[SOE LETTERHEAD]

April 3, 2002

The Honorable Richard Cheney
President of the Senate 
Washington, D.C. 20510

Dear Mr. President:

I am pleased to forward the Annual Report for Calendar Year 2001, Department of Energy Activities Relating to the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board. Section 316(b) of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 requires the Department of Energy (Department) to submit a written report to Congress addressing the Department’s activities related to the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board (Board).

During 2001, the Department completed the final implementation plan milestones associated with Board recommendation 98-1, Resolution of Safety Issues Identified by DOE Internal Oversight. In addition, the Department formally accepted new Board recommendation 2001-1, High Level Waste Management at the Savannah River Site, and developed an implementation plan in response to the recommendation. 

The Department also made significant progress on a number of broad-based initiatives to improve safety. These include upgrading the Department’s Federal technical capability, reducing risk through stabilization of excess nuclear materials, and continuing improvements in the Department’s integrated safety management programs.

If you have any questions, please contact me or have a member of your staff contact Mr. Mark B. Whitaker, Jr., Departmental Representative to the Board, at (202) 586-3887.

Sincerely,

Spencer Abraham

Enclosure