WC Monitor
2/20/2015
IN THE DNFSB
The Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board is seeking a funding level of approximately $29.2 million for next year, an increase of approximately $650,000 from current funding levels, according to the Board’s recently released FY 2016 budget request. The Board’s request includes an additional $1.76 million to hire additional employees and an additional $200,000 for an employee pay raise, which would largely be offset through the use of approximately $1.85 million in available unobligated balances. “In line with congressional direction, the Board strives to proactively address DOE safety issues relating to public and worker safety. To do so, the Board needs the resources requested,” the request states, adding, “The Board’s requested FY 2016 budget of $29,150,000 in new budget authority and 122.5 FTEs is necessary to address congressional concerns and provide the scientific and technical resources needed to review DOE’s design and construction projects, remediation activities, and weapons programs in a timely and efficient manner.”
IN THE STATES
The New Mexico State Senate unanimously reconfirmed state Environment Department Secretary Ryan Flynn late last week in a 36-0 vote. Flynn has served in the position since April 2013 and has gained attention in recent months after imposing more than $50 million in penalties against the Department of Energy for violations at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant and Los Alamos National Laboratory. “Secretary Flynn has shown himself to be an outstanding leader of the New Mexico Environment Department,” New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez (R) said in a statement. “He brings a balanced approach to environmental issues, basing decisions on sound science and facts.”
IN THE INDUSTRY
Gerald Boyd was named this week as vice president of business development for Stoller Newport News Nuclear, a subsidiary of Huntington Ingalls Industries. Boyd last held the position of SN3’s vice president of southeast operations. In his new role, Boyd will “be responsible for guiding acquisition and teaming activities in support of SN3’s expanded objectives within the Department of Energy, Department of Defense and other federal agencies and commercial markets,” according to a company release. "Gerald brings a wealth of knowledge regarding the DOE’s science, environmental management, nuclear fuel supply and national security programs," SN3 President Nick Lombardo said in the release. "We look forward to the benefit of his experience and leadership in further developing SN3’s strategic growth."
