The state of New Mexico has reached a settlement with the federal government regarding the cleanup of radioactive waste at the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). The agreement, which was announced by the New Mexico Environment Department, resolves a long-standing dispute over funding for the cleanup efforts.
Under the terms of the settlement, the Department of Energy will provide $220 million in funding for the cleanup of contaminated sites at LANL, with $180 million designated for the removal of underground waste storage tanks. This funding will allow for the completion of cleanup activities at the lab, which has been ongoing for several decades.
The settlement comes after years of negotiations between the state and federal government, with both parties facing pressure from environmental groups and community members to address the contamination at LANL. The site has a history of radioactive waste leaks and other environmental incidents, raising concerns about the health and safety of nearby residents.
New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham praised the settlement as a significant step towards protecting the environment and public health in the surrounding communities. She emphasized the importance of holding the federal government accountable for cleaning up the mess created at LANL.
The settlement marks a positive development in the ongoing saga of radioactive waste cleanup at LANL, and is seen as a win for both the state of New Mexico and the local communities affected by the contamination. With this funding in place, cleanup efforts can move forward more expeditiously, ensuring a safer and healthier environment for current and future generations.
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