute of
Technology to be part of its three-year Fuel Cycle Study Team. The
study was published in 2010 and considers economics, risk,
nonproliferation, institutional structures and technology readiness in
meeting U.S. energy and environmental needs. My participation in the
study not only allowed to me to gain experience working with high level
officials and nongovernment organizations, but brought to my attention
the need for the safe, permanent disposal of all types of radioactive
wastes.
In 2008, I had the unique opportunity to join DOE's Office of
Environmental Management, where I served as a senior program manager
supporting their strategic mission in the waste processing area.
I currently serve as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fuel Cycle
Technologies within the Office of Nuclear Energy. In this position I am
responsible for directing the research and development program
involving 10 national laboratories, 32 universities, over 400
scientists and 300 professors.
The last few years have been an eventful period with respect to
nuclear energy. I was directly involved in providing and coordinating
emergency responses to the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant
disaster. I assembled a multi-office team within DOE to evaluate
potential near-term options to mitigate the highly contaminated water
in Japan's plant resulting from the emergency cooling of reactors
damaged by the earthquake and subsequent tsunami
Over the past few decades, I have studied our various nuclear waste
management programs from a variety of vantage points. As a scientist at
Argonne, I have worked on and led efforts to identify technical
solutions to difficult waste management issues. In my current role, I
have been responsible for formulating and articulating strategic
options to expedite the resolution of waste management issues. I have
also experienced the intricacies of nuclear waste management from the
perspective of a waste generator and from a waste disposal specialist
during my time at DOE. One of Nation's biggest challenges remains to
ensure the public that the government is able to fulfill its
responsibility regarding the timely handling and cleanup of the nuclear
waste originated from both its defense and civilian programs.
Madam Chair, the Manhattan Project was a critical component of our
success in World War II and the Cold War. The communities and regions
that were home to these sites have made sacrifices for our Nation, and
the cleanup mission of the Environmental Management program is both a
legal and moral obligation.
2014 marks the 25th anniversary of the EM program. During my time
at Argonne National Laboratory and now at DOE, I have watched as EM
completed 91 sites and has made significant progress at the remaining
16. The Environmental Management program has before it some of the most
complex, challenging cleanup work, and accomplishing our goals will
mean applying innovative strategies to one-of-a-kind challenges--all
while ensuring that work is completed safely.
I believe my background, experience and commitment have prepared me
to lead the Office of Environmental Management during this particularly
critical time and I welcome the opportunity to continue my service to
the Nation as Assistant Secretary for EM. If confirmed, I pledge to
work closely with this committee and others in the Congress to ensure
that we continue the safe cleanup of the environmental legacy.
Madam Chair, thank you again for the opportunity to appear before
you and your committee today. I look forward to answering any questions
you and the committee may have.
The Chair. Thank you all very much.
Let me begin with some questions and one is both national
and somewhat local in nature.
First to you, Dr. Kimball.
The Water Resources Research Act of 1964 established the
State Water Resources Research Institute. These institutes are
located at land grant universities throughout the United States
and as you know, are USGS managed. They are partnerships
between Federal Government and States.
This July marks the 50th anniversary of the signing of the
Water Resources Act. These institutes were created to fulfill
several objectives: research and development of new
technologies, more efficient methods of resolving local, State
and water resource problems, training water scientists and
engineers, etcetera.
We have one such program in Louisiana. The Louisiana Water
Resource Research Institute is located at LSU. It sponsored
several research projects on the health of Lake Pontchartrain
and other important issues.
Can you talk for a minute about your understanding of these
resource centers, their level of funding, the importance or
efficacy of their work and what are your views about continuing
these partnerships? Do you think they bring value to the
mission of your agency?
Ms. Kimball. Thank you very much, Senator, for that
question.
The short answer is I think they're very valuable and I
think the partnership is becoming stronger every day. We have
had some challenges within funding in the past. Part of that
was because we had difficulty clearly linking the activities
within the institutes to the mission of the USGS.
However, we've worked very, very closely with the
leadership of the institutes. We have put together a strategic
plan that gives us ways to closely link and to very easily
articulate the connection between the institutes and the USGS.
I think going forward into the future we will be able to
demonstrate the value of these partnerships. We'll be able to
demonstrate the utility of the projects that are being
conducted at the various water resource research institutes. I
look forward to a very productive relationship going into the
future.
The Chair. How many such institutes do we have? Do you know
or can the staff let us know?
Ms. Kimball. Um, it's in the neighborhood of 30, but that
is not a number that I know exactly.
We will be happy to provide the response for the record.
The Chair. OK.
Along that line, in Lafayette at the National Wetlands
Research Center that was established by my predecessor, Senator
Johnson and Senator Brough, when they served here. That
wetlands research center has become an extraordinary, regional,
outside of Louisiana, regional resource for scientists all over
the Gulf Coast, in studying and recognizing the potential
threat to the wetlands, particularly along the Gulf Coast. But
I think they do work all over the Nation.
Are you familiar with the work they do there? Do you have
any ideas in your mind how you can step up the collaboration in
addition to what you just mentioned with some of these
facilities around the country?
Ms. Kimball. I'm very familiar with the work at the
National Wetlands Research Center. For that matter, I started
my professional career working on issues in the coastal area,
North Central Gulf coastal areas, of Louisiana and Mississippi.
That center has a long history of providing valuable
information, not just on the North Central Gulf areas, but
issues associated with deltas and wetlands worldwide.
I think that we will see in the future as we look to the
restoration activities in the Gulf following the Deep Water
Horizon Institute, a significant contribution by that center
and not only by that center, but by the suite of partners both
in academia and in other non-profit groups and other Federal
research facilities across the country.
The Chair. OK.
One more question to you and then I'll ask the other
panelists.
As somewhat of a surprise to the members of the delegation
from the Gulf Coast States the Justice Department last year
allocated $2.5 billion in penalties and fees to the Gulf Coast
States. Put it in a semi-private organization which had been
established under the Bush Administration called the National
Fish and Wildlife Foundation.
According to the Justice Department directives $1.2 billion
for barrier islands and river diversion projects will be sent
off the coast of Louisiana, $356 million each for Alabama,
Florida and Mississippi and $203 million for Texas. This is not
actually money under your jurisdiction, but your mission is
very similar.
So, A, are you aware of this funding that's available with
the National Federation of Wildlife?
Are you understanding that there could be some
complementary work done, particularly because it seems under
the Justice Department directive that this is restricted to
barrier island restoration and river diversion which is what
your thesis was on?
Ms. Kimball. Yes, Senator, we are aware of this funding
stream. We are aware of the parameters under which the National
Fish and Wildlife Foundation is operating.
The USGS, along with other bureaus within the Department of
the Interior, are working closely together in the Gulf area and
working closely with the States to identify the appropriate
projects that could be funded under this activity.
The Chair. OK.
I'm going to be following up specifically on these barrier
islands since this fund is restricted, not at our request, but
it was done by the Justice Department in settlement with the
court. Not that we don't have great needs for barrier islands,
but there are other needs, as you are well aware. But we've got
to make sure that, you know, this is a lot of money and that
it's spend wisely and it's spent in a coordinated fashion with
the other agencies that are, you know, tasked with these
barrier island challenges which are all over the country, of
course, not just in the Gulf of Mexico.
Let me ask Dr. Regalbuto real quick.
What immediate challenges do you see in the EM program that
are right before you? I know this is many sites throughout the
country. I've got a map here of the sites that we're still
working on. They're in California, Nevada, South Carolina,
Kentucky, Tennessee, Idaho, New York. I mean they really range
from West to East facilities.
What do you think some of the immediate challenges are? If
you could list them No. 1, 2 and 3.
Ms. Regalbuto. Thank you for your question, Senator.
I am aware of the number of sites at the Department of
Energy Environmental Management program. The program is 25
years old. It has been focusing more in the first 25 years on
the low hanging fruit.
The next number of years really the sites that remain to be
treated are the most, more challenging of all.
In addition to the existing inventory of radioactive waste
that is currently in assistance and was part of the
prioritization process through EM, we have a number of
incidents this year that makes it switch in priorities.
The incident at WIPP is No. 1 priority. We had to restart
the facility. This facility is incredibly necessary for the
Department of Energy and for the Nation as it is the only
working repository in the world and is the only place where we
can bring our waste. So it has an impact across the whole
country.
So that has to be No. 1 priority.
No. 2 priority is the work at Hanford. Hanford is one of
the largest sites. As such, a lot of work still needs to be
done. We are working with the State currently to assess a stage
approach that will allow us to move forward.
The number 3 priority is to continue the great work that we
have been doing in the State of South Carolina at the Savannah
River National Plant. Savannah River is the only working site
that produces glass today in this country. That is critically
important that we continue to work on those issues.
The Chair. Thank you very much.
Senator Murkowski.
Senator Murkowski. Thank you, Madame Chair.
Dr. Kimball, I have a question for you about priorities
within USGS. I noted in my opening comments my concern about
the natural disaster monitorings, specifically volcanos, and
earthquakes. If you look at the President's budget, we do see a
slight increase in funding for natural hazards, but it does not
sufficiently fund the Alaska Volcano Observatory System of
Seismic Monitors.
It's my understanding that within a year or 2, without
maintenance funds for system repair and transportation to the
remote facilities, that we could see about half of this network
offline, which of course, would be a concern.
Another area where--I am just trying to get a sense of
priorities within the agency.
In 2007 I was successful in advancing a bill called the
Alaska Water Resources Act which called for USGS to increase
the number of streams in the State that have river and stream
gauges on them. We only have 100 USGS stream gauging stations,
one per ten thousand square miles. In the Pacific Northwest the
States average one gauge for each 365 square miles. I think you
understand very well the significance and the importance of
these stream monitoring gauges.
Alaska just did not see the funds that were prioritized to
implement this 2007 act. Instead the act expired last year
without even one new stream gauging station that was added.
Again, an area, just in terms of understanding what our
resource is, which is critically important whether it's for the
health and safety or whether it's for understanding our ability
to develop in areas.
So the question to you and I know it's broad, but how will
you fight for those priorities for funding that are really very
much within USGS' core mission? How do you determine where you
place that priority when it comes to natural hazards monitoring
and science and other base science spending?
Ms. Kimball. Thank you for the question, Senator Murkowski.
I know that you've been quite a supporter of USGS
activities in the realm of natural hazards and basic monitoring
and data collection. I share your concerns about funding. I
share your sense of priorities for these basic data collection
efforts that are essential for us to have in order to
understand the system, how the system operates. Hence, provide
the information that will result in enhancing public health,
safety and welfare.
The USGS, over the past few years, has approached the
budget process in these times of very constrained fiscal
constraints by in each year identifying 1 or 2 of those
fundamental activities that we would promote and push because
there simply were not enough dollars in constrained fiscal
times to be able to raise that bar for everyone and every
program. So we've been approaching it in a step wise process.
This year in 2014 we were able to gain some additional
funds to support the stream gauging network, specifically. To
support our natural hazards work.
We were fortunate during the Stimulus bill to be able to
have enough resources to develop some of the monitoring
capabilities for volcanoes and earthquakes, but again, not
enough to fully implement our strategic plan for the system.
If confirmed I can commit to you that we'll be working with
you and with our partners across the country to identify those
funding sources to stabilize our basic data collection
activities and to enhance those activities so they can meet a
standard for protecting public health and safety.
Senator Murkowski. I appreciate your response. I look
forward to working with you on those very basic areas which, I
think, far too often get pushed to the back when there is
something brighter and shinier that occupies this space. thus,
my concern about this mission creep. So I ask you to be
sensitive to that.
I mentioned in my opening wanting to inquire a little bit
about the Black Brant. I am trying to figure out where these
birds go after they leave the Izembek Refuge. It's my
understanding they go down to Baha. They are in an area near
San Quintin Bay, Mexico. They must be pretty smart birds to
summer in Alaska and winter in Mexico.
But, of course, the concern I have is there are
disturbances in Baha whether it is people, hunters, aircraft,
roads, or avian predators. I am trying to understand where they
are on the other end because I can not see that a ten mile, one
lane, gravel, non-commercial use road is going to so horribly
disturb these animals, that these birds can not make the
journey south. So I want to get a little more background and
data from you. We can do that offline.
Thank you, Madame Chair.
The Chair. Thank you, Senator.
Senator Johnson.
Senator Johnson. Thank you, Madame Chair and Ranking Member
Murkowski.
Congratulations to each of the nominees.
Mr. Lopez, this committee has discussed rural water
projects like Lewis and Clark regional water system and the Mni
Wiconi water system on numerous occasions. Unfortunately the
regular budgeting process seems to be continuously
underinvested in these and other rural water projects.
For example, the Administration's FY2015 budget provides
just $22 million for construction across all 6 projects with
only $2.4 million designated for Lewis and Clark in South
Dakota. There are significant benefits and substantial returns
in investment from rural water projects. This slow pace on
uncertainty of construction funding has a number of negative
consequences and leads to significant inefficiencies.
In your new position how will you prioritize rural water
projects within Reclamation's budget so that they can make
meaningful progress each year toward connecting communities in
their service area?
Mr. Lopez. Thank you for your question, Senator Johnson.
Also I wanted to thank you for the opportunity to meet with you
in your office a few days ago where this issue came up.
I recognize and I understand, kind of, the frustration with
the pace of these important rural water projects. As I
mentioned in my opening statement I've been involved in
supporting the Eastern New Mexico Rural Water Project and that
project, like Lewis and Clark and Mni Wiconi are both--it is
absolutely critical for the communities that are going to
depend on it.
Unfortunately the--we worked with a constrained budget and
we--I understand that Reclamation has some criteria by which to
allocate the available funds such that it meets the greatest
needs and completes useable portions of projects in the time
that are allotted.
If confirmed, I would look forward to learning more about
your specific projects and more specifically, to work with you
and this committee and to try and find additional funding
resources to finish all these very worthy projects in a useful
timeframe.
Senator Johnson. Dr. Kimball, do you agree that maintaining
Landsat data continuity should be a priority for your agency
and are you able to share any updates about the status of the
discussions between USGS and NASA concerning the future of the
Landsat program and the anticipated timing of the next Landsat
launch?
Ms. Kimball. Yes, I do share the sense of priority for
Landsat. We have 42 years of unbroken record of information
that is vitally important to agriculture, vitally important to
forestry, vitally important to looking at issues associated
with drought and climate change. Maintaining that data
continuity is very important.
The architecture study team, a joint effort of USGS and
NASA, is in the process of finalizing the report that was
requested by Congress. We anticipate seeing that report
sometime around the end of May. We'll be happy to provide more
information when that report is available.
Senator Johnson. I yield.
The Chair. Thank you so much.
Senator Risch.
Senator Risch. Thank you, Madame Chairman.
Dr. Regalbuto, thanks so much for taking the time to meet
with me.
Your work is incredibly important to the State of Idaho,
particularly at the Idaho National Laboratory. I have to tell
you after looking at your qualifications, we don't see very
often people who are nominated for these positions that have
the kind of qualifications you do that fit into that spot so
perfectly as yours do. So we look forward to working with you
in the future.
You're familiar, of course, with the Idaho National
Laboratory and the 2 missions that are going on there?
One, of course, is as a laboratory doing some incredibly
good and important research for the country.
But also, as you mentioned, we've got a cold war legacy
that we're cleaning up. We were the unhappy and unwilling
recipients of a lot of the waste that took place in other
places. It really wasn't handled very well, as you know. It was
buried in the backyard, if you would.
The history, as you know, is that the State attempted to
negotiate with the Department about the cleanup. It didn't work
very well. We wound up in court. That didn't work very well
either.
But what did work is while we were in court the 2 parties
sat down, negotiated a settlement agreement and that has worked
very well. Four of us have been Governors since the initiation
of that particular agreement. Regularly we have hiccups,
defugalties, issues and we resolve them within the 4 corners of
the agreement. It's been working incredibly well.
So in given that, I want to talk about the future. We've
had the distant past which hasn't been very good, the recent
past which has been very good. Now as the Department moves into
the next phase of the cleanup work in Idaho, I want to urge you
to work with us, with the Congressional delegation, who really,
kind of, work as an allies in between the State and the Federal
Government and also with the State officials, who are anxious
to work in good faith to try to move forward and complete the
work that's going to take a long time out there.
So I'd like to get your thoughts and your comments in that
regard, please.
Mr. Regalbuto. Thank you, Senator Risch, for your kind
words and also for the opportunity to visit with you and learn
more about the programs in your State and the communities
surrounding it.
I am a product of a national laboratory system and as such
I have experience understanding the valuable work, the research
and development, that is conducted at the national
laboratories. I also understand that Secretary Moniz is a great
supporter of the work that comes from the national laboratory
not only for the Office of Environmental Management, for the
whole DOE. We look forward to continue that high level of work.
Regarding the cold war waste I do understand that Idaho is
one of the most successful sites that we have in terms of
meeting their goals and putting to resolution the cold war
waste. I certainly am aware of the settlement agreement. I
thank you and your colleagues for your willingness to work with
the Department throughout these many years.
If confirmed, I look forward to continuing that valuable
relationship with, not only the laboratory, the site and the
State, but also with the communities in your purview.
Senator Risch. Thank you, Doctor.
I appreciate those kind words about the laboratory.
You're right, we have been very successful. The contractors
that are working at the site have done an excellent job. It's a
great success story.
I think it is the result of the collaborative work between
the State of Idaho and the Department of Energy that has
resulted in these successes. I hope we can all agree that we're
going to use that as a model as we move forward. It works so
much better if we work hand in hand and we collaborate to get
these things done. I think that's what's been--that's why we
have the result we have in Idaho.
It helps the other mission of the laboratory. We can focus
on the other missions of the laboratory. This is a great place.
They do fantastic work there. But we have both missions that we
have to pay attention to.
So, thank you so much for agreeing to do this. I look
forward to the partnership as we move forward together.
Mr. Lopez and Dr. Kimball, thank you 2 also for meeting
with me. Appreciate the matters that you bring to the table
also.
Mr. Lopez, I appreciate seeing in your resume the
collaborative systems that you've used in the past. I explained
to you a unique situation we had at Deer Flat Wildlife Refuge
which is now really a recreation area near a large population
center in Idaho. We've moved forward in some of the challenges
as far as management that's concerned. We'll be talking about
that in the future as we go forward.
Thank you for agreeing to serve.
My time is up.
Thank you very much, Madame Chairman.
The Chair. Thank you, Senator.
Senator Manchin.
Senator Manchin. Thank you, Madame Chairman.
I'm going to start with Dr. Kimball, if I may.
Let me see here.
Dr. Kimball, you know that USGS is currently engaging
critical mineral research. We often hear about our growing
demand for rare earth elements and their use in the modern,
civilian and defense technologies. Can you update us on the
status and progress of the USGS' research in this area?
Yes. USGS is--has, in fact, received a budget increase to
look at rare earth minerals. We have a strategic plan in place
that we're following.
One of the new aspects of our work, looking at these
minerals and developing these assessments, is to approach it
from a life cycle perspective for use, reuse, recycling.
We are committed to continue with our work on global
assessments. We are committed to providing the kind of
information that's needed knowing that this is a global
resource issue and connecting with our colleagues about that.
Senator Manchin. When you're doing your research on that
would you be able to provide me or maybe so I can provide the
committee with the ownerships, countries that are most
aggressive in the ownerships and the percent of ownership of
the rare earth resources in the world?
Ms. Kimball. Yes, sir.
We have commodity summaries for approximately 100
commodities including rare earth materials. We can provide some
additional information for the record.
Senator Manchin. I think it might be interesting for the
committee to have that report.21Senator Manchin. If I may go to
Mr. Lopez?
You know the Bureau of Reclamation is one of the largest
producer of hydropower in the United States. If confirmed, what
would your priorities for this program be for hydropower?
Mr. Lopez. Thank you for your question, Senator.
Yes, Reclamation is, I believe, the second largest
hydropower producer in the United States. One of the things
that I've learned in preparing for this job is that there
remains a great deal of opportunity for additional power,
hydropower production, within existing reservoirs or dams. I
think we have to do everything that we can to try and maximize
the availability of hydropower.
Similarly there's availability or an opportunity to look
into developing a low head power production even in canals.
Anything that moves water has a potential for generating
hydropower. I look forward to trying to maximize all options.
Senator Manchin. Let me just say this.
What I would ask you to do, again on behalf of our
committee, Energy Committee, is to tell me what the deferred
maintenance is on the existing plants because everyone can
build a new plant. But I'm understanding if this is falling
apart the same as our infrastructure is around the country,
then we have a deferred maintenance that we haven't maintained.
So we could have our current hydropower production depleted
because of a lack of maintenance.
If you could or your office would be able to do that as
quickly as possible, give us an update on the condition of the
hydropower infrastructure that we currently have in place, it
would be greatly appreciated and most helpful as we move
forward because I'm concerned about our ability to continue
with a lack of maintenance.
Mr. Lopez. Thank you, Senator.
I will, if confirmed, I will work on producing that report
for this committee.
Senator Manchin. I appreciate that.
Senator Manchin. Dr. Regalbuto.
While the Office of Environment Management does not oversee
any sites in my State, budget overruns from the office do
affect the DOE's programs in West Virginia. How do you plan to
prevent cost overruns in this multibillion dollar budget?
Ms. Regalbuto. Thank you for your question, Senator.
I recognize that the cost overruns in the Department of
Energy have been significant and not only in the Department of
Energy Environmental Management Program but in other programs.
That does affect the overall well being of the taxpayer's
money.
Secretary Moniz is committed to addressing this issue. It
is one of the No. 1 priorities in the department. He has
created the Under Secretary for Management and Performance
where EM is currently located.
With that we plan to move forward into much more well
thought out programs, not any shape construction of anything
until we're ready in order to make sure that the taxpayer money
is put to well use.
If confirmed, I'll be happy to work with you and any other
member of the committee----
Senator Manchin. One final thing I will just--my time is
running out. Real quickly, if I could ask you?
The Department of Energy has about $8 billion, as I
understand, in clean coal technology?
Ms. Regalbuto. Yes.
Senator Manchin. That has not been distributed for since
2009?
Ms. Regalbuto. I am not--thank you for your question,
Senator.
Senator Manchin. No, the only thing I'm saying on that can
you tell me why there has not been any movement on this? Why
the private sector hasn't stepped to the plate? Your evaluation
of why this money is not going in for the technology that would
allow us to burn the most abundant, affordable energy that we
have in a much cleaner fashion?
I really want to hear that from you, if I can.
Ms. Regalbuto. Thank you for your question, Sir.
The development of clean technologies, unfortunately is not
in my purview and is one area that I have personally not worked
on.
I am well aware that the possibility of new technologies
exist but I will have to get back to you on the record on this
specific question.
Senator Manchin. Thank you.
The Chair. Thank you.
Senator Scott.
Senator Scott. Thank you, Madame Chairwoman.
Dr. Regalbuto, thank you for being here today and thank you
for your testimony and also I hear your husband is a professor
on faculty at the University of South Carolina. So go
gamecocks. Good to have you----
[Indistinguishable sound from audience.]
Senator Scott. Thank you. I'll tell them you said so.
[Laughter.]
Senator Scott. My question really is about the latest
report. Two weeks ago the DOE released its study on
alternatives to the MOX facility at Savannah River site. As you
know the Obama Administration has decided to put the facility
on cold stand by in FY2015.
I'm trying to think of the alternatives. Obviously we've
seen the 4 alternatives or the 5 alternatives to the MOX
facility. One being the WIPP facility in New Mexico which is
currently recovering from a radiation leak and it's going to be
closed for some period of time.
Do you have an idea of how long the facility is going to be
closed?
Ms. Regalbuto. Thank you for your question, Senator.
Yes, go gamecocks.
[Laughter.]
Ms. Regalbuto. I've been to many games and it's fun.
Regarding the study on the MOX option studies, I am aware
that it was a preliminary study and that no decisions have been
made. With that, I recognize that one of the options that they
looked at was disposal at a WIPP like type facility.
Senator Scott. Yes.
Ms. Regalbuto. So it was used as a baseline because that's
where the information is known.
I do not believe that the intention is to, you know, make
that decision at this point. If anything, there will be further
studies before they address anything going forward because the
true cost has not really been determined in, you know, options
studies.
Senator Scott. Yes, ma'am.
Ms. Regalbuto. Regarding when is WIPP going to be open?
Right now WIPP is going through investigation. Right now
they are obtaining the characterization data. Once the
characterization data and the real reason for the release is
known, then an action plan is to be put together and a
remediation path goes forward.
I don't think we can specifically say how long it's going
to take because we really don't know exactly what happened.
There is clear understanding right now about some material
incompatibility in some of the boxes. But we need to determine
what was the exact source of that incompatibility before we can
move forward. Of course, we have to do it efficiently, but also
in a safe manner.
Senator Scott. Do you know if the Obama Administration took
into consideration the radiation leak when they proposed it as
one of the alternative sites for the MOX program?
Ms. Regalbuto. Oh, I will not know the answer to that
question but, you know, from the Obama Administration point of
view all I can tell you is that some of the options were
probably analyzed, you know, before the release happened.
I'm not sure.
Senator Scott. OK.
Ms. Regalbuto. About exactly the time table.
But if confirmed I look forward to working with you on this
issue.
Senator Scott. Given the unique work being done at the
Savannah River site. If you think about the fact that it's the
Nation's only tritium recycling mission, the Nation's only
chemical separation facility, the Nation's only site where high
level waste is treated and the tanks are actually closed. How
do you plan to use this strategic national treasure to help the
country and how will the future budgets reflect the real work
going on at the Savannah River site?
Ms. Regalbuto. Thank you, Senator, for your question.
The Savannah River site has certainly been one of the best
sites with a very complex mission. I am certainly impressed
with the work that has been conducted in H canyon. We went from
producing plutonium in that facility to now supporting national
security mission and disposing of weapons grade materials.
So to me that is one of the stories that we need to
implement in other parts of the complex where we take the
facilities and we actually do with them an applicable mission
that is currently important to the Nation.
It is certainly a complex issue. Tritium production is very
important. I am familiar with the, you know, the T bar recovery
facility is one of the most modern facilities that we have in
the complex.
You know, although I have not visited yet, I have seen many
of the presentations. It's a very impressive facility. You
know, I commend you for operating that.
Senator Scott. We certainly see it as a national treasure,
a national asset. I would look forward to, during one of the
Gamecock football games, your presence in South Carolina
perhaps taking some time to join me at the facility and let us
tour it together.
Ms. Regalbuto. I thank you very much for your time and if
confirmed, I look forward to, you know, spending time working
with you and your organization.
Senator Scott. Thank you, ma'am.
The Chair. Thank you so much.
Senator, thank you for your leadership on that matter.
Senator Cantwell.
There's a vote that's been called, but I think we can
finish Senator Cantwell's questions. Senator Murkowski and I
have one each and we'll wrap up our hearing in time for our
vote.
Senator Cantwell. Thank you.
The Chair. Senator Cantwell.
Senator Cantwell. Thank you, Madame Chairman. Thank you for
holding this hearing. I have questions for each of you and so
if I can get some, maybe, some succinct answers that would be
great.
But I'm going to start with you, Dr. Kimball.
My colleague, Senator Murkowski, brought up obviously an
important aspect of what USGS does. But I wanted to ask you,
specifically, about landslides and a recommendation by the
National Academy that the USGS published a landslide hazard
mitigation strategy. So that was something that was recommended
but it never received funding.
So do you think we need to do that plan?
Ms. Kimball. Senator Cantwell, thank you.
I know that our USGS employees feel very strongly about the
landslide work. I think that we do need to continue. We do have
a strategic plan for natural hazards within USGS. I think
looking at that national plan is going to be important.
We have additional funds that we are planning to use for a
national assessment of landslide prone areas. Ultimately to
look at the kinds of precipitation events that would trigger
landslides and debris flows.
Senator Cantwell. I think you can realize where I'm coming
from after the Oso Darrington mudslide.
Ms. Kimball. Right.
Senator Cantwell. That not enough is being done. So, the
fact that we did have this recommendation, so you're committed
to doing a plan and you understand that we now have an
increased risk, whatever you want to call it. But obviously the
changing climate is causing, you know, rainfall records that
people never anticipated.
So it's putting these risks in a higher area. So this
LIDAR, laser imaging detection and ranging is really, you know,
essential.
Ms. Kimball. Yes, Senator. I recognize that. We are
committed to going forward with comprehensive LIDAR surveys. If
confirmed, I will definitely be working with you and other
members of the committee to realize this.
Senator Cantwell. Thank you. Thank you very much.
Mr. Lopez, we had a chance to talk about the Yakima Basin
project in my office. You obviously get the significance of how
everybody in the region is working together, Native Americans,
environmentalists, farmers, county commissioners. It's almost
as if they're giddy with pride at how well they're working
together which is juxtapose to a lot of other water situations
around the country.
Yet, the President's budget doesn't fully reflect what
they're requesting for the Federal assistance. The State has
already put up $137 million. So will you work to make sure that
we get the Federal participation that's needed on this project?
Mr. Lopez. Thank you for your question, Senator Cantwell.
I also want to thank you for the opportunity to visit with
you a few days ago and the discussion that we had regarding the
Yakima Basin integrated plan really was demonstrative of the
sorts of things that you can do when you get everybody together
in collaborative processes and bring everybody along, make sure
that there's a common understanding of the goals. Quite often
it yields a win/win type situations. I commend you and all of
the participants in this project that it's an outstanding
example of the value of those sorts of processes.
I recognize that funding on the Federal side has been
insufficient. I do commit that we would--I would work with you,
if confirmed, to try and assure that the Federal Government can
contribute its fair share.
Senator Cantwell. Great. Thank you very much for that.
Dr. Regalbuto, is that the right pronunciation?
Thank you for your willingness to serve. We've certainly
worked with many of your predecessors.
This issue of chemical vapor exposure to Hanford workers is
unacceptable. In the last 2 months 28 people have become sick
or exposed to these vapors. Workers have asked for better
access to personal protective equipment.
What will you do as Secretary to increase the worker's
safety at tank farms? What will you do to make sure workers who
suffer radioactive exposure have their medical claims
addressed?
Mr. Regalbuto. Thank you for your question, Senator
Cantwell.
I share your concerns regarding the vapor exposure to 28
workers. No workers should be exposed. I understand that the
Savannah River National Laboratory is right now conducting an
independent study to assess what is the source of those
exposures.
I, myself, am a RAD worker, so I can suit up and put in a
respirator and work. I certainly recognize that it is a complex
job once you're all fully suited. The workers do deserve the
best protection equipment that is available and access to their
records because their records are theirs.
If confirmed, I do not know the very specifics right now of
the situation. But if confirmed I look forward to fully address
this issue and work with you and your staff regarding this
issue.
The Chair. Thank you.
Senator Cantwell, since the time is so short. We just have
a few minutes left of the vote. I want to recognize Senator
Flake for his questions.
Senator Flake. I appreciate that. I'll be very brief.
Just for Mr. Lopez, thank you for coming to my office the
other day. I enjoyed meeting with you there.
In the next couple of years Colorado River levels are
projected to drop at Lake Mead to elevations that could result
in the shortage declaration as early as 2016 or 2017. They're
going to be significant imbalances throughout the Colorado
River Basin. What do you believe Reclamation ought to do to
address these shortages?
Mr. Lopez. Thank you for your question, Senator Flake.
Thank you for the opportunity to meet with you a few days ago.
I'm intimately familiar with a lot of the work that's being
done on the Colorado River and the Colorado River Basin. I'm
New Mexico's representative to the Colorado River Compact and
the--I've served as Commissioner to the Upper Colorado River
Compact.
In that context, I worked with Reclamation and the other
Basin States on the Basin study that was completed in 2012.
Since then, as you've noted, the--we've recognized the high
potential that water levels continue to drop and could reach
critical thresholds very soon.
To that end Reclamation has taken a leadership role in
terms of looking at some contingency planning. Obviously we
don't want to operate in crisis mode, but it's prudent for us
and for all water managers to look critically at what can be
done to avoid those critical levels.
All 7 Basin States are working with Reclamation to look at
what might be done in the short run. Things like, conservation
measures, extraordinary conservation measures, both by
municipalities and agricultural water users. There's work being
done to see whether agricultural leasing programs might be done
to make some of the ag water available in times of critical
shortage.
In the upper basin we're looking at how all of the Colorado
River Basin reservoirs might be re-operated to make water
available for those critical needs. Based on some of that very
preliminary work we believe that there is the possibility of
forestalling the sorts of shortages. We will continue to work
on that.
If confirmed, I would continue to that effort with
Reclamation taking the lead role, doing the hydrology modeling
and engaging all of the stakeholders, most notably the States,
but also all of the other stakeholders including the tribes and
environmental interests in that basin.
Senator Flake. So you'd agree to divert California's water
to Arizona then? Is that what I hear you?
[Laughter.]
Senator Flake. It was worth a try, anyway.
[Laughter.]
Senator Flake. No, thank you for your question. I look
forward to working--or for your answer. I look forward to
working with you on this.
Thanks.
Mr. Lopez. Thank you, Senator.
The Chair. Thank you very much.
Final comment, Senator Murkowski.
Senator Murkowski. Just very briefly and it was along the
same lines as what Senator Flake asked.
When we have drought situations, as we clearly have in the
West right now, I am concerned that oftentimes when our water
resources are short there is an imbalance in terms of how our
agencies meet the environmental obligations they have. When it
comes to choosing between people and fish, the deference
appears to be going with the fish even when, I think, they have
some additional flexibility to supply water as they work to
protect the fish.
These are incredibly important issues. It's going to be
very important moving forward to figure out how you navigate
these tensions between ensuring the water delivery that
absolutely has to happen while accommodating the environmental
requirements.
I do not expect you to give me that answer right here in 5
seconds. But it is attention that I think we need to reckon
with as a committee because clearly those in the West are
dealing with it. I would appreciate your attention to this very
critical matter.
Thank you all for being here this morning.
The Chair. Thank you all for your testimony.
I'm going to leave with 2 points.
One is to follow up on the Bureau of Reclamation that over
a billion dollars flows into the fund, but last year or this
year budgeted only $123 million will flow out. So 1.043 will
flow into the fund, only 1.--I mean, $123 million will flow out
of the fund.
There are an enormous backlog of projects that need to be
completed, mostly for the Western States, but their issues are
very important to this Chairman as well as our issues along the
coast.
Second, so Mr. Lopez I'm going to ask you to submit the
list of your Reclamation projects. They may be in the budget
and if they are you can just notify us. How many projects are
pending? What is your shortage of funding? What are your total
needs, not just what is in the budget?
The Chair. Then second, Senator Murkowski and I talked
about the importance of hydropower staying as a part of our
electricity mix. We're going to talk about that at a future
meeting. It's either anywhere from 7 to 19 percent. Balancing
the needs of the other, you know, species, of course, fish,
etcetera, is very important. Salmon comes up often in the
reconstruction of these dams.
But producing more clean electricity is also very important
for this country. So we look forward to working with you all in
ways that that can be accomplished.
With that, if there's any further testimony it can be
submitted for the record.
The Chair. Thank you all for your testimony. We'll follow
up and review and let you know when the markup will occur.
Thank you.
[Whereupon, at 11:28 a.m. the hearing was adjourned.]
APPENDIX
Responses to Additional Questions
----------
Responses of Suzette M. Kimball to Questions From Senator Manchin
Question 1. Dr. Kimball, as you know, the USGS is currently engaged
in critical mineral research. We often hear about our growing demand
for rare earth elements and their use in modem civilian and defense
technologies. Can you update us on the status and progress of the
USGS's research in this area?
Answer. As I noted during my confirmation hearing, in FY14 the USGS
received a budget increase to look at rare earth minerals. We have a
strategic plan in place that we are following. One ofthe new aspects of
our work looking at these minerals and developing these assessments is
to approach it from a life cycle perspective for use, reuse, and
recycling. The USGS has more than a dozen specific projects focused on
rare earth elements, including research on the largest deposits in the
United States as well as new techniques that can be used to better
understand these deposits. In addition, there is an important national
need for accurate information about critical mineral resources. Such
information currently is supplied by the National Mineral Information
Center within the Mineral Resources Program of the USGS. We continue to
publish annual commodity reports on rare earth elements and critical
minerals. This information function remains the gold standard for
mineral resource information, both on a national and international
level.
Question 2. I understand that the mission of the USGS Water
Resources Program includes directives to: ``to protect and enhance
water resources for human health, aquatic health, and environmental
quality.'' Additionally, USGS maintains real-time data on state water
quality. How do you envision the role of USGS in protecting and
enhancing water quality? Are there ways in which the USGS can work with
West Virginia state officials to protect and improve the water quality?
Answer. As the primary federal science agency for water
information, the USGS is well positioned to work with West Virginia
local officials to protect and improve water quality through the
Cooperative Water Program and other activities. The USGS monitors and
assesses the amount and characteristics of the Nation's freshwater
resources and the sources and behavior of contaminants in the water
environment. The USGS also develops tools to improve management and
understanding of water resources. Fundamental to USGS water science is
the collection and public dissemination of data describing the quantity
and quality of the Nation's freshwater resources. These data in turn
are utilized to inform the public and decisionmakers about the status
of freshwater resources and provide a sound foundation for local water
management decisions.
The USGS Water Resources Mission Area invests in monitoring and
assessing the quality of the Nation's water, including the effects of
the investments the Nation is making in water quality improvements.
Specifically, the USGS provides the scientific foundation for
protecting, managing, and sustaining surface water that is safe and
available for drinking and other uses. Water quality information is
collected at many of the 8,000 streamgage sites, which is used by local
communities to protect and enhance water quality. In addition, USGS'
National Water Quality Assessment program provides important
information on the status of the Nation's water quality, as well as
trends in conditions.
One example of USGS-state cooperation in West Virginia involved the
industrial chemical spill near Charleston on January 9, 2014. The USGS
worked closely with the state's Department of Environmental Protection
to collect and analyze water and fish tissue samples and rapidly
developed highly sensitive methods for quantifying contaminants.
Question 3. USGS National Landslide Hazard Mitigation Program--In
2004, the National Academy of Sciences published a report that found
that the U.S. lacked a comprehensive strategy for landslides. Based on
the report, the USGS published the ``Landslide Hazard Mitigation
Strategy''--which included the proposed creation of a national
landslide program. However the program was never created due to lack of
funding support.
It has been 10 years since the USGS released a plan to start a
Landslide Hazard Mitigation Program. In your view, is there still a
need for a National program, today? What aspects of the proposed
program are most critical? What would this program mean for communities
who are working to manage landslide risks? What could more resources
mean for the ability to predict a landslide like Oso?
Answer. The need for a comprehensive National Landslide Hazard
Mitigation Program has not diminished since the publication of the NAS
report. As population in potentially hazardous locations grows, the
overall exposure increases. Changing land-use patterns and increasing
wildfire frequency also contribute to a general increase in the
exposure to landslide hazards.
Critical needs include--(1) expansion of coordinated landslide
response capability to provide more effective response by the USGS, and
(2) establishment of a cooperative external grants program to support
landslide hazard mapping and related activities by states and local
partners. Efforts should be targeted to the communities at the greatest
risk. Identification of these communities requires a national-scale
effort supported by the next-generation of topographic data (3DEP).
Collaborations would leverage USGS research and broaden impact.
Establishing this program would provide a framework enabling
communities to identify high-risk areas and apply USGS science to
reduce landslide losses.
Responses of Suzette M. Kimball to Questions From Senator Cantwell
Question 4. USGS Landslides and Climate Change--In Western
Washington, the severe storms in December of 2007 caused more than 730
landslides in the Upper Chehalis Basin. Storms like these are expected
to increase in frequency and intensity due to climate change.
Is landslide risk increasing with climate change? How will climate
change alter USGS landslide research, hazard mitigation planning and
response? In your view, does the USGS currently have the resources and
personnel to address these emerging landslide threats? How can the USGS
help our states and communities better prepare for existing and
emerging landslide threats?
Answer. The USGS cannot detect a general change in landslide
activity, in part because a comprehensive catalog of landslide
occurrence is not kept and baseline data are not available for
comparison. Such an effort would require a level of resources well
beyond what is envisioned in the National Landslide Strategy.
Attributing any change in landslide activity to climate change is
confounded by any increase that may be associated with land use change
and increasing population. However, an increase in the frequency or
severity of extreme weather events would likely cause an increase in
landslide activity.
The USGS Natural Hazards Science Strategy (http://pubs.usgs.gov/
circ/1383f/) outlines a framework to examine the role of climate change
on landslides, particularly where their frequency and severity are
expected to increase with increases in wildland fire and rising sea
level.
The USGS has a Mission Area dedicated to advancing the
understanding of changes in climate and land use. Current landslide
program resources are dedicated to dealing with existing threats. We
are exploring additional partnerships to better understand and address
the potential interactions of climate change and landslides.
Question 5. USGS Research and LIDAR--As you know, LIDAR data is
used to measure fine scale topography across landscapes. LIDAR data has
proven to be key in identifying risk factors that could contribute to
landslides, like the one in Oso, Washington earlier this year. LIDAR
data is especially important in areas where there is significant
vegetation, such as Western Washington state.
While some LIDAR is funded by USGS-it is usually funded through
grants which states, counties, tribes and local communities use to pay
contractors to take measurements. What happens to that data once it is
used on a local scale?
Answer. The National Geospatial Program tracks publicly available
LIDAR data and uses it to maintain the National Elevation Dataset. This
process is transitioning to the 3D Elevation Program, or 3DEP. The
primary goal of 3DEP is to acquire, and electronically deliver, a
national LIDAR dataset to the public. In support of that goal, the USGS
has developed a standard specification for LIDAR, and has awarded
special contracts which are available to all Federal agencies, States
and local partners to increase the opportunity for collaboration on
LIDAR acquisitions.
Through 3DEP, the USGS has been successful in acquiring LIDAR (and
other geospatial data) using funds from Federal, State, and local
partners. In fiscal year 2013 every dollar invested by the USGS in
LIDAR was matched by $6 from partners.
The goals of using a collaborative process to acquire LIDAR
include: I) gaining efficiency and economies of scale in acquisition,
2) ensuring data are collected in formats that permit them to be
useable with other collections, and 3) ensuring that the data collected
are put into the public domain.
The Federal Geographic Data Committee, an interagency body,
coordinates effective collection of geospatial information, including
LIDAR, across the Federal government. All entities which collect LIDAR
are encouraged to do so to national standards.
Question 5a. Does the USGS receive and analyze this LIDAR data and
other similar landslide risk data?
Answer. Our landslide hazards specialists use these data and any
other available data to analyze landslide threats.
Because much of this data collection is done by contractors on the
local scale, does the USGS know which parts of the country have been
mapped and which areas haven't? Is there value in pooling that data to
look at risks on a regional or national scale?
Answer. We do know which parts of the country have been mapped
using LIDAR. As part of an analysis completed in 2012 we developed a
map of all available LIDAR data according to its quality level, i.e.
the resolution of the LIDAR data. Below is a map* showing LIDAR
available at a quality level necessary for landslide hazard
investigations. (Adapted from www.csc.noaa.gov/inventory.)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
* All maps have been retained in committee files.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Landslide specialists make use of this data to analyze hazards.
3DEP leverages resources to make more data available for many purposes,
including landslide hazards research.
Question 6. Oso Landslide Response and Support--Seven weeks ago, a
massive mudslide struck the community of Oso, Washington. 41 people
have died and two are still missing. Despite this tremendous loss, the
communities of Oso, Darrington and Arlington are working tirelessly
towards recovery. USGS geologists, hydrologists and other researchers
have been on the ground in Oso assisting in recovery efforts.
In addition to researchers and spotters on the scene, FEMA also
requested additional USGS forensic geologists to conduct research to
determine the root causes of the slide with the hope of minimizing
future disasters like this one. Does the USGS have the resources it
needs to support ongoing recovery and monitoring needs in addition to
the forensic geology investigation? If not, what does USGS require to
ensure Oso response and research needs are met?
Answer. The USGS mission to assist Snohomish County and Washington
State to support the recovery operation ended with the suspension of
active search operations and the handover of responsibility ofthe
operation to Snohomish County on April28, 2014. Maintaining the
monitoring and near-real-time assessment of slope stability from March
27 to April 28 required the efforts of more than 20 USGS scientific,
support, and managerial staff from four USGS Science Centers and
Headquarters. This included the efforts of 12 landslide technical
specialists, a number that represents about 60% of USGS personnel with
the appropriate skills and experience to perform such duties.
Additional resources would be necessary to continue the geologic
investigation of the SR530 landslide.
Question 6a. Has the USGS received funds from FEMA to support USGS
activities in Oso? If so, how much funding has been received? If not,
when do you expect you will receive support from FEMA? Has the USGS
been able to respond to all requests from FEMA and Snohomish County
without immediate funding from FEMA?
Answer. The USGS was able to respond to a request from Snohomish to
assess ongoing threats and provide monitoring to support the search and
recovery operations. After a major disaster declaration was made, the
USGS received three FEMA mission assignments at the request of the
State and County. Those mission assignments total $561,000 from FEMA to
cover costs incurred in the response for both landslide and water level
monitoring. At this time, the funding sources to support geologic
investigation of the SR530 slide and examination of landslide hazards
in the North Fork of the Stillaguamish River have not been identified.
The USGS is formulating a proposal in cooperation with the State and
County to establish an Interagency Agreement with FEMA to support this
work. The approximate total budget is $3,000,000.
Response of Suzette M. Kimball to Question From Senator Wyden
Question 7. The injection of wastewater from oil and gas
development can, and in some cases does, trigger earthquakes. Since
2010, the rate of moderate-size earthquakes has increased dramatically
in the continental U.S. as rates of wastewater injection have
increased. Earthquakes have now been tied to wastewater injection in
Oklahoma, Texas, Ohio, Colorado, and Arkansas. In Oklahoma, the rate of
earthquakes has increased so substantially that geologists have termed
it an ``earthquake swarm''.
I am concerned about this correlation between the rise in
earthquakes in oil and gas producing states and the injection of
wastewater from oil and gas drilling activities in deep disposal wells.
A. What is your assessment of the science connecting wastewater
injection in these states to the increase in earthquakes?
B. In your role as Director of USGS, what will you do to better
understand this issue?
C. What should the next steps be to better understand and manage
these events?
Answer. USGS has found that potentially damaging seismic events can
be triggered by disposal of waste fluids from oil and gas production
operations by injection into deep underground injection wells. While
the basic geophysical mechanisms are well known, the specific
subsurface conditions that are conducive to triggering are not, and it
is not yet possible to make site-specific hazard predictions in
advance. Thus, there is a need for more data and analysis to relate
injection operations to induced seismicity, to connect these events to
specific operational parameters and geologic conditions, and to develop
monitoring and mitigation plans for decision-makers attempting to
minimize seismic risks.
The USGS is now working with the Department of Energy and the
Environmental Protection Agency to undertake research and work with
industry on case studies that will illuminate the physical factors
controlling induced earthquakes. Top-priority efforts are to develop
methods to forecast whether or not a particular type of injection
operation in a specified geologic setting would be likely to induce or
trigger earthquakes, to perform comprehensive studies at two carefully
selected field sites, and to establish procedures to adapt the National
Seismic Hazard Maps to take account of the additional hazard due to
earthquakes induced in association with wastewater from the production
of oil and gas.
Response of Suzette M. Kimball to Question From Senator Portman
Question 8. Ohio is home to a portion of the Utica shale formation
which has been a target of heavy investment by the oil and gas
industry. What, if any, analysis has USGS conducted or is in the
process of conducting related to the Utica formation?
Answer. In 2012, the USGS completed an assessment of the
undiscovered, technically recoverable oil and gas resources of the
Ordovician Utica Shale of the Appalachian Basin Province (bttp://
pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2012/3116/). The Utica Shale assessment covered areas
in Maryland, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.
The USGS estimated mean undiscovered resources of 940 million barrels
of oil, 38 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, and 208 million barrels
of natural gas liquids. These new estimates are for technically
recoverable oil and gas resources, which are those quantities of oil
and gas producible using currently available technology and industry
practices, regardless of economic or accessibility considerations. The
USGS Utica Shale assessment was undertaken as part of a nationwide
project assessing domestic petroleum basins using standardized
methodology and protocol.
Response of Suzette M. Kimball to Question From Senator Portman
Question 9. Asian carp remain a looming threat to the Great Lakes
ecosystem. USGS plays an important role in combating the spread of
invasive species like Asian carp. The agency conducts scientific
analysis to support federal efforts to prevent, contain, control and
manage invasive species nationwide. Last year, USGS was involved in
analyzing four grass carp that were caught by fisherman in the Sandusky
River, a tributary of Lake Erie. If confirmed, will you commit to
supporting USGS' efforts to prevent the spread of Asian Carp to the
Great Lakes?
Answer. The USGS has been conducting research to provide scientific
information and develop methodologies to better prevent the spread of,
detect, and control Asian carp. The Department of the Interior
recognizes the threat posed to the Great Lakes region due to the spread
of Asian Carp, and is taking proactive steps to prevent its spread to
the Great Lakes. The USGS continues to work alongside the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service on the Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee, a
multi-agency body that coordinates efforts to prevent Asian carp from
reaching the Great Lakes. USGS received additional funding in FY14 for
Asian carp research, and those funds are being used to fast track the
transfer of monitoring and control technology to field use.
I recognize the threat that Asian carp pose to the Great Lakes
ecosystem and to the $7 billion Great Lakes fishery. If confirmed, I
will continue to support USGS science to detect, monitor and control
the spread of this invasive species.
Response of Suzette M. Kimball to Question From Senator Flake
Question 10. As Director of the USGS, I understand that you will be
working with a variety of entities inside the Department of the
Interior, as well as outside groups. Among those outside groups are
various educational institutions. In Arizona, where we are always
looking for ways to proactively address water resource challenges, the
Water Resource Research Center at the University of Arizona has done
great work analyzing diverse water issues. What opportunities do you
see for continued collaboration and analysis between the USGS and
educational institutes such as the Water Resource Research Center?
Answer. The Water Resources Research Center at the University of
Arizona is one of 54 Water Resources Research Institutes (WRRis) across
the Nation in each of the 50 states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico,
U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam. The WRRis are very valuable State-Federal
partnerships that are becoming stronger every day. We have worked
closely with the leadership of the WRRis, and have put together a
strategic plan to closely link the connection between the WRRis and the
USGS. Going forward into the future, the USGS will be able to
demonstrate the value of these partnerships, and demonstrate the
utility of the projects that are being conducted at the various WRRIs.
Responses of Suzette M. Kimball to Questions From Senator Murkowski
Question 11a. According to the USGS, many of the black brant who
spend summers in Alaska winter in Baja California, near San Quintin
Bay, Mexico. As you know, the comfort of these birds during their brief
stopover in the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge has become a primary
reason for which Secretary Jewell has denied a lifesaving road for the
residents of King Cove, Alaska. I am trying to understand a bit more
about the environment in which the black brant spend their winters.
From what I understand, during their time in San Quintin Bay, the birds
deal with disturbances by hunters, aircraft, vessels and other avian
predators, is that correct?
Answer. USGS published science and observational data demonstrates
that black brant are exposed to disturbance throughout their entire
range, during breeding in Alaska, migration stop over locations in
Canada and the lower-48 and during winter in Mexico. Birds deal with
disturbance (predators, human foot traffic, and aircraft) by flying
away from nesting, roosting or foraging sites and consequently spending
less time engaged in these activities and expending energy in the
response flight. Historically, the winter and spring distribution of
brant included most of coastal North America from Washington to Mexico.
Over time, much of the wintering range was abandoned in the U.S. by the
birds, likely as a result of increased disturbance. Historical spring
habitats in California were also abandoned due to hunting that was
allowed in those areas. Additionally, USGS and USFWS science has found
that more black brant stay in Alaska for winter. The number of birds
wintering at Izembek has steadily increased over time, from 5,000-7,000
in the 1980s to 41,000-45,000 in the past three years. The direct
energetic costs of disturbance and disturbance thresholds resulting in
abandonment of historical wintering habitats are unknown.
Question 11b. If yes, can you describe how, with these
disturbances, the birds are then able to make the migration flight to
Alaska?
Answer. The return migration to Alaska occurs as a series of steps
up the west coast, where birds stop and forage along the route. The
energetic costs of disturbance may result in birds delaying departure
from wintering areas, spending more time at staging locations
attempting to ``make up'' for reduced body condition, or arriving at
the breeding grounds in relatively poorer body condition. Brant rely on
stored body reserves to both produce eggs and incubate the clutch.
Therefore, reductions in body condition could result in fewer birds
attempting to breed, smaller clutch sizes, and/or reduced nesting
success.
Question 11c. Do you believe these disturbances in the black brant
winter habitats are greater now than would be observed if a small, one
lane gravel road were to be put in the Izembek refuge?
Answer. We don't know what the current level of disturbance in
Mexico is. However, two wintering locations used by black brant in Baja
Mexico (San Ignacio Lagoon and Ojo de Liebre) are biosphere reserves
where hunting is prohibited. The daily energy expenditure for black
brant wintering at Izembek lagoon is certainly higher than for birds
wintering in Mexico. Also, food resources (eelgrass) are limited in
Alaska and only available during low tides. Taking into account both
higher energetic costs and limited food supply, the energetic cost of
individual disturbance events for black brant wintering at Izembek
Lagoon is likely higher than for birds wintering in Mexico. I am
unaware of any systematic studies comparing these energy costs to road
use.
Question 12a. I have introduced a broadly bipartisan bill--with 18
other Senators also in support--entitled the Critical Minerals Policy
Act of2014. Earlier this year, we held a legislative hearing on it, and
Dr. Larry Meinert of USGS noted that he was ``thrilled and delighted''
to see it introduced. With our nation heavily dependent on foreign
nations for a wide variety of minerals, do you think there is more we--
as federal policymakers--can be doing to reconstitute our domestic
critical minerals supply chain?
Question 12b. Do you know, roughly or approximately, what
percentage of USGS's budget is devoted to mineral-related programs in
this fiscal year? Are you concerned that it has dropped over time, or
been overtaken by other priorities?
Question 12c. Again, Dr. Meinert noted that he was "thrilled and
delighted" by our critical minerals bill. Have you read through it? Can
you give us your reaction to it, and hopefully offer a similar
statement of support for it?
Answer. The Critical Minerals Policy Act of 2014 addresses
important issues of national concern. The legislation identifies
appropriate responsibilities for Federal agencies, including the USGS,
to respond to these national needs and provides welcome authorization
for financial support to carry out those tasks. The Mineral Resources
Program is a core part of the overall USGS mission and is the largest
budgetary part of the Energy and Minerals mission area, one of seven
mission areas that constitute the USGS. In 2014, approximately 4.5% of
the total USGS budget was allocated through the mineral resources
program. This number does not account for funds expended in other
mission areas that contribute to mineral resource objectives, nor does
it reflect reimbursable funding.
Dr. Meinert's enthusiasm for the core mission of the Mineral
Resources Program is shared at the highest level of the USGS. After a
short hiatus to assess our minerals mission goals and objectives, we
are ready to pursue those objectives aggressively. If confirmed, I will
support and advocate for this program. I also share Dr. Meinert's
enthusiasm that the pending Critical Minerals Policy Act of 2014
addresses appropriate national priorities, and we welcome support for
this part of the USGS mission.
Question 13a. One of the provisions within our Critical Minerals
Policy Act is aimed at bolstering our forecasting capacity for mineral
supply and demand. I think this is an important function, largely
missing right now, that would benefit industries throughout our
economy. a. Can you describe the current status of USGS's capacity to
forecast and analyze trends in minerals supply and demand for our
critical industries?
Question 13b. Do you agree that a forecasting capacity would be
worthwhile for the federal government to pursue?
Question 13c. What do you think it will take to enable the USGS to
perform those functions?
Question 13d. With our nation heavily dependent on foreign nations
for a wide variety of minerals, do you think there is more we--as
federal policymakers--can be doing to reconstitute our domestic
critical minerals supply chain?
Answer. The Critical Minerals Policy Act of2014 addresses the
important national need for accurate information about critical mineral
resources. Such information is currently supplied by the National
Mineral Information Center within the Mineral Resources Program of the
USGS. This important information function, which has been carried out
within a constrained budgetary climate, remains the gold standard for
mineral resource information, on both the national and international
levels. The ability to analyze this information to better understand
future trends is a core capability of the National Mineral Information
Center that we are in the process of rebuilding. The level of funding
authorized in the Critical Minerals Policy Act of 2014 would enhance
the USGS's ability to rebuild this important function. As federal
policymakers address the domestic critical minerals supply chain, USGS
remains committed to providing the scientific information to inform
decisions.
Question 14a. The last time the USGS released a study on water use
data in 2009 was based on 2005 data. I understand that the USGS is
working on the release of an update to that study. This data will
greatly assist efforts on the energy-water nexus issues. a. When will
the updated study be released?
Answer. The 2010 Estimated Use of Water in the United States is
planned to be released in an electronic publication in late fall 2014.
The paper copies of the report will follow soon after.
Question 14b. Will the updated data also include water consumption
data in addition to the withdrawals data that was the only water use
reported in the last report? I think both sets of data would be very
useful.
Answer. For 2010, consumptive use information for only the
Thermoelectric Cooling Water Sector will be included, and the
consumptive use data will be released in a separate, stand-alone
report, which is planned to be released in fall 2014. Producing
scientifically defensible consumptive use estimates for all water use
sectors is a complex and significant undertaking, and we have started
by focusing on the thermoelectric cooling water sector. Research is
underway on consumptive use estimation for other major sectors,
including public supply water withdrawals and irrigation water
withdrawals, but inclusion of these data in our routine reporting is
still several years away.
Question 14c. To what extent does the USGS work with the Energy
Information Administration (EIA) to coordinate the required data for
energy-water related activities? Can this working relationship be
strengthened and improved?
Answer. The USGS National Water Use Information Program works
closely with the Energy Information Administration's Office of
Electricity, Renewables, and Uranium Statistics on our energy-water
related activities. We have worked very closely since 2009 to produce
the first nation-wide model for estimating thermoelectric cooling water
withdrawal demand and consumptive use. This model was recently released
and documented in the following publication, which is available on-line
at: bttp://pubs.usgs.gov/sir/2013/5188/ ``Methods for Estimating Water
Consumption for Thermoelectric Power Plants in the United States''.
While working relationships can always be strengthened and improved, I
feel that the work that USGS and EIA are doing together is one of the
best examples of interagency cooperation.
Question 15. My home state of Alaska is very vulnerable to many
natural hazards and disasters. There is a long standing partnership
between the USGS, the state of Alaska, and the University of Alaska
Fairbanks in hazards education, research, monitoring, and warning for
earthquakes and volcanoes. These programs have been very successful,
but have been severely limited by current budgets. What can be done to
strengthen these partnerships?
Answer. USGS scientists work closely with State and university
partners to better understand and address the volcano and earthquake
hazards facing Alaskan communities. The recent anniversary of the great
1964 earthquake provided an opportunity to review the remarkable
scientific advances of the past 50 years that are keeping people safer
in Alaska and around the world; I deeply appreciate your recognition of
these efforts through S. Res. 400.
In recent years, significant funding from the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act enabled upgrades to earthquake and volcano monitoring
networks and supported investigations by a number of university and
State partners. This year, USGS is working with Alaska Division of
Geological and Geophysical Surveys and the University of Alaska
Fairbanks to update the Alaska National Seismic Hazard Maps and to
continue support for the Alaska Volcano Observatory. Also this year,
the National Science Foundation-funded Transportable Array (TA) of
temporary seismometers is moving from the Eastern United States into
Alaska; the USGS is supporting this effort. A number of T A stations in
the Lower 48 have been successfully adopted by partners and are
remaining in place; similar partnerships in Alaska might enable
instruments to remain after the experimental deployment ends, further
strengthening Alaska's seismic networks.
It is expensive to maintain seismic and geodetic stations,
particularly in remote parts of Alaska, but this scientific
infrastructure provides the essential data that keep our scientific
partnerships healthy and productive. If confirmed, I would be happy to
work with you to explore other opportunities for expanding and
strengthening partnerships to protect people in Alaska and around the
world.
Question 16. A key part of USGS's traditional mission was to map
American resources. Now we have whole new technologies to help with
mapping of our resources, such as LIDAR (Light-Detection and Ranging)
technology. What do you see as the survey's role in future mapping of
the geophysical features of America and what is your view of how the
survey should be working with the states on geology, besides other
scientific research?
Answer. Conducting geological surveys remains an important
component of the USGS mission. USGS continues to invest in numerous
mapping activities, including the National Cooperative Geological
Mapping Program, which advances the understanding of earth-surface
processes, groundwater availability and quality, and energy and mineral
resources. This program produces geologic maps and subsurface 3-
dimensional frameworks that support mineral and energy exploration, and
aquifer characterization which are used to mitigate against natural
hazards (e.g. landslides). Through the data innovation and mapping
initiative, the USGS continues to invest in the growing need for high
quality topographic data and the need for a wide range of other three-
dimensional representations of the Nation's natural and constructed
features. The Three-Dimensional Elevation Program initiative will
systematically collect enhanced elevation data using LIDAR and other
technologies across the United States. If confirmed, I look forward to
continuing USGS' efforts toward advancing the mapping of geophysical
features in the United States.
The USGS considers the states to be essential partners to acquire,
analyze and disseminate information on a wide variety of geological
issues. In addition to local coordination, the USGS meets with the
state geologists twice yearly to identify new issues and needs for
collaboration.
Question 17. The USGS has always been the lead in predicting oil
and gas resources in America and worldwide. The agency's evaluations
for Alaska's onshore potential, combined with BOEM off shore
predictions, amount to a mean estimate of 43.8 billion barrels of yet
untapped oil; 291 trillion cubic feet of conventional gas; and nearly
400 trillion cubic feet if unconventional gas is included (not
including methane hydrate reserves). However, this work has been
largely performed with limited seismic data, usually involving two
dimensional testing, not three dimensional, and in some cases with no
seismic data at all. I believe we need a reliable estimate of our
natural resources. Do you agree that we should be funding a more
detailed study of our nation's energy resources, including new seismic
testing, so we can obtain a realistic estimate of our energy resources?
Answer. The USGS periodically updates its resource assessments to
take into account advances in geologic understanding, industry
practices, and new available data, such as two-dimensional and three-
dimensional seismic data. The USGS has forged cooperative agreements to
provide access to high-quality seismic surveys at significantly reduced
costs. The USGS can now access a grid of2-D seismic data, some of which
were collected as recently as 2012, totaling nearly 250,000 line miles
across Arctic Alaska, the Chukchi Sea shelf and adjacent parts of
Russia, and the Beaufort Sea shelf and adjacent parts of Canada.
Interpretation of these extensive data sets, often conducted in
collaboration with the BOEM, assures an integrated federal perspective
on oil and gas resource potential both onshore and offshore. The USGS
strives to maintain expertise and capabilities for incorporating
seismic data into its research and assessments to help reduce
uncertainties associated with estimates of undiscovered resources. The
technology to support these investigations is evolving rapidly. Our
ability to engage in public-private partnerships is an important
component supporting these detailed studies.
Question 18. In the past, the USGS has always been the lead in
exploring for our nation's vast mineral resources. In recent years,
however, your funding priorities seem less directed toward mineral
discoveries. Alaska, though, still has vast areas that have been poorly
mapped for resource potential. What is your view of the department's
role in mineral exploration? Should USGS be increasing, not decreasing
its mineral exploration work not just in Alaska, but nationwide?
Answer. The USGS is the leading Federal source for public science
on mineral resources. The Mineral Resources Program is refocusing
attention on mineral resources-particularly in Alaska, which is one of
the five priority areas of the Mineral Resources Program. This
attention includes basic geological mapping, geophysics and
geochemistry, and a state-wide inventory of critical mineral resources
in partnership with the State of Alaska (Division of Geological and
Geophysical Sciences), as well as targeted studies on emerging
discoveries such as the Bokan Mountain rare earth element deposit in
southeast Alaska.
Question 19. The 1879law creating the U.S. Geological Survey
describes your position as follows: ``The Director of the United States
Geological Survey, which office is established, under the Interior
Department, shall be appointed by the President by and with the advice
and consent of the Senate. This officer shall have the direction of the
United States Geological Survey, and the classification of the public
lands and examination of the geological structure, mineral resources,
and products of the national domain.'' Is your own view of the USGS's
current role consistent with this original founding language?
Answer. Yes. Although the USGS does not manage resources, its
scientists work to describe and understand water, energy, mineral and
biological resources-all products and resources of the national domain-
providing reliable, timely information to States, localities, tribes
and the Department and its partners. In my view the Organic Act
provides for the study of the Earth for the benefit of the American
people, and all people around the world, and I wholeheartedly agree
that the current role of the USGS is consistent with this fundamental
sentiment.
Question 20. According to data provided by USGS to my committee
staff last year, there are some 226 international agreements between
the Geological Survey and other nations - 24 with China, 16 with
Canada, 7 with Japan, and so on. As you know, I have been advocating
for the United States to play a leading role in global energy issues.
Could you talk a bit about how the Survey's work overseas helps its
mission here at home?
Answer. A 2012 National Research Council recognized that `` . . .
many of the issues that are critical to U.S. national interests are
inextricably linked to global issues'' and that USGS international
science has an important role to support informed and effective
decision making in the national interest. Energy is a key component of
the global economy, with the potential to affect U.S. economic
development and national security. The USGS is the sole provider of
unbiased, publicly available estimates of geological energy resources
for the United States, exclusive of the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf,
and provides publicly available estimates of global oil and gas
resources. The knowledge gained from recent USGS international energy
studies, such as Arctic oil and gas, unconventional oil and gas, and
gas hydrates supports the USGS mission here at home by providing
impartial, robust, publicly available information for understanding
potential global and domestic energy supplies and for discussions of
national energy policy.
Question 21. It caught my attention when USGS recently announced
that Afghanistan- and not the United States -was the "first country to
be almost completely mapped using hyperspectral imaging data." I
understand that capability can now be used here in the United States.
So, my question to you is, how do you plan to use it here?
Answer. The groundbreaking hyperspectral imaging work in
Afghanistan was made possible by the combined effort and funds of the
Government of Afghanistan, Department of Defense, and US AID funds.
This allowed development of new capabilities that can be applied in the
United States, if funding becomes available. To demonstrate that
capability, the USGS is currently beginning a demonstration project
using hyperspectral imaging in central Alaska. If future funding
becomes available it would allow us to expand such work to other areas
of the United States.
Question 22. To your knowledge, are there any USGS personnel
currently stationed overseas? If so, where and for what purpose?
Answer. Three USGS personnel are stationed overseas. One is the
liaison to the Department of Defense's AFRICOM in Stuttgart, Germany.
The other two are stationed in the United Arab Emirates supporting
water resource development. All three are supported under full cost
reimbursable agreements.
Question 23. To date, President Obama has created nine new National
Monuments. As you know, a National Monument designation has wide-
ranging effects and impacts on local communities and regional
economies, and with the creation of these new public land units comes
additional regulations and a new legal framework. Any potential
resource development is effectively locked up. I would like to
understand the role that USGS plays within the Department of the
Interior when background research is being conducted for a potential
monument. In my view, USGS should play an integral role in interagency
conversations regarding monument designations so that Interior and the
Administration fully understand the amount of energy and mineral
resources that will be impacted by a designation. Does USGS, as a
matter of course, make a point of providing information about resource
potential to the Federal Land Management Agencies prior to the
designation of a new National Monument? If not, why not? Please explain
the role of USGS in the Monument designation process.
Answer. The USGS has no regulatory or resource stewardship
mandates. The USGS monitors, analyzes, and provides scientific
understanding about natural resource conditions, issues, and problems.
The diversity of our scientific expertise enables us to carry out
large-scale, multi-disciplinary investigations and provide impartial
scientific information to resource managers, planners, and other
customers, that can be used to inform decisions, such as the Monument
designation process. The results of our research and monitoring are
publicly available. I am not aware of a role the USGS has played in the
monument designation process.
Question 24. When Congress considers legislation to establish or
expand public land units, to what extent does USGS prepare estimates of
the energy and mineral resources located there? As a matter of course,
does USGS provide this information to Federal Land Management Agencies
or any other agencies to help inform any testimony those agencies may
give before Congress or decisions regarding the impacts of proposed
legislation? If not, why not?
Answer. When Federal agencies are tasked with advising Congress
about energy and mineral resource potential on Federal lands in
relation to pending legislation, the USGS contributes to the evaluation
by supplying the science necessary to assess resource potential as
requested. The USGS has ongoing joint projects with Federal agencies
such as BLM in inventorying mineral resources in Alaska and other
regions of jurisdiction. In addition, the USGS is supplying the science
to support land management decisions and the designation process
concerning the uranium assessment of lands surrounding the Grand
Canyon.
______
Response of Estevan Lopez to Question From Senator Manchin
Question 1. As you know, the Bureau of Reclamation is one of the
largest producers of hydropower in the United States. If confirmed,
what would your priorities for this program be?
Answer. As I mentioned at my hearing, there remains a great deal of
opportunity for creating additional hydropower production in the United
States by utilizing existing reservoirs or dams for power generation. I
believe we have to do everything that we can together with our partners
to maximize the availability of hydropower. I understand that recent
studies conducted by the Bureau of Reclamation have revealed that an
additional 1.5 million megawatt-hours potential hydropower capacity
could be generated at existing Reclamation sites. Hydropower is an
important source of electricity, and if confirmed I hope to pursue
further opportunities to develop sustainable, responsible hydropower.
Response of Estevan Lopez to Question From Senator Cantwell
Question 2. As you may know, for decades there has been confusion
over the scope of federal, state, and tribal jurisdiction on Lake
Roosevelt, which is the reservoir of the Grand Coulee Dam. The Indian
tribes that have fishing rights within the Lake Roosevelt National
Recreation Area have long been concerned that jurisdictional
uncertainty affects their ability to enact and enforce regulations
necessary to protect their fishing rights. I understand that the
Department has been working to clarify. these issues with the tribes.
If confirmed, would you commit to resolving these issues and
implementing a solution going forward?
Answer. I have been advised that the Spokane Tribe of Indians and
Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation have requested a
delegation of authority from the Department of the Interior to enforce
tribal fishing regulations on areas within their reservations included
in Lake Roosevelt. It is my understanding that the request is under
consideration by the Department. If confirmed, I commit to join my
colleagues within the Department to work with you and the Indian tribes
toward a resolution of this issue.
Responses of Estevan Lopez to Questions From Senator Heinrich
Question 3. As you know, the Bureau of Reclamation is a critical
partner in the construction of the Eastern New Mexico Rural Water
System, which will provide a reliable water supply to seven communities
in Eastern New Mexico, as well as Cannon Air Force Base.
Unfortunately, the funds available from the Bureau of Reclamation
for the construction of this and other rural water supply projects has
been far below what is necessary to complete them. For eastern New
Mexico, it would take more than 180 years to complete the project if
funding continues as it has-and this community is expected to run out
of water in less than 20 years.
As commissioner, will you work with this committee, and other
interested senators, to find a way to finish these rural water projects
once and for all?
Answer. I recognize and understand your frustration with the pace
of these important rural water projects. Access to clean water is not a
luxury, it is a necessity of life and crucial for economic growth. As I
mentioned in my opening statement, I have supported development of the
Eastern New Mexico Rural Water Supply Project to deliver water from the
Ute Reservoir on the Canadian River to communities like Clovis and
Portales, New Mexico. If confirmed, I look forward to working with you
within current budget constraints and to identify creative approaches
for developing financing alternatives to continue to make progress in
promoting certainty, sustainability, and resiliency for those who use
and rely on water resources in the West, and in supporting the basic
drinking water needs of rural communities.
Question 4. As you well know, all ofNew Mexico's water supply is
fully appropriated-all of the water in the state is already spoken for.
This means that smart water use-conservation, efficiency, coordinated
management-are often the only tools that communities have to support
new economic development, or to stretch their water supplies to make it
through dry years.
Can you talk about how you've worked to promote conservation and
efficient water use during your time at the Interstate Stream
Commission? How would you apply those experiences as Commissioner of
the Bureau of Reclamation?
Answer. As Director of the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission,
I was responsible for investigating, protecting, conserving, and
developing New Mexico's waters. I am familiar with the efforts under
way at the Bureau of Reclamation to address drought through
conservation and efficient water use, including the ongoing Drought
Contingency Planning effort, the Colorado River Basin Water Supply and
Demand Study, and WaterSMART program. As part of the "Next Steps"
process of the Colorado River Basin Water Supply and Demand Study,
Reclamation and the Colorado River basin states have documented the
successes of the municipal conservation efforts of cities like Santa Fe
and Albuquerque, New Mexico and Las Vegas, Nevada each of which has
been able to increase the population served while reducing overall
water demand. Reclamation's WaterSMART program can provide a mechanism
for expanding the use of these types of best practices. If confirmed, I
look forward to building on the advances of Reclamation, and
recognizing the importance of bringing all stakeholders to the table to
have serious discussions on how we can make every drop count in the
Colorado River Basin.
The New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission has, through
collaborative river management processes, worked with other
stakeholders (including Reclamation) to coordinate the timing and
magnitude of reservoir releases and flows in the Rio Grande and the
Pecos River to optimize water use efficiency for agricultural,
municipal, environmental and interstate stream compact compliance needs
and often to meet multiple objectives with the same water. Also, as the
drought has progressed and reservoir levels have dropped, the
Interstate Stream Commission has partnered with Reclamation to
construct and maintain a pilot channel to route water through Elephant
Butte reservoir's exposed sediment delta thus reducing water loss
through spreading and evaporation. This pilot channel is estimated to
conserve approximately 20,000 acrefeet/ year, twice the amount of water
consumed by the city of Santa Fe, New Mexico. By virtue of its
ownership of infrastructure on the rivers of the west and its river
management activities generally, Reclamation will continue to have a
key role in these types of collaborative river management processes. If
confirmed I will emphasize the importance of Reclamation's leadership
role in these types of stakeholder collaborations.
Response of Estevan Lopez to Question From Senator Wyden
Question 5. Thank you, Mr. Lopez, for meeting with me before your
nomination to discuss the importance of Reclamation and the urgent
challenges associated with the critical resource- water. I appreciate
getting a chance to discuss three water hotspots in Oregon that involve
Reclamation: the Klamath Basin, Scoggins Dam in Washington County, and
Bowman Dam in Crook County. All three are issues I've dedicated much
time to this Congress and previous Congresses and I look forward to
working with you to improve water management for those areas and across
the west. Given that many of the issues around water in the west center
around drought and water cycle disruption, I'd like to know what fresh
ideas you would bring to the table to meet water challenges.
Answer. I offer three ideas to help meet our water challenges.
First, as we spoke about when we met in your office before my
hearing, I believe that collaborative problem solving processes, while
often frustratingly slow, are far better for generating workable
solutions than litigation. Litigation is often initiated by parties who
refuse to participate in these collaborative processes but rather
choose to stay outside the process and ``throw rocks''. Many of the
drought related and water cycle disruption issues you speak of end up
triggering endangered species litigation. An idea which could perhaps
help generate solutions is to reach out to entities who might otherwise
be inclined to sue to encourage them to engage and participate in
collaborative programs, a highly successful example of which is the
Upper Colorado Recovery Implementation Program. Such participation
would help sensitize all parties to the needs and objectives of others
that might be otherwise overlooked.
Second, we need to expand and make pervasive education about water-
its importance, its management, and the laws by which we govern it.
Such education needs to be at all levels, from formal curricula for
grade school through college to informal issue-specific education using
mass media. Often, it appears that the participants in conflicts about
water are misinformed or have a very shallow understanding of the
issues. I believe that a better informed public would help shape better
solutions to our water challenges.
Third, pre-planning among entities that all rely on a common source
of water about how to manage a reduced supply (e.g., due to drought)
both from a legal right perspective and from a voluntary sharing
perspective. Such pre-planning would likely help entities understand
the potential impacts of a reduced supply and options for mitigating
those impacts. Reclamation's Basin study program can provide an ideal
forum for such pre-planning activities.
If confirmed, I look forward to discussing with you how to advance
these ideas.
Responses of Estevan Lopez to Questions From Senator Flake
Question 6. The Colorado River Basin is now in its fifteenth year
of drought with shortages expected to be declared as early as 2016 or
2017. In 2007, the Secretary of Interior adopted the ``Colorado River
Interim Guidelines for Lower Basin Shortages and Coordinated Operations
for Lake Powell and Lake Mead.'' Those Guidelines were agreed to by all
seven Colorado River basin states and provide for quantified reductions
in deliveries to Arizona and Nevada when the water level in Lake Mead
falls below certain trigger elevations. What steps has the Bureau of
Reclamation taken in anticipation of these projected shortages in the
near-term?
Answer. I am aware that Reclamation has aggressively pursued a
multifaceted strategytogether with all of the states in the Colorado
River Basin- of planning, operational improvements and, in some cases,
new facility construction in the face of persistent drought conditions
on the River. While I have not been party to all of those activities in
my current cpacity, I have participated with Reclamation and the Upper
and Lower Basin states in extensive discussions of potential future
activities including options to increase water conservation, extend
reservoir operations to protect critical reservoir elevations, and
voluntarily manage demands. I would look forward to furthering these
discussions if confirmed.
Question 7. What role can the Bureau of Reclamation play in helping
to secure cooperation among federal agencies so that they jointly
facilitate efforts by Colorado River water users to maintain adequate
water supplies?
Answer. As I noted at the hearing, I am intimately familiar with
the work being done on the Colorado River and in the Colorado River
Basin. I have served as a representative to the Colorado River Compact,
and I have served as commissioner to the Upper Colorado River Compact
for the State ofNew Mexico. In that context, I am aware of the work
being done by the Bureau of Reclamation in developing an Environmental
Impact Statement (EIS) for a new Glen Canyon Dam Long Term Experimental
and Management Plan (LTEMP). Reclamation is a colead agency in that
effort along with the National Park Service. Each of the federal
agencies involved in this effort has its own critical responsibilities.
Reclamation's role in this effort will be to assure the meaningful
engagement of federal agencies and other interested stakeholder groups
including the seven Colorado River Basin States and also to assure that
its own responsibilities of water and hydropower management are given
due consideration. If confirmed,I look forward to working with the
States and other stakeholders on this and other Colorado River issues.
Question 8. In December 2012, the Bureau of Reclamation released
the Colorado River Basin Supply and Demand Study that presents options
to address the anticipated future imbalance between water supply and
water demand in the basin. It included options that would augment the
supply of the Colorado River. Can you please share what the Bureau of
Reclamation is doing to study, promote or develop augmentation projects
for the Colorado River Basin?
Answer. The Study included a broad range of potential options to
address the water supply and demand imbalance in the Colorado River
Basin, which were put forth by participants, stakeholders, and the
public. During preparation of the Study, Reclamation received input
comprising over 150 options, including options related to small and
large scale augmentation concepts. It is my understanding that the
Department of the Interior is building on the findings of the Study and
leading multi-stakeholder workgroups to investigate a full range of
adaptation and mitigation strategies, which are being carried out in
parallel with ongoing efforts throughout the Basin. If confirmed, I
look forward to leading Reclamation in developing and implementing
adaptation and mitigation strategies.
Question 9. There are ongoing negotiations to resolve water rights
claims along the Bill Williams River and enhance the Lower Colorado
River Multi-species Conservation Plan or MSCP. To the extent those
negotiations involve the Bureau of Reclamation, can you commit to
making them a priority?
Answer. The Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program
(LCR MSCP) is a multi-stakeholder program, including local entities,
which provides Endangered Species Act coverage for the Bureau of
Reclamation's ongoing and future river operations on the lower Colorado
River. It is my understanding that Reclamation has also been involved
in the Bill Williams River negotiations and other LCR MSCP activities
to meet remaining habitat conservation plan requirements. If confirmed,
I will continue to support these activities, which include working with
local entities, to implement this important habitat conservation plan.
Question 10. Throughout the West, we seem to be hearing more about
the intersection of the Endangered Species Act and federal water
policy. There are examples along the Colorado River regarding the
balance between power production and fish downstream from Glen Canyon
Dam and in California as drought has raised tension regarding water
management in the Bay Delta. In many instances, the biological opinions
and other rules regarding water management afford the Commissioner of
Reclamation discretion in how he or she would manage the resource. You
have some direct experience with this issue relative to the Silvery
Minnow on the Rio Grande in New Mexico. Can you explain how, if
confirmed, you would exercise your discretion as Commissioner to make
water deliveries under extreme or sustained drought conditions?
Answer. I recognize that the application of the Endangered Species
Act to western waters has often been the source of controversy and
conflict. Severe drought conditions have only served to exacerbate
these conflicts. As Director of New Mexico's Interstate Stream
Commission, I am intimately familiar with this tension from my
experience finding river management solutions to difficult endangered
species issues on the Rio Grande, San Juan, Pecos and Canadian Rivers.
If confirmed, I will bring to bear my experience in New Mexico managing
water supplies to develop strategies to cope with drought.
Specifically, I intend to work to identify and maximize regulatory
flexibility to adjust to changes in the weather and the environment to
bolster water supplies when possible while minimizing the impacts to
fish and wildlife. My experience with the Rio Grande silvery minnow
during last year's unprecedented drought showed how water managers can
work together to time the releases of water to meet multiple purposes
with the same water. Also, water managers were able to work with the
Fish and Wildlife Service to find flexibility within biological
opinions. Finally, there is a move to making adaptive management a
feature of biological opinions and recovery implementation plans thus
building in additional flexibility into the regulatory structure.
Question 11. Please provide a list of all electric power generation
assets owned or partially owned by the Bureau of Reclamation or the
Department of the Interior that are subject to EPA Clean Air Act
regulations.
Answer. It is my understanding that all but one of the Department's
electric power generation assets are hydropower units, with the
majority of those being in Reclamation's portfolio; the coal-fired
Navajo Generating Station, of which Reclamation is a partial owner, is
Reclamation's only non-hydropower facility. All Reclamation and
Department electric power generation assets must comply with applicable
Clean Air Act regulations. I understand that Reclamation's power
facilities can be found at: www.usbr.gov/power/data/faclname.html.
Question 12. If confirmed as Commissioner of Reclamation, would you
have any concerns or objections with aggressively advocating the
continued operation of the Bureau's electric generating assets?
Answer. No. As the Bureau of Reclamation is the second largest
producer of hydropower in the country, I look forward to continuing the
Department of the Interior's aggressive, sustainable hydropower agenda,
if confirmed.
Question 13. Would you have any concerns or objections to opposing
EPA regulation of the Bureau's electric generating assets if those
regulations would curtail or terminate continued operation of
Reclamation's electric generating asset?
Answer. Where the Bureau of Reclamation has electric generating
assets that emit air pollutants subject to regulation by the
Environmental Protection Agency under the Clean Air Act, I would commit
to working to ensure, if confirmed, that the Bureau of Reclamation
complies with its statutory and regulatory obligations. This includes
engaging in cooperative activities to achieve emissions reduction
alternatives where necessary. This type of regulatory flexibility is
built into the Clean Air Act, as I have observed in the case of the
Navajo Generating Station. There, a Technical Work Group consisting of
stakeholders, non-profits, and the Department of the Interior were able
to reach an agreement to significantly reduce emissions from the Navajo
Generating Station, while providing greater certainty for Bureau of
Reclamation water and power customers.
Question 14. If faced with a stringent EPA regulation that required
significant capital costs associated with one of the Bureau's electric
generating assets, where would you propose the Bureau look to secure
funding to cover those capital costs?
Answer. Based on my experience with Reclamation projects, costs
associated with facility operations are primarily the responsibility of
project beneficiaries, pursuant to contracts for project repayment and
operations and maintenance. This would include costs associated with
capital investments necessitated by regulations.
Question 15. If EPA issues a regional haze rule for the Navajo
Generating Station (NOS) that results in one unit of the plant being
shutdown, do you believe that subsequent EPA Clean Air Act regulations,
whether for regional haze, greenhouse gases, or otherwise, should take
the shuttering of that unit into account? If not, how should the EPA
treat that unit as part of future rulemakings?
Answer. I understand that the Department is working with the EPA,
tribes, project proponents, and a number other federal agencies on
multiple issues at the NOS, of which the EPA's proposed Best Available
Retrofit Technology (BART) rule is a central one. I understand that
Reclamation and the Department are highly motivated to keep the NOS
operating economically and in compliance with Clean Air Act regulations
for as long as is feasible. I look forward to learning more about this
issue if confirmed.
Responses of Estevan Lopez to Questions From Senator Manchin
Question 16. Mr. Lopez, I know you are quite familiar with the
challenges associated with managing water in a drought environment. I
am concerned that too often when water resources grow tight, there is
an imbalance in how the agencies meet their environmental obligations
when it comes to choosing between people and fish. Unfortunately, it
appears the agencies often choose the fish, even when they have more
flexibility than it would appear to supply water while protecting fish.
So let me ask you:
a. What will be your approach to navigating the tensions between
ensuring water delivery while accommodating environmental requirements?
b. How will you seek to empower your regional directors to ensure
they are utilizing flexibility available to them under the law to the
maximum extent possible to ensure water delivery to folks that need it
in so many places?
Answer. As I mentioned in my opening statement, given the
Interstate Stream Commission's broad statutory responsibilities, I have
been involved in finding river management solutions to difficult
endangered species issues on the Rio Grande, as well as the San Juan,
Pecos, and Canadian Rivers. These efforts for balancing the
preservation of endangered species with other resource goals, including
the protection of water users in the arid southwest, has required
innovation, collaboration, and perseverance. I believe that a number of
things can be done to balance the tensions between water and power
delivery and compliance with environmental laws. If confirmed, I will
continue to advocate for an aggressive science program to better
understand the effects of different alternatives in decisions regarding
water resources. I will also advocate for adaptive management to build
in additional flexibility into the regulatory structure. If confirmed,
I will work to advance Reclamation's efforts to conserve water and
operate more efficiently.
Question 17. The Bureau operates hundreds of dams, canals, and
reservoirs across the West. Its facilities are decades old- many as old
as 50-60 years, some as old as a century. In a time of limited
resources and great need, what is your plan for prioritizing the
replacement and upkeep of the aging infrastructure?
Answer. I appreciate that as Reclamation's assets get older, there
is and will be an increasing need to support funding for aging
infrastructure. It is essential that Reclamation maintain and improve
its existing infrastructure in order to deliver reliable water and
power, ensure system reliability and maintained safety and sustained
water conservation. I appreciate that aggressive action is required to
address future water supply challenges and, if confirmed, I look
forward to working with you on creative approaches for developing
financing alternatives to address the aging infrastructure needs of
Bureau of Reclamation projects.
Question 18. As you know, there are serious drought conditions
across the West, with seemingly no end in sight. As Congress grapples
with this challenge year in and year out, it seems to be done on an
adhoc, piecemeal basis. What actions do think Congress should take, if
any, to address it in a more comprehensive, long term manner?
Answer. As Director of the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission,
I was responsible for investigating, protecting, conserving, and
developing New Mexico's waters. I am familiar with the efforts under
way at the Department of the Interior to address drought through
conservation and efficient water use, including the ongoing Drought
Contingency Planning effort, the Colorado River Basin Water Supply and
Demand Study, and WaterSMART program.
Regarding Congressional action, I understand that the Department of
the Interior has prioritized the WaterS MART program, which allows the
Bureau of Reclamation and other Interior agencies to work with state
and local water managers to plan for climate change, drought and other
threats to water supplies. Under this initiative, it is my
understanding that the WaterS MART grants program has contributed
toward substantial water savings on annual basis. These grants help
minimize the effects of drought on the environment and agriculture and
urban communities, but also contribute to drought resiliency. If
confirmed, I would support increasing the authorization ceiling for the
WaterSMART grant program.
Question 19. Last month, a comprehensive agreement was reached by
all parties in the Klamath Basin. Shortly, there will be legislation
before this committee that would codify that agreement. It is expected
that the price tag will be in the hundreds of millions of dollars. What
will the Bureau's role be in implementing that agreement, what share of
costs be borne by the Bureau, and where do you expect the source of
funding to be?
Answer. If confirmed, I intend to continue the Department's
commitment to Klamath River Basin restoration and recovery goals. I
appreciate that Reclamation has played a leadership role among federal
agencies, states, tribes, and the public to develop a Basin-wide
recovery plan to resolve long-standing water supply and fisheries
issues. I have not had the opportunity to review the Klamath Basin
legislation; however, if confirmed I look forward to working with you
to address the long-standing and very complex issues associated with
the Klamath Basin.
Question 20. The Western Watershed Enhancement Partnership program
is a joint effort between the Bureau, the Forest Service, and the
Natural Resource Conservation Service. It was launched as an
interagency effort to protect water supplies from wildfires. What are
your thoughts on the program?
Answer. My understanding of the Western Watershed Enhancement
Partnership is that the initiative will pool federal resources with
those of local water users to identify and mitigate risks wildfires
pose to water supplies, irrigation, and hydroelectric facilities. I
believe partnerships such as this, which rely on robust local
participation and support, can achieve important results for western
states. I look forward to learning more about the program if confirmed.
Question 21. A report generated by the Bureau of Reclamation stated
that the November 18, 2013 fire at the John W. Keys III Pump-Generating
Plant that caused hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage was caused
by three separate errors by Reclamation employees and had nothing to do
with the regular operation of the plant.
a What responsibility does the Bureau bear, if any, regarding the
costs of the extensive clean-up effort resulting for the fire?
b. Will the Bureau work with the water users to determine a fair
allocation of the equipment-related costs?
Answer. I have been advised that during the performance of regular
operations and maintenance, human error did occur at the John W. Keys
III Pumping-Generation Plant on November 18, 2013. I have also been
advised that Reclamation discussed a distribution of associated cleanup
and repair costs with the Columbia Basin Irrigation Districts, and that
the Districts are currently reviewing the proposed distribution.
Question 22. Extreme drought has become a harsh reality in many
parts of the Western U.S. over the past decade, and our reliance on our
reservoir systems has never been higher. In the Colorado River Basin,
stakeholders are moving forward to adopt contingency plans to prepare
for future drought conditions in innovative ways. What do you believe
is the Bureau of Reclamation's role in developing these drought
contingency plans in the Colorado River Basin?
Answer. There is no easy anser to solving the imbalance between the
demand for water and the supply in the Colorado River Basin. It is
going to take diligent planning and collaboration from all stakeholders
to identify and move forward with practical solutions. If confirmed, I
look forward to continuing Reclamation's work on finding solutions to
drought conditions in the Colorado River Basin and, working with
Congress and Basin stakeholders, using resources such as the Colorado
River Basin Study, to explore actions we can take toward a sustainable
water future.
Question 23. Regarding storage as a way to address water needs in
the West:
a. Is there a demand for new sources of storage water in some
basins?
b. If so, how will we build this new water infrastructure in an era
of declining federal budgets?
Answer. I recognize that there is significant demand for new water
storage within many river basins in the 17 Western states. Surface
storage can be an important tool to alleviate drought and provide for
sustainable water supplies during drought years. However, the current
budget climate requires water managers to take a careful look at
surface storage. Several factors that weigh on the feasibility of new
surface storage include whether there is a sufficient customer base to
provide for project reimbursement, whether there are more cost-
effective alternatives, and whether environmental impacts, safety, and
geological challenges can be addressed. If confirmed, I look forward to
exploring all options, including surface storage, to secure water
supplies in the West.
Response of Estevan Lopez to Question From Senator Cornyn
Question 24. In your current capacity as Director of the New Mexico
Interstate Stream Commission, would you please describe your
involvement in the Rio Grande Compact case on behalf of the State of
New Mexico? As the nominee for the Commissioner of the Bureau of
Reclamation, the agency charged with managing the Rio Grande Project in
New Mexico and Texas, if confirmed, will you recuse yourself completely
from any personal involvement on behalf of Reclamation or the
Department of the Interior in the Texas v. NM Supreme Court case?
Answer. Because this is a matter in which the State of New Mexico
and Interstate Stream Commission have been involved, I have been
advised that, if confirmed, I will need to consult with the
Department's ethics office on the extent to which I may participate in
this matter.
Responses of Estevan Lopez to Questions From Senator Barrasso
Question 25. I understand that you are familiar with my bill-S.
1800, the Bureau of Reclamation Transparency Act. This legislation
would require the Bureau to compile its maintenance backlog in a report
and make the report available to the public. My bill would also require
the Bureau to update this report every two years. If confirmed, will
you work with me to pass this bill so Congress can understand the
Bureau's total maintenance backlog and take steps to address it?
Answer. I appreciate your interest and that of the public in
obtaining additional information regarding the Bureau of Reclamation's
infrastructure by supplementing existing aging infrastructure reporting
efforts. It is my understanding that the Bureau of Reclamation has
provided you with some recommendations pertaining S. 1800. Although I
have not been privy to these discussions, if confirmed, I look forward
to working with you on this legislation.
Question 26. If confirmed, what steps would you take to address the
need to build more water storage in the West?
Answer. I recognize that there is significant demand for new water
storage within many river basins in the 17 Western states. Surface
storage can be an important tool to alleviate drought and provide for
sustainable water supplies during drought years. However, the current
budget climate requires water managers to take a careful look at
surface storage. Several factors that weigh on the feasibility of new
surface storage include whether there is a sufficient customer base to
provide for project reimbursement, whether there are more cost-
effective alternatives, and whether environmental impacts, safety, and
geological challenges can be addressed. If confirmed, I look forward to
exploring all options, including surface storage, to secure water
supplies in the West.
Responses of Estevan Lopez to Questions From Senator Heller
Question 27. As you know, the Colorado River system is facing the
worst drought on record. The water level of Lake Mead, which serves as
a reservoir, the primary water source of the entire Las Vegas Valley,
has dropped more than 100 feet since January 2000. As water levels at
the lake decline, there will be a reduction of available Colorado River
water for Southern Nevada and other communities that rely on that
reservoir for use. Our communities have taken an active role in water
conservation. Local business, such as our casino resorts, and local
governments have implemented measures to reduce consumption and
increase efficiency. They are continuously looking for other innovated
ways to conserve this precious resource.
What types of new policies do you believe Reclamation must
prioritize to better manage the Colorado River Basin Water supply and
will you commit to working closely with me and many of my other
colleagues from Colorado River Basin states to develop policies that
will ensure a secure water supply for our western communities as
Commissioner?
Answer. There is no easy answer to solving the imbalance between
the demand for water and the supply in the Colorado River Basin. It is
going to take diligent planning and collaboration from all stakeholders
to identify and move forward with practical solutions. If confirmed, I
look forward to continuing Reclamation's work on finding solutions to
drought conditions in the Colorado River Basin and, working with
Congress and Basin stakeholders, using resources such as the Colorado
River Basin Study, to explore actions we can take toward a sustainable
water future.
Question 28. As a former state water official in a basin state, you
had to work closely with the Department of the Interior on a variety of
issues. How will you bring those local experiences you may have had
with federal laws or agency actions to the Commissioner role?
Answer. As I noted at my confirmation hearing, if confirmed I will
bring with me over two decades of water resource management experience
to the Bureau of Reclamation. In my various positions, including most
recently as Director of New Mexico's Interstate Stream Commission, I
have worked directly on many of the issues that affect water management
throughout the western United States. I believe strongly in a
transparent and collaborative approach to problem-solving and looking
for ways to resolve environmental concerns while balancing the need for
development consistent with the law. My work on interstate water
compacts, Indian water rights settlements, rural water projects, and
environmental compliance have required me to establish strong
relationships with diverse stakeholders, including our neighboring
states, local governments, Indian tribes, agriculture and municipal
water users, power users and environmental interests. If confirmed, I
look forward to bringing that experience to the Bureau of Reclamation.
Question 29. I am familiar with many of the initiatives that
Nevada's local utilities and communities have implemented to conserve
water. Could you discuss some of the recommendations/initiatives the
New Mexico state taskforce pursued and what you think basin states can
do at the state and local level to better conserve scant water
resources?
Answer. As in Nevada, communities in New Mexico have implemented
aggressive conservation programs. The cities of Santa Fe and
Albuquerque, New Mexico are among the lowest per capita water use
municipalities in the nation. On occasion, the New Mexico State
Engineer has conditioned water rights transfer approvals on
successfully meeting conservation targets. Regarding river management,
careful coordination among federal, state and local water management
entities of the timing and magnitude of water releases from reservoirs
has allowed New Mexicans to meet critical water needs while remaining
in compliance with endangered species flow targets. New Mexico is in
the process of implementing its Active Water Resources Management
program to build capacity to allocate water in times of shortage. This
can be done according to the seniority of the water rights or according
to voluntary shortage sharing agreements among water users. If
confirmed, I look forward to evaluating the utility of these types of
practices in other locales and evaluating the expanded utility of best
management practices generally.
Question 30. Based off your experiences at the state level, in what
ways are federal environmental laws, particularly the Endangered
Species Act, hamper, limit, or impede the Bureau from taking actions it
needs to do to better manage our water supplies for the people of the
west?
Answer. I recognize that the application of the Endangered Species
Act to western waters has often been the source of controversy and
conflict. Severe drought conditions have only served to exacerbate
these conflicts. As Director of New Mexico's Interstate Stream
Commission, I am intimately familiar with this tension from my
experience finding river management solutions to difficult endangered
species issues on the Rio Grande, San Juan, Pecos and Canadian Rivers.
In the Rio Grande, during last year's unprecedented drought, water
managers were able to work with the Fish and Wildlife Service to find
flexibility within the existing biological opinion. If confirmed, I
will bring to bear my experience in New Mexico managing water supplies
to develop strategies to cope with drought. Specifically, I intend to
work to identify and maximize regulatory flexibility to adjust to
changes in the weather and the environment to bolster water supplies
when possible while minimizing the impacts to fish and wildlife.
Question 31. What steps can be taken to reduce limitations on water
delivery caused by such environmental laws?
Answer. Although it is difficult to generalize what types of tools
are available from one river basin to another, it has been my
experience that there are often a range of activities available to
water managers to ensure reliable water supplies while complying with
environmental laws. In New Mexico for example, the Middle Rio Grande
Endangered Species Collaboration Program has been an effective
mechanism to conserve and help recover endangered species, attain
regulatory compliance for all parties, and provide for existing,
ongoing, and future water development and management activities.
Specifically, the leasing of supplemental water, adjusting seasonal
flows, improving riparian habitat, furthering conservation, and
continuing to evaluate and develop mechanisms for making water
available for ESA purposes while protecting existing uses have
benefitted both water users and the endangered silvery minnow in the
Middle Rio Grande.
Question 32. Considering your experience on the Colorado River
Basin Salinity Control Forum, what do you think can be done at the
Bureau of Reclamation to improve the water quality and decrease the
salinity of the river? In Specifically, can you address what kind of
efforts the Bureau of Reclamation should prioritize to implement in the
upper basin of the river to decrease the damages to the lower basin
caused by the high salinity of the water?
Answer. The Colorado River and its tributaries provide municipal
and industrial water to about 33 million people and irrigation water to
nearly four million acres of land in the United States. The salinity
threat is a major concern in both the United States and Mexico. The
Salinity Control Program is an important tool and has improved the
water quality and decreased salinity in the Colorado River Basin
significantly since its inception. Reclamation partners with the seven
Colorado River Basin States (Basin States) and other federal agencies
to reduce the annual salinity load in the Colorado River. I understand
that Reclamation's salinity control programs account for 570,000 tons
of that annual total salt reduction. One important priority for the
Salinity Control Program is development of a salt removal alternative
to the Paradox injection well which is nearing the end of its useful
life and is the single largest salt removal facility on the River.
I strongly support Reclamation's work to award grants for new
projects sponsored by nonfederal entities to control salinity loading
anywhere in the Colorado River Basin. I understand that use of the
competitive process has greatly reduced the cost of salinity control.
If confirmed,
I will work to ensure Reclamation can continue to fund the
Basinwide Program to continue this important work.
______
Response of Monica C. Regalbuto to Question From Senator Manchin
Question 1. Dr. Regalbuto, while the Office of Environmental
Management does not oversee any sites in my state, budget overruns from
that Office do affect DOE programs in West Virginia. How do you plan to
prevent cost overruns in the multi-billion dollar budget?
Answer. There are many challenges facing the Office of
Environmental Management. Some cleanup work could not be adequately
characterized when the current cost estimates were completed and as a
result, the cost estimates were not always as accurate as hoped. If
confirmed, I will work with EM federal and contractor employees,
academia and industry to further improve project and contract
management and determine how to mitigate cost overruns to the extent
practicable through technology advancements.
Responses of Monica C. Regalbuto to Questions From Senator Cantwell
Question 1. The chemical vapor exposures suffered by Hanford
workers are unacceptable. In the last 2 months, 28 people have become
sick after being exposed to these vapors. In the public ``State of the
Hanford Site'' meetings on April 29th in the Tri-Cities, workers asked
for better access to personal protective equipment to prevent exposure.
How do you respond to accusations that there has been retaliation
against employees who have asked for personal protective equipment?
How do you respond to claims that the study on tank vapors is not
being conducted by an impartial third-party? The study is being
conducted by Savannah River National Laboratory, and both Savannah
River National Lab and Hanford are under the jurisdiction of the
Department of Energy, suggesting a potential conflict of interest.
Answer. Protecting workers at all of our sites is an important
issue and a core principle for the Department and it will be my
priority if confirmed. I am aware that at least 28 workers at Hanford
have been evaluated this year after possibly being exposed to vapors or
smelling odors in the tank farms. It is my understanding that the site
is working with the Savannah River National Laboratory to conduct an
independent technical review of this issue with a focus on not just
studying, but solving the issue. SRNL has the technical depth and
resources by virtue of its decades of experience with similar issues
and its ability to access national recognized experts from across the
country. In addition, National Laboratories uphold the highest
scientific principles and conduct rigorous peer reviews. If I am
confirmed, I expect to be very involved in Hanford, tank issues and
developing ways to protect the workforce. I would be happy to work with
you and the Washington State delegation on these important issues.
Question 2. Hanford workers and the Union that represents many
Hanford workers have expressed concern that after exposure, medical
claims were not being adequately addressed. DOE has consolidated the
administration of workers compensation claims across the Hanford
complex at one contractor, Penser. There are concerns that Penser might
seek to deny valid claims. The Hanford Atomic Trades Council has asked
Washington State's Department of Labor and Industries to decertify
Penser as a third party administrator over this issue.
How do you response to these claims, and what would you do as
Assistant Secretary to make sure that Hanford worker claims are
addressed?
Answer. Protecting workers at all of our sites is a core principle,
and it will be my priority if confirmed. My understanding is that the
authority to determine workers' compensation claims lies solely within
the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries.
If confirmed, I will ensure that DOE maintains open lines of
communication with workers to address their concerns and be certain
that the workers understand their rights under the workers'
compensation laws.
Question 3. The State of Washington and the Department of Energy
are currently in an 8-week period of mediation to determine how to
amend the Consent Decree, which is the agreed path forward for clean-
up. It is critical that all parties negotiate in good faith, in order
to get the best outcome possible. If confirmed during this time, do you
commit to negotiating with the State of Washington in good faith, and
to establishing a more transparent timeline for clean-up activities?
Answer. I am familiar with the key challenges associated with the
Waste Treatment Plant. I am also aware that the Department of Energy
and the state of Washington are engaged in good faith negotiations to
try to reach agreement on an amendment to the Consent Decree. If
confirmed, I am committed to continuing to work with the State of
Washington on amending the Consent Decree as appropriate.
Question 4. Technical difficulties related to the Waste Treatment
Plant abound, yet our world-class scientific expertise at the Pacific
Northwest National Laboratory is less engaged in Hanford clean-up than
ever. As Assistant Secretary, would you further engage PNNL to guide
the clean-up process? Can you tell me how you would go about ensuring
that PNNL's expertise is fully utilized?
Answer. I strongly agree that Technology Development and Deployment
(TDD) activities conducted by the DOE national laboratories and other
organizations are crucial to the Department of Energy's (DOE) mission
of effectively remediating and closing contaminated sites on schedule
and within budget. Investment in our TDD activities has a distinct
potential to generate significant life-cycle cost savings in this
mission. PNNL provides unique expertise. From 2003 to 2008, I served as
the head of the Process Chemistry and Engineering Department at
Argonne's Chemical Sciences and Engineering Division. If confirmed, my
prior roles as a researcher and manager, as well as my previous
position in the Office of Environmental Management, will enable me to
effectively explore how the technical and scientific capabilities of
all of our National Laboratories, including Pacific Northwest National
Laboratory, can be better utilized for the Department's cleanup mission
at Hanford and across the complex.
If confirmed, I will continue to actively engage and leverage the
expertise of PNNL and other national laboratories as EM executes its
cleanup mission.
Question 5. The President's budget request indicates that DOE is
reducing its commitment to the Richland Operations Office. This office
is in charge of protecting the Columbia River from contamination from
the Site, and returning land to the community for both industrial use
and for recreation, which will contribute to the economic health of the
region. This is also the Office that is preparing to tell the Hanford
story, and its contribution to U.S. victory in World War II, through
the establishment of the Manhattan Project National Historical Park.
Will you commit to keeping to the clean-up schedule that has been
agreed to under the Tri-Party Agreement and Consent Decree, including
the milestones already in place for both clean up and return of land to
the community?
Will you commit to maintaining the Richland Operations Office
budget at about $1 billion?
The current Director of the Richland Operations Office has
announced his retirement, effective next month. Now is not the time for
the Department to be dialing back on its commitment to return these
cleaned-up lands to the community. I would like your commitment that
you will find a new director who is committed to keeping work on
schedule.
Answer. Hanford workers and the Tri-City communities have made
tremendous contributions to defending our nation. As Assistant
Secretary I would work to ensure our obligation to cleanup Hanford
remains a top priority for the Administration. The cleanup at Richland
has been very successful in the past and it is important to keep making
meaningful progress on cleaning up Hanford. If confirmed, I would work
to ensure the new Manager of the Richland Operations Office is
committed to this vision and that we work together with the State of
Washington and other regulators to continue the progress on Hanford
cleanup.
Response of Monica C. Regalbuto to Question From Senator Heinrich
Question 1. I think the job you are taking on may be one of the
most technically challenging in the government. As recovery efforts get
underway at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant in New Mexico I urge you to
make a trip out to Carlsbad to meet with the community. I agree with
your assessment that reopening WIPP is the top priority; however, I
found very troubling the litany of serious management failures cited in
the two accident reports.
What will be your approach to implementing the recommendations of
the two reports of the accident investigation boards?
In light of the substantial changes at WIPP in operations, design,
and management that were recommend in the two accident reports, should
DOE consider re-establishing independent oversight of the recovery and
future operation activities at WIPP?
Answer. As the Nation's first operating repository, WIPP is a
critical asset to the Department and the nation. It is very important
that the recovery efforts are done as safely and efficiently as
possible while ensuring the safety of the workforce and the public.
I've worked on many WIPP issues over the years, and while I am not
personally involved in the recovery efforts at this time, I agree that
EM and the Department must take a close look at the Accident
Investigation Board reports for both incidents to determine what
improvements need to be made across the board to ensure that WIPP will
be reopened and operated safely. I understand that EM is now evaluating
these reports and working on a Corrective Action Plan. If confirmed, I
expect to be very involved in the WIPP recovery effort and I pledge to
work closely with you and the New Mexico delegation on this important
issue.
Responses of Monica C. Regalbuto to Questions From Senator Wyden
Question 1. At Hanford, a contractor fired a whistleblower
employee--Donna Busche--who was listed in the contract as ``essential
personnel''--and DOE did nothing. Hanford contractor personnel are also
be being required to sign non-disclosure agreements to prevent them
from disclosing problems in the future. I also understand that DOE
personnel are being told to that they too will be punished if they
disclose ``official use only'' information. If you are confirmed, what
are you going to do to change the management culture in the DOE clean-
up program that intimidates and punishes those employees--both
contractors and Federal employees--who come forward to raise concerns,
especially at Hanford, but at all EM sites? Please include any contract
modifications or other measures that you would institute to ensure that
contractor personnel are not retaliated against, as in the case of Ms.
Busche.
Answer. The Department remains committed to improving the safety
culture across the DOE complex. If confirmed, I will work to create a
work environment in which employees feel safe from reprisal when
raising safety concerns, where differing points of view are solicited
and encouraged, management provides relevant and timely information to
the workforce, and vigorous corrective action programs are effectively
implemented. I understand that many of these actions to strengthen the
safety culture have already been completed at Hanford, and many more
are underway or planned. The Department and I clearly recognize the
importance of having a robust safety culture in place at Hanford and
across the DOE complex. If confirmed, as part of that process of
improvement, I would consider all of the tools, including contractual
measures, available to the Department. I am committed to working with
you to ensure that this important work continues and that we achieve
improvements that will keep our workers safe and enable us to complete
our mission.
Question 2. Intimidation of employees is not just a problem at
Hanford. A 2012 Safety Conscious Work Environment (SCWE) self-
assessment at WIPP and the Carlsbad Operations Office found that 60
percent of the Federal employees and 40 percent of the contractor
employees reported that they did not believe they could confidently
report safety concerns. That facility is now shutdown because of two
recent accidents. Earlier this year, Hanford conducted a similar SCWE
assessment. Please provide the results of that assessment.
Answer. I am not personally familiar with the results of a recent
SCWE assessment at Hanford. If confirmed, I will work with you on
continuing to improve safety culture and provide you with the results
of the SCWE assessment.
Question 3. In March, DOE proposed to make a number of changes to
the Hanford clean-up schedule under the Tri-Party Agreement. The State
of Washington has proposed its own changes to the clean-up schedule
that are focused on building new tanks and emptying out the oldest,
leaking single-shell tanks. Those of us in Oregon have some thoughts of
our own. To what extent will you, as the new Assistant Secretary for
Environmental Management, be able to use your extensive experience in
chemical engineering and nuclear materials to re-examine the Hanford
plans that DOE has already come up with and take a fresh look at them?
Answer. The tanks at Hanford hold 56 million gallons of radioactive
and chemical waste. DOE is committed to completing the tank waste
mission at Hanford. While continued safe management of the tanks and
the waste is imperative, the best solution is still to safely
immobilize and ultimately dispose of this waste. I agree with the
phased approach outlined by Secretary Moniz in DOE's recent proposal to
amend the consent decree. This approach is the foundation for an
achievable and sustainable plan for putting this important mission back
on track. If confirmed, I will use my expertise to further inform and
refine, as needed, the path forward for the cleanup of Hanford,
including the tank waste cleanup mission, and will work with you and
the Washington State delegation on these important issues.
Responses of Monica C. Regalbuto to Questions From Senator Portman
Question 1. DOE is conducting decontamination and decommissioning
(D&D) cleanup of the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant (GDP) in
Piketon, Ohio. What do you know of the cleanup effort? In your view,
what are the current and future challenges that the site faces?
Answer. I know that EM is responsible to clean up the contamination
resulting from the plant's historical uranium enrichment operations and
stabilize uranium hexafluoride cylinders. I also understand the
Department is responsible for the decontamination and decommissioning
(D&D) of the large Gaseous Diffusion Plant former leased to the US
Enrichment Corporation. All these activities involve more than 300
facilities, processing more than 200,000 metric tons of depleted
uranium hexafluoride, and cleaning up contaminated groundwater and
groundwater. The D&D is supported by appropriations and a uranium
transfer program that allows the Department to obtain services from our
contractor in exchange for the uranium. The future of that bartering
program is dependent upon the uranium inventory and market analysis. I
understand the local community and the state are very interested in the
cleanup mission as it supports potential future re-industrialization of
the site and jobs in an economically depressed area.
Question 2. DOE is targeting completion of D&D and cleanup of the
site by 2024.
Do you think this target date is achievable given the current DOE
funding request?
What could be the potential impacts to taxpayers if this target
date slips?
Answer. I know that DOE has tasked the contractor to develop the
Site-wide Lifecycle Baseline for the D&D project. This will result in
the establishment of the overall lifecycle baseline for the site to
which future scenarios for completion will be compared. My
understanding is that once the overall lifecycle baseline is completed
and we have completed our review, we will be better able to assess
potential impacts. I look forward to working with you on this matter
should I be confirmed.
Question 3. The project employees approximately 2,000 employees.
DOE was to have finalized its plans for building demolition and waste
disposal for Portsmouth in 2012. In a letter to my office dated October
21, 2013, Dr. David Huizenga wrote that his office planned ``to issue
Proposed Plans and hold public comment periods for both projects in the
spring and summer of 2014; and [planned] to complete the regulatory
decision-making process by issuing two Records of Decision by September
2014.'' It is my understanding, that given this schedule, the earliest
work could begin would be January of next year. Is the schedule Dr.
Huizenga outlined still valid?
Answer. I am not aware of the detailed schedule for these decision
documents, but my understanding is the regulators are working closely
with DOE to move these decisions forward sometime late this summer or
fall.
Question 4. If confirmed will you prioritize the effort to finalize
the building demolition and the waste disposal plans as soon as
possible?
Answer. If confirmed, I will work to prioritize the efforts as soon
as possible.
Question 5. It is my understanding that DOE recently re-interpreted
a provision of OMB Circular A-11 to require that environmental
restoration and D&D projects (including building D&D and onsite
disposal facility construction) be funded through line item
appropriations. Portsmouth GDP funding is impacted by this decision. I
am told this interpretation will impose notification and funding
requirements on these projects which will result in a loss of
flexibility to address changing project conditions and which could lead
to project delays. Will you commit to me, that if confirmed, to provide
an explanation for why this change was made and to determine if DOE can
continue to fund these projects through its operating funded accounts?
Answer. If confirmed, I will examine this issue and discuss the
changes with you as we work together to continue progress on EM's
environmental restoration and D&D projects, including those at
Portsmouth, consistent with applicable laws, regulations and policies.
Question 6. DOE has been bartering uranium from its stockpile to
the open market to help fund the cleanup at the Portsmouth GDP. The
agency had limited itself to a target for uranium sales and transfers
of no more than 10 percent of annual domestic fuel requirements for
uranium. In 2012, I advocated for an increase to the uranium barter
program to help cover a funding gap for the Portsmouth cleanup. To his
credit, then Secretary Chu agreed to increase barters sales from 1,600
to 2,400 metric tons per year. Before doing so, he ordered an
independent study of its market impact. That study demonstrated the
barter program does not have an adverse material impact on the domestic
uranium mining, conversion, and enrichment industries. Last year, the
uranium barter program generated more than $200 million in funding and
was used exclusively to pay for important Environmental Management
cleanup activities at Portsmouth. Without these funds, it is clear that
significant job impacts would have occurred and cleanup would have
slowed down. Beyond the important employment and cleanup benefits of
the barter program, it should also be noted that the barter funds
directly offset an equal amount of taxpayer funds and therefore reduces
our annual budget deficit. Secretary Moniz testified before this
Committee last year that he intends to continue the barter program and
to use it to help fund the ongoing Portsmouth GDP cleanup activities.
If confirmed, will you also support the bartering program?
Answer. I understand just this month the Secretary issued the most
recent determination permitting the Department to continue to make the
uranium transfers to fund accelerated cleanup. The continuation of this
program is consistent with the Department's principles and policies and
helps to fund important cleanup at Portsmouth GDP. If confirmed, I will
support the continued use of the barter program.
Question 7. It is my understanding that DOE formulated its fiscal
year 2015 budget request for the Portsmouth site based on an estimate
that FY2015 barter proceeds would be approximately $188 million. Over
the past several months, uranium prices have declined and the projected
barter proceeds for FY2015 are now less than $188 million. If
confirmed, what measures will you pursue to cover a gap in funding
Portsmouth D&D in FY2015 caused by lower uranium prices should a gap
occur?
Answer. Senator, I am very concerned about the falling uranium
prices and their impact on our cleanup mission. If confirmed, I will
work with Congress and internally within the Department to assess what
measures are available to cover any potential gap in funding due to
lower uranium prices.
Responses of Monica C. Regalbuto to Questions From Senator Murkowski
Question 1. I am very concerned about the radiation leak that
occurred on February 14 at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant in New
Mexico. Recent reports suggest that the roof and walls of Panel 7 in
the WIPP facility remain intact and may not be the cause of the leak.
The cover bags, however, were damaged.
Has the cause been determined yet?
Were the containers those bags protected also damaged?
When will the facility be re-opened?
Answer. I understand that while the recovery teams were in the
underground at WIPP, they discovered damage to magnesium oxide bags in
the area that is believed to be the location of the release event. I am
told that samples are being analyzed and recovery teams are continuing
their work to determine the cause of the release. I believe the focus
must be on safely executing recovery efforts as EM and the site work to
reopen WIPP. If confirmed, I expect to be very involved in the WIPP
recovery effort and I pledge to work closely with you and the New
Mexico delegation on this important issue.
Question 2. In the absence of new legislation on the back-end of
the fuel cycle what options exist for DOE to address the pressing
question of what to do with the civilian spent nuclear fuel that
continues to accumulate at nuclear facilities across the country? What
are your thoughts on the comingling of defense and civilian nuclear
waste? Are there any specific challenges or issues you see with this
option?
Answer. In the absence of new legislation, I know that the
Department is engaged in research and development activities and
integrated waste management activities, consistent with the
Administration's Strategy for the Management and Disposal of Used
Nuclear Fuel and High-Level Radioactive Waste. In addition, from my
role in the Office of Nuclear Energy, I have led a team within DOE that
has taken a comprehensive look at the inventory of DOE-managed high
level waste and spent nuclear fuel and the options for disposal of some
of these waste streams either in a so-called ``commingled'' repository
or, potentially in a separate defense-only repository. If confirmed, I
look forward to working with you on issues surrounding the disposition
of defense waste within the Environmental Management program.
Question 3. I understand that you have led work on various aspects
related to the transportation of spent nuclear fuel from shutdown power
plants. Would you please provide me with a brief summary of what these
studies have yielded thus far? What are the challenges and potential
solutions you think exist in dealing with spent nuclear fuel both at
the shutdown and operating sites?
Answer. I can assure you that the Department is working on various
aspects related to the transportation of spent nuclear fuel. If
confirmed, I would be happy to work with you further on this issue.
Responses of Monica C. Regalbuto to Questions From Senator Barrasso
Question 1. In September 2011, the Government Accountability Office
(GAO) issued a report finding that the Department of Energy (DOE)
violated Federal law in seven transactions in which DOE transferred
uranium to two contractors in exchange for clean-up services.
Specifically, GAO found that DOE violated the miscellaneous receipts
statute (31 U.S.C. 3302(b)) when transferring 1,873 metric tons of
natural uranium to pay for $256 million in clean-up services.
During your tenure at the Office of Environmental Management, did
you have any role in the transactions that were the subject of GAO's
September 2011 report? If so, please fully describe your role.
On May 15, 2012, Secretary Chu issued a Secretarial Determination
authorizing uranium transfers from DOE.
During your tenure at the Office of Nuclear Energy, did you have
any role in the May 15, 2012 Secretarial Determination or any work that
served as a basis for that determination? If so, please fully describe
your role.
Secretary Chu's May 15, 2012 Secretarial Determination states that
the authorized sales and transfers of uranium ``will not have an
adverse material impact on the domestic uranium mining, conversion, or
enrichment industries.'' Since May 15, 2012, the U.S. spot price of
U3O8 has fallen over 44 percent, from an estimated $52/lb. on May 15,
2012 to $29/lb. on May 9, 2014. I understand that is the lowest price
for U3O8 since July 2005. It is also less than the $36.57 that the
Energy Information Administration (EIA) says it costs to produce a
pound of U3O8 in the U.S and far less than the $62.41 that EIA says it
costs to produce a pound of U3O8 in the U.S. when total expenditures
(excluding exploration costs) are considered. On May 1, 2014, EIA
released its 2013 Domestic Uranium Production Report. That report
explains that there has been over a 19 percent drop in employment in
uranium exploration and mining between 2011 and 2013.
Do you believe Secretary Chu's Secretarial Determination has proven
correct and that the sales and transfers of uranium authorized on May
15, 2012 have not had an adverse material impact on the uranium mining
industry in the U.S.? If so, why?
Answer. During my time with EM, I worked in the Office of
Engineering and Technology which was charged to reduce the technical
risk and uncertainty in the Department's multi-billion dollar cleanup
program; provide technical solutions where none existed and provide
innovative solutions that enhanced safety and operating efficiency. I
did not have a role in the transactions that were the subject of GAO's
September 2011 report. However, I am aware that this issue is very
complicated and that the Department issued a lengthy response to the
GAO that reflects their position that the transfers were compliant with
applicable statutory obligations.
The domestic uranium industry plays an important role in our
nuclear fuel supply. Robust uranium supplies provide competition in the
fuel market to help ensure reliable and affordable nuclear power
generation. The health of the domestic uranium industry has long been a
factor in DOE's overall uranium strategy. If confirmed, I will ensure
that any uranium transfers continue to comply with applicable statutory
obligations. As part of that process, I will look at implications for
the uranium mining industry of covered sales or transfers. I will work
to ensure that the Secretary has sufficient information to make a
determination on this important issue.
Question 2. In your testimony, you state that: ``The Environmental
Management program has before it some of the most complex, challenging
cleanup work, and accomplishing our goals will mean applying innovative
strategies to one-of-a-kind challenges.'' If confirmed, would you apply
``innovative strategies'' that include transferring, bartering, or
selling DOE's excess uranium inventory?
Answer. If confirmed, I will promote scientific and technological
innovation in all manners of the Office of Environmental Management
mission including the uranium transfer program. If confirmed, I will
work to ensure that any future transfers of uranium continue to comply
with the law and are transparent, and I would also look forward to
working with you further on this important issue.
Question 3. If your answer to Question 4 is yes, what, if any,
steps would you take to: (A) ensure that any future transfers, barters,
or sales of uranium comply with section 3112(d)(2)(B) of the USEC
Privatization Act (42 U.S.C. 2297h-10(d)(2)(B)); and (B) increase the
transparency of future transfers, barters, or sales of uranium?
Answer. If confirmed, I will work to ensure that any future
transfers of uranium continue to comply with the law and are
transparent, and I would look forward to working with you further on
this important issue.
Question 4. Please provide the Committee with an estimate of what
the Office of Environmental Management intends to spend on the
decommissioning and clean-up work for the current fiscal year as well
as each of the next two fiscal years.
Answer. My understanding is that the Office of Environmental
Management will spend on the order of $598M in FY2014 and is requesting
some $530M in FY2015 for the continued D&D of the gaseous diffusion
plants located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee; Portsmouth, Ohio; and Paducah,
Kentucky.
Response of Monica C. Regalbuto to Question From Senator Heller
Question 1. As you likely know, I am extremely vocal with my
serious concerns about the safety of the Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste
Repository and the suitability of Southern Nevada as the resting place
for our nation's spent nuclear material. I recognize the need to
address our nation's problem with spent nuclear fuel, but it must be
solved through careful consideration of all alternatives based on
credible scientific information. And most importantly, and plan must be
rooted in state consent. The State of Nevada, a state without any
nuclear power plants, has been clear that it does not want the nation's
spent fuel.
Given the state of Nevada's opposition to Yucca Mountain Nuclear
Waste Repository, do you believe that the nation should look past Yucca
and towards consent-based siting for long-term spent fuel storage, a
policy consistent with the President's own January 2012 Blue Ribbon
Commission report?
Answer. The Administration embraces the principles of the
Commission's core recommendations and support the goals of the
establishing a new, workable, long-term solution for nuclear waste
management. Any workable solution for the final disposition of used
fuel and nuclear waste must be based not only on sound science but also
on achieving public acceptance. The Administration believes a pathway
similar to what the Blue Ribbon Commission laid out--a consent-based
solution for the long term management of our used fuel and nuclear
waste--is one that meets the country's national and energy security
needs.
I understand that the Department is working in support of the
President's Blue Ribbon Commission recommendations and approach and if
I am confirmed, I will continue to support the Department and the
Administration's pathway to finding a workable solution for long term
nuclear waste management.
Question 2. As you know, DOE and the State of Nevada have been in
discussions regarding the shipment of low-level nuclear waste from Oak
Ridge, Tennessee to the Nevada National Security Site, located
approximately 65 miles northwest of Las Vegas. Last year, when DOE's
decision to bring the shipments to Nevada came to light,
understandably, it caused public concern. I remain concerned about any
plan to bring nuclear waste to Nevada, but I am encouraged with the
increased collaboration and progress made since the DOE-Nevada Working
Group was formed.
As Assistant Secretary, will you commit to continuing the work of
the DOE-State of Nevada Working Group?
Answer. I am aware of this issue and I certainly appreciate its
importance to you and the State of Nevada. I understand that the
Secretary and Governor Sandoval created a working group, and am pleased
to hear you are encouraged by the progress made thus far. I believe it
is critical to continue an ongoing dialogue between Nevada and DOE, and
should I be confirmed, I pledge to continue those efforts.
Question 3. Can you commit to work with the State of Nevada and the
Nevada Congressional Delegation to address the transportation,
transparency, and collaboration issues associated with the ongoing
mission of the Nevada Nuclear Security Site?
Answer. If confirmed, I would be happy to work with you, the Nevada
Congressional Delegation and the State of Nevada on issues of
importance to Nevada National Security Site.