[DS LETTERHEAD]

 

June 10, 2005

 

The Honorable A. J. Eggenberger

Acting Chairman

Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board

625 Indiana Avenue, NW

Washington, D.C. 20004

 

Dear Mr. Chairman:

 

On June 10, 2005, the Secretary of Energy approved the enclosed DOE Policy 226.1, Department of Energy Oversight Policy. This important directive clarifies expectations and will lead to improvements in our oversight processes on many fronts, to include safeguards and security, cyber security, emergency management, and environment, safety and health programs.

 

This Policy is the result of extensive coordination within the Department and has benefited from the review and comments provided by the Board staff. Consistent with the request received from your staff on April 20, 2005, the Department has reviewed the impact of the revised Implementation Plan for Recommendation 2004-1 on this Policy to ensure the Policy conforms to the Implementation Plan. The Department has identified no immediate changes necessary.

 

Please be assured that we are coordinating very closely with the 2004-1 Implementation Plan Team. At this time, the related Order that is under-going review is consistent with the revised Implementation Plan. We will provide the draft Order to your staff for review today, and we welcome your comments.

 

If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Michael Kilpatrick, Director, Office of Independent Oversight and Performance Assurance, at (202) 586-4399.

 

Sincerely,

 

Clay Sell

 

Enclosure