Organized By The National Governors Association Federal Facilities Task Force
Funding Long-term Stewardship of DOE Weapons Sites: Tennessee’s Perpetual Care Trust Fund

Issue Brief Natural Resources Policy Studies Division Contact: Ethan W. Brown (202) 624-7878, ebrown@nga.org With technology and budget constraints preventing complete cleanups of waste and contamination at the majority of sites within the nation’s nuclear weapons complex, the U.S.Department of Energy (DOE) is relying on institutional controls (e.g., fences, containers, etc.) to protect the public and environment from hazards that may remain far into the future. DOE now has no other option than to fund the upkeep of these institutional controls through annual appropriations—which are subject to shifting priorities and fiscal conditions. As a result, states and local communities are expected to accept certain radioactive and hazardous waste contamination at DOE sites but uncertain funds to protect public health and the environment for hundreds to thousands of years. What can states do to ensure long-term funding will be available to protect the public from the remaining radioactive/hazardous waste and contamination?   Find out how!! -- download the complete report   Home Page