[CPEO-MEF] ENERGY, RADIATION, CLOSURE: Stimulus Package

[Lenny Siegel]

The House Appropriations stimulus discussion draft is available at 
http://appropriations.house.gov/pdf/RecoveryReport01-15-09.pdf

Among its many provisions, it contains additional funding for Defense 
energy research, nuclear weapons cleanup, and BRAC (base realignment and 
closure) cleanup

 From pages 25-26:

"Department of Defense Energy Research
Recovery funding:  $350 million

$350 million is provided to the Department of Defense only for the 
funding of research, development, test and evaluation projects, 
including pilot projects, for improvements in energy generation, 
transmission, regulation, storage, and use on military installations to 
include research and development of energy from fuel cells, wind, solar, 
and other renewable energy sources to include biofuels and bioenergy.

The Secretary of Defense is directed to provide a report to the 
congressional defense committees detailing the planned use of these 
funds within 60 days after enactment of this Act. Additionally, the 
Secretary of Defense is directed to provide a report on the progress 
made by this effort to the congressional defense committees not later 
than one year and two years after enactment of this Act."

 From page 33:

"Defense Environmental Management
Recovery funding:  $500 million

Funding in the amount of $500 million is to accelerate nuclear waste 
cleanup at sites contaminated as a result of the Nation’s past nuclear 
activities. This funding will create jobs in environmental cleanup and 
remediation services; address legal requirements with states to perform 
mandated cleanup activities; and accelerate the completion of capital 
projects, shortening out-year mortgage costs."

 From page 67-68:

"Department of Defense Base Closure Account 1990
Recovery Funding:  $300 million

Department of Defense Base Closure Account 1990 provides funds for 
cleanup activities at closed installations dating back to the 1988 BRAC 
round.  The Department estimates there is a $3.5 billion backlog in 
needed environmental cleanup at bases that were closed during the four
previous BRAC rounds.  These funds will accelerate the pace cleanup, 
providing not only an immediate short-term impact in job creation but 
also aiding local communities in their efforts to redevelop these 
properties for economically productive uses."

Lenny


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Lenny Siegel
Executive Director, Center for Public Environmental Oversight
a project of the Pacific Studies Center
278-A Hope St., Mountain View, CA 94041
Voice: 650/961-8918 or 650/969-1545
Fax: 650/961-8918
<lsiegel at cpeo.org>
http://www.cpeo.org