RICHLAND, WA – Today, Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) visited the Hanford Site to receive a briefing on the recent tunnel collapse.

“"This tunnel collapse has everyone working together. DOE, the state and the Hanford workforce are monitoring the site and taking an aggressive plan of action,” said Sen. Cantwell. "The events of last week highlight the need for America to keep our commitment to the Hanford site cleanup, and I stand ready to make sure my colleagues and this administration do just that." 

Sen. Cantwell has continuously worked to ensure that the cleanup of the Hanford Site is completed efficiently and safely, consistent with agreements between the Department of Energy and the state of Washington.

In January, Sen. Cantwell and the Washington Congressional Delegation sent a letter urging the Trump administration to prioritize the ongoing cleanup at the Hanford Nuclear Waste Site, securing commitments from Secretary Perry to provide adequate funding to ensure worker safety at Hanford. Sen. Cantwell and Sen. Murray in March sent another letter to Secretary Perry demanding improved conditions for workers at the site. 

During the 114th Congress, Sen. Cantwell questioned the DOE on proposed FY 2017 budget shortfalls, secured commitments on cleanup progress, and supported DOE’s new strategy to separate defense and civilian nuclear waste.