New Mexico Legislators Demand DOE Restore Compliance with Federal Law Regarding Nuclear…
What happened
An independent federal agency tasked with overseeing safety at nuclear security sites has reported that the Department of Energy has been denying it access to federal records and officials' meeting minutes. Officials from the U.S. Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board have raised alarms about what they characterize as "stonewalling" by the Department of Energy. This pressure comes amid changes to safety requirements known as "Project Velocity," which officials say weaken protocols for national laboratories. New Mexico legislators have responded by urging federal officials to restore compliance with federal law and to explain how these changes affect safety for workers and the public.
Why it matters
The issue centers on the Department of Energy's handling of safety protocols for national laboratories in New Mexico. The legislators are concerned about the potential impact of these protocol changes on worker and public safety. The calls are focused on the Department of Energy to align its operations with federal law regarding oversight.
Congress is currently reviewing new legislation that involves the Department of Energy.
Who's involved
- New MexicoState of New Mexico, where the nuclear security sites are located.
- Patrick MorriseyPatrick Morrisey, whose professional life is affected by regulatory uncertainty.
Keep exploring
Part of
Congress is taking up new legislation involving the Department of Energy.Also in this story
- Congress legislation, chaired by Brett Guthrie, relates to nuclear energy data.
- Tulfo and Gatchalian introduced a bill in the Senate to strengthen the Department of Energy's powers over oil companies.
The entities involved
-
New Mexico
state of the United States of America
Related events
- New Mexico enacted environmental rules through legislation passed by the Senate and House, involving the Trump administration.
- The New Mexico Environment Department proposed new rules on August 3, 2026, affecting state worker safety standards.
- New Mexico is calling for encouragement of green hydrogen production, while the DOJ deployed observers during general elections.
- Think New Mexico called for sweeping legislative reforms in New Mexico on October 14, 2026.
- Flooding in the San Juan River prompted bridge inspections and evacuations in New Mexico.