On the recordNovember 1, 2023
alongside my esteemed colleagues Senator Jim Risch and Representative Mike Simpson, I rise today to honor the formal turnover of the Naval Reactors A1W Prototype from Naval Reactors Idaho Branch Office and Fluor Marine Propulsion, LLC, to the U.S. Department of Energy Idaho Cleanup Project and Idaho Environmental Coalition. This momentous occasion marks the early completion of the turnover of the A1W Prototype, a defueled naval nuclear propulsion plant, which holds significant historical and strategic importance in the ongoing decommissioning efforts of this facility. The goal in this endeavor is clear: to remove the three prototypes, S1W, A1W and S5G, from the Naval Reactors Facility by 2030. This effort aligns perfectly with the program's unwavering commitment to managing radioactive and hazardous materials from cradle to grave, ensuring no adverse effects on the environment or public health. Decommissioning older, nonmission-critical facilities not only reduces workforce needs but also allows us to allocate resources more efficiently towards our core mission, while creating space for the workplace of the future. The significance of this turnover lies in the remarkable collaboration among various Agencies involved. Originally scheduled for 2027, achieving this turnover 4 years ahead of schedule is a monumental achievement. It is a testament to the unwavering dedication of hundreds of professionals from all four organizations involved.…





