Washington, D.C. – Members of Idaho’s Congressional Delegation praise the announcement by the U.S. Department of Energy to extend the operations contract of the Battelle Energy Alliance (BEA) at the Idaho National Laboratory as well-deserved reflection of their outstanding work and contributions to U.S. energy security.
“I am pleased the Department of Energy is extending Battelle Energy Alliance’s contract to manage the Idaho National Laboratory, our nation’s nuclear energy research laboratory,” said Idaho Senator Jim Risch. “I look forward to continuing to work with BEA and the researchers at INL as the lab continues to be a world leader in nuclear energy, and grid and cybersecurity capabilities.”
“I appreciate the commitment shown by DOE in announcing the contract extension for management at the Idaho National Laboratory,” said Idaho Senator Mike Crapo. “As the nation’s lead nuclear laboratory, the INL has produced cutting-edge energy and national security research and I look forward to continuing to work with Battelle Energy Alliance.”
“I am very pleased that the Department of Energy has opted to extend Battelle Energy Alliance’s contract to manage Idaho National Laboratory,” said Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson. “This announcement is a recognition of the consistent and excellent performance by BEA and it will bring consistency and economic stability to our region. The world renowned researchers at the INL work every day to promote and ensure our nation’s energy security, and I could not be more proud of the cutting edge work they do.”
Battelle Energy Alliance’s contract to operate and manage the INL will be extended through September 2024. The DOE says the decision was based on BEA’s “exceptional performance” in managing the site.
Congressman Simpson is Chairman of the U.S House Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee, which oversees funding for the Department of Energy. Senator Risch is a senior member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, with jurisdiction over the Department of Energy. Senator Crapo is a member of the Senate Budget Committee, which debates the budget blueprint for federal departments.
The delegation members note that INL has had a scientific research and nuclear engineering presence in Southeastern Idaho for sixty years and has built, operated and tested 51 nuclear reactors in that time. Today, it is the lead nuclear energy laboratory for DOE’s office of Nuclear Energy, supporting domestic civilian energy priorities along with key defense and homeland security initiatives.
