[DNFSB LETTERHEAD]
March 23, 2009
The Honorable Steven Chu
Secretary of Energy
Dear Secretary Chu:
The Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board (Board) would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you on your appointment as Secretary of Energy. As you assume your duties, the Board would like to present our views on the state of nuclear safety at the Department of Energy's (DOE) defense nuclear facilities, in accord with the Board's statutory mandate to identify the nature and consequences of potential threats to public health and safety at these facilities, elevate such issues to the highest levels of authority, and inform the public. A summary of these views is provided in the enclosure for your use in the management of nuclear safety at DOE'S defense nuclear facilities.
We look forward to working with you on these matters and would welcome the opportunity to discuss these with you at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely,
A.J.
Eggenberger
Chairman
c: Mr. Mark B. Whitaker, Jr.