ODOE Statement on U.S. DOE Approach to Hanford Tank Waste Transport Through Oregon

On July 1, 2026, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hanford Field Office released an update on its ongoing plans for where and how to treat, transport, and dispose of millions of gallons of radioactive and chemically hazardous tank waste from the west-area tank farms at Hanford. In its letter, U.S. DOE reports that it has decided to not, at this time, construct the facilities necessary to solidify and grout tank waste at the Hanford site. This decision leaves open the option for U.S. DOE to ship radioactive tank waste in liquid form through Oregon. We reiterate Oregon’s long-held position that it is unacceptable for liquid radioactive Hanford tank waste to be transported through our state.

ODOE Congratulates U.S. DOE on Important Hanford Cleanup Milestone

The Oregon Department of Energy is excited to learn today’s news that the Hanford Nuclear Site in south-central Washington successfully started up its Low-Activity Waste Facility, which will solidify Hanford tank waste in glass for permanent, safe disposal.

Safety & Resilience, USDOEJennifer KalezOctober 15, 2025Hanford, Hanford Site, News Release, Press Release, USDOE, Nuclear Safety

ODOE at 50: History of Hanford Cleanup and Oregon’s Engagement

2025 marks 50 years of Oregon Department of Energy public service. As we continue leading Oregon to a safe, equitable, clean, and sustainable future for the next 50 years (and beyond!), we’re taking time to reflect on what got us here. This month, we look back at the history of the Hanford Nuclear Site and Oregon’s engagement with the cleanup.

Oregon Hanford Cleanup Board Reflects on 2023 Activities and Looks Ahead to 2024

The Oregon Hanford Cleanup Board submitted a first-of-its-kind report to the Oregon Legislature this month, outlining the board’s work over the past year and looking ahead into 2024 and beyond.

This is a Drill: ODOE and Partners Activate Agency Operations Center for Nuclear Emergency Exercise

On March 26-27, the Oregon Department of Energy participated in one of our regular nuclear emergency exercises. Each year, ODOE staff activate our Agency Operations Center in Salem and send staff north to Washington to simulate and practice how we would respond in the event of a radiological emergency at the Hanford Site or the Columbia Generating Station nuclear power plant near Richland, WA.

Historic Hanford Contamination is Worse Than Expected: Oregon Experts Weigh In

In late June, the U.S. Department of Energy reported that radioactive contamination beneath a building at the Hanford Nuclear Site is worse than originally thought. What does that mean? Oregon Department of Energy Assistant Director for Nuclear Safety and Emergency Preparedness Maxwell Woods and Hanford Hydrogeologist Tom Sicilia weigh in.

Oregon, Washington, and Others Ask President Biden to Increase Funding for Hanford Nuclear Site Cleanup

Oregon, Washington, and a coalition of organizations have sent a joint letter to President Biden calling for increased funding for cleanup efforts at the Hanford Nuclear Site. Adequate funding is imperative to ensuring the safe and timely cleanup of the site to protect the Columbia River and those that rely on it.

Safety & ResilienceErica EuenAugust 9, 2022Hanford, Hanford Site, Nuclear Waste

Oregon Partners Practice Nuclear Emergency Response

On May 19, Oregon Department of Energy staff activated a virtual Agency Operations Center to practice how we’d respond in the event of an emergency at the Hanford Nuclear Site in Washington.

Oregon Hanford Cleanup Board to Meet Virtually May 2

The meeting will begin at 8 a.m. and conclude after the public comment period that will take place at approximately 1:45 that afternoon. Public participation is welcomed and encouraged.

Oregon Hanford Cleanup Board to Meet Virtually January 18

The Oregon Hanford Cleanup Board will hold its first virtual public meeting of 2022 on Tuesday, January 18.

Oregon Hanford Cleanup Board Thanks Steve March for His Years of Service

At its October 4 meeting, the Oregon Hanford Cleanup Board and Oregon Department of Energy staff took a moment to thank Board Chair Steve March as he wrapped up his second and final term.

Oregon Hanford Cleanup Board to Meet Virtually October 4

The Oregon Hanford Cleanup Board will hold a virtual meeting on Monday, October 4, 2021. The meeting will begin at 8 a.m. and conclude after the public comment period at about 2 p.m. Public participation is encouraged.

ODOE Nuclear Safety Experts Serve in Leadership Roles

Individual ODOE team members have been elected to serve in leadership positions for the Hanford Advisory Board and Hanford Natural Resources Trustee Council.

Grounded Podcast: Hanford to Home: Ken Niles Retirement

Grounded is back this month with a new episode so we can bid a fond farewell to Oregon Department of Energy's own Assistant Director for Nuclear Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Ken Niles.

Ken Niles: 31 Years of Hanford Lessons

ODOE Assistant Director for Nuclear Safety and Emergency Preparedness Ken Niles will retire at the end of the month. He recently shared three decades of lessons learned about the Hanford Nuclear Site cleanup.

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