Rep. Gabe Vasquez Sounds Alarm on Potential Closure of Critical Waste Isolation Pilot Plant Facility in Carlsbad

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) is deeply concerned about reports indicating that the General Services Administration (GSA) is planning to terminate the lease for the Skeen-Whitlock Building, which serves as the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Carlsbad Field Office. This facility is integral to the operations of the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), the nation’s only deep geological repository for defense-related transuranic nuclear waste.

“The potential closure of the Skeen-Whitlock Building is alarming and poses significant risks to our national security and environmental safety,” said Vasquez. “This facility is central to the management and disposal of defense-related nuclear waste. Its closure could severely disrupt WIPP operations, leading to delays in waste disposal and compromising the safety protocols established to protect both the public and the environment.”

The Carlsbad Field Office has already experienced a substantial reduction in staff, with approximately 30% departing in the past month. Such attrition exacerbates existing challenges in overseeing critical projects aimed at maintaining and expanding WIPP’s capacity. Notably:

• Ventilation System Upgrades: WIPP has been operating at diminished capacity due to past incidents, including a 2014 underground truck fire and a subsequent radiological release. To restore full operations, DOE has been working on essential ventilation system upgrades. However, these projects have encountered delays, partly due to staffing shortages at the Carlsbad Field Office. 
• Expansion Efforts: The facility is projected to run out of disposal space sometime in 2025. While DOE plans to expand WIPP to accommodate future waste disposal needs, these efforts are contingent upon timely project completion and adequate staffing. 

“The abrupt closure of the Skeen-Whitlock Building would further strain our ability to manage nuclear waste effectively,” Vasquez continued. “It is imperative that DOE and GSA provide immediate clarity on this issue and work collaboratively to ensure that WIPP’s mission is not compromised.”

Representative Vasquez has requested an urgent meeting with GSA and DOE officials to address these concerns and to advocate for the continued support and operation of the Carlsbad Field Office. He remains committed to safeguarding the community, the dedicated workforce, and the critical role that southern New Mexico plays in our nation’s nuclear waste management strategy.

“We must prioritize the safety and security of our communities while ensuring that our commitments to environmental management are upheld,” Vasquez concluded. “I will continue to fight for the resources and support necessary to maintain the essential operations of WIPP.”

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