Newhouse Commends DOE for Finalizing Approval of Hanford Waste Treatment Plant Operations

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement upon the United States Department of Energy (DOE) approving the start of operations of the Hanford Waste Treatment Plant (WTP) on October 15, 2025. 

"Despite unsubstantiated rumors and speculation, this morning’s signed approval from DOE is confirmation of what Secretary Wright told me multiple times over the past 10 days, that there will be no delays to the start of the Waste Treatment Plant. I have consistently championed funding for the DFLAW program, and I look forward to seeing Hanford achieve this milestone and enter its next chapter in the cleanup mission," said Rep. Newhouse. 

Yesterday evening, Deputy Secretary James Danly signed the Critical Decision 4 (CD-4), which is the final approval needed to start the operations of the WTP at Hanford and begin vitrification of low-activity waste.

On Tuesday, September 9, DOE Secretary Chris Wright issued a statement countering inaccurate news reports that the WTP would be delayed past the October 15 deadline as required by the Washington v. Wright consent decree.  

To ease concerns of stakeholders and residents in the Tri-Cities, Rep. Newhouse requested Secretary Wright issue a new statement reaffirming that there would be no delays in operation, which the Secretary did on Thursday, September 11. 

Representative Newhouse has supported the Hanford mission, including the DFLAW program, for his entire tenure in Congress and will continue to provide the resources needed to continue the cleanup efforts. 

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