Christine Gelles is the Director of the Office of Disposal Operations within the Environmental Management Program (EM) at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) where she is responsible for ensuring that disposal paths are defined and available for all radioactive waste streams generated by EM site cleanup activities and for providing leadership in DOE’s waste management efforts. In addition, Gelles is responsible for fulfilling DOE’s statutory responsibilities related to commercial low-level radioactive waste management as assigned by the Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Act of 1980 and its 1985 amendments. These responsibilities include providing technical assistance to the states and compacts, as well as providing disposal capacity for Greater-than-Class C waste.
The Commission recognized Ms. Gelles for her extraordinary leadership and innovative efforts at DOE that have enhanced public safety and contributed to the efficient management of radioactive waste. She helped establish a strong federal partnership with states and Compacts to address LLRW management concerns. She enthusiastically seeks common ground in this partnership that is aided by her advanced understanding of the complex public policy issues surrounding radioactive waste management. Her efforts were instrumental in developing an agreement with the State of Texas that paved the way for the development of disposal facilities in Texas for DOE and commercial waste.