January 6, 2012—The Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/NNSA) and the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) announced Thursday evening (January 5) that they have agreed "to address the highest risk, above ground transuranic waste currently located within Technical Area 54 at Los Alamos National Laboratory (the Laboratory or LANL) and to establish an action-oriented approach that makes optimum use of available resources."

This "Framework Agreement" is a non-binding agreement in principle entered into voluntarily by both sides. DOE/NNSA and NMED agree that they will meet at an appropriate time to consider changes to the Compliance Order on Consent.

To read about the specifics of this agreement, click here.