Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson questioned the Department of Energy on nuclear energy and the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) as part of the Department’s FY2011 Budget Request.  Assistant Secretary of Nuclear Energy Pete Miller testified before the Energy and Water Subcommittee, of which Congressman Simpson is a member.

During the hearing, Simpson asked Miller about the importance of funding for infrastructure at the INL and across the DOE complex.  “If we want to retain the best scientists and the best engineers at our national labs, it is important that we provide them with the best facilities and equipment so they can do their jobs,” said Simpson.  “The INL has been upgrading its facilities, and I have seen first-hand what a difference new buildings and infrastructure make.”

In his testimony, Assistant Secretary Miller noted that the INL serves as the center for U.S. nuclear energy and development and recognized the importance of the work being done at the INL on a variety of programs, including NGNP, the Advanced Test Reactor, and Fuel Cycle Research, to name a few.

Simpson also questioned Miller on the Next Generation Nuclear Plant and the need for the Department to work better with industry to move the program ahead.  “It is important that the Department and industry work together and reach an agreement on how to move ahead on this important program,” said Simpson.  “We need to make sure that industry is involved in the beginning of the process so that the money spent by government on research will actually turn into the deployment of new, innovative technologies.”

Simpson is a member of the Appropriations Committee and the Energy and Water Subcommittee which oversees funding for the Department of Energy and the INL.

To watch Congressman Simpson discuss the INL with Assistant Secretary Miller visit his YouTube page.