Energy Secretary Postpones Layoffs Following Portman's Urging

Press Release

Today, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio) welcomed the news that U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Ernest Moniz has authorized the DOE to provide resources to avoid involuntary layoffs for decontamination and decommissioning (D&D) activities at Piketon through December 11, 2015:

"I'm pleased that the Administration will provide the necessary funding to avoid layoffs for D&D activities in Piketon, but this is only a temporary reprieve and Ohio will need the Secretary's help to secure the critical resources we will need for the remainder of the year. I pressed Energy Secretary Moniz on this yesterday and again requested a long-term plan for the site. I hope the Administration can provide that to Piketon workers who continue to face the threat of layoffs due to no fault of their own."

In a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee yesterday, Portman urged Secretary Moniz to fully fund Piketon's D&D efforts and allow for continuation of the work at the American Centrifuge Plant, a project important to our nation's national security. Upon questioning yesterday, Secretary Moniz was unable to commit to providing the funding through December. After being grilled by Portman, they today committed to this short-term lifeline for the Piketon community.

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