A state Senate committee heard commitments to openness, ethics and reform, then expressed solid support yesterday for continuing University of California management of all three Department of Energy laboratories, including Berkeley Lab. Laboratory Director Charles Shank, who testified along with his counterparts at Livermore and Los Alamos, told the Senate Select Committee on Oversight of the DOE Labs that Berkeley Lab "has been, and will continue to be, committed to performing world-class research with an efficiency driven by world-class business practices."

The committee hearing in Sacramento was set up to review the recent allegations of financial mismanagement at Los Alamos, and two members of the New Mexico State Legislature were included with the California panel. But much of the discussion focused on the value that this state's national labs bring to the University and to the nation.

Committee chair Sen. Denise Ducheny said she was seeking ways to strengthen the relationships between UC and the labs, and Sen. Don Perata warned of the dangers of switching contract managers - something critics have suggested. "The work they do is of national and international importance," Perata said, "and it's important we don't compare this with some administrative misfirings." Sen. Tom Torlakson agreed, citing "60 years of excellent research" and the "bright scientists" who have brought distinction to the state and its university.

Shank reviewed many of the ways Berkeley Lab has contributed to the technological advances of the country - in energy efficiency, in deciphering the human genome, and in homeland security. He held up the Laboratory's prototype neutron tube that came from a compact ion source, which can be applied to a detector for screening cargo containers for weapons.

He also touched upon his role in fiscal management.

"I am keenly aware of my responsibility as an Officer of the University to operate Berkeley Lab competently, at the highest ethical standard," he told the committee. "The President and the Regents hold me accountable for our operations. In turn, I work to encourage the creativity that produces forefront discoveries in an atmosphere that demands integrity."

And he noted that none of the reviews and audits conducted by the General Accounting Office, the DOE's Inspector General, or others have found evidence of systemic fraud or financial mismanagement at Berkeley Lab.

University of California Report:
Sacramento Hearing on UC Lab Issues

On Tuesday, March 11, a California State Senate committee held a joint hearing with members of the New Mexico Legislature regarding the national laboratories managed by the University of California for the federal government. The hearing partly focused on the recent issues regarding business and administrative practices at the Los Alamos National Laboratory. It also explored the critical scientific and technological work conducted at the Los Alamos, Livermore and Berkeley laboratories.

UC President Richard C. Atkinson told the committee that the University is committed to taking all necessary steps to restore the confidence of the Legislature, the Congress, the Department of Energy, and the public in UC's management of the Los Alamos laboratory, which he described as "a vital national resource." Atkinson summarized the many management changes UC has made at Los Alamos.

In addition, Atkinson emphasized the quality of the scientific and technical work being done at the UC-managed national laboratories - which is particularly important now given current world events - and the integrity and dedication of the laboratories' employees.

"At Los Alamos, we have a 60-year history of outstanding science and successful partnership with the federal government," Atkinson said. "At all three laboratories, we have thousands of honest and hardworking scientists, engineers, technicians, and support personnel who are making a major contribution to our nation's security."

Among the others testifying were UC Senior Vice President Bruce Darling, Livermore Director Michael Anastasio, Los Alamos Interim Director Pete Nanos, Berkeley Lab Director Charles Shank, UC San Diego Chancellor Robert Dynes, and several faculty and staff members from the laboratories and campuses of the UC system.

The laboratory directors pointed to contributions each facility and their staffs are making to the cause of homeland security and stressed the importance of the relationship between the laboratories and the University. Posters outside the hearing room showcased the laboratories' work in the area of homeland security.

The California and New Mexico legislators expressed support for UC and the reforms being implemented at Los Alamos. They asked a range of questions, mainly on management responses to employee concerns at the laboratories. In response, the directors noted that all three laboratories offer independently operated hotlines for the reporting of suspected improprieties and other matters and told of their personal efforts to encourage open communication with employees. The directors and Darling reiterated their commitment to respond to all new issues and information from employees and other sources.

On Wednesday, March 12, the House Energy and Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations will hold the second of its hearings in Washington, D.C. on Los Alamos business and administrative practices. Several current and former Los Alamos employees are scheduled to testify, as is Darling.

More information about laboratory issues is available at
http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/losalamos/