TIM WALSH SWORN IN AS EM-1

On Thursday, October 23, Timothy J. Walsh was sworn in as Assistant Secretary (EM-1)for the Office of Environmental Management at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE-EM). This is the first time in over 6 years since we have had a Senate confirmed Assistant Secretary in the position. Below is a message from the Assistant Secretary, 

Dear EM Team:

I’m thrilled to be sworn in as the EM Assistant Secretary and privileged to lead this exceptional organization. My career has been defined by a steadfast commitment to serving the American people- a principle forged during my time at West Point and carried forward through every role since. I am deeply honored to begin this next chapter alongside each of you, united in purpose and driven by excellence.

Leading the world’s largest environmental cleanup program is a responsibility I don’t take lightly. Together, as a cohesive team, we will deliver on our duty to remediate the environmental legacies of our nation’s past defense programs while boldly transforming these liabilities into opportunities. We are in a golden era of unleashing American energy dominance through a nuclear renaissance, positioning the United States as a global leader in AI and innovation, ensuring a strong national security for future generations.

Our immediate focus remains steadfast on the critical tasks of remediation and restoration at our cleanup sites. In partnership with local communities, industry partners, and all our stakeholders, we will adopt a forward-looking vision on revitalizing EM sites through reindustrialization to bolster energy production, AI advancement, and manufacturing dominance. This mandate – not only cleaning up the past but building a prosperous future – demands our collective dedication and ingenuity.

Though I am new to EM, the challenges associated with safely delivering complex projects on time and on budget are part of my professional DNA. I draw inspiration from my experiences commanding combat engineers for the U.S. Army, constructing cutting-edge advanced technology facilities for the semiconductor and biotech industries, and directing large-scale developments that push the boundaries of what’s possible. These chapters have taught me that true leadership emerges from strategic foresight, collaborative synergy, and ironclad discipline in project management principles that breed accountability and deliver transformative results. Decisiveness, I have learned, is the cornerstone of success in any endeavor.

I’m counting on each of you to be an integral part of our shared vision. I value the expertise you bring to the table and will draw upon your perspectives and experience as we move into a new chapter of EM success, innovation, and transformation. In the weeks ahead, I look forward to seeing the tremendous progress you are making, learning more about the challenges we need to address, and working with all of you as we deliver on our duty to clean up the legacy of the past and build a strong future for America.

Let’s keep moving forward with a renewed sense of purpose.

Sincerely,

Tim Walsh

Assistant Secretary for Environmental Management