The U. S. Department of Energy (DOE) complies with all applicable environmental laws and regulations and establishes its own environmental requirements to ensure workers, the public, and the environment is protected from hazards associated with all Department operations. DOE provides assistance to the field to implement these policies, works in resolving environmental protection issues, and provides feedback to enhance environmental performance throughout the Department.
Environmental Justice
The Department of Energy (DOE) is committed to promoting environmental justice in all its activities in keeping with Executive Order (EO) 12898: Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations. This EO directs each Federal agency to "make achieving environmental justice part of its mission by identifying and addressing, as appropriate, disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects of its programs, policies, and activities on minority populations and low-income populations," including tribal populations.
Environmental Policy and Assistance
DOE's goal is to carry out all operations in a manner that protects the public and the environment and complies with all applicable environmental laws and regulations. DOE provides assistance and works with field offices to foster continuous improvement in environmental protection before incidents occur.
Radiation Protection of the Public and the Environment
The Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, authorizes DOE to protect the health and safety of the public against radiation. It is the Department's objective to operate its facilities and conduct activities so that radiation exposures to members of the public and the environment are maintained as low as is reasonably achievable.
Sustainable Environmental Stewardship
DOE supports the understanding and implementation of sustainability programs throughout its network of laboratories and facilities. DOE provides corporate technical assistance, coordination, and integration to its operational units to help resolve sustainability issues and improve environmental performance.