Modernizing and Cleaning Up DOE's Nuclear Weapons Complex

GAO discussed its views on the Department of Energy's (DOE) cleanup and modernization of its nuclear weapons complex. GAO noted that DOE needs to: (1) include in its current modernization efforts, adequate plans for environmental cleanup and decontamination of existing facilities; (2) determine the extent of environmental cleanups or which sites should receive priority; (3) include in its projected estimate, the true cost for new facility construction, potential cost overruns, and the cost of building new production reactors, including implementing new technologies; (4) hire technical experts, provide safety oversight, and apply its new policies and procedures to the design and construction of new facilities; (5) develop a spending plan, periodically update the plan to ensure effective use of funds, and keep Congress abreast of its overall direction, priorities, and progress; and (6) provide information on its future budget needs to allow Congress to make more informed decisions on how best to address cleanup and decontamination problems.