Jan. 24-26, 2018 | Midyear Meeting

Omaha, NE

2018 Midyear Meeting

Meeting Overview

The Tribal Radioactive Materials Transportation Committee (TRMTC) met Jan. 24-26, 2017, in Omaha, Neb., at the Doubletree by Hilton Downtown hotel. This meeting brought together ­­­­­­­­­­­­­the TRMTC members with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Environmental Management. Its composition offers a unique perspective on the broad range of issues surrounding the transportation or storage of radioactive materials and spent nuclear fuel. The NCSL provides staff support to this group through a cooperative agreement with the DOE.

Agenda Overview - Wednesday, January 24, 2018

U.S. Department of Energy Program Updates

  • Albert “Brandt” Petrasek – director, Tribal Programs, Department of Energy, Office of Environmental Management

Current Status of Nuclear Waste Issues and Policy Development

NTSF-related Reports and Annual Meeting Updates

Updates on the upcoming NTSF Annual Meeting in Omaha, NE 2018.

  • Joanne Lawrence, director, Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management, Office of Packaging and Transportation

  • Demitrous Blount, program lead, National Transportation Stakeholders Forum (NTSF), Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management, Office of Packaging and Transportation

State Regional Group Updates

  • Chris Wells, assistant director, Nuclear Programs, Southern States Energy Board (SSEB)

  • Lisa Janairo, program manager, The Council of State Governments (CSG)- Midwest

  • Katelyn Tye, policy analyst, The Council of State Governments (CSG) - Midwest

  • Uldis Vanags, project director, The Council of State Governments (CSG) - Northeast

  • Melanie Snyder, attorney/policy analyst, High-Level Radioactive Waste Program, Western Interstate Energy Board (WIEB)

Federal Railroad Administration Updates

  • Lawrence (Mel) Massaro, railroad safety specialist, Radioactive Materials/Hazardous Materials, Federal Railroad Administration

  • Jeffery Moore, railroad safety specialist, Hazardous Materials, Federal Railroad Administration

  • Mark Maday, staff director, Federal Railroad Administration

Nuclear Regulatory Commission Updates and Q&A

  • Stuart Easson, tribal liaison, Nuclear Regulatory Commission | Presentation

  • David Pstrak, branch chief, Nuclear Regulatory Commission

  • Gerry Jackson, transportation security specialist, Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Agenda Overview - Thursday, January 25

TRMTC Executive Session

BNSF Tribal Relations and Railroad Safety

  • Chris Howell, director, tribal development, BNSF Railway Company | Presentation

Tribal Roundtable Discussion

Participants provided brief updates on meetings they have attended, as well as a discussion of current transportation topics or interest areas for his/her respective tribe. Topics of conversation may focus on transportation of radioactive waste, emergency response and preparedness, or other items of interest.

NCSL Updates

  • Quarterly report and discussion of the work plan for 2018-2019, DOE information request

NTSF 2018 closing plenary discussion - Emergency response to highway shipments and working with tribal reservations

  • Officer Brad Wagner, sergeant, Carrier Enforcement Division, Nebraska State Highway Patrol

WIPP Updates

  • James Mason, manager, Institutional Affairs, Department of Energy, Carlsbad Field Office

TRANSCOM Orientation and Training

  • Anthony Memmo, program manager, Seneca Nation

Tribal Business Session

Agenda Overview - Friday, January 26

NTSF 2019 Planning Committee Session

Tribal Transportation Webinar Brainstorming Session

  • Francis “Chip” Cameron, consultant, The Zero Gravity Group LLC