Energy Secretary Moniz Announces Formation of Nuclear Energy Tribal Working Group

Partnership to Deepen Relationship Around Critical Nuclear Energy Issues

WASHINGTON—Building on President Obama’s commitment to strengthen the government-to-government relationship with Tribal Nations, Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz today announced the formalization of the Nuclear Energy Tribal Working Group (NETWG), providing a forum for Tribal Leaders to engage with the Department on a wide scope of nuclear energy issues. 

“Through the Nuclear Energy Tribal Working Group, the Department hopes to incorporate the unique and important perspectives from Tribal Leaders as we continue to develop and deploy safe, reliable, and efficient nuclear power,” said Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz. “These types of partnerships help the Department to work more closely with the Tribal Nations on building a sustainable energy future and advance the President’s all-of-the-above energy strategy.”

The establishment of NETWG formalizes the efforts of the Nuclear Energy Tribal Leader Dialogue, established by the Office of Nuclear Energy (NE) in October 2013, which focused on topics such as the management of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste, to include transportation and related emergency response planning activities, nuclear research and development, small modular reactors, and potential economic business opportunities.

“I have been very pleased with the progress made in the Dialogue, which explored a number of critical nuclear energy matters that effect both Tribal Leaders and the development of this low-carbon resource,” said Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy Pete Lyons. “I look forward to the next steps from this working group and further strengthening this important relationship in the years to come.”

Through NETWG, the Office of Nuclear Energy will continue to support and encourage participation, coordination and consultation with Tribal Leaders in existing activities including the Department's National Transportation Stakeholder Forum. Tribal input and comments will provide valuable insights to NE in the planning stages for its nuclear programs. NE will coordinate the preparation, review, and implementation of NETWG’s charter with Tribal Leaders participating in the Nuclear Energy Tribal Leader Dialogue.

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