Texas House Bill HR529

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Introduced: 2/19/09
• Refer: 2/23/09
• Enrolled: 2/25/09
• Passed: 2/25/09

Caption

Honoring B&W Pantex on earning an outstanding performance rating from the National Nuclear Security Administration.

Impact

This recognition not only highlights B&W Pantex's operational excellence but also underscores the plant's vital role in national security. With its top performance in nuclear-weapons dismantlements and strong focus on safety improvements, the resolution points to the reliability of the Pantex facility in handling sensitive nuclear operations. The performance achievements have implications for state laws related to nuclear safety and regulatory compliance, reinforcing the importance of operational excellence in facilities that manage nuclear materials.

Summary

HR529 is a resolution that recognizes and honors B&W Pantex for achieving an outstanding performance rating from the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). The resolution celebrates the company's exceptional management and operation of the Pantex plant, which is the primary facility in the U.S. for assembling and dismantling nuclear weapons. At the center of this recognition is B&W Pantex's impressive score of 94 percent in its latest evaluation, reflecting its adherence to contract performance standards and commitment to producing weapons-stockpile products for the defense department.

Contention

While the resolution itself is primarily celebratory, it opens the door to potential discussions regarding the oversight and operational standards of nuclear facilities within Texas. Critics may argue that continued high performance ratings could create complacency among the regulatory bodies overseeing such facilities. The recognition of individual entities like B&W Pantex could prompt conversations about the broader implications for nuclear regulation and safety standards in the state, especially given current debates on energy policies and nuclear safety.