The Nation - News from July 20, 1989

The Energy Department may be forced to close more of its nuclear weapons plants unless it acts urgently to bring the aging facilities into compliance with environmental laws, federal auditors said in a report. The report by the department’s office of inspector general, dated July 14, said the department is unable to ensure that its nuclear facilities--including 17 major weapons plants in 12 states--are meeting state or federal environmental standards. In recent weeks the FBI has begun investigations of alleged criminal violations of environmental laws at Energy Department nuclear facilities in New York and Colorado, and the department has started its own nationwide investigation.