Washington, D.C. – The United States Senate today confirmed Dr. Rita Baranwal’s nomination to serve as Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy at the Department of Energy (DOE). Baranwal, who most recently led the Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear (GAIN) Initiative at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), will oversee long-term innovation in nuclear power in her new role with the Department of Energy.

“Dr. Baranwal has been a respected leader in the nuclear energy community for more than two decades, driving much of INL’s recent cutting-edge work as she’s led the GAIN Initiative over the last several years,” said Senator  Risch. “I am confident Dr. Baranwal will bring the same commitment to innovation and excellence in her new role at DOE, and I know the Department will benefit greatly from her expertise. I look forward to working with Dr. Baranwal in her new capacity as Assistant Secretary on Nuclear Energy, and I commend her on this well-deserved achievement.” 

“I congratulate Dr. Rita Baranwal on her well-deserved confirmation as Assistant Secretary of Energy for Nuclear Energy,” said Senator Crapo.  “Her extensive knowledge and experience in nuclear energy and her tenure at the Idaho National Lab make her eminently qualified to lead the DOE Office of Nuclear Energy.  Dr. Baranwal understands the innermost workings and needs of the INL and other national labs, and I look forward to working with her to further spur our nation’s nuclear energy leadership.”