Combating nuclear terrorism : federal efforts to respond to nuclear and radiological threats and to protect key emergency response facilities could be strengthened : testimony before the Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia, Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, U.S. Senate /

The Department of Energy (DOE) maintains emergency response capabilities and assets to quickly respond to potential nuclear and radiological threats in the United States. These capabilities are primarily found at DOE's two key emergency response facilities--the Remote Sensing Laboratories at Ne...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author:	Aloise, Gene
Corporate Authors:	United States. Congress. Senate. Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia, United States. Government Accountability Office
Format:	Government Document eBook
Language:	English
Published:	[Washington, D.C.] : U.S. Govt. Accountability Office, [2007]
Series:	Testimony ; GAO-08-285 T.
Subjects:	United States. > Department of Energy > Rules and practice. Emergency management > United States. Dirty bombs. Nuclear warfare.
Online Access:	http://www.gao.gov/docsearch/abstract.php?rptno=GAO-08-285T https://purl.fdlp.gov/GPO/LPS88510

Description
Summary:	The Department of Energy (DOE) maintains emergency response capabilities and assets to quickly respond to potential nuclear and radiological threats in the United States. These capabilities are primarily found at DOE's two key emergency response facilities--the Remote Sensing Laboratories at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, and Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland. These capabilities took on increased significance after the attacks of September 11, 2001, because of heightened concern that terrorists may try to detonate a nuclear or radiological device in a major U.S. city. DOE is not the only federal agency responsible for addressing nuclear and radiological threats. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is responsible for preparing the country to prevent and respond to a potential nuclear or radiological attack. This testimony discusses (1) the benefits of using DOE's aerial background radiation surveys to enhance emergency response capabilities and (2) the physical security measures in place at DOE's two key emergency response facilities and whether they are consistent with DOE guidance. It is based on GAO's report on DOE's nuclear and radiological emergency response capabilities, issued in September 2006 (Combating Nuclear Terrorism: Federal Efforts to Respond to Nuclear and Radiological Threats and to Protect Emergency Response Capabilities Could be Strengthened [Washington, D.C.: Sept. 21, 2006]).
Item Description:	Title from title screen (viewed on Nov. 16, 2007). "For release ... November 15, 2007." Paper version available from: U.S. Govt. Accountability Office, 441 G St., NW, Rm. LM, Washington, D.C. 20548. Electronic resource.
Physical Description:	19 pages : digital, PDF file.
Format:	Mode of access: Internet. Address as of 11/16/07: http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d08285t.pdf ; current access available via PURL.
Bibliography:	Includes bibliographical references.