Charting a New Course for Nuclear Waste Management:
An Overview of the Blue Ribbon Commission on America’s Nuclear Future

John Kotek, Partner with Gallatin Public Affairs

Presentation Points

• The persisting nuclear waste problem and the need for a resolution
• Blue Ribbon Commission's recommendations for nuclear waste management facilities in the U.S.
• Establishing a new organization to manage nuclear waste
• Necessary criteria for a new nuclear waste program to succeed

John is a Partner with Gallatin Public Affairs, a public affairs and strategic communications consulting company with offices throughout the northwestern United States. John recently completed an assignment as Staff Director to the Blue Ribbon Commission on America's Nuclear Future, which recommended a new strategy for managing nuclear waste in the United States. Prior to entering the private sector in 2006, John was Deputy Manager of the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) Idaho Operations Office. In that role he was responsible for development and management of the Idaho National Laboratory contract. Before joining DOE in July 2003, John worked for Argonne National Laboratory as the Generation IV and Nuclear-Hydrogen Programs Manager. He directed Argonne's participation in the Generation IV program, an international effort focused on developing a next-generation of nuclear energy systems. In 2002, John was the American Nuclear Society's Glenn T. Seaborg Congressional Fellow. John served in the Office of Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM), Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. John started his career with DOE's Office of Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology (DOE-NE). He held several positions during his nine years with DOE-NE, including Associate Director for Technology, Associate Director for Management and Administration, and Chief of Staff. John serves on advisory committees for the Idaho State University College of Engineering and the University of Illinois Department of Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering. He also serves as the communications director for the State of Idaho's Strategic Energy Alliance. John holds a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Illinois and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Maryland.

Friday, May 18
12:00-12:30pm Lunch is served
12:30-1:00pm Presentation
1:00-1:30pm Question and answer

Idaho State University – Idaho Falls
Samuel Horne Bennion
Student Union Building
Multipurpose Room
University Place
1784 Science Center Drive, Idaho Falls

Lunch is $14 for members and $16 for non-members. Gallery seating is $5. Reservations or advanced payment are required for lunch service.To pay by credit card, visit the forums page.

Please RSVP by Noon on Tuesday, May 15.

Sponsored by:

Support is provided by:
Idaho Humanities Council
Idaho National Laboratory
Idaho State University – Idaho Falls

Forums are recorded for broadcast on KISU-FM 91.3. Visit www.kisu.org for times.