WASHINGTON, DC – The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) today congratulated its NNSA’s Y-12 National Security Complex for receiving a prestigious White House Closing the Circle award, which recognizes federal leadership in environmental sustainability.  Y-12 was honored for its innovation on pollution prevention.

“I congratulate Y-12 for its continued support in maintaining NNSA’s leadership in environmental sustainability,” said NNSA Administrator Thomas D’Agostino.  “This award highlights the outstanding work being done throughout the nuclear security enterprise to reduce the energy and environmental footprint of our activities.  We are committed to ensuring that, as we work to build a 21st century enterprise, we are leading by example by conducting ourselves in an environmentally sustainable way.”

Y-12 was recognized for its ability to integrate pollution prevention into sophisticated manufacturing and materials handling operations.  These activities resulted in lower costs, reductions in the use and disposal of toxic chemicals, and improved employee safety. 

The Closing the Circle awards are presented annually by the White House’s Office of the Federal Environmental Executive for outstanding achievements of federal employees and their facilities for efforts that make a significant positive impact on environmental stewardship.

Established by Congress in 2000, NNSA is a semi-autonomous agency within the U.S. Department of Energy responsible for enhancing national security through the military application of nuclear science in the nation’s national security enterprise.  NNSA maintains and enhances the safety, security, reliability, and performance of the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile without nuclear testing; reduces the global danger from weapons of mass destruction; provides the U.S. Navy with safe and effective nuclear propulsion; and responds to nuclear and radiological emergencies in the U.S. and abroad. 

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