The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has laid off 1,200 to 2,000 employees, impacting key offices, including the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Loan Programs Office, and Grid Deployment Office. Layoffs affected workers at national labs, hydroelectric plants, and nuclear cleanup sites. This move follows the arrival of representatives from Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency.
About 325 NNSA employees, crucial for managing the U.S. nuclear weapons fleet and securing radiological materials, were let go, though some terminations were reversed to retain essential staff. The cuts come amid ongoing efforts to secure radiological materials in conflict zones like Ukraine.
The Loan Programs Office lost 45 workers, hindering support for clean energy and vehicle projects. The Grid Deployment Office, focused on modernizing the power grid, saw 18 layoffs. Seven staff were cut from the Office of General Counsel, impacting clean energy initiatives.
In Washington state, layoffs at the Hanford nuclear site included safety engineers vital for managing the highly contaminated site. Democratic Senator Patty Murray criticized the cuts, warning they could endanger cleanup operations and public safety. Additionally, over 600 electricians, scientists, and cybersecurity experts were laid off from the Bonneville Power Administration and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.
Laid-off workers lost access to government devices at midnight, leaving them uninformed of their termination. The DOE has not commented on the decision. Critics, including Senator Murray, argue these layoffs jeopardize national security, safety, and critical energy projects. The abrupt firings raise concerns about reduced capacity for nuclear security and delays in clean energy advancements.