David Thomas: “I am pleased the conference report contains section 3154, which requires the Department of Energy [DOE] to carry out a…”

“I am pleased the conference report contains section 3154, which requires the Department of Energy [DOE] to carry out a study to determine the extent and valuation of natural resource damages at DOE sites. I authored this provision as chairman of the Senate Energy Committee's Subcommittee on Oversight. Frankly, I was shocked to find that the Department had not yet done their own study of this potentially huge future liability, and that is why I introduced this amendment. It is vital that the Department of Energy obtain comprehensive and accurate information regarding the extent and valuation of natural resource damages at DOE sites. This is especially important if we are to make realistic budget assumptions today and set realistic budget goals for the future. Unfortunately, there has not been a reliable study done on this issue to date. During the course of Superfund hearings held in the Environment and Public Works Committee, significant questions have been raised about the Department of Energy's liability for natural resource damages at their Superfund sites. Department officials first estimated liability in the hundreds of billions of dollars. Since that time, GAO has looked at the situation, as has CEQ. However, the CEQ and GAO estimates are quite different. GAO estimates a high range of $15 billion while CEQ says the high range is $500 million. The disparity between these two studies is troubling, as is the fact that DOE has never done their own study.”